Spen Health and Wellbeing Primary Care Network

19/01/2026

'When we say goodnight, every night, we always say “plus one more” because all we want is one more day.'

Hilary met Pauline in 1955 when they were 16 and 17.

'From the first time we met, there was chemistry. It didn't matter that Pauline was a girl, I just was in love with her as a person.

'But we were unable to have a full relationship. My mum disapproved of same-sex couples - which was a common opinion.

'Pauline and I exchanged rings and made a commitment to each other in 1970. When the law changed to allow same-sex couples to marry, we tied the knot in 2017.

'Around 2018, I began to notice Pauline was acting differently. She couldn’t remember appointments we had. Sometimes she didn’t want to get out of bed. She began not wanting to drive at all, which was unusual for her.

'Pauline was used to having a lot of independence and control over things. She had been a Director of Social Services and was used to helping others.

'I understood her initial reluctance to speak to anyone about the changes in her behaviour. She was trying to protect herself from a journey she didn’t want to go on.

'Then it came to the point it had to be spoken about.

'In 2019, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and vascular dementia. The diagnosis was a shock, even though we both suspected it.

'Pauline doesn't want to think that I can't cope. I just try and show her every day that I can. We've always known we were in it together.

'When we were introduced to an Alzheimer’s Society service called Singing for the Brain, I didn’t know what to expect. Being a gay couple at our age can provoke some odd reactions.

'But the group leader, Maggie, came over to us and made us so welcome. We felt included from the start.

'We've no doubts that Alzheimer's Society are behind us. We don't feel alone in this journey. And nobody must be afraid of asking for that help if they need it.

'I still felt judged well into my 70’s, but I don’t feel so self-conscious holding Pauline’s hand in public now. It’s like the dementia has allowed us to be ourselves.'

Pauline and Hilary are supporting our campaign with Omaze. Every entry will help over 2,000 more families like theirs receive support from our Dementia Adviser service http://spkl.io/6185AoeFH

19/01/2026

2016 vs 2026

Heard we’re feeling nostalgic?

Didn’t mean to bring down the tone! 🥹 But truly things have got so much worse since 2016 in young people’s mental health.

If you want to find out more about these figures, what’s causing them and what we can do to make things better, it’s all in our Big Mental Health Report.

19/01/2026

Have you heard of The Bread and Butter Thing? It’s an affordable food club that helped Kirklees families save over £740,000 in 2025!

The ten food hubs help families save money on nutritious, affordable food every week that may otherwise go to waste.

With around 80% of food packs made up of fresh fruit, veg, and chilled produce, The hubs make it easy to eat well without breaking the budget.

📍TBBT hubs in Kirklees are in:

Berry Brow
Crosland Moor
Cowlersley
Dalton
Deighton
Thornhill Lees
Chickenley
Heckmondwike
Liversedge
Batley

It’s easy to join and no referrals are needed, just send a text to get started.

15/01/2026

Brookroyd and Undercliffe Surgery in Heckmondwike will be hosting a Digital Drop-in for patients who may need support with the NHS app. This includes;

What is the NHS app and who can use it
Where can it be downloaded
mobile phone and device compatibility
logging in and verifying identity
what can the NHS app be used for

Please see the flyer for details.

https://www.spenpcn.nhs.uk/2026/01/15/digital-drop-ins-at-your-gp-surgery/

05/01/2026

Everyone severely affected by mental illness deserves a good quality of life, no matter their circumstance 💜

29/12/2025

‘One day I went to visit, and she didn’t remember me. I said who I was and she said, “I’ve got a nephew called Jon. He’s a famous actor”.
‘I was very upset, and when I went home I told my son that my aunt had forgotten me.

‘He said, “No, Dad. She remembers you. She just doesn’t recognise you”.’

Our wonderful Ambassador, Sir Jonathan Pryce opens up to the Daily Mail about his family’s experience of dementia.

In memory of his Aunt Mair, Sir Jonathan is sharing his story - because it will take a society to beat dementia.

29/12/2025

Some people choose not to drink alcohol, and no matter the reason, their choice deserves respect 🫶

Don't pressure others into drinking or question their decision this festive season.

Be kind and respect boundaries ❤️

24/12/2025

Don't forget to book your free Christmas Day Dinner at the Longcauseway Church in Dewsbury!

Don't spend Christmas Day alone. Contact Dewsbury Cares Community Group to book your free Christmas dinner as well as gifts from Santa and entertainment!

24/12/2025

Free wellbeing event on the 8th of January at Batley Community Centre. Head on down any time between 10.15 and 13.15.

15/12/2025

❄️ Stay safe from falls this winter! ❄️

The Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE), Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) and British Geriatrics Society (BGS) have shared vital advice to help prevent falls and know what to do if one happens.

If you fall:
• Stay calm and check for injuries before moving.
• If you can get up: roll onto your side, push up to hands and knees, use sturdy furniture to bring one foot flat, and stand slowly.
• If you can’t get up: use your phone or pendant alarm, call for help, try to attract attention, keep warm, and move gently to support circulation.

For full guidance and practical steps, head to 👉 https://aace.org.uk/news/winter-falls-advice/

🚨 Call 999 immediately if the person can’t get up, is confused, drowsy, vomiting, or has a suspected head, neck, back or hip injury, or severe bleeding.

Stay safe, stay warm! ❄️💙

15/12/2025

Christmas can be tough, especially if you’re struggling with your mental health or feeling lonely.

Social pressures, financial pressures, family conflict. These things can start to affect your wellbeing and snowball into something bigger.

But you’re not alone.

We’re here to support you in the lead up to Christmas and afterwards. Our Support Line is open until 2pm on Wednesday 24 December and reopens again on Monday 29 December.

You can call on 0300 102 1234. Or join our peer support community, Side by Side, open all year.

Please share this so people who feel alone know where to turn.

Samaritans, Campaign Against Living Miserably C.A.L.L and The Mix will be open while we’re closed.