Primary Healthcare Darlington

14/11/2025

World Diabetes Day, 14th November

Seven in ten people of working age are living with diabetes. The workplace can present many challenges to manage this condition. This World Diabetes Day, it’s a new opportunity for inclusivity and change at work.

13/11/2025

Movember

Movember is here to change the face of men’s health. Too many men are dying before their time, and growing a moustache in November is a conversation starter for those difficult topics that could save lives. https://uk.movember.com/?home

*Trigger warning*

Did you know that in the UK, three out of four suicides are by men? This has to change. This month is a time to focus on men’s mental health, prevention and health promotion.

Have you noticed a friend’s change in mood? Maybe they’re not around as much, or they’re going through life changes? Reaching out can make all the difference. https://uk.movember.com/men-s-health/spot-the-signs

11/11/2025

Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

Light up your life with purple on 20th November 2025 to commemorate World Pancreatic Cancer Day. Whether you or someone close to you, or you simply show support for the cause, taking part in Purple Lights for pancreatic cancer helps to raise awareness of this devastating disease. https://purplelightsuk.org/

Pancreatic cancer often causes no symptoms in the early stages. When symptoms do appear, they’re the same in men and women and often vague or intermittent. This can mean it’s sometimes missed. Understanding and knowing the symptoms to look out for can help with early diagnosis, which results in improved outcomes.

Look out for:
• Unexplained upper abdominal pain
• Sudden weight loss or loss of appetite
• Indigestion, bloating or early fullness after small meals
• Nausea or vomiting, especially after fatty foods
• Fatigue or general weakness
If you’re worried, please make an appointment via our online request form.
https://www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk/information/signs-and-symptoms-of-pancreatic-cancer/

Tip: Find some great symptom-related resources here: https://shop.pancreaticcancer.org.uk/collections/symptoms-awareness

29/10/2025

World Stroke Day, 29th October

Every day in the UK, 240 people have a stroke. You can reduce your risk by cutting out smoking, limiting alcohol intake, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and getting regular physical activity to maintain a healthy weight and blood pressure. https://www.stroke.org.uk/world-stroke-day

One in four people will have a stroke in their lifetime; do you know the warning signs? Every second counts. A stroke can happen to anyone, at any age – but quick action saves lives.

F – Face drooping
A – Arm weakness
S – Speech difficulty
T – Time to call 999

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stroke/causes/

Join us on World Stroke Day (29 October 2025) as we focus on the extraordinary people making a difference to people's stroke recovery journeys.

20/10/2025

World Osteoporosis Day, 20th October

Osteoporosis affects over 500 million people worldwide yet it remains severely underdiagnosed and undertreated – especially among those who have already sustained fragility fractures. Now is the time to ‘Take Action on Bones’. Look out for the signs, and if you’re concerned, do ask your doctor. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/osteoporosis/

If you have osteoporosis, treatments can include medication to strengthen your bones. You can also help to manage your condition with lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, including weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening activities, along with a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D or supplements, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/osteoporosis/treatment/

Find out about osteoporosis, a health condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break. There is also information on osteopenia, the stage of bone loss before osteoporosis, and how to stop it becoming osteoporosis.

18/10/2025

World Menopause Day, 18th October

World Menopause Day is here. We’re raising awareness of the menopause and its associated health issues as well as the support available to improve wellbeing. Focusing this year on ‘Lifestyle Medicine’, we’re considering how nutrition, exercise, sleep and managing stress can help manage perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/things-you-can-do/

Menopause can be incredibly challenging, and it’s often misunderstood or overlooked. Symptoms can include hot flushes, brain fog, mood changes, sleep disruption and anxiety which can significantly impact on daily life, work and relationships. Support, a healthy lifestyle and options of medication can help, but for many there are still unpredictable impacts. If you’re concerned or need additional support, please do contact your healthcare practitioner.
https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/womens-health/later-years-around-50-years-and-over/menopause-and-post-menopause-health/treating-menopause-symptoms/

Find out what you can do to help reduce menopause and perimenopause symptoms, including how to stay healthy and how to ease hot flushes.

17/10/2025

Celebrating 3 Years of the Health & Wellbeing Service at PHD

What is the Health and Wellbeing Service?
Health and wellbeing coaches support people to increase their ability to self-manage motivation levels and commitment to change their lifestyle. They are experts in behaviour change and focus on improving health related outcomes by working with people to set personalised goals and change their behaviours.

We are pleased to say that we are expanding the services with more health coaches joining the team.

16/10/2025

National Adoption Week, 16th - 22nd October

During National Adoption Week, we’re celebrating every kind of adoption journey – because every family is different. We’re also celebrating the people who make those journeys possible, from birth families and social workers to adoptive parents and adopted individuals themselves. https://www.youcanadopt.co.uk/

There’s an urgent need for adopters in the UK, with children all over searching for the loving home that will change their lives. There are many myths around adoption but provided you can offer a safe, secure home, you should be eligible to adopt. Start the journey to a make a difference to a child’s life today. https://www.youcanadopt.co.uk/

Most people have the qualities to be a great parent. Adoption is the chance to change a child's life for the better.

14/10/2025

ADHD Awareness Month

This year, we’re talking about the ‘Many faces of ADHD’. Myths about ADHD are harmful and can perpetuate stigma and pain, so during ADHD Awareness Month, it’s the ideal time to share the facts. https://www.adhdawarenessmonth.org/myths-and-facts-about-adhd/

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions, affecting people of all ages. Yet despite how common it is, ADHD is still widely misunderstood.

ADHD affects focus, emotional regulation, memory, motivation, time management and more. It shows up differently in everyone across age groups and genders. With better understanding comes better support. https://www.adhdawarenessmonth.org/

Myths about ADHD are harmful stories that perpetuate stigma and pain. 12 myths and the facts about them.

13/10/2025

OCD Awareness Week, 12th - 18th October

OCD Awareness Week aims to break the stigma around Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. This disorder affects 1 in 50 people in the UK and can become all-encompassing, causing huge stress to sufferers and their families and friends. With the right support, OCD can be managed. If you’re worried, reach out to a healthcare professional.

THE UK'S LARGEST OCD CHARITY. We provide support and information to anybody affected by OCD. You are not alone - reach out for support today.

11/10/2025

National Coming Out Day, 11th October

National Coming Out Day is observed annually to celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community. This day is vital, highlighting the importance of coming out, challenging biases and promoting acceptance.

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

10/10/2025

World Mental Health Day, 10th October

World Mental Health Day marks the day we recognise and raise awareness of mental health issues. This year, the theme is to fight for mental health every day. Mental health issues don’t take a day off; they affect people every single day of their lives. It’s time to ‘fight for mental health’, today and every day. https://www.mind.org.uk/get-involved/world-mental-health-day/

Mental health doesn’t take a day off. Fight for mental health today, for a brighter future. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lA2oz3nqs5M&t=2s

World Mental Health Day is on 10 October 2025. Find out how to take part and raise awareness of mental health.