Together First CIC

Together First CIC Federation of GP practices in barking & Dagenham which cares for more than 210.000 residents.

IBS Awareness Month highlights a common condition that can have a big impact on daily life. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IB...
13/04/2026

IBS Awareness Month highlights a common condition that can have a big impact on daily life.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects the digestive system and can cause a range of ongoing symptoms that may come and go.

Common symptoms include:
• Stomach pain or cramping, often relieved after going to the toilet 🤕✨
• Bloating and excessive wind 💨💙
• Diarrhoea, constipation or a mix of both 🚽⚠️
• Changes in bowel habits 📊🩺

Symptoms can often be triggered by stress, certain foods or lifestyle factors. Managing IBS may involve dietary changes, staying active, reducing stress and understanding your triggers. If symptoms are persistent or worsening, it’s important to speak to your GP to rule out other conditions. 💙🌿✨

Read NHS guidance on IBS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs/
Learn about digestive issues and when it could be something more serious: https://patient.info/features/digestive-health/could-your-digestive-issues-be-ibd

10/04/2026

Bowel Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder of how important screening is, even if you feel well.

The NHS bowel cancer screening programme is designed to detect cancer early, often before symptoms appear, when treatment is more effective and outcomes are better.

If you are aged 50 to 74, you will be sent a free home testing kit every 2 years. The test is simple to do and checks for tiny amounts of blood in your poo, which can be an early sign of bowel cancer.

Taking part in screening can:
• Detect cancer early, before symptoms develop 🩺✨
• Help prevent cancer by finding and removing polyps 💙🔍
• Improve survival rates and treatment outcomes 📊🌿

Even if you feel healthy, it’s important to complete your test when invited.

If you notice symptoms like changes in bowel habits, blood in your poo, ongoing tummy pain or unexplained weight loss, contact your GP. Early action can save lives. 💙🎗️✨

Learn more about bowel cancer screening: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/bowel-cancer-screening/

Stress Awareness Month is a time to recognise the signs of burnout and take steps to protect your mental wellbeing. Burn...
08/04/2026

Stress Awareness Month is a time to recognise the signs of burnout and take steps to protect your mental wellbeing.

Burnout can build up over time and may leave you feeling physically and emotionally exhausted, overwhelmed, less motivated or struggling to concentrate. Recognising the early signs and taking action can help prevent things from getting worse.

Common signs of burnout include:
• Constant tiredness or lack of energy 😴💤
• Feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope 😣💭
• Reduced motivation or productivity 📉💼
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions 🧠⚠️
• Changes in sleep or mood 🌙💙

Taking regular breaks, setting boundaries, speaking to someone you trust and seeking support can all help you manage stress more effectively. You are not alone, and help is available. 💙🌿✨

Learn more about burnout: https://mentalhealth-uk.org/burnout/
Read about the symptoms of burnout: https://patient.info/features/mental-health/what-are-the-symptoms-of-burnout

📢 Women aged 50–71 living in the Dagenham area are now being called for routine NHS breast screening.Screening appointme...
07/04/2026

📢 Women aged 50–71 living in the Dagenham area are now being called for routine NHS breast screening.

Screening appointments will be sent out when due. If an appointment needs to be changed, please call 020 3758 2024.

The mobile screening unit is located at:
📍 ASDA Dagenham Superstore, Merrielands Crescent, RM9 6SJ

💗 Don’t put it off - attending your breast screening appointment could save your life.

07/04/2026

World Health Day is a great time to highlight how digital access is making healthcare quicker and easier for patients. Our “Tap it, type it, we’ll take care of it” approach encourages patients to use online services like the NHS App, GP websites and online forms to get the help they need without waiting on the phone.

Using online access means you can:
• Contact your GP about a health problem quickly and easily 💻📱✨
• Submit requests at a time that suits you ⏰💙
• Get directed to the right care first time 🩺✅
• Help reduce phone lines for those who need them most ☎️💚

Online forms are simple to use and ensure your request is reviewed and prioritised appropriately by the practice team. Digital access helps improve efficiency, reduce waiting times and make care more accessible for everyone. 📲💙✨

Learn how to use an online form to contact your GP: https://ow.ly/QlJ950YB3xV

03/04/2026

Testicular Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder that knowing your body and checking regularly can make a real difference. Testicular cancer is most common in younger men, and early detection is highly treatable. There is nothing to feel embarrassed about when it comes to your health, and getting checked early can save lives. 💙🩺✨

How to check:
• Check yourself once a month, ideally after a warm shower or bath 🛁✨
• Gently roll each testicle between your fingers and thumb 🤲💙
• Get to know what feels normal for you 🧠✨

What to look out for:
• Any lumps or swelling 🩺⚠️
• Changes in size, shape or texture 📏✨
• A feeling of heaviness in the sc***um ⚖️💙
• A dull ache or discomfort in the lower abdomen or groin 🤕✨

If you notice anything unusual, speak to your GP. 💙🩺✨

Learn how to check yourself: https://ow.ly/I4mN50YAGeb
Read NHS guidance on symptoms and treatment: https://ow.ly/AJYf50YAGeh
Find support and information from Orchid: https://ow.ly/AiCy50YAGcL

Easter Bank Holiday Opening Hours 🐣Please take note of our adjusted opening hours for the upcoming Easter weekend.📍 Bark...
02/04/2026

Easter Bank Holiday Opening Hours 🐣

Please take note of our adjusted opening hours for the upcoming Easter weekend.

📍 Barking Hospital will be the only site open on:

Good Friday: 10:00 – 20:00

Easter Sunday: 10:00 – 20:00

Easter Monday: 10:00 – 20:00

📞 Phone Lines: Open 09:30 – 14:00 on these days.
🗓️ Saturday: Open as usual at all sites.

If you need medical assistance over the bank holiday, please plan accordingly. Wishing all our patients a happy and healthy Easter break!

It’s National Walking Day, the perfect reminder that moving more doesn’t have to be complicated. 🚶‍♀️💚✨A simple 10 minu...
02/04/2026

It’s National Walking Day, the perfect reminder that moving more doesn’t have to be complicated. 🚶‍♀️💚✨

A simple 10 minute brisk walk can boost your mood, improve heart health and increase energy levels. The NHS Active 10 app makes it easy to track your brisk walking, set goals and stay motivated wherever you are. Little steps really do add up to big health benefits. 🚶‍♂️💙🌿

Download the NHS Active 10 app on Android: https://ow.ly/OHBc50YAx1l
Download the NHS Active 10 app on Apple: https://ow.ly/xTIg50YAx1a

Did you know there are long-lasting contraception options that you don’t need to think about every day?Our pregnancy pre...
01/04/2026

Did you know there are long-lasting contraception options that you don’t need to think about every day?

Our pregnancy prevention service offers:
• Coil – works for up to 5 years
• Implant – works for up to 3 years

✔️ Free, safe and confidential
✔️ No daily pills
✔️ Can be removed at any time

📍 Available for patients aged 16+ registered with a Barking & Dagenham GP
📱 Scan the QR code to book a call with a GP and talk through your options

Take control of your reproductive health with a method that works for you.

Please note: These methods prevent pregnancy only and do not protect against STIs.

Good nutrition and hydration are essential for overall health, energy levels and how your body feels day to day. Eating ...
30/03/2026

Good nutrition and hydration are essential for overall health, energy levels and how your body feels day to day.

Eating a balanced diet with a variety of fruit, vegetables, wholegrains and protein helps fuel your body, while drinking enough water supports circulation, digestion and joint health. Hydration also plays a role in keeping connective tissues, including fascia, supple and functioning well. Small, realistic changes to your diet can make a big difference over time, and planning ahead is especially important during periods of fasting to maintain safe hydration and nutrient intake. 🥗💧💙✨

Explore NHS healthy eating advice: https://ow.ly/vjno50YzBne
Learn about water, drinks and hydration: https://ow.ly/ItmX50YzBnW
Read about making small healthy diet changes: https://ow.ly/sMiM50YzBny
Find guidance on fasting safely during Ramadan: https://ow.ly/OfAz50YzBo6

Don't forget! ⏰ The clocks go forward 1 hour this Sunday for Daylight Saving Time.If your clocks don't update automatica...
28/03/2026

Don't forget! ⏰

The clocks go forward 1 hour this Sunday for Daylight Saving Time.

If your clocks don't update automatically, remember to change them before going to bed on Saturday night.

A simple change, but an easy one to forget!

BMI stands for Body Mass Index. It is a simple calculation that uses your height and weight to estimate whether your wei...
27/03/2026

BMI stands for Body Mass Index. It is a simple calculation that uses your height and weight to estimate whether your weight is in a healthy range 📊

Knowing your BMI can help identify if you may be underweight, overweight or at risk of health conditions linked to weight, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.

While BMI is a useful starting point, it does not tell the whole story 👇
Waist measurement is also important, as carrying extra weight around your middle can increase your risk of health problems, even if your BMI falls within a healthy range.

Understanding both measurements can help you make informed choices about your health and seek support if needed 💙✨

Calculate your BMI:
https://ow.ly/eXw350YycBJ

Learn about waist measurement and type 2 diabetes risk:
https://ow.ly/3Rc350YycBb

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