People are living longer and it is therefore important that we look after our health so that we can remain active and healthy and take part in our community for as long as possible. Improving wellbeing is a worthy goal in its own right and can be instrumental to other outcomes – physical health, getting into work and productivity. Feelings of wellbeing are fundamental to the overall health of an individual, enabling them to successfully overcome difficulties and achieve what they want out of life.
Health and Wellbeing
Look After Your Family - Change 4 Life
We know that what happens during the first few years of life (starting in the womb) has lifelong effects on the health and wellbeing of a child – from obesity, heart disease and mental wellbeing, as well as success at school and later working life. We also know that the choices parents’ make for themselves can support or make it difficult for children to develop healthy habits.
Start4Life website is the place to go for trusted NHS help and advice during pregnancy, birth and parenthood. It gives advice of how to eat well and keep active during pregnancy, helping to ensure you have an uncomplicated delivery and healthy baby. It helps new parents understand about how best to feed a new baby by explaining the benefits of breastfeeding and when to introduce solid foods. There is also a section about the best foods for toddlers and tips to keep them active.
These days, 'modern life' can mean that children are a lot less active. With so many opportunities to watch TV or play computer games, and with so much convenience and fast food available, children don't move about as much, or eat as well as we used to. Nine out of 10 of our kids today could grow up with dangerous amounts of fat in their bodies. This can cause life-threatening diseases like cancer, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The Change 4 Life website helps families ‘Eat Well, Move More and Live Longer’, it helps parents understand what foods keep children strong and healthy, it has loads of easy to cook recipes and lots and lots of ideas to keep kids fit and active. You can find information about
Look After Yourself - One You
Look After Yourself - One You
Poor health and around 40% of all deaths of adults in England is related to everyday habits and behaviours – such as eating too much unhealthy food, drinking too much alcohol, not being active enough or continuing to smoke. They also cost the NHS more than £11 billion every year.
One You can help you avoid future diseases caused by modern lifestyles by taking control of your health by eating a healthier diet, drinking less alcohol, exercising more, and quitting smoking. One You will help you enjoy a longer and healthier life.
One You encourages you to think about your life and the choices you make, by putting yourself first and making some changes to improve your own health and feel good about yourself. It’s never too late - making changes such as eating well, drinking less alcohol, quitting smoking or being more active can double your chances of being healthy at 70 and beyond. Think about the small changes you can make.
Take this free online health quiz, called ‘How Are You’, to identify where you can make changes in your life. The quiz provides personalised recommendations and will direct you to tools and advice created by experts to help you take action where it’s most needed.
The One You website can help you understand more about
Quit Smoking Eat Better Sexual Health
Wellbeing Service
Warrington Wellbeing Service
Wellbeing is about having a good quality of life; it can be described as feeling healthy, happy or being able to cope with the problems that can happen in life. There are many different issues that can affect your wellbeing; worries about money, feeling stuck in a rut, or maybe wanting help to change, for example quit smoking.
For more information click here
Courses to promote Health & Wellbeing
These courses are for adults age 18 and over in the Warrington Community. Who are looking at improving their health and wellbeing.
I am I can Time for Me/Happiness
Looking after your mental wellbeing using - www.happyoksad.org.uk
All these courses are FREE and held in the local community - for more information click on the course you wish to attend
Happy? OK? Sad - a mental health site for people in Warrington
Happy? OK? Sad? is a mental health site for people who live or work in Warrington.
The site includes information about how to look after your mental wellbeing, as well as a directory of mental health support services. There’s also details of services you can contact if you can’t cope and need help right now. Local services are clearly marked and there’s a short description explaining what each service offers. The website is divided into age related pages, so you can quickly find the information and services most relevant to you. There’s also a page for frontline workers with links to free resources and training.
The aims of the Happy? OK? Sad? website are to make you aware of:
- simple things you can do to look after your mental wellbeing
- symptoms of common mental health problems
- services that can offer information, advice, support or treatment
- what to do if someone can’t cope and needs help right now

Dementia
Dementia Prevention
Dementia is not an inevitable part of ageing. Adoption of healthier lifestyles in midlife can reduce the risk of dementia. The World Health Organisation recommends reducing the risk or delaying the onset of dementia by helping people to:
- stop smoking
- be more active
- reduce their alcohol consumption
- improve their diet
- lose weight if necessary and maintain a healthy weight
Those who are at a higher risk of dementia are carer’s of people with dementia, over 65’s, females and those from Black and South Asian Groups.
The protective factors for dementia are keeping socially active, obtaining higher levels of education and cognitive stimulation such as puzzles or learning a second language.
Diagnosis and support
GP’s play a key role in recognising and identifying the symptoms of dementia and referring the person to the specialist Later Life and Memory Service (LLaMS) The LLaMS service will then undertake a more detailed assessment of the person and may or may not diagnose them with dementia.
Living with Dementia
Upon being diagnosed with dementia there is a range of support available for those living with dementia and those caring for someone with dementia. In Warrington there are a range of Dementia support groups or cafes across the town, see attachment names Dementia activities.
The Alzheimer’s society provide a care navigator service, to support the person upon diagnosis and their family through the Health and Social care systems ensuring they have the appropriate support they need. Support can be delivered on a one to one basis or in a group setting.
The Wellbeing Service
The Wellbeing service provides one to one support for anyone living with dementia and their carers. Anyone can refer to the service and support can be provided for as long as is necessary. The service is also commissioned to provide a dementia navigation service which supports people diagnosed with dementia at the Later Life and Memory Service at Hollins Park and their carers. Support is provided under four areas, dementia friendly community activities, carer needs, equipment & benefit/income support.
Livewire Dementia friendly activities programme
There are respite and a day-care facilities available for those living with dementia in Warrington. These can be accessed via social services and there will normally be a charge based on a financial assessment.
Telephone: 01925 443322
01925 444400 (out of hour emergencies)
E-mail: asc@warrington.gov.uk
Website: www.warrington.gov.uk/asc
There are numerous Care homes that provide care and support to persons living with Dementia. These can also be accessed via Adult social care but more information is available here: Care Homes
Support for carers is available from the local carers service –Wired which is based in the town centre. It is important that people who look after the person with dementia are fully supported in their caring role. Wired
Dying well
People with dementia should be able to choose their preferred place of care, where symptoms are controlled and care is focused on ensuring comfort at end of life. Support is available to have early discussions about a persons’ wishes and their plans for their end of life care. The Care navigators with the Wellbeing service or Alzheimer’s society.
There is a list of Dementia Activities in the download section on the right hand side.
Ageing Well
It is widely recognised that people are living longer, due to both advances in medicine and the adoption of healthier lifestyles. In Warrington, 20% of people are over 65years and the number of 80 year olds is projected to increase by 100% over the next 25 years. It is therefore vital that as we age, we reap the benefits of living in a healthy, prosperous and socially inclusive life.
Here are 11 tops tips to Healthy ageing, to support people to do just that! Each of the sections below contains advice, guidance and information on how to age well; covering a range of topics from financial planning to strength based exercises to keeping fit and prevent falls.
11 tops tips to ageing well….
1. Flu jabs
3. Keeping Active/Staying Strong and Fit
4. Mental Health and Wellbeing - Keep Learning
7. Regularly review your medication
8. Involve yourself in the Community
9. Check your benefit entitlement
Falls Prevention
Falls Prevention
Warrington has an ageing population and falls are the most common adverse event for the elderly population. 1 in 3 over 65’s and 1 in 2 over 80 year olds will fall at least once a year.
Warrington has a significant public health issue in relation to falls, particularly for those over 65 years being admitted to hospital with an injury. Falls are costly to the individual, the NHS and the social care system.
It is suggested that the psychological effects of falling can sometimes be more damaging than the physical injuries that someone may sustain. A fall may mean:
- Fear of future falls
- Loss of confidence
- Restriction in activities
- Social withdrawal and loneliness / depression
This can create a vicious circle where a person becomes more sedentary, this in turn will affect their muscle strength and balance, and consequently increase their risk of a fall. Therefore, fear of falling must be addressed when trying to prevent future falls.
Poor muscle strength and balance are the two most common modifiable risk factors for falls. Between the ages of 50 and 70, we lose about 30% of our muscle strength. As we age, our balance reaction times and reflexes become slower – so it is harder to regain balance.
Experts recommend per week for over 65 year olds:
150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity (10 minute bouts) e.g. walking, gardening, dancing
2 x muscle-strengthening exercises
2 x balance and coordination activities.
8 top tips to stay well on your feet:
Exercise regularly (strength & balancing)
Check vision and hearing
Visit the GP if had a fall or worried about falling
Get medication checked
Look after your feet
Check the home for hazards
Eat well
Seek support for any continence issues.
Local Service Information:
Livewire: ‘Stay on Your Feet’ Exercise programme
Referral based exercise programme ran by Livewire that aims to:
- Improve balance, muscle strength, & flexibility
- Build the sustained engagement of older people in exercise
- Reduce the risk of falling
Livewire also offer other exercise services.
University of 3rd Age (U3A)
Warrington U3A is part of a UK-wide movement that brings together people in their ‘third age’ to develop their interests and continue their learning in a friendly and informal environment.
U3A is all voluntary and members draw upon their knowledge and experience to teach and learn from each other.
Warrington U3A has around 1200 members and is home to over sixty activity groups including exercise sessions such as Tai-Chi, Latin dance, Line dancing, Badminton etc.
First Response Team (previously known as Access Social Care)
Provide a single point of access for all Social Service needs, and offer support to help people live independently within their own home through adaptations (pendant alarms). Pendant alarms can help prevent a long lie as a result of a fall and provide confidence to remain living in your own home.
Warrington Adult Social Care - First Response Team
Community Rehab and Falls service (NHS Bridgewater)
A multi-disciplinary team consisting of therapists and nurses who are responsible for the specialist assessment of people who have had, or are at risk of a fall but remain at home.
Age UK (Mid Mersey)
Age UK is a charitable organization that operates to promote and provide older people with a holistic range of health, wellbeing and care services to allow individuals more choice and control in their everyday lives.
Warrington Home Improvement Agency (WHiA)
Is a non-profit advisory service for older, disabled or vulnerable people and families who own their own homes or live in private rented accommodation and wish to repair, improve or adapt their homes.
Warrington Public Health
The Public Health (PH) team commissions, supports and provides information on a range of public health and wellbeing issues. You can view lots of information and find out about activities and services available in Warrington, specifically Healthy Ageing information and advice by visiting their website.
CGL pathways to recovery
Pathways to Recovery is a free and confidential drug and alcohol service for adults in Warrington. They operate an open access service where you can walk in to talk to someone or alternatively speak to your GP who can refer you.
Lifetime Centre
Lifetime is an independent, not for profit centre and free to join. The centre is open weekdays for casual drop in’s, information, computer suite, café facilities and a wide programme of affordable activities and classes including arts/crafts, health and fitness and music and dance.
Warrington Disability Partnership (WDP)
WDP is an independent, user led, charity that offers a wide range of mobility and independent living services. WDP operates from the Warrington Centre for Independent Living which is set out with practical displays of hundreds of daily living aids: 3 and 4 wheel walkers, perching and shower stools, bath boards, helping hands grabbers etc.
WDP also operates the Smart Flat, which offers working displays of assistive technology. Information, advice and guidance is available on Direct Payments, Personal Health Budgets and Payroll services.
Warrington Disability Partnership
Talking Matters Warrington – CBT for fear of falling
Offer an Exposure-Based Cognitive Behavioural approach for after fall injury for those at risk of further falling due to increased anxiety or those experiencing low mood or trauma following a fall.
GP Surgeries
Warrington GP Practices | ||||
Name | Address 1 | Address 2 | Postcode | Telephone No. |
Folly Lane Medical Centre | Folly Lane | Bewsey | WA5 0LU | 01925 417247 |
Guardian Medical Centre | Guardian Street | WA5 1UD | 01925 650226 | |
Springfields Medical Centre | Bath Street Health & Wellbeing Centre | Legh Street | WA1 1UG | 01925 843880 |
Causeway Medical Centre | 166-170 Wilderspool Causeway | WA4 6QA | 01925 630282 | |
Fearnhead Cross Medical Centre | 25 Fearnhead Cross | Fearnhead | WA2 0HD | 01925 847000 |
Padgate Medical Centre | 12 Station Road | Padgate | WA2 0RX | 01925 815333 |
Birchwood Medical Centre | 15 Benson Road | Birchwood | WA3 7PJ | 01925 823502 |
Greenbank Surgery | 274 Manchester Road | WA1 3RB | 01925 631132 | |
The Surgery | 280 Manchester Road | WA1 3RB | 01925 230022 | |
Holes Lane Medical Centre | 28 Holes Lane | Woolston | WA1 4NE | 01925 599855 |
Helsby Street Medical Centre | 2 Helsby Street | WA1 3AW | 01925 637304 | |
Fairfield Surgery | 278 Manchester Road | WA1 3RB | 01925 245204 | |
Westbrook Medical Centre | 301/302 Westbrook Centre | Westbrook | WA5 8UF | 01925 654152 |
Chapleford Health Plus | Burtonwood Road | Great Sankey | WA5 3AN | 01925 598230 |
Penketh Health Centre | Honiton Way | Penketh | WA5 2EY | 01925 725644 |
Stockton Heath Medical Centre | The Forge, London Road | Stockton Heath | WA4 6HJ | 01925 604427 |
The Stretton Branch Surgery | 45 Dudlow Green Road | Appleton | WA4 5EQ | 01925 599136 |
Stretton Medical Centre | 5 Hatton Lane | Stretton | WA4 4NE | 01925 599586 |
Latchford Medical Centre | Thelwall Lane | Latchford | WA4 1LI | 01925 637508 |
Brookfield Surgery | Whitbarrow Road | Lymm | WA13 9DB | 01925 756969 |
Lakeside Surgery | Lakeside Road | Lymm | WA13 0QE | 01925 755050 |
Culcheth Medical Centre | Jackson Avenue | Culcheth | WA3 4DZ | 01925 765101 |
Eric Moore Partnership | Medi-Centre, 1 Tanners Lane | WA2 7LY | 01925 843883 | |
Parkview Medical Centre | Orford Jubilee Health Centre, Jubilee Way | Orford | WA2 8HE | 01925 843641 |
Four Seasons Medical Centre | Orford Jubilee Health Centre, Jubilee Way | Orford | WA2 8HE | 01925 843843 |
Cockhedge Medical Centre | 7 Cockhedge Way, Cockhedge Shopping Centre | WA1 2QQ | 01925 244655 | |
Dallam Lane Medical Centre | 20 Dallam Lane | WA2 7NG | 01925 572334 |
Every Mind Matters - national mental health campaign
We don’t need to wait until we’re struggling with our mental health, there are lots of things we can do to protect ourselves and prevent problems escalating, just as we do with our physical health. The national mental health campaign Every Mind Matters suggests simple steps we can take to look after our mental health and wellbeing.
The Every Mind Matters website:
- offers a range of useful resources to help us spot signs of common mental health concerns
- provides practical self-care tips and guidance
- explains when to seek further support
The website also has a free NHS-approved online tool “Your Mind Plan”. You can use this to build an action plan, which could help you to deal better with stress and anxiety, boost your mood, improve your sleep and feel more in control.
To learn more about looking after your mental health and wellbeing, or to create your own action plan, visit: https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/
In addition to visiting the national Every Mind Matters website, you could take a look at www.happyoksad.org.uk. This Warrington site has information about local mental wellbeing resources, as well as details of a wide range of local mental health support services.

Death is Part of Life
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