March News

This month's newsletter is full of news and updates, including information about local services and support with your wellbeing: 

• Have your say - Barnet Health & Wellbeing Strategy 
• Healthy Heart - Update 
• Maternity services public meeting - 25 March 
• GP surgeries - Health & Wellbeing Coaches 
• Neurodiversity Celebration Week

As always, you can contact us if you would like to share your views on health and social care in Barnet.

Barnet Health & Wellbeing Strategy 

Barnet Council have launched a survey on their draft Health & Wellbeing Strategy for the next ten years - deadline 8 April.

The Council have already made changes as a result of resident feedback - have your say and help make the strategy as strong as possible. 

If you need a paper copy of the draft strategy and questionnaire, or for it to be produced in another format, please contact Barnet Council by email at  publichealth@barnet.gov.uk, phone  020 8359 2433, or write to Barnet Health and Wellbeing Board c/o Public Health department, Fourth Floor, London Borough of Barnet, 2 Bristol Avenue, London, NW9 4EW.

Healthy Heart 

Our Healthy Heart team have had a busy few weeks, collaborating with peers in Barnet’s African, Caribbean and South Asian communities to boost heart health.

We were delighted to run a four week heart health course for the Burnt Oak Seventh Day Adventist Church, deliver an event for dozens of members of the Nanak Darbar Sikh Temple, and to provide sessions in Edgware and Colindale libraries.  

Looking ahead, in the coming weeks we are running a workshop for the Single Homeless Project, presenting to Barnet's Cardiovascular Disease Task & Finish Group, and continuing our work with GP surgeries, to reach patients who have heart conditions but are not engaging with their GP about this. 

For more information, see our Healthy Heart webpages. 

Maternity services - public meeting

The future of maternity and neonatal services in North Central London will be discussed during an NHS meeting at 2pm on Tuesday 25 March.

The meeting is open to the public, and there are options to either join online, or attend in person at The Greenwood Centre, 37 Greenwood Place, NW5 1LB. To book for free, email nclicb.meetingsquestions@nhs.net by noon on 25 March - places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. If you wish to ask a question during the meeting, you will need to submit this to  nclicb.meetingsquestions@nhs.net by noon on Thursday 20 March.

Since November 2021, the NHS has been reviewing maternity and neonatal services in North Central London and is recommending a number of changes - you can find the full details on the Start Well Programme webpages. 

GP Health & Wellbeing Coaches

Did you know, many GP surgeries now have Health and Wellbeing Coaches? If you think you could benefit, you can ask your GP for a referral.

Health and Wellbeing Coaches work with people one-to-one to set goals that work for them, build confidence and manage conditions like diabetes. Whether you need support with diet, exercise, or managing stress, they may be able to guide you towards practical ways to boost your health.

Your GP can also refer you to programmes run by the Council-funded Better Gyms. These include:

• Healthwise – a twelve week introduction to physical activity, with one-to-one support and subsidised membership
• Adult weight management – weekly nutrition workshops alongside access to fitness activities
• XPLORE – a free eight week programme supporting children aged 4-13 and their families with weight management

Speak to your GP to discuss whether these services are right for you.

Neurodiversity Celebration Week

Did you know, Neurodiversity Celebration Week begins on 17th March? The organisers are running a wealth of free online events throughout the week, covering everything from neurodiversity and nutrition to mental health and support for parents and carers.  

This week of celebration is a global initiative, challenging stereotypes about neurological differences and championing different minds. If you believe you may be neurodivergent, taking part may help with navigating your next steps. 

Within Barnet, services include Barnet Mencap’s Autism Hub. This free service caters to adults who are, or suspect they may be, autistic. They provide workshops, social activities and guidance throughout the diagnostic process. 

While there are often substantial waiting times, the Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Adult ADHD Service offers assessments and pharmacological treatment for adults, as well as a 14 week adult ADHD life skills group. Referrals can be made through your GP or another mental health practitioner.