The Barcellos Family Practice

04/01/2026

🌿 Wellness Day at Verwood House 🌿
A day dedicated to nourishing your mind, body, and soul.
Please let them know if you are coming by calling 01202 812250 or email: Verwood.rec@hamberleycarehomes.co.uk

✨ Refresh & Recharge at Verwood House ✨
Verwood House Care Home invite you to treat yourself to a day of pampering and peace.
Join them on Tuesday, 13th January, for a dedicated Wellness Day focused on your mind, body, and soul. Led by holistic therapist, Sandra, they offer a lineup of sessions to help you find your zen:
Schedule Highlights:
• 10:00am: Hand & Foot Massages 👐
• 11:00am: Chair Yoga & Tibetan Bowl Meditation 🧘
• 2:30pm: Healing Sun Gong Bath ☀️
Their Mindfulness Lounge will also be open all day, offering breathwork, reflexology intros, aromatherapy, and gentle relaxation activities.
📍 Where: Verwood House, 42-44 Ringwood Road, BH31 7AH 📞 RSVP: 01202 812 250 📧 Email: Verwood.rec@hamberleycarehomes.co.uk

03/01/2026

Please contact lydia.harvey@dorsetcommunityaction.org.uk to reserve your place or for more info. Spaces are limited, so availability will be first-come, first-served.

Our colleagues at Dorset Community Action are working with The Centre Ferndown and Seed2Plate to deliver a FREE 12-session course on self-care and wellbeing. Sessions will include guided meditation, mindfulness activities, discussions on healthy eating, time spent connecting with nature, and more.

Spaces are limited, so availability will be first-come, first-served. Please contact lydia.harvey@dorsetcommunityaction.org.uk to reserve your place or for more info.

31/12/2025

Update - Cold Health Alert❄️
The Amber Cold Health Alert has been extended and increased for our region. This alert is in place from 8pm tonight until 10am on Tuesday, 6 January.

Find out more here>> https://tinyurl.com/55fbe9fr

While it’s going to be very cold, there are a few simple things you can do to stay comfortable:

✅Stock up: Make sure you have enough food and any necessary medicines so you don't have to head out in the peak of the cold.
✅Keep the heat in: Check for draughts around doors and windows to keep your home nice and toasty.
✅Check-in: A quick call or text to neighbours or loved ones can make a big difference.

Stay safe and keep that kettle on! ☕🧣

29/12/2025

Patient feedback is vital in helping University Hospitals Dorset ensure their new services meet the needs of residents. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts in their online survey here:
👇
https://tinyurl.com/4h37cc8k

Help shape the future of your local healthcare! 🏥✨
University Hospitals Dorset is currently implementing a £500m transformation across its sites. This move is part of a wider plan to make Royal Bournemouth a major emergency site, while Poole Hospital evolves into a specialist centre for planned surgeries and care.

UHD wants to hear from you! 🗣️ Your feedback is vital in helping us ensure these new services meet the needs of residents. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts in our online survey here:
👇
https://tinyurl.com/4h37cc8k

29/12/2025

Ferndown Library is hosting an exclusive National Year of Reading event - a talk by Clare from Bourne Dyslexia on supporting a child with dyslexia.
📅24 January 2026
⏰10:30 - 11:30
💰 Free

To book a place, visit their Eventbrite page here>>
👇
https://orlo.uk/CouVl

Join us on 24 January from 10:30 - 11:30 for an exclusive National Year of Reading event.

We are very excited to have Clare from Bourne Dyslexia coming in to give a talk on how to support a child with dyslexia. All ages are welcome!

As well as answering any questions you may have, Clare will also be talking about:
- What is Dyslexia, common characteristic
- Dyslexia in relation to reading
- Strategies for reluctant reading
- Practical support (exam access arrangements and university)

Want to save your space? Use our Eventbrite page to make sure you have a ticket:
https://orlo.uk/J7w6O

We look forward to seeing you there!
- Ferndown Library Team

28/12/2025

A Yellow Cold-Health Alert means cold weather will primarily affect people over the age of 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions such as respiratory or cardiovascular diseases. Read the reminder of ways to stay safe in the cold ❄️
👇👇👇

️⚠ Yellow cold-health alert ⚠
The Met Office and UK Health Security Agency have issued a yellow cold-health alert for the South West.

❄️ The cold-health alert is between 8pm on Sunday, 28 December 2025 and 12pm (midday) on Monday, 5 January 2026 ❄️

A Yellow Cold-Health Alert means cold weather will primarily affect people over the age of 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions such as respiratory or cardiovascular diseases, but may also impact younger age groups too.

Here’s a reminder of ways to stay safe in the cold:
🥾 If going outside, make sure you dress appropriately. Wear shoes with a good grip when you go outside to avoid slips and falls on slippery or icy surfaces.
🧤Make sure that you stay warm, eat well and stay hydrated.
🌡️ If indoors, keep bedroom windows closed. Heat the rooms you spend most time in to 18°C, if possible, and wear multiple layers of thinner clothing.
🛋️ When you’re indoors, try not to sit still for more than an hour or so. If you find it difficult to move about, stretching your arms and legs can also help keep you warm.
💊 If there is anyone you know who might be at special risk, for example, an older person living on their own, make sure they know what to do to stay warm and are well stocked with food and medications.

Are you or someone you know struggling financially, feeling isolated, caring for someone else, or living with a long-term health condition? Find practical help on our Winter Wellness page here>>

https://communityswitch.org/cost-of-living-help/

If you need urgent medical help, please contact your GP practice, NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency.

21/12/2025

🎄💊 Local festive pharmacy opening hours 💊🎄

18/12/2025

# # Christmas isn't easy for everyone.
If you find yourself struggling over the festive period, you are not alone. When we are closed, these organisations are here to listen and support you.

# # Christmas isn't easy for everyone.
If you find yourself struggling over the festive period, you are not alone. While your GP surgery is closed, these organisations are here to listen and support you.

Available on Christmas & Boxing Day

🟢Open 24 Hours
Alcoholics Anonymous: Phone 0800 917 7650
https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/

ChildLine: Phone 0800 1111
https://www.childline.org.uk/Pages/Home.aspx

Combat Stress: Phone 0800 138 1619 Text 07537 173 683
https://combatstress.org.uk/

Connection 24/7 Phoneline for Dorset: 0800 652 0190

Papyrus (su***de prevention): 0800 068 4141
http://www.papyrus-uk.org/

Refuge (National Domestic Abuse Helpline): Phone 0808 200 0247
https://refuge.org.uk/

Samaritans: Phone 116 123
https://www.samaritans.org/

SHOUT: Text 85258
https://giveusashout.org/get-help/

🟡 Open (Specific Hours)
Beat (eating disorders): Phone 0808 801 0677 (3 pm to 8 pm)
https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/

CALM (su***de prevention): Phone 0800 585858 (5 pm to Midnight)
https://www.thecalmzone.net/

Mind (National): Phone 0300 123 1234 (9 am to 6 pm)
https://www.mind.org.uk/

Switchboard LGBT: Phone 0800 011 9100 (10 am to 10 pm)
https://switchboard.lgbt/

The Mix (young people): Phone 0808 808 4994 – (11 am to 11 pm)
https://www.themix.org.uk/

For support organisations at Christmas and throughout the year, visit www.communityswitch.org

17/12/2025

Please note that our surgeries will be closed on
• Thursday 25th December
• Friday 26th December
• Thursday 1st January
Visit our opening hours page to learn what to do if you feel unwell on days we are closed.
⬇️
https://www.barcellosfamilypractice.co.uk/opening-hours

15/12/2025

🎄 Festive Reminder 🎄

Please order repeat prescriptions early to avoid delays over the Christmas & New Year bank holidays. 💊
GP practices and pharmacies will have reduced opening days.

Thank you for planning ahead and staying well ✨

The quickest way is to order online>>
https://www.barcellosfamilypractice.co.uk/prescriptions

Christmas is right around the corner 🎄

Remember to order prescriptions early to avoid delays in getting your medicines over the bank holidays.

Order online through the NHS App or your GP surgery website.

08/12/2025

If you have flu, there are some things you can do to help get better more quickly. Flu will often get better on its own, but it can make some people seriously ill. It's essential to get the flu vaccine if you're eligible. If you do catch flu, there are some things you can do to help get better more quickly. Learn more on the NHS website here>>
➡️ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/flu/