VASL

12/10/2026

Are you a carer and feel like you just need someone to talk to? 🌟

Our Leicestershire Support For Carers team is here for you! Join us this week with lots of support for carers:

- Working Age Carers group, Zoom online (Tuesday at 7pm)
- Melton Carers Group (Wednesday at 2pm)
- Oadby & Wigston Carers Group (Thursday at 2:30pm)
- Cuppa with Kerry, Zoom online (Friday at 2pm)

Whether you need advice, support, or just a friendly chat, we’re here to help. 🤗

Tag a friend or share if you know someone who might benefit!

12/10/2026

What's on this week from our VASL projects in and around your area:

09/10/2026

💚 Tomorrow is World Mental Health Day 💚

Mental health isn’t something we should only talk about when someone reaches crisis point.

We can all help create a community where it feels normal to talk about how we’re feeling, ask for help and check in on the people around us.

So, why not:
💬 Check in with someone you haven’t heard from lately
☕ Make time for a proper conversation
🌿 Do something that supports your own wellbeing
👂 Listen without feeling you have to “fix” things
🤝 Remind someone that support is available

Small actions can make a real difference.

Let’s make mental health part of our everyday conversations; not just today, tomorrow, but all year round.

09/10/2026

Carers often worry about emergencies: "What if something happens to me?" It's crucial to have an Emergency Plan. Imagine needing hospital care at 4 a.m. with no immediate help—who steps in? What are the routines, medications, and contacts needed?

Leicestershire and Rutland offer an Emergency Plan to guide carers. Download it from the Leicestershire Support For Carers website. Keep the first page in your fridge in a Message in a Bottle for emergency services to find. Store the rest safely.

Discuss the plan with family or friends who can help. Being prepared eases the pressure. If you don't have a plan, consider making it a priority this month.

08/10/2026

💛 It’s National Hygiene Week – 5th–11th October 💛

This week, we’re helping our friends at The Hygiene Bank Market Harborough raise awareness of hygiene poverty – when people are unable to afford everyday essentials such as shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, soap and period products.

For most of us, these are basic items we put in our shopping basket without a second thought. But for people struggling financially, they can become luxuries they simply can’t afford.

Throughout National Hygiene Week, The Hygiene Bank Harborough is shining a light on the issue locally. 🟡 St Dionysius Church has been lit up yellow, along with the 3rd Market Harborough Scout Hut on Farndon Road, and information about hygiene poverty is being shared across the town.

You can also find collection points at:
🛒 Sainsbury’s, St Mary’s Place
👢 Boots, Market Harborough
🛒 Co-op, The Commons/Coventry Road

Donations made locally help support people in our community who may be experiencing hygiene poverty.

💛 If you can, please consider popping an extra hygiene item into your shopping and donating it at one of the collection points.

And please share this post to help spread the word. Sometimes something as simple as toothpaste, shampoo or deodorant can make a real difference to someone’s dignity, confidence and wellbeing.

Find out more and follow on Facebook.

08/10/2026

💚 World Mental Health Day - 10th October 💚

This Saturday marks World Mental Health Day and is a reminder that mental health matters; every day, for every one of us.

Sometimes looking after our mental health means talking. Sometimes it means taking a break, getting outside, connecting with someone, or simply admitting that things feel difficult.

And sometimes, the most important thing we can do is notice when someone else might be struggling.

A conversation, a cup of tea, a message to say “How are you, really?” can mean more than we realise.

This World Mental Health Day, let’s keep talking, keep listening and keep looking out for one another. 💚

Lots of resources can be found here https://mentalhealth-uk.org/help-and-information/downloadable-resources/

Discover free, expert-led mental health and wellbeing resources, including practical guides, self-help tools and workplace support. From managing stress, anxiety and burnout to improving sleep and resilience, these downloadable resources from Mental Health UK provide clear, actionable ways to suppor...

07/10/2026

Hosted by NHS for Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland, this special event on Friday will provide you with support and advice just for you.

07/10/2026

It's the boss on Harborough FM this morning with Dave Irving. Tune in to hear Julia, our Charity Manager talking about what's going on with VASL.

06/10/2026

❤️ HISTORY THAT CHANGED LIVES

10th October 1992 – The first World Mental Health Day

Did you know that World Mental Health Day was first observed on 10th October 1992?

It was created by the World Federation for Mental Health to raise awareness, improve understanding and encourage people around the world to talk more openly about mental health.

More than 30 years later, 10th October continues to put mental health and wellbeing firmly in the spotlight.

Here at VASL, we see every day how important connection, conversation and community can be. Through our projects and wider services, we help people feel less isolated, more connected and better supported.

Sometimes a conversation, a welcoming space or simply knowing someone is there can make a real difference. ❤️

06/10/2026

Are you a carer and feel like you just need someone to talk to? 🌟

Our Leicestershire Support For Carers team is here for you! Join us this week for two special carers groups:

- Blaby Group: 2:30pm today at Countesthorpe Village Hall.
- Hinckley & Bosworth: 1:30pm at Age UK Centre, Earl Shilton.

Whether you need advice, support, or just a friendly chat, we’re here to help. 🤗

Tag a friend or share if you know someone who might benefit!