Newcastle North PCN

12/05/2026

💙 ME Awareness Week
This week is ME Awareness Week, an annual campaign dedicated to raising understanding of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), a complex, chronic disease that affects the nervous, immune and energy systems and causes profound, debilitating fatigue, cognitive difficulties and other long term symptoms.

ME/CFS affects hundreds of thousands of people in the UK, yet it is often misunderstood, under recognised and under researched. During ME Awareness Week, charities and campaigners work to educate the public, highlight the reality of living with this condition, reduce stigma and call for improved care, support and research.
While fatigue is a hallmark symptom, ME/CFS can also include post exertional malaise (worsening of symptoms after activity), sleep disturbances, pain and difficulties with memory and concentration, all of which can have a profound impact on daily life.
You can help raise awareness by sharing facts, supporting people in your community, wearing blue, and learning more about the challenges faced by those living with ME/CFS.
Awareness can lead to earlier recognition, better clinical support and stronger advocacy for research and services.

👉 Learn more about the campaign and how to get involved: https://meassociation.org.uk/information/campaigns/me-awareness-week/

12/05/2026

💙 International Nurses Day
Today we celebrate International Nurses Day, a day dedicated to recognising the incredible work of nurses across the world — and especially our NHS nurses who care for patients every day in hospitals, GP surgeries, community settings, and beyond.

Nurses are at the heart of the NHS, providing clinical expertise, compassionate care, and vital support to patients of all ages. They play a key role in promoting health, preventing illness, supporting recovery, and improving wellbeing.

Did you know?
• There are over 700,000 registered nurses and midwives in the UK, with thousands working in primary care and community health.
• NHS nurses deliver care that ranges from routine check-ups and vaccinations to specialist care for complex conditions, supporting patients and families every step of the way.
• Their work is essential to patient safety, health outcomes, and keeping the NHS running every day.

On this day, we want to thank all NHS nurses for their dedication, resilience, and compassion, especially after the challenges of recent years. Your work saves lives and strengthens communities across the country.

💡 How you can show appreciation:
• Say thank you to a nurse in your life or community.
• Support local NHS initiatives and campaigns.
• Share posts celebrating nurses on social media to raise awareness of their vital work.

Let’s take a moment today to honour and thank our NHS nurses for everything they do. 💙

11/05/2026

Looking after your health isn’t just about willpower, it’s about understanding what your body is going through 💚

This Mental Health Awareness Week, our PCN Dietitian, Carrie Eckersley, shares an important reminder: stress doesn’t just affect how we feel, it can impact our appetite, digestion, sleep, energy and more.
Take a moment to read Carrie’s blog below and learn how understanding your body can be the first step towards feeling better.

If you’ve ever felt like:
• You know what to do, but can’t stick to it.
• Your symptoms flare up without warning.
• You’re constantly tired or low on energy.

You’re not alone, and it’s not a personal failure.

When our bodies are under stress, even day-to-day pressure, they prioritise getting through the moment rather than long-term health. That’s why small, realistic steps can make the biggest difference.

✨ Eating regularly.
✨ Getting outside for fresh air.
✨ Prioritising rest and sleep.
✨ Letting go of 'perfect'.

These simple foundations can help support both your physical and mental wellbeing.
If you feel you need extra support with your nutrition, weight or gut health, speak to your GP practice about available services.

See more of our PCN team blogs here: https://www.newcastlenorthpcn.nhs.uk/pcn-blogs/

11/05/2026

❤️ Looking after your heart matters!
We’re supporting Chesterton Surgery spread the word about this local free heart check event this week at The Salvation Army, Chesterton, open to those aged 45+ who are not on a Heart Failure register.

👇 Take a look below for details and help us spread the word.

🫀 FREE Heart Check Event 🫀
Looking after your heart starts here ❤️
Are you over 45 and not currently on a Heart Failure register? This event is for you!

📅 Thursday 14th May 2026
⏰ 10:00am – 2:00pm
📍 Chesterton Salvation Army, Sandford Street, Brick Kiln Lane, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 7FA

No need to book, just drop in on the day if you fit the criteria (please be prepared to wait).

💡 What to expect:
• Blood pressure, heart rate & rhythm checks.
• Support from NHS staff and the Pumping Marvellous charity.
• Helpful information to support your heart health.

❗ Who is this for?
• Aged 40+.
• Not on a Heart Failure register.
• No heart attack in the last 6 months.

If you’ve been feeling breathless, unusually tired, or noticed swollen ankles, it’s worth getting checked.

⚠️ Please note: parking is limited at the venue.

11/05/2026

🚨This Week is 'Stop Loan Sharks' Week 🚨
We are supporting the campaign to raise awareness of illegal money lending and how it affects individuals, families and communities.

Loan sharks often seem friendly at first, offering quick cash with no paperwork. But this can quickly turn into pressure, intimidation and serious harm to your wellbeing.

💬 You are not alone, and help is available.
If you or someone you know has been affected by an illegal lender, free and confidential support is here:

📞 Call: 0300 555 2222
🌐 Visit: www.stoploansharks.co.uk

Illegal lenders rely on fear and silence, but with the right support, people can take back control.

11/05/2026

🧠 Mental Health Awareness Week
This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, led by the Mental Health Foundation, aimed at raising awareness of mental wellbeing and encouraging action to support mental health for everyone in the UK. Mental health affects us all, one in four people will experience a mental health problem each year, and early support can make a huge difference.

Why it matters?
• Early action is key: Recognising signs of stress, anxiety, or low mood can help prevent problems from escalating.
• Mental and physical health are connected: Poor mental health can affect sleep, energy, and the risk of long-term conditions, while staying active and connected improves overall wellbeing.
• Support is available: NHS mental health services, local support groups, and charity helplines provide confidential help for anyone struggling.

🌐For urgent help, visit: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/where-to-get-urgent-help-for-mental-health/
🌐For NHS Talking Therapies where you can self-refer for help, visit: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/talking-therapies/

How to help your own mental health?
• Try keeping a daily journal to track mood and triggers.
• Practice mindfulness or breathing exercises to reduce stress.
• Reach out early, even short conversations with a GP, nurse, or mental health professional can help.

Mental Health Awareness Week is a reminder that taking small steps to support yourself and others can have a big impact on wellbeing.

Learn more about this campaign here: https://mentalhealth-uk.org/

10/05/2026

This May, we’re myth busting!
Our PCN Dietitian, Carrie, has created a series of short blogs to help answer common nutrition questions.
Check out today’s post below — more coming soon!

08/05/2026

🚑 Need quick medical advice but it’s not an emergency? NHS 111 can help!
If you need urgent care but it’s not life-threatening, NHS 111 is your first stop for advice, guidance, and support. They can help you understand your symptoms, manage your health at home, or direct you to the right service nearby.

💡 How NHS 111 works?
• Online symptom checker: Answer simple questions and get advice on the right care for you.
• Self-care guidance: Learn how to manage minor health issues or use medications safely at home.
• Find the right appointment: NHS 111 can help you access a GP, pharmacy, or urgent treatment centre quickly.
• Speak to a clinician: If needed, NHS 111 can connect you to a nurse, doctor, or paramedic for further guidance.

⚠️ Important: NHS 111 is for urgent concerns that are not life-threatening. If it is an emergency, always call 999.

🔗 Use NHS 111 online or find out more: https://111.nhs.uk/

💙 Stay informed, get the right care, and look after your health, quickly and safely!

08/05/2026

💌Invitation to all over 50's💌
Come along to the Young at Heart group filled with singing, dancing, laughter with lots of fun & reminiscing!
📍Where? Wilbraham House, 42a Church Street, Audley, ST7 8DE
📅When? Every first Thursday of the month.

Why not come along? For more information call/text us on 07467 062139, email: alexandrabaines@fatherhudsons.org.uk

Or visit: www.fatherhudsons.org.uk/older-people/young-at-heart

07/05/2026

🧡 Hepatitis Awareness Month 🧡
Hepatitis can affect the liver silently for years, which is why awareness really matters.

There are several types of viral hepatitis, and some can be prevented through vaccination or reduced risk exposure. Others can be effectively managed when found early.

🔎 Did you know?
Many people with hepatitis don’t notice symptoms straight away.
That’s why testing is important if you think you could be at risk, even if you feel well.
If left untreated, hepatitis can lead to serious long-term liver damage, but early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes.
If you’re unsure whether you should be tested or vaccinated, our team is here to help and advice.

💬 Speak to your GP if you have concerns, confidential support is always available!

07/05/2026

💚 Cervical Screening Saves Lives! 💡
If you have a cervix, regular cervical screening is one of the most important ways to protect your health: Cervical screening is generally offered every 5 years for women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64.

Cervical screening checks for early changes in the cervix, including high-risk HPV (Human Papillomavirus), which can lead to cervical cancer. Early detection means problems can be treated before they become serious.

🩺 Why attend your screening?
• Detect HPV that may cause cervical cancer
• Identify early changes that can be treated quickly
• Quick, simple, and can make a huge difference to your long-term health.

If you’ve been invited, don’t delay, attending is a proactive step for your wellbeing.
Your GP surgery can offer evening and weekend appointments, please contact them directly to find out more.

🔗 Learn more about cervical screening and what to expect: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening/