Primary Healthcare Darlington

20/03/2026

Today we celebrate International Day of Happiness, it gives us the opportunity to pause, reflect and actively promote joy, compassion and well being.

Ways to Celebrate:
Spread happiness: Perform acts of kindness, share positivity
Reflect on wellbeing: Identify what brings joy and incorporate it into daily life
Learn and Share: Read books, watch documentaries or engage in discussions about happiness and wellbeing

18/03/2026

We’re excited to share that Sharon Singh (SPLW) and Wendy Concannon (HWBC) are expanding the WHAM Walk & Talk initiative 🌿

Currently, women meet in South Park for a 45–60 minute walk followed by informal conversation and refreshments. They’ve now secured the park’s Education Centre (free of charge) every Wednesday from 2:00–3:00pm, allowing them to combine the walk with refreshments and structured health & wellbeing sessions.

This new 8-week programme will offer a supportive space for women to:
✨ Access trusted health information
✨ Build personal wellbeing plans
✨ Take part in confidential discussions
✨ Connect with others and grow peer support networks

Participants will be invited via SMS through proactive outreach, with 10 places available for the pilot starting 25 March.

After completing the programme, women can continue with the ongoing Walk & Talk group, while a new cohort begins. The existing WHAM Walk remains open to all for social connection and support 💬

Topics will include menopause, physical activity, stress management, sleep, social connection, purpose (including work/volunteering), and reducing harmful substance use.

If you’d like to know more, feel free to get in touch!

16/03/2026

Please see details of the next Inclusive coffee morning.
Anyone interested in volunteering for this popular coffee morning – please contact on the email provided on the poster.

27/02/2026

Childhood obesity

Overweight children have an increased chance of becoming overweight adults. Increased weight in adulthood can lead to long-term conditions such as Type 2 diabetes. Simple tips can help your child regain a healthy weight. Checking what their BMI is can help too.

It can be difficult to tell if a child is overweight as they are still growing. Find tips on how to help your child reach a healthier weight.

27/02/2026

Your pharmacist can provide treatment or some prescription medicine, if needed, for seven common conditions - without you seeing a GP.

Think pharmacy first and get seen by your local community pharmacy team.

26/02/2026

Keeping active when you don’t feel like it

The weather in the UK can be cold and miserable during the winter, and days are shorter, so finding motivation to keep exercising can be challenging. This helpful article contains some brilliant hints and tips to help you stay active during the cold winter months.
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeand...eep-exercising-in-the-cold-dark-winter-months

It’s still freezing outside, but that’s no reason to avoid exercise. Exercising helps to keep you fit and healthy. You can find some easy exercise suggestions here: https://www.everydayhealth.com/healthy-living/fitness/easy-winter-exercise-tips-help-you-stay-fit/

23/02/2026

Eating Disorders Awareness Week, 23rd February–1st March

This year, Eating Disorders Awareness Week focuses on the importance of community in supporting people with eating disorders. Community ensures that people with eating disorders aren’t alone on their journey.

This Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2026 we are raising awareness about the important role Community plays in helping someone feel supported.

19/02/2026

Chinese New Year, 17th February–3rd March

Happy Chinese New Year! Chinese New Year is a time for celebration. You can find out more about how the Chinese New Year is celebrated here:

What happens during Chinese New Year? The Newham Chinese Association explain some of the traditions, festivals and customs that take place when Chinese New Year is celebrated.

18/02/2026

Cost of living

Many people are struggling with the cost of living. The Government has some suggestions and resources to help and support: https://www.gov.uk/cost-of-living/managing-money

MoneyHelper has tailored suggestions to help you in your specific circumstances if you’re struggling with the cost of living. The advice provided is free and impartial and could help you manage the cost of living.
https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/money-troubles/cost-of-living

If you’re really struggling to feed yourself or your family, foodbanks could help you manage for a few days. They can also help and signpost you to other support. https://www.trussell.org.uk/emergency-food/find-a-foodbank

Find out what support is available to help with the cost of living: income and disability benefits, bills and allowances, childcare, housing and travel.

16/02/2026

NHS App

Are you using the NHS App? Filled with useful information and the ability to access GP services and your health records, managing your health has never been easier.

Download the NHS App, or open the NHS website in a web browser, to set up and log in to your NHS account. Owned and run by the NHS, your NHS account is a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services online.

13/02/2026

Stress in children

Children can experience stress in similar ways to adults, but they may express their stress in different ways as their ability to describe their feelings may not match the depth of their emotions.
https://www.unicef.org/parenting/mental-health/what-is-stress

Children often absorb more from their surroundings than we might imagine. Overhearing adults’ concerns about things like money, jobs and their own education can translate into stress and anxiety.
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/children-and-young-adults/advice-for-parents/anxiety-in-children/

A common feeling that affects children as much as adults, just differently

11/02/2026

Depression

Depression is often misunderstood, but it’s more than a passing low mood. Mild depression can mean you’re unable to enjoy your normal activities, while severe depression can make you feel suicidal or as if life isn’t worth living. If you’re struggling with feelings of depression, please ask for an appointment.
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/depression-in-adults/overview/

If you’re struggling with feelings of depression, there are things you can do to help your mood. Getting outdoors and doing exercise are some of the well-known tips for helping mood, but what are the others?
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/tips-and-support/cope-with-depression/

Read about depression in adults, including how to tell if you're depressed, the treatments for different severities of depression, and how making lifestyle changes can help.