The Willow Group

17/04/2026

17/04/2026

Knowing your blood pressure reading is one of the simplest ways to protect your heart and overall health. High blood pressure often has no symptoms, but it can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney problems if left untreated. Checking your reading regularly and understanding what it means can help you take control of your health.

You can help manage your blood pressure by:
• Eating a balanced diet with less salt 🥗🧂✨
• Staying active and moving regularly 🚶‍♂️💪
• Maintaining a healthy weight ⚖️💙
• Reducing alcohol and stopping smoking 🚭🍷
• Managing stress levels 🧠🌿

Small lifestyle changes can make a big difference over time. 💙🩺✨

Check your blood pressure reading: https://www.nhs.uk/health-assessment-tools/check-your-blood-pressure-reading
Read about foods that can help lower blood pressure: https://patient.info/features/heart-health/foods-to-lower-blood-pressure

16/04/2026

15/04/2026

https://www.hantsiow.icb.nhs.uk/your-health/mental-health-services/autism-and-adhd-assessment-services

Waiting for an Autism or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) assessment can be difficult, and we want to keep you informed about the current situation and what we’re doing to improve access to these services. 

15/04/2026

If you're waiting for treatment or surgery, the My Planned Care website can help you stay informed and supported while you wait. It provides average waiting times for local hospital trusts, helping you understand what to expect, as well as signposting to advice and support to help maintain your health and wellbeing during this time. Taking small steps to look after yourself while waiting can make a real difference. 💙🩺✨

Find waiting times and support on My Planned Care: www.myplannedcare.nhs.uk

13/04/2026

IBS Awareness Month highlights a common condition that can have a big impact on daily life.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects the digestive system and can cause a range of ongoing symptoms that may come and go.

Common symptoms include:
• Stomach pain or cramping, often relieved after going to the toilet 🤕✨
• Bloating and excessive wind 💨💙
• Diarrhoea, constipation or a mix of both 🚽⚠️
• Changes in bowel habits 📊🩺

Symptoms can often be triggered by stress, certain foods or lifestyle factors. Managing IBS may involve dietary changes, staying active, reducing stress and understanding your triggers. If symptoms are persistent or worsening, it’s important to speak to your GP to rule out other conditions. 💙🌿✨

Read NHS guidance on IBS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs/
Learn about digestive issues and when it could be something more serious: https://patient.info/features/digestive-health/could-your-digestive-issues-be-ibd

10/04/2026

Bowel Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder of how important screening is, even if you feel well.

The NHS bowel cancer screening programme is designed to detect cancer early, often before symptoms appear, when treatment is more effective and outcomes are better.

If you are aged 50 to 74, you will be sent a free home testing kit every 2 years. The test is simple to do and checks for tiny amounts of blood in your poo, which can be an early sign of bowel cancer.

Taking part in screening can:
• Detect cancer early, before symptoms develop 🩺✨
• Help prevent cancer by finding and removing polyps 💙🔍
• Improve survival rates and treatment outcomes 📊🌿

Even if you feel healthy, it’s important to complete your test when invited.

If you notice symptoms like changes in bowel habits, blood in your poo, ongoing tummy pain or unexplained weight loss, contact your GP. Early action can save lives. 💙🎗️✨

Learn more about bowel cancer screening: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/bowel-cancer-screening/

08/04/2026

Stress Awareness Month is a time to recognise the signs of burnout and take steps to protect your mental wellbeing.

Burnout can build up over time and may leave you feeling physically and emotionally exhausted, overwhelmed, less motivated or struggling to concentrate. Recognising the early signs and taking action can help prevent things from getting worse.

Common signs of burnout include:
• Constant tiredness or lack of energy 😴💤
• Feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope 😣💭
• Reduced motivation or productivity 📉💼
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions 🧠⚠️
• Changes in sleep or mood 🌙💙

Taking regular breaks, setting boundaries, speaking to someone you trust and seeking support can all help you manage stress more effectively. You are not alone, and help is available. 💙🌿✨

Learn more about burnout: https://mentalhealth-uk.org/burnout/
Read about the symptoms of burnout: https://patient.info/features/mental-health/what-are-the-symptoms-of-burnout

07/04/2026

Looking to sharpen your tech skills or know someone who wants to feel more confident online? 🖥️✨

Hampshire County Council Library Service is offering a FREE "Digital Skills for Beginners" course at the Gosport Discovery Centre! Whether you want to master emails, navigate the web, or just get to grips with the basics, these friendly sessions are the perfect place to start.

📅 When: Fridays, 17 April – 8 May
⏰ Time: 10am – 12pm
📍 Where: Gosport Discovery Centre
💰 Cost: FREE

Booking is essential! Secure your spot online here:
👉 https://shop.hants.gov.uk/collections/learning-in-libraries

If you have any trouble booking online, don't worry! Just pop into the branch and speak to our staff, or give us a call on 02392 232957.

Come along and learn something new in a relaxed, supportive environment! 📚💻

07/04/2026

World Health Day is a great time to highlight how digital access is making healthcare quicker and easier for patients. Our “Tap it, type it, we’ll take care of it” approach encourages patients to use online services like the NHS App, GP websites and online forms to get the help they need without waiting on the phone.

Using online access means you can:
• Contact your GP about a health problem quickly and easily 💻📱✨
• Submit requests at a time that suits you ⏰💙
• Get directed to the right care first time 🩺✅
• Help reduce phone lines for those who need them most ☎️💚

Online forms are simple to use and ensure your request is reviewed and prioritised appropriately by the practice team. Digital access helps improve efficiency, reduce waiting times and make care more accessible for everyone. 📲💙✨

Learn how to use an online form to contact your GP: https://ow.ly/T96E50YB3Io

03/04/2026

Testicular Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder that knowing your body and checking regularly can make a real difference. Testicular cancer is most common in younger men, and early detection is highly treatable. There is nothing to feel embarrassed about when it comes to your health, and getting checked early can save lives. 💙🩺✨

How to check:
• Check yourself once a month, ideally after a warm shower or bath 🛁✨
• Gently roll each testicle between your fingers and thumb 🤲💙
• Get to know what feels normal for you 🧠✨

What to look out for:
• Any lumps or swelling 🩺⚠️
• Changes in size, shape or texture 📏✨
• A feeling of heaviness in the sc***um ⚖️💙
• A dull ache or discomfort in the lower abdomen or groin 🤕✨

If you notice anything unusual, speak to your GP. 💙🩺✨

Learn how to check yourself: https://ow.ly/2Ff650YAGbQ
Read NHS guidance on symptoms and treatment: https://ow.ly/NOyK50YAGcA
Find support and information from Orchid: https://ow.ly/Shw850YAGcX

02/04/2026

It’s National Walking Day, the perfect reminder that moving more doesn’t have to be complicated. 🚶‍♀️💚✨

A simple 10 minute brisk walk can boost your mood, improve heart health and increase energy levels. The NHS Active 10 app makes it easy to track your brisk walking, set goals and stay motivated wherever you are. Little steps really do add up to big health benefits. 🚶‍♂️💙🌿

Download the NHS Active 10 app on Android: https://ow.ly/H5WG50YAx2b
Download the NHS Active 10 app on Apple: https://ow.ly/tSlU50YAx2m