Healthwatch Bedford Borough

28/08/2026

If you or someone else is experiencing a mental health crisis you can call NHS 111 and select the mental health option for 24-hour urgent mental health advice and support.

28/08/2026

If you have ever had, or are currently living with prostate cancer, you can sign up to be part of research that will help improve tests, screenings and care.

The Prostate Progress project is led by Prostate Cancer Research and supported by NHS DigiTrials. Its aim is to recruit men across England to help improve how prostate cancer is understood, detected and treated.

Invitations have been going out to eligible men since the start of the month, and recipients are encouraged to sign up. Those who do will be asked to complete questionnaires about their experiences of living with the disease every few months as well as agreeing for their NHS records to be securely linked and used for approved research purposes.

Prostate cancer is now the most common cancer in the UK, with around 60,000 new cases diagnosed every year and over 12,000 deaths annually.

28/08/2026

28/08/2026

If you've already got your first dose of the MenB vaccine, don't let packing up for university get in the way of your second. 📦🤔
⚠️ Two doses are essential for protection.

Who is eligible?
📅 Aged 17 to 18 and born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008
🏫 Under 25 and starting university or moving into eligible residential further education for the first time in autumn 2026
Search 'NHS MenB' online to find out more.

28/08/2026

Bookings for this year’s flu vaccine are now open for those who are eligible.

Flu can be very serious for children, pregnant women, older adults, and those with long-term health conditions. Last year, it was estimated that the flu vaccine prevented 104,000 unnecessary hospitalisations.

If you’re eligible, you can now book your flu vaccination online or through the NHS App.

28/08/2026

Thunderstorms can trigger symptoms for those with lung conditions, like asthma.

If the weather makes your symptoms worse and you need to use your inhaler more, talk to your pharmacist, contact your GP or NHS 111.

28/08/2026

Do you help someone who has (or had) cancer? Do you have cancer and have someone who helps you?

It could be help around the house, with shopping, appointments, money or medications, or any other practical support.

Taking part in this survey will help improve future carer’s support.

Every response matters - please complete this short survey https://bit.ly/4pMZJ3Y by end of October.

26/08/2026

💊 Sore throat? Earache? Sinusitis?

You may not need to wait for a GP appointment.

Your local pharmacy can provide advice and treatment for seven common conditions through the Pharmacy First service.
Think Pharmacy First. Get the help you need, close to home.

Search 'NHS Pharmacy First' online for more info.

26/08/2026

Libraries are changing. We want your views.

We're consulting on a draft Library Strategy for 2026-2031 and options for the future development of Bedford Central Library.

No decisions have been made. We're seeking feedback on what people value most about library services, the priorities that should shape the future of libraries, and views on the options being considered for Bedford Central Library.

Your feedback will help inform future recommendations and decision.

Find out more and take part: www.bedford.gov.uk/LibraryConsultation