Together First CIC, Barking (2026)

05/02/2026

Mind’s Time to Talk Day is a reminder that talking really can change lives. Whether you’re feeling lonely around Valentine’s Day, coping with grief or bereavement, or struggling with your mental health, you deserve to be heard and supported.

If you’re waiting for therapy, there are ways to look after yourself, manage difficult feelings and find support in the meantime. Small conversations, with friends, family or professionals, can be a powerful first step towards feeling less alone. 💙🗣️🌱✨

Read Mind’s advice on coping while on a waiting list for therapy: https://ow.ly/fubt50Y85FG

04/02/2026

World Cancer Day is a chance to raise awareness of cancer prevention, early diagnosis and the importance of national screening programmes for bowel, breast and cervical cancer. Screening can help find changes early, before symptoms appear, when treatment is more likely to be successful. 💙✨

Many people diagnosed with cancer now live longer and better lives thanks to improvements in detection, treatment and support. Understanding risk factors, making healthy lifestyle choices and attending screening when invited can all help reduce risk and improve survival. Support is also available for anyone affected by cancer, from diagnosis through recovery and beyond. 🎗️

View cancer survival statistics: https://ow.ly/Lypv50Y82sR
Learn about NHS screening and early diagnosis: https://ow.ly/Ip6850Y82sT
Read about causes and risk factors for cancer: https://ow.ly/fTVB50Y82sV

02/02/2026

Sexual Violence Awareness Week is a time to highlight support for anyone affected by sexual assault or sexual violence, including women and men. 💜

Help is available if you have experienced abuse, are worried about someone else, or need advice on staying safe. Confidential support, medical care, forensic services and sexual health checks (including STI testing) can be accessed through specialist services.

You may also see emergency alert test notifications on your phone during national testing. Opting out can help some people keep phones hidden and safe, as these alerts override silent and do not disturb settings.

You are not alone, and support is there when you are ready. 🕊️🩺✨

🔗 Get personal safety & domestic abuse advice: https://ow.ly/c7Bv50Y5XBb

🔗 Read about sexual violence against men: https://ow.ly/cz2p50Y5XEL

🔗 NHS help after r**e and sexual assault (including SARC services): https://ow.ly/YozP50Y5XFG

🔗 How to opt out of emergency phone alerts: https://ow.ly/gMgy50Y5XFq

30/01/2026

Turning on NHS App notifications is a simple way to help the NHS save money while staying informed about your healthcare. 💙

Notifications can remind you about appointments, test results, prescriptions and important updates, helping reduce missed appointments and unnecessary letters or texts.

Using the NHS App makes it easier to manage your health in one place, saves time for NHS services and helps resources be used where they are needed most. Making this small change can have a big impact for you and the NHS. 📱

Learn how to manage NHS App notifications: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/nhs-app-help-and-support/nhs-app-account-and-settings/managing-nhs-app-notifications/

28/01/2026

NHS 111 is there to help when you need urgent medical advice but it’s not an emergency. You can use NHS 111 if you’re unsure what to do, where to go, or if you need help outside of GP opening hours. 🩺💙

Find out when to use NHS 111: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/urgent-and-emergency-care-services/when-to-use-111/

Trained advisors and healthcare professionals can assess your symptoms, give advice, book appointments, or direct you to the right service quickly and safely. You can access NHS 111 online or by phone, and it’s available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 📞✨

Use NHS 111 online: https://111.nhs.uk
Contact NHS 111 by phone: Call 111

26/01/2026

Regular exercise plays a vital role in maintaining both physical and mental health, and it does not have to mean spending hours in the gym. Being active can help reduce the risk of long-term conditions, improve mood and boost energy levels, while also supporting independence as we age.

Examples of regular exercise include:
🚴‍♂️ Brisk walking or cycling to improve heart health
💪 Strength exercises like carrying shopping or resistance training to build muscle
🧘‍♀️Balance and flexibility activities such as yoga or stretching to reduce falls and stiffness
💙 Low-impact activities like swimming or chair-based exercises, especially later in life

Staying active in ways you enjoy makes it easier to keep exercise as part of everyday life.

Learn about the health benefits of exercise: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/exercise-health-benefits/

Explore exercise ideas for weight loss without the gym: https://patient.info/features/healthy-living/the-best-exercises-for-weight-loss-if-you-hate-the-gym

Read advice on exercising safely in later life: https://patient.info/features/healthy-living/how-to-exercise-safely-in-later-life

23/01/2026

A free, friendly Digital Inclusion Launch Event is taking place at the Barking Learning Centre on Tuesday, and everyone is welcome to drop in.

📅 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟳 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆
⏰ 𝟭𝟮𝗽𝗺 – 𝟯𝗽𝗺
📍 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲, 𝗜𝗚𝟭𝟭 𝟳𝗡𝗕

On the day there will be:
✔️ One-to-one digital support
✔️ Help with phones, laptops, emails and online forms
✔️ Friendly Digital Champions on hand
✔️ Games and activities
✔️ Free tea, coffee and cake

Whether you’re looking to build confidence using technology or just need a bit of help, feel free to pop in – even for a short visit. No experience needed.

23/01/2026

Looking after your mental wellbeing is just as important as caring for your physical health. The Better Health – Mind Plan Quiz helps you create a personalised plan with simple, practical actions to support how you’re feeling right now. From managing stress and anxiety to improving sleep and boosting mood, trusted advice and resources can help you take positive steps for your mental health. 💙🧠✨

Take the Mind Plan Quiz: https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-wellbeing-tips/your-mind-plan-quiz/

Read the latest mental health features and advice: https://patient.info/features/mental-health?sort=recent

22/01/2026

Balancing school, exams and everyday life can feel overwhelming at times. That’s why members of the BAD Youth Forum have created “Balancing Your Mind Over Marks”, a guide designed to help young people put their mental health first while managing the pressures of education.

The guide explores common challenges faced by students and offers practical advice on building healthier habits that support both mental and physical wellbeing. Looking after your mind is just as important as focusing on your studies, and the right guidance can make a real difference.

The full resource is available online and can be accessed via the link below. Please feel free to share with young people, families, and anyone who may find it helpful.

➡️ https://heyzine.com/flip-book/6cf0ec83a7.html /1

22/01/2026

Parents and carers in Barking & Dagenham — did you know the MMRV vaccine is now part of the NHS routine childhood vaccination programme?

MMRV protects children against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox in one vaccine. Chickenpox is extremely common and, while usually mild, it can sometimes lead to complications — vaccination helps reduce this risk and keeps children protected as they grow.

This vaccine isn’t new. It has been safely and widely used for many years in countries including the USA, Germany and Australia.

If your child is registered with a Barking & Dagenham GP practice, you can now book their routine immunisation appointment yourself, with flexible appointments available in the evenings and at weekends, seven days a week, across four local locations.

No need to worry about taking time off work or school — protecting your child’s health can now fit around family life.

👉 Book here: https://togetherfirst.co.uk/booking-measles/

21/01/2026

Cervical Cancer Prevention Week is a reminder of the importance of taking steps to protect your health. Cervical screening helps detect abnormal cells before they can turn into cancer, and attending when invited can save lives.

Understanding the facts, challenging common myths and knowing what to expect from screening can help reduce anxiety and encourage more people to attend. Reliable information and support are available to help you make informed choices about your cervical health. 💗🩺✨

Learn more from The Eve Appeal: https://eveappeal.org.uk/

Read NHS guidance on cervical screening: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/cervical-screening/

Explore myths and facts about cervical screening: https://patient.info/features/cancer/what-are-the-common-myths-and-facts-about-cervical-screening

20/01/2026

We’re delighted to spotlight an inspiring and impactful session taking place at the Best Practice London Event in the General Practice Management Theatre on Thursday 26th February 2026 from 13:30 to 14:15.

“Neighbourhood matters: tackling health inequalities in the east of Barking & Dagenham” will shine a powerful light on how community, connection and collaboration can make a real difference in one of London’s most deprived boroughs – and the area with the lowest health literacy levels.

This thought-provoking session will explore how neighbourhood-based approaches have been supporting residents over the past three years, demonstrating the vital role of primary care, care coordinators, and local networks in reducing health inequalities and improving outcomes.

You’ll hear directly from a passionate and experienced panel:

Dr Sharmin Ria, GP and Health Inequalities Joint Lead, East One PCN

Dr Shanika Sharma, GP and Clinical Director, Barking & Dagenham Health Inequalities Leads Programme

Lance Curran, Care Coordinator, East One PCN

Lucy Walsh, Care Coordinator, East One PCN

If you’re attending the event, make sure this session is firmly on your list – you’ll want to hear from this brilliant team and learn from their real-world experience, insight, and innovation.

Together First CIC

05/02/2026

04/02/2026

02/02/2026

30/01/2026

28/01/2026

26/01/2026

23/01/2026

23/01/2026

22/01/2026

22/01/2026

21/01/2026

20/01/2026

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