Teams from NHS Shetland and other local partners will join together for a Women’s Health and Wellbeing event at Islesburgh Community Centre, on Saturday 3 August from 1 pm – 4 pm.
The Women’s Health and Wellbeing event is a first for NHS Shetland, and aims to provide a social space where members of the public are welcome to stop by, engage with local services, have one to one discussions, receive support and practical help, signposting to services, and informative resources. NHS staff joining the event will be available to provide insight on how to help manage symptoms of menopause including making healthy lifestyle choices and trying different treatments. There will also be information and support for breast and cervical screening, diabetes, fall prevention, heart health, stroke support, pre-conception and sexual health.
Chief Midwife and Child Health Manager Jacqueline Whitaker, who developed the idea for the event, said: “I am the lead for women’s health, and my portfolio is obstetrics, gynaecology and sexual health. Women’s health is more than that though, but it’s outside my sphere of influence, so I was looking at what I could do to let women know what’s available. The aim of the event is provide information so women know where to go for help and support.”
There will be a number of local organisations and businesses in attendance on Saturday 3 August, including Shetland Women’s Aid, The Compass Centre, Endometriosis Support Shetland, MS Society Shetland, Parkinson’s Shetland, Voluntary Action Shetland, Citizens Advice Scotland, Shetland Resolve, Sands and Hjemli Reflexology, among others.
Ashlea Tulloch, Prevention Education Coordinator at Shetland Women’s Aid, explained why the team will be joining the event. She said, “In our work, we understand the profound impact that comprehensive and accessible health and wellbeing support can have on women’s lives. Bringing essential services and resources together under one roof like this will empower women to access the help they need to thrive, and it is a step towards creating a safer and healthier community for everyone. We encourage anyone who has been affected by domestic abuse, or feels unsafe or controlled in their relationship, to come along and have a chat with us about the services we offer”.
It is hoped that the event will help to improve awareness and understanding of women’s health, empower the community, and become a recurring event that will evolve and grow.
Members of the public are welcome to stop by the Islesburgh Community Centre, King Harald Street, Lerwick, ZE1 0EQ, on Saturday 3 August between 1pm – 4pm. This is a free event. For more information, please email shet.communications@nhs.scot