Topsham Surgery & Glasshouse Medical Centre

25/11/2025

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, 25th November

Every ten minutes, a woman is killed. International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women raises awareness about all forms of violence against women. Wear orange as a bright and optimistic colour; this represents hope and a future free from violence against women and girls.

©2025 British Red Cross The British Red Cross Society, incorporated by Royal Charter 1908, is a charity registered in England and Wales (220949), Scotland (SC037738), Isle of Man (0752) and Jersey (430).

21/11/2025

Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week, 18th to 24th November

Not every illness needs antibiotics. Resistance to antibiotics is a growing concern, so help to preserve their efficacy for when they’re really needed!
Always take antibiotics as prescribed
Never miss a dose
Complete a course in full
Vaccinate yourself and your family
Keep antibiotics for when they’re really needed. You could save a life.

20/11/2025

Carers’ rights, 20th November

Being a carer is hard. There are no set hours and you’re often caring for someone close to you.

Every day, 12,000 people become unpaid carers for a partner, family member or friend. They may not even view themselves as carers. But who looks after you when you’re looking after someone else? All carers deserve to understand their rights and be supported to use them if they wish.

Discover more here:

Carers Rights Day is about raising awareness of the rights the UK’s 5.8 million unpaid carers are entitled to, and to help them get the support they need and the recognition they deserve.

20/11/2025

Sugar Awareness Week, 17th to 23rd November

Did you know that nine in ten children, and four in five adults, in the UK are eating more sugar than recommended? This raises the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes and tooth decay – starting from childhood.

This week is all about raising awareness, making informed choices and calling for better food policies to support healthier lives.
(Factsheet here: https://www.actiononsugar.org/resources/ .en.488879)

This Sugar Awareness Week, the theme is ‘Cutting Through the Sweet Talk: What You See Isn’t What You Eat’, highlighting the importance of looking past marketing and packaging.

Terms such as ‘smart snacking’ can distract from the nutritional value of a food.
Always read the label
Swap sugary drinks for water
Choose whole, unprocessed snacks

Try the NHS food scanner to look into labels in more detail: https://www.nhs.uk/healthier-families/food-facts/nhs-food-scanner-app/

As a not for profit charity, we heavily rely on your charitable donations to help us continue our campaign and provide our resources free of charge. We can provide up to 50 health factsheets but any additional requests will require payment to cover the cost of printing, postage and packaging.  You ...

19/11/2025

International Men’s Day, 19th November

Today we celebrate men in our families, communities and society, and highlight some of the social issues that men and boys face. From boys struggling at school to men struggling with their mental health.

Did you know:

• Men are less likely to seek help for physical or mental health issues
• Su***de is one of the leading causes of death for men under the age of 50 in the UK
• Promoting healthy role models, respect and equality benefits everyone

Start the conversation this International Men’s Day.

International Men's Day in the UK is on 19 November. Find our more on the website.

19/11/2025

Survivors of su***de loss, 19th November

This day shines a light on those forever changed by losing someone to su***de.

In the UK, around 6,000 people die by su***de every year – and research shows that around 147 people are affected by every single loss. The grief is deep, complex and long-lasting.

It’s important to know you’re not alone.

We are the only UK-based organisation offering peer-led support to adults impacted by su***de loss. We help individuals support each other, at the time of their loss and in the months and years that follow. We aim to provide safe, confidential environments where people can share their experiences an...

18/11/2025

National Self-Care Week, 17th to 23rd November

It’s Self-Care Week, and your annual reminder to set aside some time for you.

We’re living longer lives, but not necessarily healthier, with chronic conditions on the rise. Managing stress, well-being and physical health all contribute to a healthy mind and body.

Try some of these ideas:
https://nshcs.hee.nhs.uk/training-s...-handbook/self-care-ideas-to-get-you-started/

Demand for health services has risen significantly in recent years, with long-term conditions growing. Preventive health is key to a healthier future for both your mental and physical well-being, and self-care is at the heart of this.

Try these self-care ideas:

• Take a mindful walk
• Try meditation
• Set boundaries – it’s okay to say no
• Speak to someone if you’re struggling
• Do one thing that brings you joy

Self-care looks different for everyone – find what works for you.

Ideas to help you take care of your mind, body and soul.

17/11/2025

UK Malnutrition Week, 17th to 23rd November

UK Malnutrition Week aims to increase understanding of the dangers, risk factors and signs of malnutrition and dehydration.
Malnutrition is a serious condition that happens when your diet doesn’t contain the right amount of nutrients, affecting millions of people in the UK. There are many factors contributing to this statistic – the rising cost of living, food and energy prices, and social isolation.

Find out how to access help and support. If you’re concerned, please make an appointment with our team.

Find out about treatments for malnutrition, including dietary changes and supplements, feeding tubes, and care and support services. Also, read about treating malnutrition in children.

14/11/2025

World Diabetes Day, 14th November

Seven in ten people of working age are living with diabetes. The workplace can present many challenges to manage this condition. This World Diabetes Day, it’s a new opportunity for inclusivity and change at work.

14/11/2025

13/11/2025

Looking for trusted advice on pregnancy, childcare, or getting your child ready for school? Visit BestStartinLife.gov.uk for support, guidance, worries, and questions, no matter how big or small.

13/11/2025

Mouth cancer awareness

Mouth (oral) cancer can start in any part of the mouth – most commonly, on the side of the tongue or the floor of the mouth. Early diagnosis saves lives.

Know the warning signs:
Mouth ulcer or sore that doesn’t heal after three weeks
Red or white patches in the mouth
Persistent mouth or tongue pain

Early detection changes lives. If you’re worried, make an appointment.

Mouth cancer is also known as oral cancer. The most common symptom is a mouth ulcer that does not heal in 3 weeks.