Category Archives: Health

Shopmobility needs your help!

City centre charity Shopmobility needs your help! Would you consider giving some of your time to help people with mobility difficulties to be able to get around Birmingham city centre? Or perhaps you could help with funding?

Shopmoblity is based in Bullring (car park) and loans scooters and wheelchairs to city centre visitors and shoppers. Shopmobility can make a real difference to the lives of people who would otherwise not be able to shop themselves, or visit the library, theatre and other facilities.

The City Council supports the charity financially but they also have to raise funds to meet their costs. Over the last few years, staffing has been reduced down to the ‘bare bones’ and the service is supported by several volunteers.

Dave Arnold, the Shopmobility Manager, would be pleased to explain more and can be contacted on: 0121 616 2938 or by email using this form:

Health News: ‘Be active’ scheme to continue

The ‘Be Active’ scheme has been awarded a £2.5 million funding package to continue into 2011/12. It offers all Birmingham residents free use of its council–run leisure facilities where they can attend gyms, swimming pools, walking groups, and fitness classes to improve their health and wellbeing.

Be active has received national and international acclaim for its innovative and successful approach.

In 2011 it is trying to improve still further. It will provide a more flexible scheme, adapting to the needs of local communities, and offering a much wider range of activities – these include provision for mums and toddlers, Nordic walking, indoor bowling sessions, family exercise and Tai Chi classes.

If you are interested, you can find out more at http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/beactive.

Meeting about changes to NHS Wednesday 22nd

The Heart of Birmingham Teaching Primary Care Trust have organised a meeting tomorrow.  Below is the notice they sent us:

Proposed Govt changes to NHS: what does it all mean?

Your questions answered by PCT Chief Executive & Dir. of Public Health

Wednesday 22nd Sept 2010,

6pm – 7.30pm at Pentland Suite, Strathalan Hotel, Hagley Road.

Our local Patients’ Networks have been concerned about what the new NHS White Paper will mean to local people living in the Heart of Birmingham area. The Chairs of the Patients’ Networks have particularly raised questions about changes that may have already started.

Next Wednesday evening a briefing with Kevin Magee (Chief Executive) and Jacky Chambers (Director of Public Health) has been arranged to address as many questions as possible from members of all Patients’ networks. I hope you can kindly attend?

Please don’t forget to call Preetpal on 0121 255 0743 to confirm you are coming and do not hesitate to get in touch if you would like help with transport or another assistance to attend.

Many thanks for your interest & involvement.