We have made a pledge to support our employees going through the menopause

News - 18 October 2023

October is World Menopause Month, and October 18th celebrated as World Menopause Awareness Day, with the focus this year on cardiovascular health. Established in 2009 by the International Menopause Society in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), World Menopause Month aims to raise awareness of the menopause and the possible associated health issues, whilst promoting support options available to improve the health and wellbeing of those navigating the menopause transition.

To show our support to colleagues experiencing menopause, Engaging Communities Solutions (ECS), is a signatory of the Workplace Menopause pledge:

Our Managing Director, Elizabeth Learoyd said, “We are committed to supporting our employees in the workplace and caring for their health and wellbeing. While no two people experience menopause in the same way, menopause represents a significant well-being concern for many. That is why we recognise the importance of raising awareness of the potential impacts of menopause as a first step towards ensuring everybody gets the help they need to safeguard their health and wellbeing at work”.

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Pop-up spring COVID-19 vaccination clinics in the Black Country

Pop-up clinics have been set up in the Black Country to encourage eligible people to come forward for a spring COVID-19 vaccine.

Following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), this spring’s eligible groups include:
• adults aged 75 years and over by June 30
• residents in care homes for older adults
• those aged six months and over who have a weakened immune system.
The pop-up clinics are being hosted at a range of locations across the Black Country, with no appointment necessary. Anyone aged 18 and over who is eligible for a spring vaccine is encouraged to come forward as soon as possible.

Walk in vaccines will be available at the following locations over the next few weeks:
Wolverhampton
• Bilston Market Pinfold Street, WV14 0DN, Monday 29 April, 8am-2pm
• Phoenix Park, Dudley Road, WV2 3J, Wednesday 8 May, 9am-3pm

Walsall
• Tesco, Silver Street, Brownhills, WS8 6DZ, Monday 29 April, 9am-3pm
• Morrisons, Middle Piece Way, Willenhall, WV13 1QG, Wednesday 1 May, 9am-3pm
• Walsall Town Centre, Lower Hall Lane, St Matthews Quarter, WS1 1PU, Saturday 4
May, 10am-4pm
• Aldridge Community Centre, Middlemore Lane, WS9 8AN, Tuesday 7th May,10am-2pm

Sandwell
• Tesco, 46 New Square, West Bromwich, B70 7PR
o Thursday 2 May, 9am-3pm
o Sunday 5 May, 10am-3pm
• Morrisons, 239 Holyhead Rd, Wednesbury, WS10 7BD, Tuesday 7th May, 9am-3pm

Dudley
• Dudley Market Place High Street, DY1 1PQ
o Friday 26 April, 9am-2pm
o Friday 3 May, 9am-2pm
• Mary Stevens Park, Heath Lane, Stourbridge, DY8 2AA, Saturday 27 April, 10am-2pm
• Tesco, Fox Oak Street, Cradley Heath, B64 5DF, Tuesday 30 April, 9am-3pm

The clinics will be running until the end of June. More dates and locations can be found on the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board’s (ICBs) website.

Sally Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer for the NHS Black Country ICB, said: “Our pop-up clinics
are a great way for those eligible for a spring COVID-19 vaccine to get vaccinated at a time and
location that suits them, with no appointment necessary.

“Having the spring COVID-19 vaccine helps vulnerable people, including the elderly and
those with weakened immune systems, to maintain a high level of protection and helps prevent
them from becoming seriously ill or needing treatment in hospital.

“You don’t need to wait to be invited if you’re eligible, just come forward as soon as you can.”

In addition to the pop-up clinics, spring COVID-19 vaccinations are available at a number of community pharmacies and other vaccine sites across the Black Country. You can find your nearest site or book online via the National Booking System, or by calling 119.

For more information about the spring COVID-19 vaccine, visit the NHS website.
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Make a complaint about Healthwatch Walsall

As a consumer champion for the public, Healthwatch Walsall (HWW) regularly listens to experiences about unsatisfactory care and signposts to the most appropriate complaints handler.
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Spring 2024 COVID-19 vaccine roll out to start in the Black Country

Eligible people in the Black Country will be invited to come forward for spring COVID-19 vaccine from this week.

Following guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) the latest phase of the COVID-19 vaccination programme has now started, with care home residents first in line to receive a spring vaccine dose.

The offer will then be opened up to the remaining eligible groups, including:
• adults aged 75 years and over (including those who turn 75 by 30 June 2024)
• those aged six months and over who have a weakened immune system.

People who are admitted to an older adult care home or become immunosuppressed by 30 June are also eligible. Those eligible for a spring vaccine will be contacted by the NHS by letter, text message or via
the NHS App. Appointments can be booked via the National Booking System, with first appointments available from Monday 22 April.

If you know you are eligible, you do not have to wait to be invited, you can book on National Booking System once it is open. Walk-in appointments are also available at selected locations and you can find your nearest site by visiting the NHS online walk-in finder.

Sally Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “Vaccination has been our most effective tool against COVID-19 and remains the best way to stay protected.

“Having the spring vaccine helps prevent vulnerable people from becoming seriously ill or needing treatment in hospital and over the coming weeks, everyone aged 75 and over, residents in care homes for older adults, and people with a weakened immune system will be offered a vaccination.

“So, if you’re in one of the eligible groups, please take the opportunity to top up your protection as soon as you can.”

For more information on the spring vaccine, please visit the NHS website.
Find out more