Benchill Medical Practice

08/03/2026

🌸 Happy International Women’s Day! 🌸

Today, on International Women's Day, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women around the world. From leaders and innovators to caregivers and changemakers, women continue to shape our communities, businesses, and futures in powerful ways.

Let’s take this moment to honor the women who inspire us daily, uplift one another, and commit to creating a world where every woman and girl has equal opportunity to thrive.

Here’s to breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and building a future grounded in respect, equality, and empowerment.

💜 Tag a woman who inspires you and let her know how much she means to you!

05/03/2026

☀Do you know about some of the services available to us in our local area? ☀

Wythenshawe Children’s Centres and Crossacres Family Hub have four Children’s Centres across Wythenshawe, offering activities for parents to be and those with children under 5, antenatal and health visitor appointments, and an outreach service.

In addition, the Crossacres Family Hub offers this plus wider services to support parents and children up to age 19 (25 with SEND). Their ambition is to work together with local families to enable every child in Wythenshawe to have the best possible start in life and to support parents to achieve their goals.

The centres can be used by families who live in the M22 and M23 areas.

See below for updated timetables or visit their website
https://family-action.org.uk/services/wythenshawe-childrens-centres-manchester/

04/03/2026

04/03/2026

🌍 World Obesity Day – 4th March 🌍

Childhood obesity is rising rapidly, particularly among primary school–aged children. This can lead to long-term health risks including diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. Now is the time to take action.

On World Obesity Day, we’re supporting awareness and encouraging families to take small, positive steps towards healthier lifestyles.

💚 How you can help:
• Increase exercise – consider joining a club or sports team
• Get out for family walks to increase daily steps
• Choose snacks such as fruit and raw vegetables instead of processed foods
• Control portion sizes at meal times
• Aim for five portions of fruit and vegetables each day

This helpful guide from Bupa offers further advice for parents:
https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/childrens-health/overweight-children

We are also taking steps to reduce weight-related health risks in adults. If you are living with diabetes, hypertension, or both, you may be eligible for the NHS England online Digital Weight Management Programme:
https://www.england.nhs.uk/digital-weight-management/

If you would like support or advice, please contact the practice — we are here to help in a supportive and non-judgemental way

02/03/2026

🌸 Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month 🌸

This month, we’re raising awareness about ovarian cancer — a condition that affects thousands of women every year. Early diagnosis can make a significant difference, so knowing the symptoms is important.

💛 Common symptoms to look out for:
• Persistent bloating
• Feeling full quickly or loss of appetite
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Needing to wee more urgently or more often

These symptoms are often subtle and can be mistaken for other conditions — but if they are new, persistent, and happen most days for 3 weeks or more, please contact your GP.

Ovarian cancer can affect women of any age, but it is more common in those over 50 and in people with a family history of ovarian, breast, or related cancers.

If you’re worried about symptoms or would like to discuss your risk, please contact the practice to book an appointment. We’re here to listen and support you.

For more information, visit:
• https://ovarian.org.uk/
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ovarian-cancer/

Let’s work together to raise awareness and encourage early action. 💛

We're Ovarian Cancer Action, the UK's leading ovarian cancer research charity. We live and breathe this lifesaving ovarian cancer research. We fund more ovarian cancer research than any other UK gynaecological cancer charity. It’s how we’ve driven some of the biggest breakthroughs of the last 15...

26/02/2026

Measles Cases Are Rising – Is Your Child Protected?

Last year saw a significant increase in measles cases across the UK — the highest numbers recorded in decades. Measles is not just a childhood rash; it can lead to serious complications including pneumonia, meningitis, seizures and even blindness.

Vaccination remains the safest and most effective way to protect your child, your family, and the wider community.

We also want to highlight that the UK childhood vaccination schedule has recently been updated. Many children are now eligible for a vaccine that includes protection against chickenpox, alongside other serious infections.

If your child has missed any vaccinations, or if you’re unsure whether they are up to date, please contact the practice to arrange an appointment. Staying protected helps keep everyone safe.

For more information:
• UK Health Security Agency update on measles
https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/01/2...date-with-our-vaccines-to-protect-against-it/

• NHS – Vaccinations and when to have them
https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/nhs-vaccinations-and-when-to-have-them/

• NHS – Measles information
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles/

If you have any questions, our team is here to help.

25/02/2026

🧼 Wash Your Hands – Stop Norovirus in Its Tracks! 🦠

Cases of norovirus are on the rise, and one of the simplest, most powerful ways to protect yourself and others is proper handwashing.

Norovirus spreads very easily through:
✔️ Close contact with someone who’s infected
✔️ Contaminated surfaces
✔️ Food prepared by someone who hasn’t washed their hands properly

Alcohol hand sanitiser alone is not enough against norovirus. The best defence is washing your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds — especially:

🚻 After using the toilet
🍽️ Before eating or preparing food
🤒 After caring for someone who is unwell
🧽 After cleaning up sickness or diarrhoea

Good hand hygiene helps protect your family, friends, colleagues, and vulnerable people in our community.

It’s quick. It’s simple. It saves the spread.

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/best-way-to-wash-your-hands/

10/02/2026

🔒🌐 Safer Internet Day 🌐🔒

Safer Internet Day is a reminder for us all — especially children and young people — to use the internet in a way that is safe, positive, and supportive.

The online world can be a great place to learn, connect, and have fun, but it can also bring challenges such as cyberbullying, scams, privacy concerns, and exposure to harmful content. The most important thing we can do is keep talking 💬

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parents & carers:
Regular, open conversations about online experiences can really help children feel confident asking for support if something doesn’t feel right.

🧒👦 Young people:
If something online worries you, you’re not alone — help is available.

📌 UK support and advice:
🔹 NSPCC / O2 Online Safety – advice for parents & carers
🔹 Childline – free, confidential support for children & young people (24/7)
🔹 UK Safer Internet Centre – tips, resources, and reporting concerns
🔹 CEOP – report online grooming or sexual exploitation

If you’re concerned about a child or young person’s wellbeing linked to online activity, our practice team is here to listen and help.

09/02/2026

🌈 Today marks the start of Children’s Mental Health Week 🌈

This week is all about supporting children and young people to understand, express, and look after their mental health 💛

We’d love to get a conversation going with our little community:

👇 Tell us in the comments 👇
🧠 What’s one small thing that helps your child feel calm or happy?
🎨 A favourite activity after school?
🐕 Time with a pet?
📚 Reading together?
⚽ Getting outside and moving?

There’s no “right answer” — every child is different, and sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference.

If you’re worried about a child or young person’s emotional wellbeing, you’re not alone. Support is available, and our team is here to listen and help.

Let’s share ideas, support one another, and keep children’s mental health part of everyday conversation 💬💙

Place2Be's official Children's Mental Health Week exists to empower, equip and give a voice to all children and young people in the UK.

07/02/2026

💷 Struggling with the cost of living? You’re not alone. 💷

Many people are feeling the pressure right now — whether it’s food, energy bills, rent, or everyday essentials. If things are feeling tight, support is available, and it’s okay to reach out.

🔹 Help from the Government
There’s practical guidance and resources to help with managing money, bills, and everyday costs:
👉 https://www.gov.uk/cost-of-living/managing-money

🔹 Free, impartial money advice
MoneyHelper offers tailored advice based on your personal situation — whether you’re worried about debt, budgeting, or rising costs. Their support is free and confidential:
👉 https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/money-troubles/cost-of-living

🔹 Help with food
If you’re struggling to afford food for yourself or your family, foodbanks can provide emergency support and help connect you with other local services:
👉 https://www.trussell.org.uk/emergency-food/find-a-foodbank

Reaching out for help is a strength, not a failure. If you’re finding things difficult, please know support is there — and you don’t have to manage on your own 💙

Find out what support is available to help with the cost of living: income and disability benefits, bills and allowances, childcare, housing and travel.

06/02/2026

🟣 Female Ge***al Mutilation (FGM) Awareness 🟣

Female Ge***al Mutilation (FGM) is a harmful practice that affects millions of women and girls worldwide. It has no medical benefit and can cause serious physical and emotional harm. FGM is illegal in the UK and is a form of abuse.

We want our patients to know:
💜 Support is available
💜 You will be listened to and treated with respect
💜 You are not alone

If you or someone you care for has been affected by FGM, or if you are worried about a child who may be at risk, please speak to a healthcare professional. Our team can offer confidential advice, care, and support, and help you access specialist services.

Together, through awareness and conversation, we can help protect women and girls and support those affected.

https://www.gov.uk/female-genital-mutilation-help-advice

05/02/2026

💬 Time to Talk Day 💬

Today is Time to Talk Day, a reminder that talking about how we’re feeling can make a real difference. You don’t have to have the “right words” or a big problem to start a conversation — sometimes a simple check-in is enough.

So we’d love to know…

👉 What helps you open up when things feel tough?
Or
👉 What’s one small thing that supports your mental wellbeing?

By sharing and listening, we can help break down stigma and remind each other that no one has to face things alone 💙

Conversations are important for our mental health. Whether that’s a quick chat or something more meaningful, let’s make Time to Talk!
https://www.mind.org.uk/get-involved/time-to-talk-day/

If you’re struggling and need support, our team is here for you.

The next Time To Talk Day is on 5 February 2026. Download our resources, and find out how to start a life changing conversation about mental health.