Newcastle North PCN

24/03/2026

🌱 Growing Resilience in Our Young People (Part 2).

Helping children understand their emotions is a key step in building resilience. In our latest blog, our PCN Social Prescriber, James Treasure, explores how developing emotional awareness can support children to recognise, understand, and manage their feelings in a healthy way.

The blog also introduces a simple tool parents and carers can use to start conversations about emotions with their children.

Read the full blog to learn more about how small conversations can help young people build confidence and coping skills for life.

👉You can view all our PCN blogs here: https://www.newcastlenorthpcn.nhs.uk/pcn-blogs/

24/03/2026

🎧 New Podcast: How Our Social Prescribing Team Can Support You!
Have you ever wondered how our Social Prescribing team could help you? Our latest podcast explains their role and how they support patients across our PCN.

Social prescribers work with you to look at the wider factors affecting your health and wellbeing. This can include support with loneliness, mental wellbeing, finances, housing, and lifestyle changes. They can also connect you with local groups, services, and community organisations that can make a real difference.

In this podcast, you will learn what social prescribing is, how it works, and how you can be referred. You will also hear about the different types of support available and how the team works alongside other organisations to help you get the right support at the right time.

💬 If you think social prescribing could help you, you can self-refer through your GP surgery's website or speak to your GP practice team about a referral.

📅 Reminder: We are running Social Prescribing Day events tomorrow and Thursday across our five member GP surgeries (Mount Road Practice - Dr Rao & Dr Bradshaw, Kidsgrove Medical Centre Dr Harbidge & Partners, Talke Clinic, Audley Health Centre, Church Street, Audley, Stoke on Trent & Heathcote Street Surgery.

Please check your surgery’s social media pages or websites for full details.

Have a listen to the podcast (link below) and find out how support beyond medical care could help improve your wellbeing. 💙
https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/john-king01/episodes/Social-Prescribing---Whats-it-all-about-e3gt30g/a-aci3rcc

24/03/2026

🌸 Easter Holiday Activities & Free Meals for Children and Young People! 🌸
We’re excited to share that Newcastle Family Hubs is offering an amazing range of Easter Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programmes across Newcastle-under-Lyme! 🎨⚽🎭

All activities include a free meal and are available at no cost for pupils eligible for benefits related free school meals.

Activities are available for two age groups:

🟣 Ages 4–12: Creative arts, sports, drama, STEM, wildlife experiences, trampolining, and more!
🔗 Check out all sessions and sign up here: Easter Activities 4–12
(and explore links for other venues)

🟣 Ages 13–16: Ninja Warrior obstacle courses, leadership in sports, accredited beauty & nail art, adaptive trampolining for SEND, and science programmes.

🔗 Explore all sessions and sign up here: https://eequ.org/

Let’s make this Easter holiday fun, active, and creative for all children in our community! 💛

24/03/2026

*Sharing on behalf of Heathcote Street Surgery who are having technical problems with their social media account*
🌿 Reminder: National Social Prescribing Day Event - This Thursday at Heathcote Street Surgery!

📍 Where: Heathcote Street Surgery
📅 Date: Thursday 26th March 2026
🕘 Time: 13:00 – 15:00

Don’t forget to join us this week! Our Social Prescribers will be on hand to talk to patients about the services available to support your health and wellbeing.

Meet our social prescribers and learn about external organisations including:
• NEA – advice on energy bills and staying warm.
• Beat the Cold – tips to keep safe and cosy at home.
• Connect to Work Programme – support with finding or returning to employment.
• Reaching North Staffordshire – get involved in community activities.
• Micro Providers – connecting people with local care and support.
• North Staffordshire Carers – support for unpaid carers.

💬 Drop in anytime between 1pm – 3pm to learn more about the support available at your surgery & in your community!

24/03/2026

🩸 Blood Cancer Awareness 🩸
Did you know that blood cancer is the UK’s 5th most common cancer? Its early signs can be subtle and easy to overlook, including:
• Persistent fatigue or weakness.
• Unexplained bruising or bleeding.
• Frequent infections.
• Swollen lymph nodes.

If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t ignore them, early detection can make a real difference.

📌 Where to find support and information:
• https://bloodcancer.org.uk/
• https://patient.info/.../what-are-the-early-warning-signs...

Learn the signs, take action early, and seek advice from your GP if you’re concerned.

23/03/2026

📨 How will patients access the new CDC?
Access to the Stoke-on-Trent Community Diagnostic Centre will be through referral.

🩺 Your GP or hospital clinician will refer you for tests where appropriate.
🏥 UHNM will book your appointment.

Important to know:
• The CDC does not provide emergency care
• All visits will be pre-booked appointments
• Patients may be invited to Royal Stoke, County Hospital, or the CDC, depending on the test and availability.

Find out more:
https://www.uhnm.nhs.uk/stoke-on-trent-community-diagnostic-centre

23/03/2026

💚 How can social prescribing help you?
Your health is about more than just medical care, and sometimes the right support isn’t a prescription.

Social prescribing can help you:
✨ Feel less lonely by connecting with local groups and activities.
✨ Improve your mental wellbeing through support and community.
✨ Get help with practical issues like housing, debt or employment.
✨ Build confidence and regain a sense of purpose.
✨ Manage long-term conditions with lifestyle support.

Our Social Prescribing Link Workers take time to listen and help you find what works for you.
If you think this could help, speak to our team, we’re here to support you 💚

23/03/2026

💛 Children’s Mental Health Matters 💛
A child’s mental health is just as important as their physical health. Every child and young person deserves support, understanding, and someone to talk to.

📌 If you’re a parent or carer:
• Reach out early if you’re worried about your child’s emotional wellbeing, early support can make a big difference.
• We have a PCN mental health practitioner, Jayne, who works alongside our GP team, she can offer guidance and support for children and young people.

You can also access helpful resources and guidance from: https://www.place2be.org.uk/ (a charity dedicated to supporting children and young people’s mental health).

Let’s make mental health a priority for our children, today and every day.

23/03/2026

🌟 Young at Heart Group – Talke Pits 🌟

The Young at Heart group continues to go from strength to strength with amazing attendance, thank you to everyone who comes along and makes it such a warm, welcoming space! 💛

📅 When: 1st & 3rd Tuesday of every month
🕚 Time: 11:00am – 1:00pm
📍 Where: Talke Pits Village Hall

We’re proud to attend this alongside the fantastic Father Hudson’s group, who provide lunch, refreshments, quizzes, games, and plenty of activities to enjoy. There’s always something happening and lots of friendly faces to meet 😊
Our Social Prescriber, Katie, also attends, leading a gentle chair-based exercise session, perfect for keeping active in a relaxed and supportive environment:
🪑 Chair Exercise: 11:15am – 11:45am

Whether you fancy a chat, some activities, or a bit of gentle exercise, you’ll be very welcome!
Feel free to bring a friend too 🙌

20/03/2026

😊 International Day of Happiness 😊
Happiness and wellbeing are important for both your mental and physical health. Small everyday actions can boost mood and resilience.

💛 Ways to support your wellbeing:
• Stay connected – keep in touch with friends and family
• Be active – exercise releases feel-good chemicals
• Mind your mind – try mindfulness, meditation, or journaling
• Sleep well – good sleep supports emotional health
• Seek support – talking to a GP, counsellor, or mental health service can help if you’re struggling.

📌 Need extra support?
We have 2 PCN mental health practitioners that work with us here, if you’d like an appointment with one of them, please contact the surgery to book.

📌 When to speak to your GP:
• If you feel low, anxious, or stressed for more than a couple of weeks
• If it affects your daily life, work, or relationships
• If you need support managing long-term conditions that impact your mood
Small steps each day can improve happiness and wellbeing — and you don’t have to do it alone.

👉 More information: www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/

20/03/2026

🦷 World Oral Health Day 🦷
Healthy teeth and gums are vital for overall health, not just your smile! Regular care can prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other health issues.

• Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss or use interdental brushes daily to clean between teeth.
• Diet affects oral health, limit sugary foods and drinks.
• Poor oral health is linked to conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
📌 When to speak to your dentist or GP:
• If you experience bleeding gums, tooth pain, or loose teeth.
• If you notice persistent mouth ulcers or lumps.
• If you have bad breath that doesn’t improve with brushing.

💡 Tips for healthy teeth and gums:
• Replace your toothbrush every 3 months.
• Attend regular dental check-ups.
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol.
• Drink plenty of water.

Taking care of your mouth is an important part of your overall health.

👉 More information: www.nhs.uk/conditions/teeth-and-gums/

19/03/2026