Beacon Medical Group

16/12/2025

Here is some guidance from our Social Prescribing Team regarding support for food and warm spaces over the Christmas period throughout Ivybridge.

The Ivybridge foodbank is open as normal on Wednesday 17th December between 1 – 3pm. This is the last day for foodbank parcels before Christmas.

Ivybridge Foodbank will be closed on Wednesday 24th December and Wednesday 31st December. They reopen and are back to normal hours on Wednesday 7th January.

If any of our patients would like to be referred to Ivybridge Foodbank, please speak to one of our staff members to be referred to our Social Prescribing team. Alternatively, you can self-refer to our Social Prescribing team on our website: https://www.beaconmedicalgroup.nhs.uk/social-prescribing-self-referral-form/

All our welcome to join the community at St John’s Church Hall for a variety of events and activities going on throughout the festive season:

- Ivybridge Community Food Association, Coffee & More (Church Kitchen) is open every Tuesday 12-2pm for warm space café/light lunch by donation.
- Saving food waste/ affordable food £5 food shop at 1pm every Tuesday.
- The Community Fridge is available 24/7.

Let’s spread some holiday cheer and support each other this Christmas! If you know of any local places offering food, warm spaces, or community support over the festive season, please drop a comment below. Together, we can help create a network of kindness and keep the Christmas spirit alive for everyone.

15/12/2025

Millions of people are using the NHS App to manage their health the easy way, from ordering a prescription to checking their records.

Find out more about the NHS App ➡️ nhs.uk/app

15/12/2025

🌟 Beacon Medical Patients! 🌟

If you're eligible, don't miss out on your FREE flu vaccine! It's the best way to protect yourself ahead of the festive season and stay healthy this winter. Join the hundreds of Beacon Medical patients already getting vaccinated and stay strong all season long.

To find out more about the flu vaccine please click here https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/flu-vaccine/ or to book your appointment with us give your preferred health centre a ring.

Haven't had your seasonal flu vaccination yet? We have appointments tomorrow!

It's not to late to book your appointment. Please contact the surgery to book your appointment, we have availability across our sites at various dates and times.
For more information please speak to reception or visit our website: https://www.beaconmedicalgroup.nhs.uk/health-information/immunisations/covid-flu-vaccinations-2024-25/

15/12/2025

The festive season is a time for fun, family and celebrations - but it’s also easy for drinking habits to creep up. Being mindful can make all the difference to your health and safety.

🎄 Here’s how to keep things balanced:
👉 Tips for drinking sensibly this festive season: https://patient.info/features/healthy-living/how-to-drink-sensibly-over-the-festive-season
🚗 Check if alcohol or medication could affect your ability to drive safely: https://patient.info/doctor/primary-care/fitness-to-drive
💬 Need advice or support? The NHS has great resources: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-advice/alcohol-support/

Enjoy the celebrations — just do it safely and stay in control.

15/12/2025

Here is some guidance from our Social Prescribing Team regarding support for food and warm spaces over the Christmas period in and around Plympton.

Over the festive season the Plympton Foodbank is open as normal on Tuesday 23rd December (between 10am - 1pm).

They are closed on the following dates:
- Thursday 25th December
- Tuesday 30th December
- Thursday 01 January

Plympton Foodbank reopens on Monday 6th January back to normal hours.
If any of our patients would like to be referred to Plympton Foodbank, please speak to one of our staff members to be referred to our Social Prescribing team.

Alternatively, you can self-refer to our Social Prescribing team on our website:
https://www.beaconmedicalgroup.nhs.uk/social-prescribing-self-referral-form/

For warm spaces across Plymouth, visit this website to find the closet one to you:
https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/welcoming-spaces

Throughout this Christmas period the Rees Wellbeing Hub is open on the following dates:

- Monday 22nd December
- Tuesday 23rd December
- Wednesday 24th December
- Monday 29th December
- Tuesday 30th December
- Wednesday 31st December

Warm spaces at Rees Wellbeing Centre, where you can drop in all day, will be open on Saturday 27th December and Saturday 3rd January from 9am to 6pm.

Let’s spread some holiday cheer and support each other this Christmas! If you know of any local places offering food, warm spaces, or community support over the festive season, please drop a comment below. Together, we can help create a network of kindness and keep the Christmas spirit alive for everyone.

14/12/2025

Could you or someone you know benefit from support managing a long-term condition, Long COVID or upcoming joint surgery? 💜

The Hope Programme offers FREE online wellbeing support for people in the South West. New dates are now available!

📅 Choose from the following:

➡️ Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery
https://www.h4c.org.uk/courses-all/msk-151025

➡️ Long COVID Support
https://www.h4c.org.uk/courses-all/lc-221025

➡️ Living with a Long-Term Condition
https://www.h4c.org.uk/courses-all/ltc-221025

Find out more and sign up here:
🌐 https://www.h4c.org.uk/hpsw

14/12/2025

🔐 Logging into the NHS App – Without Photo ID
Don’t have a passport or driving licence? You can still set up the NHS App!
Just:
✔️ Download the app
✔️ Select “No ID” when asked
✔️ Follow the alternative steps — it may take a little longer, but help is available if needed
🔗 Full guidance here: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/

12/12/2025

As winter approaches, it’s more important than ever to take action to avoid slips and falls — especially for older adults. 👣❄️

Knowing the risks and making small changes can make a big difference. Check out these helpful guides:
👉 https://patient.info/signs-symptoms/dizziness/prevention-of-falls-in-the-elderly
👉 https://patient.info/features/general-health/step-to-take-this-winter-to-avoid-falls
👉 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/falls/

From improving lighting and removing trip hazards to building strength & balance, it’s all about staying steady and safe. Let’s keep moving with confidence this season. 💪🧤

11/12/2025

Simplify Your Repeat Prescriptions 💊

Running out of medication doesn’t have to be stressful. You can easily order your repeat prescriptions online, saving you time and hassle.
No queues, no phone calls – just a few simple clicks and your request is on its way to your GP.

Take a moment today to set it up and make managing your prescriptions one less thing to worry about.

11/12/2025

If you are eligible, join the millions of others who have had their free flu vaccine and make sure you get protected ahead of the festive season and stay strong this winter.

Find out more about the flu vaccine here: https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/flu-vaccine/

10/12/2025

Join the team!

If you are interested in this role and want to find out more to apply, please click the link below!

https://beta.jobs.nhs.uk/candidate/jobadvert/A1739-25-0036

10/12/2025

🧬💊 Keeping on top of your medicine cabinet and daily medications is more important than you might realise. From having the right medicines at home to organising your routine and checking expiry dates — it all matters.

Check these helpful guides:
👉 https://patient.info/treatment-medication/medicines-to-keep-at-home
👉 https://patient.info/features/treatment-medication/when-did-you-last-check-your-medicine-cabinet
👉 https://patient.info/features/treatment-medication/how-to-manage-your-medications-at-home

Staying organised means you’re ready, safer and more in control of your health. ✅