Benfleet Primary Care Network

02/04/2026

Healthy food, happy families!
If you’re pregnant or you have children under four, can help with the cost of healthy food and milk. Plus, you’ll get free Healthy Start vitamins. Check your eligibility:👩 🍼www.healthystart.nhs.uk

30/03/2026

30/03/2026

Don’t leave yourself short on medication this Easter. 💊

If you have a repeat prescription, make sure you order any medicines you need in advance, especially if you are going on holiday over the long weekend.

Download the NHS App and manage your prescriptions online: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/

27/03/2026

The government has published new, evidence‑informed guidance to help parents of under 5s navigate screen time, offering practical advice to support informed choices to help little brains develop healthy screen habits.

For babies and toddlers under 2, avoid screens, except for shared family activities that encourage bonding and interaction. For 2–5s, try to keep it to no more than an hour a day - less where possible.

Choose slow-paced content with simple stories and clear sp*ech, as fast-paced, over-stimulating social media-style videos may affect how young children learn to concentrate, so it’s best to avoid them.

Keep mealtimes and bedrooms screen-free, and try swapping screens for reading, play, and conversation. Young children copy your habits, so try to limit your own screen use around them. An important point to remember is that screens shouldn’t replace a young children’s sleep, physical activity, play or quality time.

For more advice on how to help little brains to develop healthy screen habits visit the Best Start in Life website: https://beststartinlife.gov.uk/screen-time-under-5s/

20/03/2026

Fake or Real? Know the Deal! A deepfake uses AI to change images, videos or voices, sometimes making it hard to tell what’s fake and what’s real.

They may be fake but their effects are not, start an open conversation with your child about the dangers of AI.

To help protect your family, start here: eephonesmart.co.uk/fake-or-real

18/03/2026

March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness month. Every breakthrough starts with a reason.

Knowing the four main signs of ovarian cancer can save lives:
🎈Bloating
💧Needing to p*e more
🍽 Feeling full
⚡Stomach pain

The symptoms can be easy to miss, so it is important to listen to your body and speak to your GP if something doesn’t feel right.

Find out more on the Ovarian Cancer Action website here: ovarian.org.uk

16/03/2026

This week, 16th-22nd March, is Neurodiversity Celebration Week. This week highlights and challenges stereotypes about neurological differences. It promotes recognition and respect for neurodiversity as another human variation in cognition, communication, and movement.

About 15-20% of the population has a neurological difference. When thinking and talking about neurodiversity it's important to emphasise strengths over deficits, and recognise that many challenges stem from environmental and systemic barriers created by the majority.

Learn more at neurodiversityweek.com/neurodiversity

13/03/2026

They’ve realised the damage they’ve caused.

If you have too, don’t stop at feeling guilty.

It’s time to on your behaviour and get help to change.

Support is available through Essex Compass, visit: essexcompass.org.uk/reflect-reset

11/03/2026

Happy No Smoking Day! If you're feeling daunted, why not download the free NHS Quit Smoking app? Remember: a smoke free life starts with a smoke free day.

Download the NHS Quit Smoking app here: https://shorturl.at/9TbEG

10/03/2026

Mid and South Essex ICB, in partnership with the Mayflower Healthcare Alliance, has developed a dedicated menopause workshop to support local women in understanding and navigating their menopause journey.

Workshop details:
📆 Next workshop date: Thursday 12 March, 7 - 8pm
👩‍🦰 Open to all women aged 40 – 60

Learn more and sign up here: https://shorturl.at/C9CGk

09/03/2026

Get your free Personal Quit Plan ahead of No Smoking Day on Wednesday 11 March. It’ll recommend the right help so you can quit smoking for good: https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/ready-to-quit-smoking/personal-quit-plan/

08/03/2026

Happy International Women's Day! 💜 This year's theme is 'Give To Gain'.

Give To Gain emphasizes the power of reciprocity and support. When people, organizations, and communities give generously, opportunities and support for women increase. Giving is not a subtraction, it's intentional multiplication. When women thrive, we all rise.

What will you Give to Gain gender equality?