Patient Information Point - WBCH

12/10/2026

October is ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) Awareness Month.

In honor of ADHD Awareness Month, a reminder that ADHD is not always the part you can see.

The more visible struggles might be interrupting, losing things, forgetting directions, or having trouble finishing a task.

The invisible struggles can look like overthinking, trouble falling asleep, feeling constantly behind, not knowing where to start, rejection sensitivity, and working incredibly hard just to appear organized.

ADHD is so much more than distraction. Sometimes the behavior we notice is only a small part of what someone is carrying.

What is one ADHD struggle you wish more people understood?

12/10/2026

Join our residents for a friendly, welcoming and empowering Wellbeing Walk for all abilities. This is a great opportunity for you to explore the outdoors, discover new places and meet new people.

If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer walk leader, we’d love to hear from you. For more information visit https://www.westberks.gov.uk/wellbeing-walks.
Patient Information Point - WBCH

12/10/2026

West Berkshire residents are being encouraged to take advantage of the Smokefree Digital app, a free digital support tool designed to help smokers quit.

The app offers tailored support, progress tracking, and daily motivation to help you stay on track. West Berkshire residents can get full-access to the app for six months to support you quit smoking.

• Only 300 full-access licences are available
• Once they’re gone, they’re gone.

Download today and start your quit attempt:
https://link.smokefreeapp.com/wberks
Patient Information Point - WBCH West Berkshire Council

07/10/2026

You may think you’re helping a police or bank investigation by handing over your bank card. But this is a scam. ⚠️

Your bank or the police will never send a courier to collect your card, PIN, cash or valuables.

Protect yourself by looking out for these red flags:
❌ You’re told to keep the call secret
❌ A courier is sent to your home to collect your card, cash or other valuables.
❌ You’re asked to purchase high-value goods or to withdraw cash.
❌ You’re pressured to act immediately.

Take Five to stop and think before you part with money or information.

Find out more and learn how to protect yourself: https://www.takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/protect-yourself/courier-fraud/

07/10/2026

This World Alzheimer’s Month, MedicAlert is on a mission to raise £10,000 to fund the infrastructure behind our free Herbert Protocol service. A donation of just £20 secures a lifeline for another vulnerable family this winter. Every pound of your donation goes immediately toward maintaining the...

07/10/2026

07/10/2026

Huntington's disease can affect how someone thinks long before the changes are obvious to other people. A person might find it harder to plan, organise, remember information, begin tasks, switch between activities or respond quickly. They may become stuck on a thought struggle with unexpected changes or stop taking part in activities they previously enjoyed.

These changes can sometimes be mistaken for laziness, stubborness or a refusal to engage. In reality, the person's brain may be finding it more difficult to manage the steps involved. Our professionals guideline on cognitive changes helps health and social care professionals understand what may be happening and how they can adapt their support. Small changes can make a meaningful difference.

These might include allowing additional processing time, discussing one topic at a time, using reminders, asking simpler questions and keeping routines predictable. Understanding the reason behind someone’s behaviour can reduce frustration and help families and professionals provide more person-centred support.

https://ow.ly/17v650ZToSb

07/10/2026

Our brains all change as we get older. But how do we know what’s normal, and what isn’t?

On 22 October, clinical neuroscientist Dr Samrah Ahmed will explore what happens in the healthy ageing brain, the warning signs of dementia, and what the latest research tells us about the factors that can influence our risk.

Dr Ahmed leads the University of Reading’s Brain Health and Dementia Lab, working to improve our understanding and diagnosis of conditions including Alzheimer’s disease.

Join us on campus, or online for The Ageing Brain: What’s Normal, What’s Not, and What We Can Do.

📅 Thu 22 October, 19:00-20:30
📍 University of Reading
🎟️ Free, but booking is required

Book your place: https://rdg.ac/4y4Pqe9

07/10/2026

Help Shape the Future of Neighbourhood Health in West Berkshire

What helps you stay healthy, connected and supported in your local community?

Healthwatch West Berkshire and West Berkshire Council want to hear from local residents about what makes a healthy neighbourhood and what could be improved. Your experiences and ideas can help shape future services, support and community connections in the places where we live.

Whether it's access to healthcare, community activities, transport, green spaces, support for wellbeing, or simply feeling connected to others, your views are important and will be listened to.

✅ Complete our short survey - https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/8075PI/
✅ Attend an online or in-person workshop - See poster for times/dates.
✅ Help influence local decision-making

This is your chance to have a say in how neighbourhood health develops in West Berkshire.

🔗 Find out more and get involved: https://www.healthwatchwestberks.org.uk/shape-the-future-of-neighbourhood-health-join-the-conversation

Please share with friends, family and local groups so we can hear from as many people as possible.

05/10/2026

World Meningitis Day

Raise meningitis awareness with our free campaign materials. Download and share in English, French, Arabic and Spanish to spread the word.