At DHU Healthcare, our Flu Champions are playing a key role in protecting both patients and colleagues this winter. Among them is Rita Blight, who brings a unique perspective through her work with Sip & Support, a community wellbeing initiative she leads in Leicester.
Sip & Support creates a safe, welcoming space for people to sit down with a cuppa and talk about whatever’s on their mind. From health worries to feelings of isolation, Rita and her team provide a listening ear and help people find the support they need. For many, that includes questions about vaccinations.
“We get a lot of people who are unsure – do they really need another jab, what’s different this year, or if having COVID means they don’t also need flu. Because I can dedicate time in Sip & Support, I can sit with patients, answer their questions, and reassure them. It’s about giving people the confidence to protect themselves.”
Rita has already run Sip & Support sessions focusing on asthma, diabetes prevention and blood pressure checks, and she is planning future sessions that tie in with vaccination campaigns.
“I’m lucky to have supportive GPs and healthcare assistants who also volunteer their time. Together, we can encourage patients, especially the most vulnerable, to come in, get protected, and understand what support is available.”
That same encouragement extends to her colleagues at DHU. Rita is passionate about leading by example and showing how quick and easy it is to protect yourself with the flu jab.
“I’ve always had my flu vaccines and COVID boosters and I’ve never had any problems. It’s always been a positive experience for me. Protect yourself. Protect your family. It’s just a quick jab and it’s done. What do you have to lose? If it’s free and it helps protect you and others, why wouldn’t you?”
By combining her patient-facing work with her role as a Flu Champion, Rita is helping to break down barriers, spark conversations, and remind us all of the importance of rolling up our sleeves this winter.