Health and wellbeing
Summer health tips for a happy, healthy and safe Bank Holiday weekend
Published on
People are being encouraged to stay happy, healthy and safe while enjoying any festivals or events they may be attending over the Bank Holiday weekend and over the coming weeks.
Public Health Walsall shares simple tips on how people can stay safe and healthy, be aware of surroundings and look out for each other.
Stay safe and healthy:
- If you feel unwell, stay at home to avoid passing on any illnesses, and make sure you are up to date with your vaccinations.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, especially if you are drinking alcohol.
- Wash your hands often to reduce the spread of germs.
- Don't mix alcohol with other substances or medications - get the facts about drugs and alcohol, and how to stay safe.
- Look after your sexual health – use condoms and get tested regularly, even if you are not showing any symptoms.
Be aware of your surroundings and your limits:
- Plan ahead - decide on a meeting point in a quiet area in case you get separated. Let someone know if you’re going to leave the group or head home.
- Don’t feel pressured into doing something you don’t want to and know your limits. If you are concerned or worried, speak to someone such as a family member, friend or support service.
Look out for each other:
- If you see someone who appears to be struggling, ask if they are ok and direct them to support if they need it. Stewards and security staff at events will be around to help.
- If you see or hear something that does not feel right, tell someone straight away. Don’t wait for someone else to do it.
“ We hope that people have a great August bank holiday weekend.
Let’s all make sure we stay happy, healthy and safe if we are out and about at any festivals or events while we enjoy time with family, friends and others. Drink plenty of water, stay cool, use sunscreen during periods of warmer weather, and take breaks when you need to.
Keeping people healthy and well is a priority for us in Walsall, and we have a range of public health services across the borough which can offer advice, guidance and support for people who may need it – from sexual health services to our wellbeing services and alcohol and drug treatment services. “
ENDS
Notes to editor:
- Walsall’s Integrated Sexual Health service at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust provides a free, confidential service that offers advice, guidance, and support on looking after your sexual health to Walsall residents aged 16 or over. The service can be contacted on 01922 270400.
- Change Grow Live Walsall provides free advice and support for anyone looking to cut down or stop drinking or taking drugs. The service can be contacted on 01922 669840.
- One You Walsall offers a free healthy lifestyle service dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of all residents across Walsall. More information is available on the One You Walsall website.
- A 24/7 urgent mental health helpline is available for people in the Black Country (Dudley, Wolverhampton, Sandwell and Walsall) who require support on urgent mental health concerns. The service can be contacted on 0800 008 6516.
