Weight Loss Injections? Not Yet...

There has been a lot of talk recently about GP Surgeries being able to prescribe weight loss injections (Mounjaro). Unfortunately, in Coventry & Warwickshire GP’s are not yet able to prescribe this drug for weight loss, whist the Coventry & Warwickshire Integrated Care Board make arrangements for additional services that will support the prescribing of this medication.

It is anticipated that GP’s in Coventry & Warwickshire will be able to prescribe this drug later in the year for weight loss in people with a BMI of 40+, but initially only for patients with 4 of the following 5 medical conditions:

👉 Type 2 Diabetes
👉 Hypertension
👉 High Cholesterol
👉 Cardiovascular Disease
👉 Sleep Apnoea

This criteria will change over time as the drug is rolled out.

We will of course communicate developments with patients later this year.

Changes to the Cervical Screening Programme from 1st July 2025

From July, younger women (aged 25 - 49) who test negative for HPV, meaning they are at very low risk of cervical cancer over the next 10 years, will safely be invited every 5 years rather than every 3, in line with major clinical evidence

This change is based on strong evidence showing that people without HPV are at very low risk of cervical cancer.

If you missed your last one or are not sure if you are due, contact your GP practice and we will be more than happy to help!

Talking about Men's Mental Health this Men's Health Week

Focusing on health can help men to support their well-being and break down stigmas

With a range of support available across the county, this Men’s Health Week (9-15 June) is a chance for men to talk about their health and wellbeing and to discover the support services available across the county. 

This year the Men’s Health Week campaign is shining a spotlight on mental health. For men struggling with their mental health in Warwickshire, please speak to a friend or family member, and access one of the county’s dedicated support services by visiting Warwickshire County Council’s mental health webpages. 

According to the BUPA Wellbeing Index:

50% of men have struggled with mental health difficulties at some point, yet fewer than half have sought medical advice. The Index also identified that 37% of UK men admit actively hiding their mental health issues from their partners, and 30% of the men surveyed said they didn’t know where to turn for advice or support. 

There are a range of different services available for men to seek help for their mental health:

  • Men seeking a safe place to share their feelings can get in touch with a number of groups that have been set up with men and mental health in mind. One such group is MENtalk (Sky Blues in the Community) https://www.ccfc.co.uk/community  

    MENtalk is a weekly group session designed to bring men together to improve their wellbeing. MENtalk mixes psychologist led sessions alongside professional sport coaches to encourage talking and taking up physical activities to help members talk about their own experiences of anxiety and depression.  

  • Men’s Sheds encourages conversations, connections and creation for men of all ages, who are looking to improve their wellbeing, reducing loneliness and combating isolation. Men's sheds do this by getting members working on practical projects to help make, repair and repurpose projects in their local communities.  

    Research gathered by the UKMen’sShed Association (MSA ) Health and Wellbeing survey, 2023, suggests 96 per cent of Men’s Sheds attendees feel less lonely since joining a shed. Visit www.menssheds.org.uk/  

  • The national campaign It Takes Balls to Talk, uses sporting themes to encourage men to talk about how they feel. The campaign’s website highlights local mental health services available in Warwickshire that support with factors that can often impact mental health. These factors can be anything including bereavement, unemployment, financial or debt issues, family or relationship problems, alcohol or drug misuse, social isolation, low self-esteem, or other personal factors. Visit www.ittakesballstotalk.com  

  • Wellbeing for Warwickshire which is a countywide service for anyone who needs support with their mental health and wellbeing.  This support can be face-to-face, over the phone on 0800 616171, or online. The service offers drop-in hubs, one-to-one support, online counselling, dedicated phone line and online chat, and free courses and workshops to improve mental health. Visit www.wellbeingforwarwickshire.org.uk/  

FINAL CALL: last day for to complete the Your Southam survey today!

What do you think about your community in Southam? Is there a strong community spirit? Is there enough to do?

We want to hear about your experiences and involvement in Southam. This survey is designed to help us understand what activities, groups and services you are engaged with, if any, and what you think about the opportunities available in the town.

Your feedback will help us to understand what you enjoy being part of and what else you would like to see. So, whether you’re actively involved or not, your thoughts will guide improvements and act as a starting point for new ideas.

The deadline for this survey is Friday 13th June.

Please click on the link or scan the barcode to access the survey and tell us what you think!

Loneliness Awareness Week - 9-15 June 2025

Loneliness Awareness Week presents a valuable opportunity to address the growing concern of loneliness. This year's theme, "Meeting Loneliness Together," emphasises reducing the stigma around this natural human emotion and encourages collective efforts to foster connections

Why is it important to reduce loneliness?

If loneliness is very severe or lasts a long time, it might increase the risk of some physical conditions such as dementia and mental health conditions such as stress, anxiety, low mood or depression. 

Young people often experience stigma associated with loneliness, partly because most people associate loneliness only with older, isolated people. Research shows 16-24 year olds are at higher risk of feeling lonely compared to other age groups, but less likely to seek advice and support. Key findings with Ipsos MORI and YouGov show:

  • 81% of young people say that they would worry about being embarrassed, mocked, judged or treated differently if they said they were lonely

  • Among students, nearly half admit they have hidden their feelings of loneliness for fear of being judged

  • 62% of 16-24s are still the least likely group to feel comfortable helping family/friends who may be feeling lonely

  • 16-24s are also among the least likely to take action to help themselves feel less lonely (47% v adult average 51%)

Feeling lonely is completely normal. Many of us can feel lonely while checking our social media, on our own or with others. It is nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed of. Sometimes admitting we feel lonely can be hard but it’s important to remember that many others experience similar feelings of loneliness too, and that this feeling can pass.

If you are feeling lonely, or know someone else who is, there are plenty of simple, affordable actions you can take, such as:

  • Going for a walk with someone

  • Inviting someone out for a coffee and a chat

  • Finding out about affordable events nearby

  • Going along to a gym class or playing in a sports team

  • Joining a society or local community group to meet like-minded people

  • Reaching out to those around you so you can both feel the benefits of in-person social connection

Find more support and advice on the Better Health - Every Mind Matters Loneliness web page to help yourself or others who might be feeling lonely, or search ‘Loneliness Every Mind Matters’ for more support and advice.

Preparing for your child's first year of school? Complete their school readiness health questionnaire!

As part of Connect for Health’s ongoing efforts to ensure children are fully prepared to start school, they are reaching out to local GP practices to help promote the School Readiness Health Questionnaire

This brief but important questionnaire supports early identification of health needs that could affect a child’s ability to thrive in their first year of education. It also helps them to tailor the health education offer they can provide for all schools across the county in the following academic year.

CALLING ALL SOUTHAM RESIDENTS

What do you think about your community in Southam? Is there a strong community spirit? Is there enough to do?

We want to hear about your experiences and involvement in Southam. This survey is designed to help us understand what activities, groups and services you are engaged with, if any, and what you think about the opportunities available in the town.

Your feedback will help us to understand what you enjoy being part of and what else you would like to see. So, whether you’re actively involved or not, your thoughts will guide improvements and act as a starting point for new ideas.

The deadline for this survey is Friday 13th June.

Please click on the link or scan the barcode to access the survey and tell us what you think!

We are hiring: Operations Assistant

We are hiring for a new Operations Assistant!

Our Operations Assistant role comprises of a 22 hour working week on a part time 6 month contract to cover maternity leave.

The Operations Team are seeking a highly organised and detail-oriented Operations Assistant to join the team. The Operations Assistant will provide administrative support to ensure efficient operation of the Practice. This role requires excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.

For more information and to apply, please scan the barcode above or click the below link to view the job advert on Indeed:

Supporting young people’s mental health

Understanding and looking after mental wellbeing is just as important as taking care of physical health and a good habit to develop as early as possible


For young people navigating school, exams, friendships, and future choices, it’s particularly important to give them tools to manage their worries, build confidence and make decisions that set them up for success. 

Good mental health and wellbeing improves the ability to learn and engage to help pupils achieve and thrive in education, ultimately setting them up for life and work. When young people’s mental wellbeing is supported, they are more likely to; 

  • attend school regularly

  • develop key life skills, particularly social and emotional skills

  • engage in learning

  • achieve academically

  • have better long-term outcomes, such as future employment

Mental health is a priority topic for the Warwickshire Youth Council and they group recently recorded a podcast  about some of the issues young people face and where support can be found.  

Young people in Warwickshire have access to a range of support services, including:  

  • Warwickshire Rise Service - Offers comprehensive support for all children and young people 

  • Kooth – Free, anonymous online counselling and wellbeing support for young people (www.kooth.com) 

  • Childline – A confidential helpline offering support and advice (www.childline.org.uk or call 0800 1111) 

  • YoungMinds – Mental health information and crisis support for young people (www.youngminds.org.uk) 

  • Support in schools – Many schools have pastoral leads, counsellors, or wellbeing services where young people can get help 

  • Warwickshire County Council – Find health and wellbeing information as well as links to family support and related service areas at www.warwickshire.gov.uk/wellness 

To hear more about mental health and how to support yourself or a friend, listen to the latest episode of Let’s Talk Warwickshire – Voices of Tomorrow: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-aqzzf-17f753e 

As part of Warwickshire County Council’s commitment to being a child friendly county, the Set for the Future campaign is equipping young people with the information and support they need to get through exams, plan their next steps, and thrive. A key part of this is making sure they have the tools to look after their mental health and seek help when needed. 

By making mental wellbeing a priority, we can ensure young people feel supported, confident, and set for the future.