Welcome to our self-help centre.  Here you will find both local health information and NHS content and a selection of tools for health checks.

Most strep A infections are mild and easily treated, but some are more serious. Visit the NHS website to learn more about symptoms to look out for, when to seek medical help and what to do in an emergency.

Strep A - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Resources

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has produced a communications support pack with key messages for patients, including symptoms to be aware of and actions. The support pack can be downloaded here.

Birmingham is one of the 20% most deprived districts/unitary authorities in England.

Respiratory health and cancer is a major concern in our region:

In Birmingham, 46% of the population live in the 10% of most deprived areas in England.

Over 45% of patients present with late stage cancers (stage 3 and 4) or as an emergency presentation.

The death rate for respiratory deaths within Birmingham is higher than the national rate at 150.0 per 100,000 population (England 132.8).

This is why we are so pleased that Birmingham and Solihull is now part of NHS England's Targeted Lung Health Check programme.

Over 600 people in England have already been diagnosed with lung cancer through these programme, with 77% of cancers caught at stage one and two when it is possible to treat with curative intent. Now our people have the same opportunity. 

Residents aged 55-74, who have a smoking history and are registered with a GP practice in the region will receive a letter from the NHS inviting them for a lung health check. Those classed as high risk will then be invited for a low dose CT scan. The checks will gradually roll out across the region from July 2022 through to March 2024:

• Washwood Heath
• Birmingham East Central
• Bordesley East
• Balsall Heath, Sparkhill and Moseley
• Moseley, Billesley and Yardley Wood
• Nechells, Saltley and Alum Rock
• Small Heath
• Shard End & Kitts Green

Patients aged 55-74 and who have ever smoked are now being
invited to have a lung health check - a simple check up to see
how well your lungs are working. If you're eligible, you'll
receive a letter through the post. Find out more here >>
https://www.birminghamsolihull.icb.nhs.uk/healthinformation/targeted-lung-health-check
If you’ve received a letter for a lung health check, make sure
you book your appointment as soon as you can. Our lungs
work hard so it’s so important to get them checked. - even if
you feel fine #targetedlunghealthcheck

What is Healthy Start

Healthy Start supports pregnant women and their families to eat well and get the vitamins they need for healthy development. If you are 10+ weeks pregnant or have a family with children under 4 years old, you might be able to get help to buy healthy food and milk.

If you are eligible, you will be sent a Healthy Start card that has money on it. The card gets topped up automatically every 4 weeks. You can use your card in many shops across Birmingham.

(Applying for the Healthy Start scheme does not affect benefits your family may be receiving) .

What do you get?

• £4.25 each week of your pregnancy from the 10th week
• £8.50 each week for children from birth to 1 year
• £4.25 each week for children between 1 and 4 years
• Plus, Healthy Start vitamins

Where can I use my Healthy Start Card and what can I get with it?

You can use your Healthy Start card in any shop or market that accepts Mastercard and sells any of the following items:

• plain liquid cow’s milk
• infant formula milk based on cow’s milk
• fresh, frozen or tinned fruit and vegetables
• fresh, dried and tinned pulses

You can also use your card to collect:

• Healthy Start vitamins. These support you during pregnancy and breast feeding
• Vitamin drops for babies and young children. These are suitable from birth up to 4 years old
• Use our post code checker to find your nearest Healthy Start vitamin distributor Healthy Start vitamins | Healthy Start | Birmingham City Council

Who is eligible for Healthy Start?

You are eligible for a Healthy Start card if you:

• Are getting certain benefits including Universal Credit and Child Tax Credit
• Are at least 10 weeks pregnant
• Have a child under four years old
• Are under 18 and pregnant and don’t get any benefits

How do I check my eligibility apply?

• Check if you are eligible with Healthy Start eligibility calculator https://form.typeform.com/to/WE0ncrBs?typeform-medium=embed-snippet&typeform-source=endchildfoodpoverty.org – 5 Y/N questions and only takes 2 minutes to complete
• Go directly to the Healthy Start website Get help to buy food and milk (Healthy Start)
• By email or phone . All applicants need to provide Name, address, Date of Birth, National Insurance number and baby’s due date or child’s birth date.
• If an interpreter is required, call Healthy Start helpline 0300 330 7010 (select option 3)
• email: healthy.start@nhsbsa.nhs.net
• No Recourse to Public Funds – email Healthystartclaim@dhsc.gov.uk and they will send an appropriate application form
• If you do not have access to a computer or phone, ask your Midwife, Health Visitor, Children Centre staff or other organisations that you receive support

Apply online here How to apply – Get help to buy food and milk (Healthy Start)

The aim of this service is to provide a reliable and accessible point of contact for autistic people/persons, their parents, families and unpaid carers.

Visit the All Age Autism Support Services website to use the service directory which connects with local statutory, third sector, private/independent organisations that support autistic people/persons.

You can also find out about grants to bring new autistic support services onto the market to enhance support and encourage innovation and creativity and to reflect local issues and need. Home - All Age Autism

Organisations in receipt of a grant award are able to provide FREE autism support & can be accessed here through the quick on line Referral Process – AAA Grant Awardees - Referral Options Here (aaadirectory.co.uk)

For more information please contact us at aaa@landau.co.uk

Focus Birmingham is an independent local charity that provides information, advice, support and care for people with visual impairment and complex needs.

They are a specialist charity providing expert support, advice and information to anyone in the Birmingham area affected by sight loss. They also work with people with other disabilites. And because sight loss and disability affects family, friends and carers they work with them too.

Opening time Monday to Friday 9am- 4:30pm

Website: https://www.focusbirmingham.org.uk/

Phone: 01214785200