Blank Canvas Mural unveiled in Southam

Residents and visitors to Southam can see the newly unveiled mural in Wood Street car park, the third in the series from the Warwickshire County Council Blank Canvas project

The third mural was created by Stratford-based artist Ali Glover. Ali worked with local residents who met at Galanos House to create a design that captured Southam past, present, and future.

The mural reflects many aspects of Southam’s long history, a testament to the detailed research Ali undertook before creating the design. The friendly bear cub, splashing in the Holy Well, reflects the community spirit of the town and its strong roots, the celebratory backdrop references the annual fireworks display and the Big Fire of 1741 and the silhouettes of Southam landmarks rise to emphasise Southam’s resilience, its capacity for renewal, and its spirit of celebration.

High above, a WWII plane calls back to Southam’s role as an RAF training ground, while below, figures of residents run across the Bridge, demonstrating the thread of family and community which runs through the town. The deliberately layered piece blends ancient history with modern community life, reflecting Southam’s inclusive, vibrant identity.

Ali Glover, Director for both Make Murals and Workshops CIC, said:

"I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the rich heritage of Southam during the workshop at Galanos House. Throughout the installation, so many residents stopped to chat and share personal memories inspired by the mural's elements. It was incredibly rewarding to see people immediately recognise the landmarks and stories that mean the most to them. Bringing this 'Southam Adventure' to life has been a truly special experience."

Blank Canvas is a community art project, funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund via Warwickshire County Council. Ten murals will be installed in locations around the county, each reflecting the place they are in, and containing a Warwickshire Bear. Each piece is designed by a local artist working with a local community group, so that voices of the community are captured in the process.

Free Park Yoga sessions starting at Ryton Pools Country Park and Kingsbury Water Park on Sundays

Free outdoor yoga sessions are expanding across Warwickshire this spring, as Park Yoga launches at Ryton Pools Country Park and returns to Kingsbury Water Park

Warwickshire County Council’s country parks service is introducing the popular sessions at Ryton Pools for the first time, while welcoming their return to Kingsbury Water Park following a highly successful run last year.

Starting on Sunday 3 May 2026, sessions will take place every Sunday from 9:30am to 10:30am at both locations, running for twenty weeks through spring and summer.

This follows growing interest in outdoor wellbeing activities and builds on the popularity of last year’s programme, which attracted strong community engagement.

These instructor-led sessions are inclusive and suitable for all abilities. Everyone is invited, regardless of age, background or experience. Children are welcome when accompanied by a parent or carer.

No booking is required, simply look out for the Park Yoga flag on the day. Participants should bring a yoga mat or towel, along with sun cream, water, and a warm layer if it’s chilly. Standard car parking charges apply.

Park Yoga at a glance:

SLAM JAM Basketball junior programme, coming soon to Lighthorne Heath

Jam packed with fun basketball games, festivals and rewards, giving children a great way to learn the basic skills of the game

Everyone Active is facilitating the programme and TC is funding.

They need to get children signed up early to know numbers then you will be told the start date when you enquire, expected to start some time in June!
From age 8, children can come unaccompanied if needed but they do need to sign up and parents need to give consent when they sign up.

Email amywidman@everyoneactive.com to find out more information and book!

We're hiring.... Clinical Pharmacist

The Clinical Pharmacist works as part of the multidisciplinary team to improve patient outcomes, optimise medicines use, support long‑term condition management, and reduce GP workload. The post-holder provides expert clinical advice, conducts medication reviews, supports prescribing safety, and contributes to high‑quality, patient‑centred care across the practice.

read the full advert here

Allergy Awareness Week 2026 - 20-26 April

Allergy Awareness Week 2026 is an opportunity to start that conversation, helping more people recognise the signs of allergy, access support sooner, and build a future where allergy is better understood and better managed.

I Wish I Knew… Diagnosis Matters

Allergy affects millions of people across the UK. Despite this, many still struggle to recognise the symptoms or access the support they need. As a result, many people live with allergy symptoms for years without understanding what is causing them or how to manage them safely.

Allergy Awareness Week 2026 continues their “I Wish I Knew” campaign, shining a light on a simple but powerful message: diagnosis matters. Recognising that symptoms may be linked to allergy and seeking a diagnosis is the first step to accessing the right care and taking control.

Throughout Allergy Awareness Week they will be highlighting:

  • Signs and symptoms of allergic disease

  • The importance of seeking the right diagnosis

  • Real experiences of people living with allergy

  • The support available through their Self-Help Hub

The week also marks an important milestone for the allergy community. During the campaign, the UK’s first National Allergy Strategy will be launched at a parliamentary reception hosted by Allergy UK, setting out a long-term vision for improving allergy care and support across the UK. A key part of this work is around increasing awareness, inclusion and quality of life for those affected by allergy.

Living safely with allergy depends not only on healthcare services, but also on a greater awareness and understanding across society.

 

Facts about allergies:

  • Over 30% of adults report adverse reactions to foods, but only a proportion have a confirmed allergy (Food standards agency 2024)

  • Around 25% of UK children have eczema; these children are more than twice as likely to develop asthma and hay fever, and almost five times more likely to develop food allergy (Chiesa Fuxench et al. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2024)

  • Fewer than 10% of children with food allergy are seen in a specialist allergy clinic (Turner et al. Lancet Public Health. 2024)

Learn more

Why does diagnosis matter?

Discover why recognising the signs of allergy and getting the right diagnosis sooner can make all the difference. Learn more about the challenges people face, the impact of delayed diagnosis and why this campaign matters.

 
Take a look

Visit the Self-Help Hub

Through the Allergy UK Self-Help Hub, people can access clear information about allergy symptoms, management and everyday living with an allergic disease. For many, this support is the first step in recognising that what they are experiencing may be an allergy and understanding what to do next.

 
read more

The National Allergy Strategy

Through the National Allergy Strategy Group (NASG), Allergy UK has worked alongside key partners to develop a comprehensive blueprint for improving allergy prevention, diagnosis, treatment and support across the UK.

Adult Weight Management via Slimming World

Fitter Futures Warwickshire, delivered by Everyone Health, is actively offering Adult Weight Management support to eligible patients via Slimming World. Eligible patients will receive FREE support for 12 weeks, via motivating weekly group sessions.

Eligibility criteria:

  • Aged 18+ with a BMI between 30 and 49.9 (or 27.5 for patients with a South Asian, Chinese, Other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean family background)

  • Living in Warwickshire or registered with a Warwickshire GP

PLUS

  • Individuals who apply to any of the below:

    • Have a high risk health condition (e.g.: cancer, cardiac and pulmonary conditions)

    • Registered with a severe mental illness 

    • Have a learning disability

    • Pregnant, postnatal or suffered pregnancy loss in the last 6 months

    • Receive Universal Credit 

    • Homeless

    • A care leaver 

    • A migrant 

    • In the justice system 

    • Be a victim of modern slavery 

    • Be from the Gypsy, Roma or Traveller Communities

    • Or live in one of the valid postcodes - available to check on their website 

How can patients refer themselves?

Patients who meet the eligibility criteria can refer onto the programme by:

Walk in blood tests now available at Ellen Badger Medical Unit, Shiptson-on-Stour

a new walk-in blood testing service is now available at the Ellen Badger Medical Unit in Shipston-on-Stour, making it easier and more convenient for patients to access routine blood tests.

The new service is designed to make essential testing more accessible for our community.

The service is available Monday to Friday 08:00am to 2:00pm - no appointment needed, just walk in!

Patients just to remember to bring a valid blood test request form from their GP or healthcare provider.

The importance of testing your smoke alarms!

The Warwickshire Fire and Rescue service are encouraging everyone to make fire safety a priority by ensuring they have enough smoke alarms in the home and that they work.

It only takes a few seconds and can saves lives.

As part of the Fire Kills campaign, Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service (WFRS) is asking people to test their smoke alarms regularly and make testing them part of their household routine. 

Smoke alarms can give someone the few extra seconds they need to escape in a fire. While most homes now have alarms fitted, many people are not aware that the average alarm has a lifespan of just ten years before it needs replacing.   

WFRS is asking people to make sure that their alarms are up to date and up to the job.   

To keep your alarms in working order:  

  • Make sure there is at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home 

  • Test your smoke alarms by pushing the button every week 

  • Check that your smoke alarms are less than 10 years old  

  • Change the batteries every year. Never remove them.  

  • Fit smoke alarms in the right place - on landings and hallways and near bedrooms. Also consider fitting them in rooms which have electrical appliances – e.g. a heater or charger – or other fire risks  

  • Take a moment to check on your loved ones who may need help to ensure they’re fully protected.  

It is also important to ensure everyone in your household is aware of escape routes and what to do in the event of an emergency. It is vital that escape routes such as hallways and landings are kept clear of bags and shoes, and visitors know the designated escape route in the event of an emergency. 

Moreno Francioso, Fire Prevention & Arson Manager at Warwickshire & Rescue Service, said

The fire service fit smoke alarms for some of our most vulnerable residents through Safe and Well checks. If you or someone you know could benefit from a Safe and Well visit do get in touch – they’re free of charge and will make sure that preventable measures are put in place to reduce the chances of a fatal fire.

Anyone can apply for a free Safe and Well visit from WFRS. During the visit WFRS will provide fire safety advice, check that smoke alarms are working and replace/install new ones if needed. Residents with hearing loss who live on their own and who would not be able to hear an alarm sounding without hearing aids can be provided with a free specialist smoke alarm. 

To book a Safe and Well visit, go to: https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fire-safety-home/apply-safe-well-visit. 

In the event of fire, having working smoke alarms gives you time to get out, stay out and call 999. 

For more advice on fitting or maintaining smoke alarms in your home, visit: https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/smokealarms. 

More home fire safety tips can be found at https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fire-safety-home.

April is Stress Awareness Month

Stress Awareness Month returns this April and Warwickshire County Council is encouraging residents and workplaces to move from awareness to action by focusing on small, everyday changes that can improve people’s wellbeing

This year’s national theme is Be the Change. It highlights the growing impact of stress and burnout and urges people to take practical steps to protect their mental health. The month offers an opportunity to pause, reflect and make manageable changes that support long‑term wellbeing. 

Stress Awareness Month has been marked every April since 1992 and is led nationally by the Stress Management Society. The campaign aims to reduce stigma around mental health and help people turn periods of stress into opportunities to build resilience. 

Five ways to wellbeing 

As part of the campaign, Warwickshire County Council is promoting the 5 Ways to Wellbeing – an evidence‑based framework that supports positive mental health and helps people manage stress more effectively:  

  • Connect – building strong relationships with family, friends and colleagues can help protect against stress and improve mood. 

  • Be Active – regular physical activity, such as walking, cycling or gardening, can reduce stress and boost energy levels. 

  • Take Notice – being present and paying attention to the moment can help manage anxious thoughts and improve emotional wellbeing. 

  • Keep Learning – learning new skills or rediscovering old interests can build confidence and give a sense of purpose. 

  • Give – small acts of kindness or volunteering can increase wellbeing and strengthen connections within communities.  

To take positive and committed action the council is also raising awareness of the Stress Awareness Month’s  2026 30‑day challenge, choosing one small action each day that supports their physical, mental or emotional wellbeing throughout the month. 

Wellbeing for Warwickshire  

Wellbeing for Warwickshire offers easy, confidential access to mental health support through online support, community drop‑in hubs, and one‑to‑one guidance, all designed to help if you're feeling stressed, anxious, isolated, or overwhelmed. The service also provides free workshops, wellbeing tools, and digital resources to help you understand your mental health, build resilience, and stay connected while navigating the challenges of student life.   

To find out more please visit www.wellbeingforwarwickshire.org.uk  

To find out about more services and how to access support in Warwickshire visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/wellness or go to www.warwickshire.gov.uk/mentalhealth   

More information about the Stress Management Society campaign is online at www.stress.org.uk/stress-awareness-month-2026/