News

World Cup 2026: Keeping People Safe in Shropshire

As the 2026 World Cup begins, organisations across Shropshire are coming together to reinforce a simple message: everyone has the right to feel safe at home and in their relationships.  

Major sporting events can bring excitement and a sense of community.  However, for some people, the home can become more dangerous, as abuse escalates behind closed doors. Factors that present themselves during sporting events, such as increased substance use, emotional highs and lows, financial pressures, or gambling concerns, can increase the risk of harm for some people.

Domestic abuse is never acceptable and is not caused by football, substance use or stress, but these can be contributing factors. Responsibility always lies with the person choosing to use abusive behaviour. Domestic abuse takes many forms, including emotional, psychological, physical, sexual, economic abuse and coercive controlling behaviour. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or background.

If you are experiencing abuse, are frightened or unsure about your situation, you are not alone. You can speak to someone in confidence to understand your options. To learn more about the local support services available across Shropshire, please visit: https://next.shropshire.gov.uk/domestic-abuse/. Remember in an emergency, call 999, if you can’t speak press 55 for the silent solution. 

If you are worried about a friend, family member or colleague, trust your instincts. Reach out safely and sensitively and encourage them to seek support. Small, supportive conversations can make a real difference.

If you are concerned about how you are treating someone, support is available to help you change. Taking responsibility is a positive first step. Seeking help now can prevent further harm and support healthier, safer relationships. Please contact Cranstoun.

Rural and Farming Community Survey Launched

We are reaching out to our rural farming community to better understand and support their needs. Please help us by completing our survey. All the details are on the poster below. You can use the QR code or follow this link to the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3YZTBKF We really appreciate your feedback.

Thrive Together

A new Women's Wellbeing Peer Support Group has started in Craven Arms. 'Thrive Together' is funded by South West Shropshire Primary Care Network and is FREE to attend. No booking is required and refreshments are provided. The group runs every two weeks on a Friday, 10am-12pm, starting on Friday 19 September 2025.

Sessions will have speakers offering information around subjects affecting women's wellbeing.

• Infant feeding support
• Women's early cancer detection
• Menopause awareness
• Nutrition
• Making sense of breast screening
• Continence awareness

Speakers will offer short talks and then remain throughout the session so that women have the option to have more 1:1 conversation about anything that has been discussed. 

If any women who are considering attending have any questions, please contact Home Instead on 01743 387 650.

Dates

• 19 September 2025
• 3 October - Infant feeding support
• 17 October 
• 7 November - Women's early cancer detection
• 21 November - Menopause awareness
• 5 December - Nutrition and lifestyle
• 19 December
• 16 January 2026 - Making sense of breast screening
• 6 February - Continence awareness
• 20 February
• 6 March

Women's Health Hub Menopause Events

We're pleased to announce the next series of events from our Women's Health Hub, brought to you in collaboration with Community Resource and Shropshire Council.

Menopause Awareness Events

Monday 7 July, 6.30pm - 8.30pm @ Ludlow Mascall Centre

Wednesday 9 July, 10.30am - 12.30pm @ Bishop's Castle Community Hospital

Wednesday 16 July, 6.30pm - 8.30pm @ Mayfair Community Centre in Church Stretton

Wednesday 10 September, 10.00am - 12.00pm @ Mayfair Community Centre in Church Stretton

All events are free and open to South West Shropshire PCN patients. They include information on:

• The wide range of symptoms of menopause and perimenopause
• The risks and benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
• Lifestyle changes to improve your symptoms
• Resources which provide support for people in this phase of life

Each event also includes a recorded Q&A session with Dr Deborah Shepherd and a free gentle yoga taster session.

To book your place, call 01743 360641 or email healthevents@community-resource.org.uk

Women’s Health Hub Events

We're pleased to announce the first dates in a new programme of women's health events, brought to you in collaboration with Community Resource and Shropshire Council.

Continence Awareness Events

Wednesday 23 April in Ludlow @ 10.30 - 12.00

Wednesday 4 June in Bishop's Castle @ 10.30 - 12.00

 A further event for both men and women is on:

Thursday 3 April in Church Stretton @ 1.00 - 3.30

All events are free and open to South West Shropshire PCN patients.

To book your place, call 01743 360641 or email healthevents@community-resource.org.uk

More events coming soon...

Women’s Health

Women’s health covers a variety of physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors. The doctors and nurses are here to provide advice on issues affecting women in a welcoming and supportive environment.  

Our services include:

• Cervical screening
• Sexual health and contraceptive choices
• Pregnancy advice
• Menopause support
• Healthy living advice

We want all patients to feel comfortable during appointments and we have translation services available if your first language is not English.

Our Women’s Health Hub gives women an opportunity to join small groups giving advice and discussing specific women’s healthcare issues. Look out for further information in surgery and on the website.