Tonbridge Medical Group

23/11/2025

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, 25th November (may also be called White Ribbon Day)

Every ten minutes, a woman is killed. International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women raises awareness about all forms of violence against women. Wear orange as a bright and optimistic colour; this represents hope and a future free from violence against women and girls.

©2025 British Red Cross The British Red Cross Society, incorporated by Royal Charter 1908, is a charity registered in England and Wales (220949), Scotland (SC037738), Isle of Man (0752) and Jersey (430).

23/11/2025

Carers’ rights, 20th November

Carers Rights Day is about raising awareness of the rights that the UK’s 5.8 million unpaid carers are entitled to – to help them get the support they need and the recognition they deserve. This year, the theme is ‘Know your rights, use your rights’. As a carer, knowing your rights empowers you and helps you to reach the support you so need, to reduce the pressure when you’re caring for others.
https://www.carersuk.org/news-and-campaigns/our-campaigns/carers-rights-day/

Being a carer is hard. There are no set hours and you’re often caring for someone close to you.
Every day, 12,000 people become unpaid carers for a partner, family member or friend. They may not even view themselves as carers. But who looks after you when you’re looking after someone else? All carers deserve to understand their rights and be supported to use them if they wish. Discover more here: https://www.carersuk.org/news-and-campaigns/our-campaigns/carers-rights-day/

Carers Rights Day is about raising awareness of the rights the UK’s 5.8 million unpaid carers are entitled to, and to help them get the support they need and the recognition they deserve.

18/11/2025

Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week, 18th to 24th November

Not every illness needs antibiotics. Resistance to antibiotics is a growing concern, so help to preserve their efficacy for when they’re really needed!

Always take antibiotics as prescribed
Never miss a dose
Complete a course in full
Vaccinate yourself and your family
Keep antibiotics for when they’re really needed. You could save a life.

18/11/2025

Sugar Awareness Week, 17th to 23rd November

Did you know that nine in ten children, and four in five adults, in the UK are eating more sugar than recommended? This raises the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes and tooth decay – starting from childhood.

This week is all about raising awareness, making informed choices and calling for better food policies to support healthier lives.
(Factsheet here: https://www.actiononsugar.org/resources/ .en.488879)

This Sugar Awareness Week, the theme is ‘Cutting Through the Sweet Talk: What You See Isn’t What You Eat’, highlighting the importance of looking past marketing and packaging.

Terms such as ‘smart snacking’ can distract from the nutritional value of a food.

Always read the label
Swap sugary drinks for water
Choose whole, unprocessed snacks
Try the NHS food scanner to look into labels in more detail: https://www.nhs.uk/healthier-families/food-facts/nhs-food-scanner-app/

See healthier swaps and bring food labels to life with the NHS Food Scanner from Better Health. Click for download links or to find out more.

18/11/2025

National Self-Care Week, 17th to 23rd November

It’s Self-Care Week, and your annual reminder to set aside some time for you.

We’re living longer lives, but not necessarily healthier, with chronic conditions on the rise. Managing stress, well-being and physical health all contribute to a healthy mind and body.

Try some of these ideas:
https://nshcs.hee.nhs.uk/training-s...-handbook/self-care-ideas-to-get-you-started/

Demand for health services has risen significantly in recent years, with long-term conditions growing. Preventive health is key to a healthier future for both your mental and physical well-being, and self-care is at the heart of this.

Try these self-care ideas:

• Take a mindful walk
• Try meditation
• Set boundaries – it’s okay to say no
• Speak to someone if you’re struggling
• Do one thing that brings you joy

Self-care looks different for everyone – find what works for you.

The NSHCS has national responsibility for the management of the educational framework for training and development of healthcare scientists across more than 40 specialties in the NHS.

18/11/2025

UK Malnutrition Week, 17th to 23rd November

UK Malnutrition Week aims to increase understanding of the dangers, risk factors and signs of malnutrition and dehydration.
Malnutrition is a serious condition that happens when your diet doesn’t contain the right amount of nutrients, affecting millions of people in the UK. There are many factors contributing to this statistic – the rising cost of living, food and energy prices, and social isolation.

Find out how to access help and support.

Find out about treatments for malnutrition, including dietary changes and supplements, feeding tubes, and care and support services. Also, read about treating malnutrition in children.

18/11/2025

Transgender Awareness Week, 13th to 19th November, with Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) on 20th November

Trans Awareness Week helps to raise the visibility of transgender and gender non-conforming people, and addresses the issues the community faces.

Show you’re an ally with these few tips:

Respecting pronouns – use an individual’s chosen pronouns
Listening to trans voices – hear and validate
Learn – Spend time understanding more, such as s*x assigned at birth, gender identity, and gender expression
Read this guide on being a trans ally.

A national charity with LGBTQ+ health and wellbeing at the heart of everything we do.

02/11/2025

Anti-Bullying Week, 10th to 14th November

This year, the theme of Anti-Bullying Week is ‘Power for Good’.

Every year, bullying impacts on the lives of so many people, and silence means it carries on. Use your ‘Power for Good’ to speak up and raise awareness when you see bullying, face to face or online.

40% of children were bullied over the last year. Bullying can be in person or online, and includes physical, verbal, emotional and discriminatory behaviour (e.g., racist, homophobic, disability-related). Let’s use our ‘Power for Good’ and stop this harmful behaviour this Anti-Bullying Week.

Advice for parents and carers to help keep children safe from bullying, wherever it happens.

02/11/2025

Odd Socks Day, 10th November

To celebrate the start of Anti-Bullying Week, Odd Socks Day is held in many schools, and even in some workplaces! It’s all about celebrating what makes someone unique, showing how we are all different, and that acceptance is key!

Thousands of kids and adults will be wearing odd socks this week and there's a really good reason why!

02/11/2025

Social media kindness, 9th November

9th November, Social Media Kindness Day, is the annual reminder of the need to post thoughtfully all year round.

We understand that it can be difficult to get an appointment sometimes, or you may have to wait for a callback, but we’re doing our best to help you while under huge pressure. Our team are people too, and online posts left in frustrated haste can be hurtful.

If you’ve got a concern about any aspect of our service, please speak to the Practice Manager. We’re always happy to hear from you.

In a world where you can be anything, be kind!

02/11/2025

Mouth cancer awareness

Mouth (oral) cancer can start in any part of the mouth – most commonly, on the side of the tongue or the floor of the mouth. Early diagnosis saves lives.

Know the warning signs:

Mouth ulcer or sore that doesn’t heal after three weeks
Red or white patches in the mouth
Persistent mouth or tongue pain
Early detection changes lives. If you’re worried, make an appointment.

Mouth cancer is also known as oral cancer. The most common symptom is a mouth ulcer that does not heal in 3 weeks.

30/10/2025

Lung cancer awareness

Understanding the signs and symptoms of lung cancer can help with an early diagnosis. This useful video helps to explain the two types of lung cancer, exploring symptoms, testing, stages and treatment options. https://youtu.be/n6TE-Nkws6Q

Did you know lung cancer can affect anyone, not just smokers? This month is a great opportunity to raise awareness of this devastating disease and to help save lives. If you find that any of the following symptoms are affecting you, and last more than three weeks, make an appointment with your GP:

• Persistent cough
• Coughing up blood
• Chest pain or shortness of breath
• Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
• Repeated chest infections

Early detection saves lives.
https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer...lung-cancer/signs-and-symptoms-of-lung-cancer

The Macmillan Support Line offers confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones. If you need to talk, we’ll listen.