Chet Valley Medical Practice

29/12/2025

🛡️👶 Safeguarding children and adults is something we all need to be aware of. If you’re worried about someone’s safety, start with clear, trusted information:

👉 https://patient.info/features/mental-health/safeguarding-adults-leaflet/safeguarding-children
👉 https://www.childline.org.uk/

For young people, support is just a phone call away: free and confidential via Childline at 0800 1111. https://www.childline.org.uk/get-support/contacting-childline/

Together we can help keep everyone safe. 🤝

26/12/2025

📞💙 Not sure whether you need to see a doctor, visit A&E, or get advice at home? NHS 111 is here to help — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 🕒✨

If it’s not an emergency but you need medical help or advice, you can:
👉 Call 111 to speak with a trained adviser 🗣️
👉 Go online for quick guidance: https://111.nhs.uk/ 💻

They can tell you what to do next, whether that’s self-care at home, a pharmacist visit, or an urgent appointment. Stay informed and confident about your care. 💪🌿

24/12/2025

💚 Support is always available – you are not alone 💚

The festive season can be a difficult time for many people. Whether you’re struggling with your mental health, money worries, loneliness, bereavement or family challenges - there is help available 24/7.

Below are national helplines offering free, confidential advice and someone to talk to this winter ⬇️

Samaritans – 24/7 listening support
📞 116 123 (free) | ✉️ jo@samaritans.org | 🌐 samaritans.org

Shout – 24/7 crisis text support
💬 Text SHOUT to 85258 | 🌐 giveusashout.org

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – su***de prevention and support
📞 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight daily) | 🌐 thecalmzone.net

Combat Stress – support for veterans
📞 0800 1381 619 (24/7) | 🌐 combatstress.org.uk

The Compassionate Friends – for bereaved families
📞 0345 123 2304 (10am–4pm & 7–10pm daily) | 🌐 tcf.org.uk

Cruse Bereavement Support – help after a loss
📞 0808 808 1677 | 🌐 cruse.org.uk

Survivors of Bereavement by Su***de (SOBS)
📞 0300 111 5065 | ✉️ support@uksobs.org | 🌐 uk-sobs.org.uk

Age UK (England)
📞 0800 678 1602 (8am–7pm daily) | 🌐 ageuk.org.uk

The Silver Line – for anyone aged 55+
📞 0800 4 70 80 90 (24/7) | 🌐 thesilverline.org.uk

Beat Eating Disorders

📞 0808 801 0677 (England) | 📞 0808 801 0433 (Wales)
🕒 Mon–Fri, 3pm–8pm | 🌐 beateatingdisorders.org.uk

National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Refuge)
📞 0808 2000 247 (24/7) | 🌐 nationaldahelpline.org.uk

Men’s Advice Line
📞 0808 801 0327 (Mon–Fri, 10am–5pm) | 🌐 mensadviceline.org.uk

LGBT Foundation
📞 0345 3 30 30 30 | 🌐 lgbt.foundation
🕒 10am–10pm, every day

The Trussell Trust (Foodbanks)
📞 0808 208 2138 | 🌐 trusselltrust.org

NHS 111 (England) – urgent mental health or medical advice
📞 111 | Text relay: 18001 111 | 🌐 111.nhs.uk

Please share this post to help others find the right support this winter.

💚 No one should face things alone — help is just a call or message away.

22/12/2025

22/12/2025

💊⌛️ Run out of your regular prescription and can’t get to your GP? Don’t worry — help is at hand! 🙌

You can request an emergency supply of your usual medication through the NHS 111 online service. It’s quick, secure and available when you need it most. 🌐💙

👉 https://111.nhs.uk/emergency-prescription

This service is ideal if you’ve completely run out of a regular medicine and can’t wait for a routine prescription. Always double-check with your pharmacist if you’re unsure. 🩺✨

19/12/2025

If you get poorly, and need antibiotics you expect them to work
but antibiotic-resistant infections are becoming more common
and if you get one it means antibiotics are less likely to work.
This can mean a much more serious infection, a stay in hospital
and in some cases these infections can lead to death.

19/12/2025

💊 Think Pharmacy First This Festive Period 💊

People across Norfolk and Waveney are encouraged to order repeat prescriptions now and consider Pharmacy First for health advice over the festive period and bank holidays.

Community pharmacists can help with common conditions such as coughs, colds, sore throats, earache, insect bites, UTIs, shingles and more –often without needing a GP appointment.

If a pharmacist cannot help, they can refer you to another service. If you’re unsure where to go, NHS 111 can help.

🕒 Many pharmacies remain open over bank holidays, though opening hours may vary.

👉 Check local pharmacy bank holiday opening hours and find more helpful information:
https://improvinglivesnw.org.uk/think-pharmacy-first-this-festive-period-bank-holiday-opening-hours/

19/12/2025

🤧🦠 Cold or flu - knowing the difference might not seem urgent, but it can help you act right. A cold often develops slowly and stays mostly around your nose and throat, while the flu tends to hit fast, affects your whole body and leaves you feeling really unwell.

👉 Check what to expect and when to seek help:
https://patient.info/features/infections/difference-between-cold-and-flu
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/common-cold/

Rest well, keep hydrated and if things feel worse than “just a cold”, don’t hesitate to seek advice.

18/12/2025

🎄 Christmas & New Year – Pharmacy Support When We’re Closed

If you need advice, medication, or help with minor health concerns when the GP surgery is closed over Christmas and New Year, your local pharmacist can help.

18/12/2025

🎄 Christmas & New Year – Pharmacy Support When We’re Closed

If you need advice, medication, or help with minor health concerns when the GP surgery is closed over Christmas and New Year, your local pharmacist can help.

New Years Day Pharmacy Opening Hours