Newsletter
Stay well in winter
Winter conditions can be bad for our health, aggravating any existing health problems, making us more vulnerable to respiratory winter illnesses. It’s not just your physical health that can suffer during cold weather, it’s important to think about your mental health too. Lack of sunlight, miserable weather and the cost of living can put a strain on our wellbeing. Have a look at these tips on practising self-care this winter.
https://www.andovermind.org.uk/5-top-tips-to-take-care-of-your-wellbeing-this-winter/
https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-rea...well-this-winter-transcript-of-audio-version/
For older patients
With the withdrawal of the winter fuel allowance, you may be feeling extra financial pressure when it comes to keeping warm this winter. If you’re in receipt of a means-tested benefit, you can still receive the winter fuel payment. But if you're not, or even if you'd just like to save some money while warming up, have a look at these cost-effective tips to warm you up during the cold winter months.
If you have health or mobility issues, it can be very difficult to get out and about to see people. Loneliness can take its toll on their mental health. No one deserves the sadness of feeling lonely. Find support here: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/benefits-entitlements/winter-fuel-payment/
https://www.redcross.org.uk/stories/health-and-social-care/health/tips-on-keeping-warm-this-winter
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/benefits-entitlements/winter-fuel-payment/
Cold weather challenges
Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can cause long-term health problems for vulnerable people. There’s a higher risk of stroke, respiratory infection and falls, alongside the mental health impacts of being in a cold home.
Warm Welcome Spaces are inclusive, heated, offer hot drinks and are free to visit. Not only are they warm, friendly places to visit, but they’re great places to meet new people. Find your local Warm Space here: https://www.warmwelcome.uk/find-a-space
Time to Talk Day, 6th February
TimeToTalk Day is on 6th February!
How will you have a conversation about mental health?
This annual event is about being open to the idea of talking. If someone opens up about their mental health, it might not always feel easy to know what to say. But it doesn’t have to be awkward – just being there for someone can make a big difference.
https://timetotalkday.co.uk/about/
https://timetotalkday.co.uk/tips-to-talk/
International Epilepsy Day, 12th February
International Epilepsy Day seeks to raise awareness and educate the general public on the facts about epilepsy and the urgent need for improved treatment.
There is still much misunderstanding and stigma surrounding epilepsy.
Find out more and support those around you with this debilitating condition. The theme for International Epilepsy Day 2025 is ‘My Epilepsy Journey’.
Despite being one of the world’s oldest-known medical conditions, fear and misunderstanding can make many people reluctant to talk about it.
Help others to understand, and share you Epilepsy Journey.
https://internationalepilepsyday.org/journey/
https://epilepsysociety.org.uk/
Cost of Living Information and Support
Buckinghamshire Council has published a number of avenues that may support our patients, including access to free or low cost food, financial support and help with other living costs.
Click the link for more information: https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/cost-of-living/?utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery
Eating Disorders Awareness Week, 24th February–2nd March
In the UK, at least 1.25 million people are living with an eating disorder. That’s at least one in 50 people, and the signs can be really difficult to spot.
Although eating disorders are complex mental illnesses, they can affect anyone of any age, ethnicity, gender or background, and early intervention is essential.
Discover more about how you can help those around you who may be suffering.
#EDAW aims to improve awareness and help save lives. If you’re worried that you’re suffering from any form of eating disorder, we’re here to listen and support you. Please make an appointment with our (Nurse/GP).
https://edaw.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/
Herbert Protocol
If you’re caring for someone at risk of going missing, you might want to have a look at the Herbert Protocol. Named after a war veteran called George Herbert, the Herbert Protocol helps you to establish information about someone who’s at risk before they go missing.
In the event that they later do go missing, you’re able to quickly share the information with the police force.
We’ve linked some national information below, but you’ll be able to find the information for your local police force and their forms by carrying out an internet search. The police will ask additional questions about what happened if/when the individual goes missing, but having the protocol ready helps you to think about important information beforehand when you’re not in a moment of intense stress.
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-s...gether-magazine/scheme-support-missing-people
Ask for Angela
The safety initiative ‘Ask for Angela’ is being rolled out to bars, clubs and other licensed businesses across England.
People who feel unsafe, vulnerable or threatened can discreetly seek help by approaching venue staff and asking them for ‘Angela’. This code-phrase will indicate to staff that they require help with their situation and a trained member of staff will then look to support and assist them. This might be through reuniting them with a friend, seeing them to a taxi, or by calling venue security and/or the police.
Venues that support ‘Ask for Angela’ have been given Welfare And Vulnerability Engagement (WAVE) training. Delivered by the Met’s licensing officers and Safer Sounds partnership, it gives staff the ability to help customers who may be in a situation that makes them vulnerable or unsafe.
For more information about the scheme, visit: https://askforangela.co.uk/