Coventry and Rugby GP Alliance

Men’s Health Week 2025: Because You Deserve to Feel Your Best 💙

This week marks an important focus on men’s health, both mental and physical. It can be difficult for men to speak up, but reaching out for support is a crucial first step towards better wellbeing.

Did you know? In the UK, 1 in 8 men struggle with a mental health disorder. Tragically, men are twice as likely to take their own lives compared to women. These numbers are heart-breaking , but they don’t have to be the reality.

Help is out there. It starts with courage. It starts with YOU.

If you or someone you care about needs support, check out https://www.matesinmind.org/ - because every man deserves to feel heard, supported, and valued.

Available Support networks:

Mind UK
• If you or someone you know is in a crisis, https://www.mind.org.uk/need-urgent-help
• Call for support: 0330 102 1234.
• Text 86463

Rethink Mental Illness
• Website: www.rethink.org
• National advice service: 0300 5000 927 (open 9:30am to 4pm, Monday to Friday)
• Email: [email protected]

Let’s break the stigma. Let’s talk. 💬

Diabetes Week 2025: Together for a Healthier Future (June 9–15) 💙

Join us this week as we raise awareness about diabetes and promote a happier, healthier future for all. Our goal is to break down fears around testing and treatment, empowering everyone with the knowledge to take control of their health.

Whether you’re managing diabetes or simply want to learn more, now’s the perfect time to:

✅ Recognize the signs and symptoms
✅ Embrace a balanced diet and active lifestyle
✅ Support loved ones with kindness and understanding
✅ Schedule regular check-ups and screenings

Remember, small steps today can lead to big changes tomorrow! Let’s come together to spread hope, inspire action, and build a caring community.

For helpful resources on diabetes screening, visit:
🌐 https://www.diabetes.org.uk/

If you are living with Type 2 diabetes in Coventry & Rugby, you can register for our free DESMOND Type 2 Diabetes Education Course — designed to help you take charge and live well.

Learn more and sign up here:
🌐 https://www.coventryrugbygpalliance.nhs.uk/project/desmond/

Respiratory@Home Service 💚

Do you or someone you know struggle with respiratory issues and can’t leave the house? Our Respiratory@Home service is here to help

We offer a safe, at-home alternative to hospital care, using a Virtual Ward to monitor and support patients with respiratory conditions. This service provides medication prescribing and ongoing monitoring from the comfort of their own home.

We prioritise our patients and aim to make your experience as simple as possible. Once your referral has been completed, one of our service team will book an appointment with a GP. You may receive a pulse oximeter and an info pack with instructions for recording your oxygen levels if required, allowing our care coordinators and GPs to monitor and support you. The information pack includes links to information in different languages.

Referral Criteria:
Adults (18 years and over) with confirmed or suspected acute respiratory illness, including COVID, who are stable or improving but require ongoing monitoring that can be safely provided in their home or usual place of residence.

• Flu
• RSV
• COVID
• COPD Exacerbation
• Asthma Exacerbation

Annual Health Checks for Those with Severe Mental Illness (SMI)

Are you living with Severe Mental Illness (SMI) and in need of support? You’re not alone - help is available!

Sadly, people with SMI have a lower life expectancy than the general population. That's why it's so important to keep up with regular physical health checks to help manage your health and ensure you receive the care you deserve.

Did you know that Annual Health Checks are available for individuals with SMI through your GP practice? At the Alliance, we have a dedicated team of experienced Health Care Assistants who conduct these checks on behalf of GP Practices across Coventry and Warwickshire.

The check will include a range of important assessments to help you stay on top of your health with:

• BMI check
• BP or Pulse check
• QRISK2 or Cholesterol check
• HbA1c or Cholesterol check
• Alcohol use review
• Smoking status review
• An assessment of nutritional status, diet, and level of physical activity.
• A discussion on national screen e.g. bowl / breast / cervical screening.
• A discussion of medication side effect being experienced.
• General physical health enquiry.
• Advice on any appropriate follow-up interventions.