Hundreds access Health & Wellbeing Support at Armed Forces Day Carnival

More than 800 people accessed free health advice, wellbeing support and community services at a vibrant Health and Wellbeing Carnival during Armed Forces Day celebrations at Himley Hall and Park recently.

The event organised by The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust brought together NHS services, local authority, charities and voluntary groups to showcase the wide range of support available for Armed Forces personnel, veterans, their families and the wider community, all in the parkland of Himley Hall.

Visitors had the opportunity to speak directly with healthcare professionals and community organisations, sharing advice and support on everything from cancer awareness and screening to respiratory health, mental health, healthy lifestyles, employment, independent living and sexual health. Free mini health checks and wellbeing activities were also available throughout the day.

The carnival was attended by MP Sonia Kumar, the Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Pete Lowe, and Deputy Mayor, Councillor Adam Aston, who joined hundreds of local residents in celebrating Armed Forces Day while recognising the importance of improving access to health and wellbeing services.

The event showcased the breadth of support available across Dudley, including family and early years services, healthy ageing initiatives, counselling, crisis mental health support, gambling harm recovery, substance misuse services and specialist support for people living with sensory impairments, neurological conditions and long-term health needs.

Visitors were encouraged to explore as many stalls as possible through a wellbeing voucher raffle, helping people discover services they may not have previously known about and encouraging conversations about their health and wellbeing.

Diane Wake, Group Chief Executive of The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust and Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, said:

"It was wonderful to see so many people come together to celebrate Armed Forces Day while taking the opportunity to learn more about the health and wellbeing support available to them.

"Events like this demonstrate what can be achieved when partners work together with a shared purpose. By bringing services into the heart of the community, we're making it easier for people to access advice, seek support earlier and make informed choices about their health.

"We are proud to support our Armed Forces community and their families, and remain committed to working to improve health and wellbeing across Dudley and the wider Black Country."