The Friarsgate Practice

13/04/2026

🌼 Spring COVID-19 Booster Vaccinations 🌼

We are now offering spring COVID-19 booster vaccines to those most at risk of serious illness.

You may be eligible if you are:
✔️ Aged 75 or over
✔️ A resident in a care home for older adults
✔️ Aged 6 months and over with a weakened immune system (we are currently only able to vaccinate those aged 18+)

Boosters help to keep your protection up to date and reduce the risk of severe illness.

If you are eligible, please book your appointment via the booking link you were sent, or by calling the surgery.

If you’re unsure whether you qualify, feel free to contact our team.

More information can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-vaccination-spring-booster-resources/a-guide-to-the-covid-19-spring-booster-2023

Let’s stay protected this spring 💙

12/04/2026

April is World Autism Acceptance Month 💙

At Friarsgate, we are proud to support and celebrate autistic individuals in our community. Autism is a spectrum, and every person’s experience is unique. This month is about moving beyond awareness to acceptance—recognising strengths, embracing differences, and promoting understanding.

We are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and accessible environment for all our patients. If you or a loved one have specific needs or require additional support during appointments, please let us know—we are here to help.

Let’s work together to build a more inclusive community.

11/04/2026

If you have run out of prescribed medicine and need some urgently, there are a few ways to get an emergency supply, including out of hours.
See https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions/emergency-prescriptions/ for more information ℹ️

10/04/2026

https://winchesteryouthcounselling.org/what-we-offer/wellbeing-walk-in/

Every week, Wi******er Youth Counselling has a free drop in for any Wi******er or Alresford young person aged 11-25 at South Downs Social (nr M&S & Brooks Centre)

Wednesday, 4-5pm. Free refreshments. Holidays too.

A fantastic resource for anyone under 25 who needs a friendly, trained, and supportive person to talk about: school, mates, family, parents, exams, holidays, relationships, college, university, stress, overwhelm, care support, bereavement, neurodiversity, endless scrolling on phone, gaming addiction etc nothing off limits, all there to listen - no judgement - but talk.

There is talk about opening a Alresford session one day, but still in planning stages now.

https://winchesteryouthcounselling.org/what-we-offer/wellbeing-walk-in/

10/04/2026

Why not join an event near you to find out all about your local special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support?

Discovery Days offer a welcoming space for families to explore the wide range of local services and support available. They provide the chance to speak directly with the teams who work with children and young people with SEND, helping families access timely information, early support, and meaningful connections within their community.

Families can expect:

• Opportunities to meet professionals from key SEND services
• Information stands from charities, providers, and community organisations
• General support and advice for children and young people aged 0 to 25
• Signposting to early help, assessment pathways, and inclusive activities
• A welcoming, relaxed environment where families can explore at their own pace

Come along to one of the events at:

- Lyndhurst Community Centre, 20 March, 2pm to 6pm
- Leigh Park Community Centre, Havant, 21 March, 10am to 1pm
- Andover Community Church, 26 March, 2pm to 6pm
- Farnborough Library, 14 April, 2.30pm to 6pm
- Hampshire County Council HQ, Wi******er, 20 April, 1pm to 5pm
- Xperience Youth Centre, Fareham, 28 April, 12pm to 4pm
- Gosport Discovery Centre, 30 April, 2.30pm to 6pm
- Alton Maltings Centre, 7 May, 2pm to 6pm
- Basingstoke Discovery Centre, Tuesday 12 May, 2pm to 6pm
- Pavilion on the Park, Eastleigh, 15 May, 2pm to 6pm
- Petersfield Festival Hall, 18 May, 2pm to 6pm

These events are brought to you by Hampshire County Council and the Hampshire Parent Carer Network.

To find more details on these events, or for further information on the Hampshire Local Offer, see the link in the comments.

09/04/2026

This Stress Awareness Month, get advice and tips on stress relief, and a personalised plan of self-care tips.

➡️ https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-health-issues/stress/

09/04/2026

08/04/2026

🐾 We’d like to raise awareness of the wonderful work done by The Cinnamon Trust 💛

The Cinnamon Trust is a national charity that supports older people and those with long-term illness by helping them care for their beloved pets. They offer services such as dog walking, fostering for pets during hospital stays, and long-term care planning if owners are no longer able to look after their animals.

We know how important pets are for companionship, wellbeing, and mental health. If you or someone you know could benefit from this support, or if you’re interested in volunteering, please consider reaching out to them.

📞 01736 757 900
🌐 www.cinnamon.org.uk 🐶🐱

08/04/2026

📢 April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month 💩

This month is all about raising awareness of bowel cancer and the importance of screening.
Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK—but screening can help detect it early, often before symptoms appear.
If you’re aged 50 to 74, you’ll automatically be sent an NHS bowel cancer screening kit (FIT kit) every 2 years. It’s quick, simple, and can be done in the privacy of your own home.
💡 The test checks for tiny traces of blood in your poo—an early sign that needs further investigation.
✔️ Finding cancer early makes it easier to treat and can save lives.
📬 When your kit arrives, don’t ignore it—complete it and send it back.
If you’re 75 or over, you can still request a free kit every 2 years.
🔎 Find out more:
https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/bowel-cancer-screening/
👉 If you notice symptoms like blood in your poo, a change in bowel habits, or unexplained weight loss, please contact the surgery—don’t wait for screening.

07/04/2026

🌍💙 World Health Day 2026 💙🌍

This year’s theme, “Together for health. Stand with science.” highlights how working together and using trusted science can protect the health of people, animals, and our planet.

Led by the World Health Organization, this global campaign celebrates the power of collaboration — turning evidence into action to improve health for everyone.

💡 Did you know?
• World Health Day is marked every year on 7th April
• It celebrates the founding of WHO in 1948
• 2026’s campaign promotes a “One Health” approach — recognising the link between human, animal and environmental health

If you’d like to know more, check out https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-health-day/2026

07/04/2026

📞 **Important Notice for Patients**

Following the Easter bank holiday weekend, our phone lines are expected to be busy.

We kindly ask for your patience while our team works through a high volume of calls. If your query is non-urgent, please consider:

* Using our online consultation service
* Calling later in the day when lines may be quieter

For **urgent medical concerns**, please continue to contact us as normal.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation 💙

03/04/2026

See: https://pcaso.mypsatests.org.uk/Events/?ac052958-d843-40d4-a9f1-e35df2047d2e for more information