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	<title>Health &#8211; RRAVS | Rayleigh and Rochford District Association for Voluntary Service</title>
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	<link>https://rravs.org.uk</link>
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		<title>Knit to Nurture &#8211; Rayleigh</title>
		<link>https://rravs.org.uk/2021/09/23/knit-to-nurture-network/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 23 Sep 2021 12:00:03 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Information]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mental Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Older People]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.rravs.org/?page_id=451</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Our Knit to Nurture Group are 10.30am-12.30pm at The Elim Church, 23 Castle Road, Rayleigh, Essex, SS6 7QD. This is a friendly group of people who<span class="excerpt-hellip"> […]</span>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Our Knit to Nurture Group are 10.30am-12.30pm at The Elim Church, 23 Castle Road, Rayleigh, Essex, SS6 7QD.</strong></p>
<p>This is a friendly group of people who produce a wide variety of hand knitted items that are donated to local charities and voluntary organisations to either help with fund raising or to give to the people they support.</p>
<div id="attachment_25370" style="width: 256px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://rravs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Knit_to_Nurture_A4_July_23.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img data-recalc-dims="1" fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-25370" class="wp-image-25370" style="border: 1px solid #000000;" src="https://i0.wp.com/rravs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/knit-to-nurture_leaflet_July_23.jpg?resize=246%2C349&#038;ssl=1" alt="knit to nurture poster" width="246" height="349" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/rravs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/knit-to-nurture_leaflet_July_23.jpg?w=874&amp;ssl=1 874w, https://i0.wp.com/rravs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/knit-to-nurture_leaflet_July_23.jpg?resize=211%2C300&amp;ssl=1 211w, https://i0.wp.com/rravs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/knit-to-nurture_leaflet_July_23.jpg?resize=722%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 722w, https://i0.wp.com/rravs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/knit-to-nurture_leaflet_July_23.jpg?resize=768%2C1090&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/rravs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/knit-to-nurture_leaflet_July_23.jpg?resize=103%2C146&amp;ssl=1 103w, https://i0.wp.com/rravs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/knit-to-nurture_leaflet_July_23.jpg?resize=35%2C50&amp;ssl=1 35w, https://i0.wp.com/rravs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/knit-to-nurture_leaflet_July_23.jpg?resize=53%2C75&amp;ssl=1 53w, https://i0.wp.com/rravs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/knit-to-nurture_leaflet_July_23.jpg?resize=352%2C500&amp;ssl=1 352w" sizes="(max-width:767px) 246px, 246px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-25370" class="wp-caption-text">Click to download poster</p></div>
<p>For more information please either call RRAVS on 01268 772 796 or email <a href="mailto:info@rravs.org.uk">info@rravs.org.uk</a></p>
<p>Here is a sample of some of the Projects supported each year:<br />
• Twiddle muffs for people living with dementia – <a href="https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/local-news/twiddlemuffs-help-dementia-sufferers-11090680" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read more about their health benefits here</a><br />
• Trauma teddies for young victims of crime<br />
• Knitted hats, mittens and bootees for premature babies<br />
• Teddies and toys for fostered children and children in refuges from domestic violence<br />
• Lap rugs and blankets for day centres / animal charities<br />
• Hats, scarves, gloves and mittens to aid homeless people<br />
• Dressing gowns for ladies in refuge fleeing domestic violence<br />
• Dog coats<br />
• Toys for the emergency services – Police, Fire Service and Air Ambulance<br />
• Knitted poppies and daffodils for the Poppy and Marie Cure Appeals</p>
<p>Have a look at some of the pictures of items we have donated!</p>
<p><strong>Click </strong><strong>image </strong><strong>to enlarge .</strong></p>
<div class="envira-gallery-feed-output"><img decoding="async" class="envira-gallery-feed-image" src="https://i0.wp.com/rravs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Baby-hats-and-mittens.jpg?fit=360%2C480&#038;ssl=1" title="Baby hats and mittens" alt="" /></div>
<p>For more information please contact us on 01268 772796.</p>
<p>We also have people who knit for our charitable causes at home. If you would like to help us and want details of the current projects please either call us on 01268 772796 or Email: <a href="mailto:info@rravs.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">info@rravs.org.uk</a></p>
<p><strong>We are always grateful for donations of wool, please download and display our poster below.</strong></p>
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">451</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Update &#8211; Groups &#038; Meetings for Those Living With Dementia &#038; Their Carers</title>
		<link>https://rravs.org.uk/2024/07/24/groups-meetings-for-those-living-with-dementia-their-carers/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 24 Jul 2024 11:04:04 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Dementia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://rravs.org.uk/?p=25701</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[MONDAYS &#8211; Summer Cafe 10am-12pm @ Holy Trinity Church FREE incl.Car Park, entry from Rectory Garth, Rayleigh 2nd &#38; 4th weeks of the month, except September.<span class="excerpt-hellip"> […]</span>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>MONDAYS &#8211; Summer Cafe 10am-12pm @ Holy Trinity Church<br />
FREE incl.Car Park, entry from Rectory Garth, Rayleigh<br />
2nd &amp; 4th weeks of the month, except September.<br />
May 12th, June 9th, July 14th &amp; 28th, August 11th, Sept 22nd &amp; 29th<br />
Contact email as at end of listings or 07368657397<br />
————————————————<br />
1st Monday of the month Cafe at Rayleigh Library 10-12pm<br />
————————————————<br />
TUESDAY &#8211; 1st of each month. 2pm Methodist Church Rayleigh,Eastwood Rd.<br />
Memory Worship,includes a short service followed by craft,<br />
refreshments &amp; chat. FREE including parking<br />
Contact Naomi Young-Rhodas 07555 705530<br />
———————————————&#8211;<br />
TUESDAY &#8211; Swimming -1pm -2pm -Weekly at Clements Hall Leisure centre<br />
£1.90 per session, carers free 01702 207777<br />
————————————————<br />
WEDNESDAY &#8211; Carers &amp; Cared for Support &amp; Activity Cafe, 3rd week of the<br />
month,12-2pm, FREE Waterside Farm Leisure Centre<br />
Somnes ave, Canvey Island SS8 9RA<br />
————————————————<br />
THURSDAY. &#8211; Carers Relaxation Group, Trinity Church,Rectory Garth, Rayleigh<br />
4th of each month 11-12pm. FREE, booking Essential,<br />
03331503456 <a href="mailto:essexgroups@alzheimers.org.uk">essexgroups@alzheimers.org.uk</a><br />
If unable to leave the person you care for, you are welcome to<br />
bring them along. They will be entertained, but no Personal care.<br />
—————————————————<br />
THURSDAY &#8211; Seated Music &amp; Movement Group. 2nd Thurs, each month.<br />
11-12pm, Trinity Church, Rectory Garth,Rayleigh SS6 8BB<br />
FREE Run by the Alzheimers Society<br />
—————————————————<br />
FRIDAY &#8211; Forget Me Not Cafe &#8211; Todman Centre, Castle Rd, Rayleigh SS6 7QF<br />
Fortnightly-May 9th,&amp; 23rd, June 6th &amp; 20th FREE<br />
Contact <a href="mailto:hub@megacentrerayleigh.co.uk">hub@megacentrerayleigh.co.uk</a> -01268 779999<br />
—————————————————<br />
FRIDAY. &#8211; 3rd week Of each month 10.30-12.30. &#8211; Hullbridge Library<br />
Sunflower Memory Cafe(not Aug) <a href="mailto:sianthomas055@gmail.com">sianthomas055@gmail.com</a><br />
—————————————————<br />
SATURDAY &#8211; Music for the Brainvv<br />
3rd week of each month 2pm -4pm- Mill Hall Rayleigh<br />
£12 Includes sandwiches, cake ,tea/coffee &amp; singer<br />
Next meetings &#8211; May 10th,June 21st<br />
Contact :- Shelley Blackburn. 07980 113392<br />
—————————————————<br />
SATURDAY &#8211; First of the month -Memory Lane Cafe, Hockley 2pm-4pm,<br />
07804811954<br />
SPECIALIST HOLIDAYS<br />
Dementia Adventure &#8211; 01245 237548. <a href="mailto:info@dementiaadventure.co.uk">info@dementiaadventure.co.uk</a><br />
————————————————<br />
Revitalise Respite Holidays &#8211; 0303 303 0145<br />
————————————————<br />
COMMUNITY DEMENTIA SUPPORT SERVICES<br />
DEMENTIA SUPPORT LINE &#8211; 0333 150 3456 &#8211; Dementia advisors to listen , support<br />
&amp; give advice for anyone living with dementia/their carers/people close to them<br />
Mon.-Wed. 9am-8pm, Thurs. &#8211; Fri. 9am-5pm, Sat/Sun 10am-4pm<br />
Email <a href="mailto:essex@alzheimers.org.uk">essex@alzheimers.org.uk</a><br />
Website- <a href="http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/dementia-support-line" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/dementia-support-line</a><br />
Adult Social Care <a href="http://www.essex.gov.uk/adult-social-care-and-health/get-social-care-help" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.essex.gov.uk/adult-social-care-and-health/get-social-care-help</a><br />
—————————————————<br />
DAY CARE<br />
The Harbour Club. &#8211; Hullbridge &#8211; 01702 232068.<br />
Peaceful place Basildon 01702 546476- ( dealing with Young onset dementia)<br />
Careers choices &#8211; There are two <strong>Silver Birch Centres</strong>:</p>
<p><a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/78H4A4NBe2dMAPRHA" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Benfleet</strong>:</a> Open from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Call us at <strong>01268 881138</strong>.<br />
<a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/4tj778icf9tpDx5DA" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Wickford</strong>:</a> Known as the Poppy Pavilion, also open from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Contact us at <strong>01268 923909</strong>.<br />
<a href="https://carerschoices.org/silver-birch-day-centre/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://carerschoices.org/silver-birch-day-centre/</a></p>
<p>—————————————————<br />
TRANSPORT<br />
Community Transport &#8211; ( incl wheelchairs) 01268 753513<br />
—————————————————<br />
LIBRARY &#8211; issue a Memory Card ( allows for extra return time etc)<br />
—————————————————<br />
DOCTORS SURGERY<br />
Audley Mills Surgery Rayleigh, all staff have had Dementia training &amp; the surgery<br />
now has its Accreditation<br />
—————————————————<br />
SAFETY<br />
Guardian Angel &#8211; Buddy Wristbands, contains loved ones contact details, in case<br />
those living with dementia become confused whilst out<br />
<a href="http://www.rochford.gov.uk/other-health-support" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.rochford.gov.uk/other-health-support</a> for the application form<br />
——————————————————<br />
CITIZENS ADVICE SERVICES &#8211; Rochford District<br />
Adviceline &#8211; 0808 2787877 Mon-Fri 9-5pm Wed open until 8pm<br />
——————————————————<br />
RAYLEIGH TOWN COUNCIL<br />
Go to website click communities on dropdown dementia friendly town<br />
There is further info on the support services , events &amp; copy of this activities letter<br />
Please check you have your Council Tax reductions and blue badge entitlement.<br />
All Information updated May 2025<br />
<a href="mailto:cllrelizabeth.brewer@rayleightowncouncil.gov.uk">cllrelizabeth.brewer@rayleightowncouncil.gov.uk</a><br />
<a href="mailto:cllr.elizabeth.brewer@rochford.gov.uk">cllr.elizabeth.brewer@rochford.gov.uk</a><br />
07368 657397</p>
<p><strong>Downlad this information below.</strong></p>
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">25701</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Don&#8217;t fear the smear!</title>
		<link>https://rravs.org.uk/2026/02/01/dont-fear-the-smear/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 01 Feb 2026 20:35:02 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://rravs.org.uk/?p=27001</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Cervical screening can be a source of anxiety, particularly for people affected by sexual violence or abuse.  Rayleigh and District PCN is offering specialised cervical screening<span class="excerpt-hellip"> […]</span>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs x1xmvt09 x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x3x7a5m x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u" dir="auto">Cervical screening can be a source of <span class="html-span xdj266r x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak xexx8yu xyri2b x18d9i69 x1c1uobl x1hl2dhg x16tdsg8 x1vvkbs">anxiety</span>, particularly for people affected by sexual violence or abuse.  Rayleigh and District PCN is offering specialised cervical screening appointments, Cervical screening Access with Respect and Empowerment (CARE), tailored for those who may need extra support or reassurance. Don&#8217;t fear the smear!  <strong>Find out more <a href="https://www.rayleighanddistrictpcn.nhs.uk/cervical-screening-clinics?fbclid=IwY2xjawPslgBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBRY2ZCSmZhVjB0MkM5NlFVc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHgvtqNnzsG6IAcqQ9NPqduGBLtcTztRDkhKh0EVk-zF3om8QUxi2LCV_dC70_aem_oO0hKRjjGUz9H-frlTeeGA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CLICK HERE</a></strong></span></p>
<p><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-27004" src="https://i0.wp.com/rravs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Smear_Test_flyer.jpg?resize=1080%2C1080&#038;ssl=1" alt="C A R E flyer image" width="1080" height="1080" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/rravs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Smear_Test_flyer.jpg?w=1080&amp;ssl=1 1080w, https://i0.wp.com/rravs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Smear_Test_flyer.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/rravs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Smear_Test_flyer.jpg?resize=1024%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/rravs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Smear_Test_flyer.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/rravs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Smear_Test_flyer.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/rravs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Smear_Test_flyer.jpg?resize=75%2C75&amp;ssl=1 75w, https://i0.wp.com/rravs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Smear_Test_flyer.jpg?resize=492%2C492&amp;ssl=1 492w, https://i0.wp.com/rravs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Smear_Test_flyer.jpg?resize=500%2C500&amp;ssl=1 500w" sizes="(max-width:767px) 492px, (max-width:1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></p>
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">27001</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Extended &#8211; Essex Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy (2026-29) Consultation</title>
		<link>https://rravs.org.uk/2026/02/03/essex-joint-health-and-wellbeing-strategy-2026-29-consultation/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:01:58 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mental Health]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://rravs.org.uk/?p=26966</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[This consultation seeks public feedback on the Essex Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy (2026-2029). It outlines priorities to improve health and wellbeing in Essex, including promoting<span class="excerpt-hellip"> […]</span>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This consultation seeks public feedback on the <a href="https://consultations.essex.gov.uk/equalities-and-partnership/essexjhws-2026-29/supporting_documents/health-and-wellbeing-strategy-ecc-draftdocx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Essex Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy (2026-2029)</a>. It outlines priorities to improve health and wellbeing in Essex, including promoting healthy lifestyles, reducing health inequalities, and enhancing services. The strategy aims to address the needs of local communities through collaborative actions.</p>
<p><strong>More info: <a href="https://consultations.essex.gov.uk/equalities-and-partnership/essexjhws-2026-29/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://consultations.essex.gov.uk/equalities-and-partnership/essexjhws-2026-29/</a><br />
</strong><strong>Consultation: <a href="https://consultations.essex.gov.uk/equalities-and-partnership/essexjhws-2026-29/consultation/intro/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://consultations.essex.gov.uk/equalities-and-partnership/essexjhws-2026-29/consultation/intro/</a></strong></p>
<p>The consultation closes on <b>10 February 2026</b>, so please take a few minutes today to make your voice heard.</p>
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">26966</post-id>	</item>
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