Be Well BwD

22/10/2026

Want to eat healthier food this October?

Then the Recipe 4 Health scheme is here to help you!

It offers tasty healthier food choices on in cafés, takeaways and restaurants all over Blackburn with Darwen

If you fancy a healthy takeaway then why not head down to Pastaliano, 60 Darwen St, Blackburn, which has a great range of healthy options ready for you to buy!

Recipe 4 Health meals include smaller portion sizes, reduced fat (or healthier fat), healthier cooking methods (grilled or baked) and reduced salt and sugar ingredients.

We also have a handy food map to make it easier to track down those healthy choices in the borough.

You can find our food map and more information on Recipe 4 Health here
https://bewellbwd.com/food-map/

20/10/2026

Get your Free flu jab!

The NHS’s Mobile Health & Wellbeing Hub will be at a couple of locations in Blackburn with Darwen on the following dates:

📍 Blackburn Bus Station, Brown Street, BB1 5AF
📅 Thursday 22 October 2026
📅 Thursday 29 October 2026
9am - 3pm

📍 Royal Blackburn Hospital, Haslingden Road, BB1 7AL
📅 Thursday 29 October 2026
9am - 3pm

Everyone who is eligible for a flu jab can stop by the van and get vaccinated by NHS staff – no appointments necessary.

To see if you are eligible for the flu jab click the link below

https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/flu-vaccine/?fbclid=IwY2xjawVEWcpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mAWJyaWQRMXJ6U0pHWnZJOVNDbW5CYTJzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeFb0Kti3tVhk4Ju9L8igq9hie1gI0K6er-dVQYH7xNtz0HeJepomytR8gT34_aem_-GjgyhIwz5Ac1wP7e25wTw

19/10/2026

Know a woman who has been putting off having her cervical smear?
Please encourage her to visit the NHS Living Well bus while it’s at Women Zone on Tuesday 20th October. It will be parked up on Duckworth Street between 11am and 4pm.
Appointments aren’t needed, making it a really convenient way to have the cervical screening test.
It takes less than 10 minutes and having the test in the safe, comfortable and private space on board the Living Well bus is a lot like having it in your GP practice, with female NHS staff.
Cervical screening has the potential to save lives – it tests for HPV (or human papillomavirus) which can cause cervical cancer, meaning treatment can be given before it can turn into cervical cancer.
This screening is available to women aged 25 to 64

19/10/2026

The Recipe 4 Health Award recognises food businesses, including schools and nurseries, that promote healthy eating, environmental issues and social responsibility. It looks at:

Cleanliness and fairness – making sure food is accurately described and safe to eat
Allergen awareness
Alcohol awareness
Healthy eating
Environmental focus – reducing food miles and getting rid of waste responsibly

Tudor House Day nursery is a new gold award holder. The award is free and available on three levels;

Bronze - for businesses with a minimum of a 3* food hygiene rating
Silver - for businesses with a minimum of a 4* food hygiene rating
Gold - for businesses with a minimum of a 5* food hygiene rating

If you are a local food business, you can apply for a free award that shows your commitment to providing healthier alternatives via the link below

https://bewellbwd.com/a-z-services/recipe-4-health/

To register you will need to complete the business details and answer the questions, attaching any supporting information, as requested 😊

12/10/2026

🚭 Stoptober is here!

Thinking about quitting smoking? The next quit attempt could be the one that sticks. Every attempt gets you one step closer, so why not give it another go this Stoptober?

Build on what you've learned from previous attempts and discover tips, tools and support to help you stay smoke-free. 😊👇

🔗 https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/

10/10/2026

💚 This World Mental Health Day, let's remind ourselves that help is available and recovery is possible.

Taking the first step can be difficult, but there is a range of mental health support available for people living in Blackburn with Darwen.

Visit the Be Well BWD website to explore local services, resources and advice:

👉 https://bewellbwd.com/a-z-services/mental-health-support-in-blackburn-with-darwen/

Please remember: seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

09/10/2026

💙 Looking for support with your mental health?

Soluna by Kooth (formerly Kooth) is a free, safe mental health support service for young people, available via app or web browser. Delivered with the NHS and local councils, it offers support for challenges such as exam stress, anxiety, friendship issues and feeling overwhelmed.

✅ Free to access with no referral or waiting list
✅One-to-one text chats with qualified practitioners (never chatbots), available daily until 10pm, including weekends
✅ Expert articles, quizzes and activities created by clinical professionals
✅ Safe, age-appropriate online spaces that are professionally moderated

👉 Find out more: SolunaByKooth.com

09/10/2026

On World Sight Day, we celebrate resilience, inclusion and community. 🌟

Saima’s story is a wonderful example of all three

Take a look below to read more about Saima's story 👇

World sight day🩷

Saima a local We Are Undefeatable story teller was born fully sighted, but her world changed when she began experiencing rapid eyesight deterioration through her childhood and adolescence and developed two cataracts at just 25 years old.

Saima took it upon herself to establish a blind baseball group at Bangor Street Community Centre in Blackburn after wanting to start a group for people in a similar situation. The group encourages physical activity and also social interaction.

An amazing achievement from Saima 👏👏

To read more of her story, click the link in the comments 👇

08/10/2026

Stoptober 🚫

When you quit your family wins!

This free tool helps you build a quit plan that fits your life.

With the Personal Quit Plan, you can:

✅ Set your quit date with confidence
✅ See how much money you’ll save
✅ Stay focused on your why
✅ Understand your triggers and how to beat them
✅ Find the right support and products for you
✅ Sign up for a free 28-day email programme for extra motivation

Click the link below for more information 👇

https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/ready-to-quit-smoking/personal-quit-plan/?fbclid=IwY2xjawU0Z2lleHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mAWJyaWQRMVhIejJtTWNjZThSQjdMTDBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeZQlGkaYWjyNED_uGQrBFPYRwqdMPhO_Bl_h0IZT-8ckjMRDNbKY5Lm_5ITc_aem_M2vkcIeM1-R_7pEwuxMzSA

06/10/2026

Together, we can create hope. 💛

A simple conversation can make a life-changing difference.

If you're struggling, please remember that you don't have to face things alone. Reaching out and talking to someone you trust can help. Likewise, if you're worried about a friend, family member, colleague or neighbour, checking in and starting a conversation could give them the support they need.

Let's keep talking about su***de, reduce stigma, and remind people that help is available.

📞 Samaritans are available 24/7 on 116 123 (free to call)
🧡 Speak to an Orange Button holder for support and signposting
🔗 Find local mental health support via the QR code or link below

https://bewellbwd.com/a-z-services/mental-health-support-in-blackburn-with-darwen/

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