Positive Steps Shropshire Limited

02/09/2026

Taking care of yourself isn't selfish - it's essential. Join us for Self-Care September and discover small daily actions to help you feel calmer, stay resilient and show up for others too https://actionforhappiness.org/self-care-september

02/09/2026

September is World Alzheimer’s Month, raising awareness and challenging the stigma around Alzheimer’s disease and all types of dementia.

Throughout the month, we’re continuing to share stories from Live More with Shared Lives, our Greater Manchester pilot supporting people living with dementia and their families.

Every Monday, Maureen is up and dressed early because she knows Cindy is coming. Before Live More, Maureen had stopped going out and was becoming increasingly withdrawn.

Through Live More, Salford City Council Shared Lives matched her with Shared Lives carer Cindy. The Greater Manchester pilot supports people living with dementia earlier, helping them stay active and connected through regular time with a Shared Lives carer, while giving families trusted support and time for themselves.

Now Maureen and Cindy go shopping, visit museums and cafés, attend Dancing with Dementia sessions and spend time doing things Maureen enjoys.

Her daughter Julie says: “She’s got her confidence back. She’s back out, she’s doing things, and it’s great to see her enjoying herself.”

For Julie, having someone she trusts supporting her mum has lifted some of the pressure too.

Read how Live More has made a difference for Maureen and her family: https://sharedlivesplus.org.uk/2026/09/02/shes-got-her-confidence-back-how-live-more-helped-maureen-reconnect-with-life-beyond-dementia/

02/09/2026

The sun shone on us yesterday.

20/08/2026

19/08/2026

This week we wished Luke all the very best on his new adventure in USA with his fiancé Em.
Luke met Em during the long covid days. Their romance started and after long phone calls and visits when they could, it's time to make it official.

Luke has been with Positive Steps for a number of years building his independence skills. Luke's love for bikes and cars has always been a topic for his support time, with the help and support of his worker Ian, Luke was able to pass his bike test.

We are sure his love for Em (and the bikes) will blossom in USA. Wishing you both all the best for a happy future.

19/08/2026

Great news for disabled people across Shropshire.

The Government has announced that disabled bus pass holders will be able to travel for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from April 2027, ending the unfair postcode lottery that currently restricts travel before 9.30am on weekdays.

This is especially important for people travelling to hospital appointments, treatments and diagnostic tests. I recently wrote to local partners to explore greater flexibility for concessionary travel to and from the The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, so patients are not penalised for needing early morning care.

Better transport means better access to healthcare, work and opportunity.

I know we need more bus services in our area, and I will continue to campaign for that too; but improving access to our existing buses is also a great step forward.



Arriva Midlands West | Shropshire Council

18/08/2026

18/08/2026

This isn’t your usual solar eclipse post. 🌓

It can be easy to overlook small changes in your body, but it’s so important to get checked if you’re concerned that something may be different.

Spotting cancer symptoms earlier can help get a diagnosis when the cancer is at an early stage. For most cancers, this means treatment is more likely to be successful.

It can be difficult to know whether you need to go to a GP. You may worry that you are wasting your GP's time. Or you might feel embarrassed or anxious talking about it.

It is important to know what is normal for you and your body. If you notice a change in how you feel or how your body works for a few weeks, it is safer to get it checked. A change usually does not mean you have cancer, but it could still be something that needs treatment.

If it is cancer, the earlier it is found, the more likely it is that it will be treated successfully. If it is nothing serious, your GP can reassure you.

When you visit your GP, it is helpful if you can tell them:

- what the symptom is
- how long you have had the symptom
- whether it is there all the time
- how often it occurs.

Your GP may ask you lots of questions. This will help them understand how to help you. It will also help them know whether you need to have any tests or see a specialist doctor.

Some symptoms are difficult to talk about, for example a lump on your testicle or vaginal bleeding. But even you find it embarrassing, it is important to get the symptom checked. Remember, your GP will be used to talking about difficult or embarrassing things.

And remember, you are not alone in facing this. If you need support or just want someone to talk to, call our Support Line for free on 0808 808 00 00 💚

18/08/2026

Nationwide has launched Speak Easy, a free communication tool designed to help people who experience communication difficulties access financial services more easily.

The tool was created with people with lived experience and developed with organisations including BILD, Mencap, the Stroke Association and a BSL user group.

The Speak Easy cards are available free to financial services organisations across the UK.

www.signingbanks.uk/speakeasy