News
Ask for Ani
The Government have launched a new code word scheme, where if you are experiencing domestic abuse and need immediate help, you can ask for ‘ANI’ in...
Support for carers – vital sources of support and information for unpaid carers
Many people have become carers for older, disabled or seriously ill friends and relatives as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, and are juggling new...
COVID-19 vaccine: what you need to know
Take a look about what you need to know about the COVID-19 vaccination programme including how you will know when it's your turn, where to go, and...
NHS 111: How do I book a timeslot at A&E?
You can now book a slot at your local A&E if you need to by calling NHS 111. Find out what is changing and what it means for you and your loved ones. The NHS wants to make it easier and safer for patients to get the right treatment when they need it, without waiting a long time to be seen in A...
Warning - Coronavirus Vaccine Scam
There have been reports of a new scam where a person receives a text saying they need to book a vaccination appointment and it takes them to a fake NHS form which then asks for their bank details to prove their identity. The NHS will never ask for a person’s banking information so please do not...
Mental health support information and advice for Bracknell Forest
Mental health affects all of us at some point in our lives but there are plenty of sources of advice support and information. We have compiled a list of useful support resources for Bracknell Forest residents in need of mental health support information and advice. If you need help for a mental...
Keeping safe and well in the community – advice and guidance
There are many ways in which vulnerable adults can suffer or be taken advantage of so we have collated this guide to keeping safe and well in the community. We have worked with the Bracknell Forest Safeguarding Board (BFSB) to compile these resources to support community safety. Is it an emergency...
Coping with loneliness and isolation – support, information and guidance
For those living alone sometimes loneliness and isolation can become unbearable and have an impact on their mental and physical health. Information on loneliness and isolation along with links to organisations and groups who can provide support can all be found on this page: The Ark Are you unable...
Coping with family pressures – advice and information
The winter months bring extra challenges with financial pressures, families all under one roof, and combined with the stress of coping with Covid-19 this year. All of these issues can put increasing pressure on families, making it difficult to cope, which can cause mental health issues and other...
Help us help you to get the treatment you need – Advice and Information on using the NHS during the pandemic
If you need medical help you should still contact your GP practice, use NHS 111 online or call 111. If you are told to go to hospital it is important that you go to hospital. The coronavirus pandemic has resulted people becoming reluctant to use NHS services for a range of conditions that are not...
Staying healthy and well this Winter
The winter months bring many health and care challenges from Covid-19 to the flu, from loneliness to family stresses and strains. This time of year can take an increasing toll on people’s health, with Covid-19 still very much in the news, winter illnesses such as the flu, financial pressures,...
Local health services join forces with Waitrose to help protect local people from COVID-19
Bracknell and Ascot health services have joined forces with Waitrose to help protect local people from COVID-19. Waitrose has donated the use of its Sports and Leisure Centre at its head office in Willoughby Road, Bracknell, for the roll-out of the COVID 19 vaccine in the community, through a GP-...
Vaccine Rollout
East Berkshire CCG would like to reassure patients in Bracknell that the COVID-19 vaccine will be rolling out to over 80s locally in the near future. When it is the right time people will receive an invitation to come forward from the NHS, which will include all the information they will need to...
National COVID Alert - Stay Home
Stay Home - 5th November to 2nd December 2020 National restrictions now apply to England: you cannot meet socially with anyone indoors unless they’re in your support bubble there are changes to how many people you can meet outside you must not travel in the UK or overseas, unless for a specific...
Become a community information champion
To help residents stay up-to-date with the latest factual information on COVID-19 and its impact on the borough, Bracknell Forest Council are launching a community information champion scheme. The scheme aims to get the right information direct to residents, so they can make informed choices to...
Covid-19 resources in alternative languages
If English is not your first language it might be difficult to keep up to date with the latest guidance on COVID-19. Bracknell Forest Council have links to and information transulated into alternative langauges and formats including British sign language, large print and easy read versions on a...
Bracknell Forest Dementia Action Alliance Online Event
Bracknell Forest Dementia Action Alliance are hosting an online community event. You can join all afternoon and evening or just dip in and out of the sessions that interest you. Friday 6th November 2020 2pm—8pm Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/93651135172?pwd=WS91ditxZWZKNFVYajQ5STR4MGFvUT09...
CQC: COVID-19 is magnifying inequalities and “risks turning fault lines into chasms” – focus now must be on shaping a health and care system that delivers for everyone
The Care Quality Commission's (CQC's) annual assessment of the state of health and social care in England looks at the quality of care over the past year. This includes the period before the full impact of COVID-19 began to be felt and CQC's routine inspections were suspended as a result of the...
More flu vaccines are on their way, says leading GP
Local GP and leading health service commissioner, Dr Andy Brooks is reassuring people that more flu vaccinations will be available for those who need them. This follows a huge, early demand for the vaccine both nationally and regionally with thousands of people having already been vaccinated in...
Quit smoking with new council service
Bracknell Forest Council is pleased to announce its new smoking cessation service ‘ Smoke Free Life Berkshire ’. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable illness and premature death, accounting for approximately 77,900 deaths a year in England. Locally, 11.9% of Bracknell residents are smokers...
Were you shielding from COVID-19?
The Government has published updated guidance for everyone who has been identified as clinically extremely vulnerable to COVID-19. Advice by Tier For Local Covid Alert Level - MEDIUM: Strictly observe social distancing Meet others outside where possible Limit unnecessary journeys on public...
Protect your loved ones - download the NHS COVID-19 app
The new NHS COVID-19 app, available to download for free in England and Wales, is the fastest way to see if you're at risk from coronavirus. The faster you know, the quicker you can alert and protect your loved ones and community. The app has a number of tools to protect you, including contact...
Royal Berkshire Hospital would love to hear your views on a new hospital
They have an opportunity to develop a masterplan, or blueprint, for an amazing hospital, designed and organised from the ground up. This is the opportunity to create a great hospital for local people, delivering great care and treatment, and they want their staff, patients, partners and local...
Important information regarding this year’s flu vaccination and how it will be delivered
This year it's more important than ever to get your flu jab. Flu brings misery to people who are in otherwise good health but for the elderly, the very young, and particularly those with some long-term health conditions, it can be much more dangerous. That's why GP surgeries across Slough, Windsor...
Wellbeing support line for health, social care workers and volunteers
Samaritans have launched confidential support lines for health and social care workers and volunteers based in England and Wales. The support lines are run by Samaritans and all calls are answered by trained Samaritans volunteers, who provide confidential, non-judgmental support. Find out more or...
COVID-19 Testing Availability
Call 119 if you would like to make an appointment or book a test online . The testing services are extremely busy at this time. We know this is frustrating for those struggling to get a COVID-19 test and we have shared your concerns. Please only try to book an appointment if you have symptoms.
COVID-19 Testing
We have been receiving an increase in the number of queries regarding COVID-19 testing. Based on your questions we have put together the following frequently asked questions. Who should get an NHS COVID-19 test? If you have symptoms, get a test as soon as possible. You need to get the test done in...
NHS Reset: COVID-19 – The good, the bad and the improvements
NHS Reset is an NHS Confederation campaign to help shape what the health and care system should look like in the aftermath of the pandemic. In this blog , Mark Sanders from Healthwatch Bracknell Forest highlights feedback from the local community on five key areas that need attention in the event...
