Leek and Biddulph PCN

17/11/2025

🦠💊 Antibiotics are powerful medicines - but they aren’t always the answer. Using them when they’re not needed can cause harm and make future infections harder to treat.

Here’s what you should know:
✔️ They only work against bacterial infections, not viruses like colds or flu.
✔️ Overuse is driving antibiotic‑resistance (“superbugs”) - which means common infections can become untreatable.
✔️ Do these things to help protect their effectiveness:
‑ Only take antibiotics when prescribed by a healthcare professional
‑ Complete the full course exactly as directed
‑ Never save antibiotics for later or share them with others

📚 Learn more here:
👉 https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/antibiotics/antibiotic-antimicrobial-resistance/
👉 https://patient.info/news-and-features/why-antibiotics-should-not-be-overused

14/11/2025

🩺🔍 Worried you could be at risk of type 2 diabetes? A few changes in your family history, lifestyle or symptoms might mean a lot.
Here’s what to keep in mind:

• 👪 Family history matters – If a parent, sibling or relative has diabetes, your own risk goes up.
• 🍔 Lifestyle factors count – Being overweight, inactive or having higher waist size can all raise risk.
• 🚩 Symptoms might be subtle – Increased thirst, tiredness or needing to wee more may be signs.
• 📊 Want to know your risk? Try this tool: https://riskscore.diabetes.org.uk/start
• 📖 More reading on what to expect and why this matters: https://patient.info/diabetes/diabetes-mellitus-leaflet

It doesn’t mean diabetes is inevitable - taking action now could make a real difference. 💪

12/11/2025

💡 Did You Know? 💡
Your PCN (Primary Care Network) has its very own First Contact Physiotherapists ready to help you with muscle, joint and movement problems — without needing to see a GP first!

👩‍⚕️ Meet Sabrina and 👨‍⚕️ Adam, our experienced PCN Physiotherapists.
They’re experts in assessing, diagnosing, and managing a wide range of musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions — such as back, neck, shoulder, knee, or joint pain.

💬 How to be referred:
You don’t need to wait for a GP appointment!
👉 You can ask your GP practice reception team for a First Contact Physio appointment, and they’ll book you directly with Sabrina or Adam.

🦵 How they help:
Our PCN Physiotherapists help reduce waiting times and ensure you get specialist advice quickly. They’ll:
✅ Assess your condition and provide a diagnosis
✅ Offer expert advice and exercises to help you recover
✅ Refer you for further treatment or imaging if needed
✅ Help you stay active and manage your condition safely

🩺 What to expect at your appointment:
Your physiotherapist will talk through your symptoms, examine your movement, and discuss the best plan to help you feel better — often without needing medication or scans.

💙 Working together for your wellbeing
Sabrina and Adam are part of our multidisciplinary PCN team, supporting patients and GPs by ensuring you get the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

12/11/2025

🥂✨ Not drinking? That’s a valid choice - and one worth celebrating.

is about creating a space where everyone feels comfortable with their own decisions, whether they drink or not.
Some people are cutting back for health, others are taking a break, and some simply don’t enjoy it - and that’s okay 💬🧃

👂 How can we be more supportive?
✔️ Respect someone’s choice without questioning it
✔️ Offer non-alcoholic options
✔️ Keep social events welcoming for everyone

Learn more from:
👉 https://alcoholchange.org.uk/get-involved/campaigns/stopsobershaming
👉 https://patient.info/news-and-features/what-not-to-say-to-someone-who-doesnt-drink-alcohol
👉 https://patient.info/news-and-features/is-sobriety-becoming-trendy

Let’s help make every setting inclusive, whatever’s in your glass 💚

10/11/2025

💙 It’s Anti‑Bullying Week 2025: Power for Good! Time to stand up, speak out, and build kinder communities 🌟

Bullying can happen anywhere: in schools, workplaces, online, even in organisations up and down the ladder. It affects everyone.

Here’s how we can make a difference together:
👫 Be an ally, not a bystander - if you see something, say something
🏫 In schools: encourage safe spaces, peer support, and open dialogue
💼 In workplaces & organisations: promote respect, zero tolerance, and clear reporting structures
🗣️ Share stories, challenge harmful behaviour, and support those who feel alone

Learn more and access resources:
👉 https://anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/
👉 https://www.acas.org.uk/discrimination-and-bullying

Let’s work together for environments where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued 💪

07/11/2025

🌟 Finding the Festive Season Difficult? You’re Not Alone. 🌟

If you’re struggling with grief this festive season, please know there’s a safe and understanding space for you. 💛

Join us at Biddulph Town Hall for a gentle, supportive gathering where you can talk, share, or simply just be. Whether your loss is recent or from years ago, our social prescribers and mental health practitioners are here to listen and support you.

✨ Free event — no booking required
☕ Light refreshments included
🏠 Biddulph Town Hall
📞 For any questions, call 01782 498480

Come as you are. All are welcome. 💐

07/11/2025

🌫️ Lung Cancer Awareness Month is here - and this year, we’re shining a light on the connections between lung health, coughs, and family cancer history.

A persistent cough might be dismissed as a cold or heart issue — but sometimes, it’s more than that. If it lingers, gets worse, or you have other symptoms, get it checked.

Key point: family history of cancer doesn’t only mean the same cancer you have. When your doctor asks, they mean any cancer your relatives have had. This information can help assess your risk and guide decisions.

📚 Learn more about cancer risk and genetics:
👉 https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/worried-about-cancer/causes-and-risk-factors/family-history-genetics-and-cancer-risk
👉 https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/inherited-cancer-genes-and-increased-cancer-risk/family-history-and-inherited-cancer-genes

Stay alert to changes, know your family history, and speak up for your lung health 💨

06/11/2025

📢 Winter Fuel Payment – Important Update for Winter 2025/26

From winter 2025/26, the Government will increase the level at which Winter Fuel Payments are means-tested in England and Wales, so that the vast majority of pensioners – around 9 million people – will benefit.

💷 Key points:
• All pensioners in England & Wales will receive the Winter Fuel Payment.
• For those not receiving Pension Credit or another means-tested benefit and with annual taxable income over £35,000, the payment will be recovered automatically by HMRC through income tax.
• Most payments are made automatically – there’s no need to claim.
• For those above the £35,000 threshold, recovery will happen automatically through PAYE or Self Assessment (if you already complete one).
• You do not need to register for Self Assessment unless you have other income to report, as normal.

🔗 More information:
Visit 👉 GOV.UK – Winter Fuel Payment: Eligibility

⚠️ Beware of Winter Fuel Payment Scams

🚫 The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has not sent any text messages or emails asking for bank details about Winter Fuel Payments.
✅ Most payments are made automatically – you do not need to provide any details or apply by text or email.

If you receive a suspicious message:
• 📲 Forward it to 7726 (free of charge) – you’ll get a reply confirming if it’s genuine.
• 🚫 Block the number and delete the message.
• ❌ Do not click on any links.

Stay safe and informed this winter. 💙https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/eligibility

Winter Fuel Payment helps older people with their heating bills - claim form, how much you get, eligibility

05/11/2025

🌿 We’re on Instagram! 🌿

We’re excited to announce that the Leek & Biddulph Primary Care Network (PCN) is now on Instagram! 🎉

Follow us 👉 https://www.instagram.com/leekandbiddulphpcn or Scan the QR Code below the latest updates on:
✨ Local health and wellbeing initiatives
👩‍⚕️ Information from our GP practices
🧠 Tips for staying healthy and supported in your community
🤝 Events, clinics, and partnership projects

Our goal is to keep you informed, connected, and involved in all the great things happening across Leek and Biddulph.

📱 Follow us today and be part of our community!

05/11/2025

🧠🌀 Feeling overwhelmed? Stress isn’t just “part of life” — it can affect your body, mind and behaviour in real ways.

Here’s what you might experience:
✔️ Physical: headaches, muscle tension, stomach issues, chest‑racing heartbeats
✔️ Mental: trouble concentrating, making decisions, constant worrying
✔️ Behavioural: irritability, sleep too much or too little, eating changes, pulling away from others

When stress becomes long‑term, it can lead to burnout — extreme exhaustion, cynicism, reduced performance.

You don’t have to cope with it alone.

👉 Learn more and find help:
https://ow.ly/NfLZ50XmxTk
https://ow.ly/Wr0x50XmxTn
https://ow.ly/mNCb50XmxTA

Take a pause. Talk it out. You matter. 💚

03/11/2025

🌟 It’s Occupational Therapy Week! 🌟
🗓️ 3rd – 9th November 2025

This week we’re celebrating Occupational Therapist Week — a time to recognise the incredible work OTs do to help people live life to the fullest every day 💚

Here at Leek and Biddulph PCN, we’re proud to have an amazing Occupational Therapy team:
👏 Vicky Jones, Liz Smith, and Jasha Lovell 👏

Our OTs support people to stay independent, manage daily challenges, and find practical ways to live well — whether at home, work, or in the community.

Please join us in saying a big THANK YOU to Vicky, Liz, and Jasha for their compassion, expertise, and dedication to improving lives across our community! 🌿

03/11/2025

🎇 Bonfire Night is here - and it’s a time for fun, but also for staying safe! 🔥 Before you light those fireworks and dig into all the good food, here’s what to watch out for:

🍗 Food Safety / Food Poisoning
• Don’t let food sit out too long - especially meats or salads
• Keep raw and cooked foods separate
• Store leftovers promptly at safe temperatures

🔥 Fire & Fireworks Safety
• Always follow firework instructions carefully
• Keep a safe distance
• Never relight a dud firework
• Always supervise children
• Have a bucket of water or hose nearby in case of fire
👉 Safety info:
https://ow.ly/b3YI50XjLhX
https://bonfire-night-safety.co.uk
https://www.firstaid.co.uk/fireworks-safety--first-aid/

🚑 First Aid for Firework Injuries
• Minor burns: cool under running water for 10+ minutes
• Seek medical help for deeper burns, wounds, or if you see smoke inhalation symptoms
• Use sterile dressings, don’t apply creams or adhesives until checked

Have a safe and happy Bonfire Night! 🎆