The Valleys PCN

23/10/2025

Confused about cholesterol? We need certain levels of fats in our blood but when it gets too high, it can lead to health problems in the future. By understanding your cholesterol and other blood fat (lipid) levels, you can take the steps you need to take to a healthier life. Watch this short video to find out more: https://www.heartuk.org.uk/cholesterol/animation


Colne Valley Group Practice Elmwood Family Doctors Honley Surgery Meltham Group Practice Slaithwaite Health Centre Oaklands Health Centre

21/10/2025

💛 National Adoption Week

This week, we’re celebrating every kind of adoption journey — because every family is unique.

We’re also honouring everyone who helps make those journeys possible: birth families, social workers, adoptive parents, and adopted individuals themselves.

Across the UK, there’s an urgent need for adopters — children are waiting for the safe, loving homes that can change their lives forever.

There are many myths about adoption, but if you can offer a secure, supportive home, you could be eligible to adopt.

Start your journey and make a life-changing difference today 💫
🔗 youcanadopt.co.uk



Colne Valley Group Practice Elmwood Family Doctors Honley Surgery Meltham Group Practice Slaithwaite Health Centre Oaklands Health Centre

20/10/2025

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month — a reminder that anyone can get breast cancer, regardless of gender.

💡 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed in their lifetime, and while breast cancer in men is rare (less than 1% of cases), it can happen.

Early detection saves lives — so get to know what’s normal for you:
👋 Touch your breasts
👀 Look for changes
✅ Check anything new or unusual with your GP

Finding cancer early gives the best chance of successful treatment. Let’s share awareness, know the signs, and encourage others to check regularly.

🔗 Learn more:
👉 Signs and symptoms

👉 Breast Cancer Awareness Month

👉 Male breast cancer



Colne Valley Group Practice Elmwood Family Doctors Honley Surgery Meltham Group Practice Slaithwaite Health Centre Oaklands Health Centre

18/10/2025

🌸 World Menopause Day

Today is World Menopause Day — a time to raise awareness about menopause, its symptoms, and the support available to improve wellbeing.

This year’s focus is on Lifestyle Medicine, exploring how nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management can help ease perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms.

Menopause can be incredibly challenging and is often misunderstood. Symptoms such as hot flushes, brain fog, mood changes, sleep disruption, and anxiety can affect daily life, work, and relationships.

Support, lifestyle changes, and medication can all help — but experiences vary, and some impacts can still be unpredictable. If you’re concerned or need additional support, please reach out to your healthcare practitioner.

Learn more:
🔗 NHS: Things you can do

🔗 NHS Inform: Treating menopause symptoms



Colne Valley Group Practice Elmwood Family Doctors Honley Surgery Meltham Group Practice Slaithwaite Health Centre Oaklands Health Centre

16/10/2025

Did you know that 1 in 2 adults in the UK have high cholesterol? It’s more common than you think — but that doesn’t mean it has to be out of your control. Be the boss of your cholesterol. Take charge of your health with small, manageable changes that can make a big difference — from eating heart-friendly foods and staying active, to checking in with your GP. Knowing your numbers is the first step toward feeling your best.​

www.heartuk.org.uk/ncm25

Colne Valley Group Practice Elmwood Family Doctors Honley Surgery Meltham Group Practice Slaithwaite Health Centre Oaklands Health Centre

15/10/2025

ADHD Awareness Month

This October, we’re celebrating the many faces of ADHD.

Myths and misconceptions about ADHD can cause real harm, fuelling stigma and misunderstanding. That’s why ADHD Awareness Month is the perfect time to share the facts and highlight the truth about this common condition.

🧠 ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental conditions, affecting people of all ages. Despite this, it remains widely misunderstood.

ADHD can impact focus, emotional regulation, memory, motivation, and time management, but it doesn’t look the same for everyone — symptoms and experiences vary across different ages and genders.

With greater understanding comes better support — and a stronger, more inclusive community.

Learn more and help spread awareness:
🔗 ADHD Myths and Facts https://www.adhdawarenessmonth.org/myths-and-facts-about-adhd/

🔗 ADHD Awareness Month https://www.adhdawarenessmonth.org/

Colne Valley Group Practice Elmwood Family Doctors Honley Surgery Meltham Group Practice Slaithwaite Health Centre Oaklands Health Centre

02/10/2025

Please note there has been a change from Department of Health on eligibility for Covid-19 booster

For autumn 2025, COVID-19 vaccination will be offered to:

adults aged 75 years and over

residents in care homes for older adults

individuals who are immunosuppressed aged 6 months and over

This represents a change from the autumn 2024 programme, which also included adults aged 65 to 74 and all those aged 6 months and over in a clinical risk group.

28/09/2025

🧠 Today marks the last day of Migraine Awareness Week 🧠

Migraines are more than “just a headache” — they are a complex neurological condition that affects over 10 million people in the UK. Symptoms can include:

Severe throbbing head pain

Sensitivity to light or sound

Nausea or vomiting

Visual disturbances (aura)

Migraines can impact every part of life: work, family, social time, and mental wellbeing.

👉 If you or someone you know struggles with migraines:
• Speak to your GP or pharmacist about treatment options.
• Keep a migraine diary to help identify triggers.
• Reach out for support — you are not alone.

💡 For more information and support:

The Migraine Trust

NHS Migraine Advice

Let’s use this week to break the stigma, raise awareness, and support those living with this often invisible condition. 💙



Colne Valley Group Practice Elmwood Family Doctors Honley Surgery Meltham Group Practice Slaithwaite Health Centre Oaklands Health Centre

26/09/2025

It only takes two minutes to confirm your decision online, act now to save lives in future
https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/register-your-decision/donate/?

Sign up as a donor on the NHS Organ Donor Register to save lives. Register in minutes!

25/09/2025

🌟 Happy National Pharmacists Day from the Valleys PCN! 🌟

Today we’re celebrating the incredible contribution of our pharmacy teams across the Valleys.

Pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and dispensers are often the first port of call for health advice — helping with medicines, long-term conditions, blood pressure checks, contraception, vaccinations, and much more. 💊💙

👏 A big thank you to all the pharmacy teams across our communities — your expertise, dedication and compassion make a real difference every single day.

If you’ve had support from your local pharmacy recently, why not say a quick thank you today? It means the world. 💐



Colne Valley Group Practice Elmwood Family Doctors Honley Surgery Meltham Group Practice Slaithwaite Health Centre Oaklands Health Centre

25/09/2025

Heroes aren’t just in comic books—they’re real people who say yes to organ donation. 💚
This week, be the reason someone else gets a tomorrow. 🌟

Sign up. Share your decision. Save lives.



Colne Valley Group Practice Elmwood Family Doctors Honley Surgery Meltham Group Practice Slaithwaite Health Centre Oaklands Health Centre

24/09/2025

🍼 It’s ICON Week! 🍼
Did you know? All babies cry, but sometimes it feels hard to cope. ICON Week is here to raise awareness and share coping strategies with parents and carers everywhere.

The 4 ICON steps:
✔ Infant crying is normal
✔ Comforting can help
✔ OK to walk away if baby is safe
✔ Never shake a baby

Find support here 👉 iconcope.org



Colne Valley Group Practice Elmwood Family Doctors Honley Surgery Meltham Group Practice Slaithwaite Health Centre Oaklands Health Centre