The Barcellos Family Practice

18/12/2025

# # Christmas isn't easy for everyone.
If you find yourself struggling over the festive period, you are not alone. When we are closed, these organisations are here to listen and support you.

# # Christmas isn't easy for everyone.
If you find yourself struggling over the festive period, you are not alone. While your GP surgery is closed, these organisations are here to listen and support you.

Available on Christmas & Boxing Day

🟢Open 24 Hours
Alcoholics Anonymous: Phone 0800 917 7650
https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/

ChildLine: Phone 0800 1111
https://www.childline.org.uk/Pages/Home.aspx

Combat Stress: Phone 0800 138 1619 Text 07537 173 683
https://combatstress.org.uk/

Connection 24/7 Phoneline for Dorset: 0800 652 0190

Papyrus (su***de prevention): 0800 068 4141
http://www.papyrus-uk.org/

Refuge (National Domestic Abuse Helpline): Phone 0808 200 0247
https://refuge.org.uk/

Samaritans: Phone 116 123
https://www.samaritans.org/

SHOUT: Text 85258
https://giveusashout.org/get-help/

🟡 Open (Specific Hours)
Beat (eating disorders): Phone 0808 801 0677 (3 pm to 8 pm)
https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/

CALM (su***de prevention): Phone 0800 585858 (5 pm to Midnight)
https://www.thecalmzone.net/

Mind (National): Phone 0300 123 1234 (9 am to 6 pm)
https://www.mind.org.uk/

Switchboard LGBT: Phone 0800 011 9100 (10 am to 10 pm)
https://switchboard.lgbt/

The Mix (young people): Phone 0808 808 4994 – (11 am to 11 pm)
https://www.themix.org.uk/

For support organisations at Christmas and throughout the year, visit www.communityswitch.org

17/12/2025

Please note that our surgeries will be closed on
• Thursday 25th December
• Friday 26th December
• Thursday 1st January
Visit our opening hours page to learn what to do if you feel unwell on days we are closed.
⬇️
https://www.barcellosfamilypractice.co.uk/opening-hours

15/12/2025

🎄 Festive Reminder 🎄

Please order repeat prescriptions early to avoid delays over the Christmas & New Year bank holidays. 💊
GP practices and pharmacies will have reduced opening days.

Thank you for planning ahead and staying well ✨

The quickest way is to order online>>
https://www.barcellosfamilypractice.co.uk/prescriptions

Christmas is right around the corner 🎄

Remember to order prescriptions early to avoid delays in getting your medicines over the bank holidays.

Order online through the NHS App or your GP surgery website.

08/12/2025

If you have flu, there are some things you can do to help get better more quickly. Flu will often get better on its own, but it can make some people seriously ill. It's essential to get the flu vaccine if you're eligible. If you do catch flu, there are some things you can do to help get better more quickly. Learn more on the NHS website here>>
➡️ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/flu/

07/12/2025

Persistent high blood pressure can increase your risk of some serious and potentially life-threatening health conditions, such as:

▪️heart disease
▪️heart attacks
▪️strokes
▪️heart failure
▪️peripheral arterial disease
▪️aortic aneurysms
▪️kidney disease
▪️vascular dementia

Prevention is key: If you have high blood pressure (BP), reducing it even a small amount can help lower your risk of these health conditions.

Find out how to monitor your BP@HOME 👇
https://www.barcellosfamilypractice.co.uk/long-term-conditions-1

A simple app helped one NHS Dorset colleague spot a problem early, adjust his medication and make big improvements to his health.

Read his story and learn how home blood pressure monitoring could help you too 🔽

https://staywelldorset.nhs.uk/update/how-a-simple-app-helped-me-take-control-of-my-health/

07/12/2025

GP surgeries are warning of scam calls impersonating the NHS

04/12/2025

Please help protect emergency services by using the right service for your needs. By choosing the right care, you help ensure ambulances reach those who need them most. Thank you for your support 💙

South Western Ambulance Service is currently under extreme pressure across Dorset.

Please help protect emergency services by using the right service for your needs:
✅ Call 999 only for life-threatening emergencies
✅ Use NHS 111 for urgent advice when it’s not an emergency
✅ Contact your GP Practice, visit a pharmacy, or use minor injury services when appropriate

By choosing the right care, you help ensure ambulances reach those who need them most. Thank you for your support 💙

28/11/2025

Our colleagues at Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust have just launched their new ADHD information webpage.

Find this and more support resources on ADHD and other neurodivergent conditions on the Community SWITCH website here>>
⬇️
https://communityswitch.org/i-need-help-with-neurodivergence/

Our new ADHD information webpage is now live 💻📱

Find up-to-date guidance, local support options, referral routes and self-help resources all in one place.

Check it out ➡ https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/adhd

28/11/2025

Join Living Well Taking Control for a free webinar raising awareness about managing festive temptations and preventing type 2 diabetes.

They'll share valuable insights and practical tips to help you enjoy the season while keeping your health on track.

📅 Tuesday 16th December 2025
⏰ 12 noon to 12.40 pm
🖥️ Online event

Book your free place here>>
👇
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/managing-festive-temptations-and-diabetes-prevention-tickets-1974961025592?

23/11/2025

The Community SWITCH programme of resources includes information to help patients and carers find reliable transportation to attend medical appointments without the added stress of logistics.

👉 Visit the Community SWITCH transport support page to see what help is available.
https://communityswitch.org/i-need-help-with-transport-to-get-to-my-appointment/

If getting to your healthcare appointment is challenging — especially if mobility or accessibility is a concern — support is available.
We’ve gathered helpful information and services that may assist with transport.
👉 Visit the Community SWITCH transport support page to see what help is available.
https://communityswitch.org/i-need-help-with-transport-to-get-to-my-appointment/

23/11/2025

Stay warm, stay well this winter. Get free & confidential energy advice on energy issues from Citizens Advice in East Dorset & Purbeck, who are attending the on Monday 24th November at Parley Place Care Home - Barchester Healthcare

Our Energy Advisor will be attending Crane Valley PCNs Carers Event at Parley Place Care Home, tomorrow Monday 24th November, 2pm - 3:30pm. Crane Valley Primary Care Network

All carers (and cared for) from the Crane Valley area are welcome.

Our friendly Advisor can offer free & confidential energy advice on numerous energy issues, and order you a free CO monitor.

If you can't make tomorrow, you can contact the Energy Team on 01929 775500

19/11/2025

Carers Rights Day is nearly here!

This year’s theme is “Know your rights, use your rights” so if you’re an unpaid carer in Dorset, there’s more support available than you might realise.

Bridgit is a free, 24/7 online self-help platform designed just for carers. It’s packed with personalised advice, guidance, and local resources to help you manage your caring role and look after your own wellbeing too.

You can even start your carer’s assessment online, in your own time, and get connected to services that can support you.

Why not join more than 23,000 unpaid carers who have already registered to access support.

With Carers Rights Day coming up on Thursday now is the perfect time to explore what’s available.
⬇️
https://bridgit.care/support/dorset?