 This week has been Children’s Mental Health Week. The week is run by children’s mental health charity Place2Be and was launched to equip, empower and give a voice to children across the UK. This year’s theme is ‘My Voice Matters’.
Throughout the week, we have been sharing poems written by local secondary school children. They were all about mental health, from a young person's perspective. The poems were written as part of a Young Health Champions competition last term, launched on World Mental Health Day. The competition was organised by young people with the support from Bracknell Forest public health team.
If you haven't seen the poems, check them out on our Facebook feed.
 The community learning team at Bracknell Open Learning Centre offers several wellbeing courses for adults. Coming up next month is the session ʽmanaging anxiety and depressionʼ. The one-day course looks at how the brain works and what causes anxiety and depression. The course includes a free download offering solution-focussed hypnotherapy techniques.
- Date and time: Friday, 1 March, 10am to 1pm
- Venue: Bracknell Open Learning Centre, Rectory Lane, RG12 7GR
- Cost: £24
Find out more information and book your place online.
 Sport in Mind offers a wide range of sports and physical sessions to suit everyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation or ability.
The adult programme sessions are open to anyone over 17 experiencing mental health problems, as well as carers. All groups meet weekly in a safe, supportive and fun environment.
Sport in Mind also offers activities for children and families:
 This week is National HIV Testing Week.
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) damages the cells in your immune system and weakens your ability to fight everyday infections and disease.
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the name used to describe a number of potentially life-threatening infections and illnesses that happen when your immune system has been severely damaged by the HIV virus.
While AIDS cannot be transmitted from one person to another, the HIV virus can. HIV doesn't discriminate - it doesn't care about your age, gender or sexual preferences.
There's currently no cure for HIV, but there are very effective drug treatments that enable most people with the virus to live a long and healthy life. With an early diagnosis and effective treatments, most people with HIV will not develop any AIDS-related illnesses and will live a near-normal lifespan.
The SafeSexBerkshire website includes sexual health information and guidance. Order online for a testing kit to be sent to your home or book an appointment with your local sexual health clinic.
 Last month one of our social prescribers, Rachel, joined the Bracknell Forest u3a open meeting. These meetings run regularly, with this one featuring a guest speaker talking about nutrition for heart health and diabetes.
Bracknell Forest u3a is an organisation for retired and semi-retired people. It offers locally run interest groups that provide opportunities for people to come together to learn for fun and meet new friends. Bracknell Forest u3a has over 700 members and around 70 different interest groups.
The social prescribers will be attending the open meeting with a talk by Thames Valley Air Ambulance on 11 April, 2pm at Bracknell Open Learning Centre. Why not come along and join them there?
Find out more about the group and how to join on their website.
 The pertussis vaccine, given to pregnant women, helps protect young babies against whooping cough from birth.
Whooping cough can be life threatening in babies. If you're pregnant, speak to your midwife. Getting vaccinated is quick and easy.
 Measles is a highly infectious disease that can lead to serious problems in some people such as pneumonia, meningitis, and on rare occasions, long-term disability or death. Symptoms include a high fever, sore red watery eyes and a blotchy red-brown rash. It is particularly easy to catch when in close contact with others.
Having two doses of the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best way to prevent it.
The public health portal has a wealth of information, advice and guidance. The content includes local support services, events and national advice and guidance.
Bracknell Forest Council has a range of email bulletins for residents, including the weekly Town and Country Extra. If you would like to sign up, please visit the subscribe page.
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