Young Carers Action Day is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about young carers - children and young people who provide unpaid care and support to family members, often due to illness, disability, or other long-term conditions. The day aims to recognise the vital role these young individuals play, highlight the challenges they face, and promote the importance of providing them with the support they need.

The theme for Young Carers Action 2025 is ‘Give Me A Break”. Young carers carry a heavy load of responsibility, leaving them with little time for themselves and putting them at a high risk of burnout. They need a break. Research shows that young carers are much more likely to experience severe psychological distress compared to their peers without caring responsibilities. It's crucial for them to have time away from their caregiving duties to rest, recharge, and focus on themselves - whether that's pursuing a hobby or simply spending time with friends, just like others their age.

The ‘Give Me A Break’ theme also highlights the need for education professionals and employers to provide young carers with a break in life. This could involve offering additional support at school, acknowledging that their caregiving duties at home often leave them feeling overwhelmed as they try to balance these responsibilities with their schoolwork. By better understanding these pressures and offering assistance, education professionals can help young carers manage their challenges, giving them the opportunity to succeed both at school and in further and higher education.

If you are a young carer, please let your GP know so we can update our records.

Contact Carers Direct

• Telephone – 0808 802 0202
• Helpline Information – nhs.uk/carersdirect/carerslives/updates/pages/carersdirecthelpline.aspx
• Email – carersdirect@nhschoices.nhs.uk
• Office Hours – Lines are open 8am to 9pm Monday to Friday, 11am to 4pm at weekends. Calls are free from UK landlines.
• ISLINGTON CARERS HUB is there to help. Please call 0800 085 1141(FREEPHONE)

upport is something we all require at times, with some needing it more than others, and that's perfectly okay. The same applies to individuals with Down syndrome.

Receiving the right support from the right people enables us to open up, creates opportunities, and empowers us to take control of our lives.

It’s also crucial for families to receive love and support from their peers, whether that be colleagues, family, or friends.

World Down Syndrome Day is an opportunity to celebrate these individuals in our lives and to inspire action, highlighting the importance of ensuring human rights.

Cancers of the ovary, fallopian tube, and peritoneum are frequently categorised together due to their similarities, and they are treated in the same manner.

Ovarian cancer can affect anyone with ovaries and fallopian tubes, including women, transgender men, and individuals assigned female at birth.

5 important things we all need to know:

1. Ovarian cancer is not a silent disease – there are key symptoms that are persistent and often occur from the start, which may indicate you have the condition. These symptoms include bloating, abdominal pain, frequent urination, and feeling full quickly.
2. Cervical screening does not detect ovarian cancer. While it’s important to attend your cervical screening when invited, be aware that it does not identify ovarian cancer. Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of ovarian cancer, and if you're concerned, consult your GP.
3. Ovarian cancer can affect anyone, regardless of age, but post-menopausal women and those over 50 are at a higher risk.
4. Even if you’ve had a hysterectomy, you can still develop ovarian cancer. If you still have your ovaries, you remain at risk. If you've had or still have ovaries and experience any of the above symptoms, see your GP.
5. A family history of cancer is important to note. A common misconception is that hereditary ovarian cancer is only passed through the maternal line, but this is not true. You may be at higher risk if there are two or more cases of breast and/or ovarian cancer in your family history.

Diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer
Your GP will inquire about your symptoms and perform an internal vaginal examination to check for any lumps or swelling. They will typically arrange the following tests:

• A CA125 blood test to measure elevated levels of this protein, which may indicate ovarian cancer.
• Ultrasound scans to examine the organs in the pelvic and abdominal areas.

Please visit https://targetovariancancer.org.uk/ to learn more about Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

This year, Nutrition and Hydration Week will take place from March 17th to 23rd, 2025. Its goal is to raise awareness and educate people about the importance of food and drink in supporting health and well-being.

The mission of Nutrition and Hydration Week is:

‘To create a global movement that will focus energy, activity and engagement on nutrition and hydration as a fundamental element of maintaining health and well-being for our global community.’

With tighter budget constraints making public health efforts more challenging, Nutrition and Hydration Week is one of the most cost-effective health interventions available.

Why is good nutrition and hydration important?

Malnutrition and dehydration are significant concerns in health and social care services and are more common than many realize.

Around 1 in 3 patients admitted to hospitals or care homes are either malnourished or at risk of becoming so.

These statistics are concerning, but what is even more alarming is the impact they have. Poor nutrition and dehydration can negatively affect patients' health and well-being, hinder their ability to recover from illness, and lead to longer hospital or care home stays. This, in turn, places additional strain on patients, healthcare providers, and the system.

Good nutrition and hydration are crucial not only for patients and service users but for everyone. We all benefit from nourishing our bodies with nutritious food and staying hydrated throughout the day.

Life can be busy, especially for those working in healthcare, and it’s often challenging to find time to prepare healthy meals and drink enough water.

Take this week as an opportunity to assess and improve the quality of nutrition and hydration provided to both healthcare patients and service users—and to yourself. This can help reduce avoidable hospital stays and improve overall health and well-being.

Visit the Nutrition and Hydration Week website to find out more.

World Kidney Day (WKD) is an annual global event dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of kidney health, the prevention of kidney disease, and the need for early detection and treatment.

The day aims to educate the public and policymakers about kidney health, kidney disease prevention, and the impact of kidney-related conditions on individuals and communities worldwide.

World Kidney Day also works to combat the rising global incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD), which can be caused by factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and unhealthy lifestyle choices.

To reduce your risk of CKD, it's important to focus on healthy lifestyle choices and take precautions with certain medications. Here are some key steps you can take:

1. Quit Smoking: Smoking can damage blood vessels and reduce blood flow to your kidneys, increasing the risk of CKD. Quitting smoking helps protect your kidneys and improves overall health.
2. Reduce Alcohol Intake: Drinking excessive alcohol can lead to high blood pressure and liver damage, both of which can contribute to kidney disease. Moderating your alcohol intake helps protect your kidneys.
3. 30 Minutes of Exercise a Day: Regular physical activity helps manage weight, reduces blood pressure, and improves heart health - all factors that can lower your risk of CKD. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
4. Staying a Healthy Weight: Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, which in turn can lead to kidney damage. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can reduce your risk.
5. Be Cautious with Anti-inflammatory Drugs (e.g., Ibuprofen): Long-term or excessive use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen, can damage the kidneys. These drugs should be used cautiously, especially in people with existing kidney problems or conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes.

In addition to these, it's important to regularly monitor kidney function if you have risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease. Early detection and treatment can help prevent CKD from progressing.

National No Smoking Day is an ideal time to start your journey towards a healthier, smoke-free life. Quitting smoking is one of the best decisions for your health, and the positive effects begin right away:

✔️ Improved breathing – Your lungs begin to heal, making it easier to breathe.
✔️ Increased energy – Better oxygen levels enhance circulation.
✔️ Lower risk of disease – Reduces your chances of heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer.
✔️ Extra savings – Smokers spend thousands each year on cigarettes.

Breathe Stop Smoking Service is a free Camden & Islington service. Get the support that suits you best to stop smoking, including tips to stop by yourself, personalised help from a specialist advisor online or over the phone, and face-to-face support in Islington (and Camden) throughout your journey to be smoke free.

How to Get Support

📞 Call 020 3633 2609
📲 Text “QUIT” to 66777
💻 Visit Breathe – Stop Smoking Service

We are pleased to announce that Arsenal’s next round of Shape Up weight management courses are now open for enrolment and begin in April. Arsenal are also running one further round of their Women’s Shape Up project.

You can self refer by contacting communityhealth@arsenal.co.uk. Alternatively, you can submit an online consultation and request a referral to the programme.

We encourage patients to watch Arsenal’s video to understand what the programme is: https://vimeo.com/856389052?share=copy 

World Cancer Day is observed globally every year on February 4th, bringing people together in the fight against cancer.

It’s an ideal occasion to raise awareness about cancer and share how we can all take steps to reduce the risk.

One important action we can take is to respond to NHS cancer screening invitations.

In England, there are three types of cancer screenings for adults that save thousands of lives each year: breast cancer screening, bowel cancer screening, and cervical screening.

To find out more about World Cancer Day, please visit the dedicated website.

National HIV Testing Week is an annual initiative by HIV Prevention England that highlights the importance of regular HIV testing. The campaign aims to reduce the number of undiagnosed HIV cases and those diagnosed late.

The UK government’s target is to eliminate HIV transmissions and HIV-related stigma by 2030. How can we make this happen?

Free HIV testing is simple and quick – just a finger-prick. Regular testing is essential because HIV can go undetected for years without symptoms. The only way to know your HIV status is to get tested. Early detection allows individuals to begin treatment, stay healthy, and prevent transmission to others.

You can visit the Sexual Health London website to order a free home testing kit.

You can also speak to our staff in your local sexual health service, or your GP. 

Who should get tested?

• It’s recommended for everyone who is sexually active to get tested for HIV and other STIs at least once a year, even if there’s no obvious risk. If someone has multiple sexual partners, they should consider testing more frequently.
• Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) should get tested regularly for HIV and STIs, at least once a year, or every three months if having unprotected sex with new or casual partners.
• Black African men and women should have routine HIV and STI screenings if engaging in unprotected sex with new or casual partners.
• Trans men and trans women who have sex with men should test for HIV and other STIs regularly, either annually or every three months if having unprotected sex with new or casual partners.

How to protect yourself from HIV:

• The most effective ways to protect against HIV are using condoms and taking PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis). PrEP is a highly effective medication for those at risk of HIV, and when taken as directed, it helps prevent HIV transmission. For more information, click [here](opens link).
• PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is a treatment that can prevent HIV if taken within 72 hours after potential exposure to the virus. It’s available through sexual health services.

For registered patients at the practice, our local sexual health clinic is:

Archway Sexual Health Clinic

681-689 Holloway Road

Archway

London

N19 5SE

Eating Disorders Awareness Week is a national campaign led by Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity. It focuses on encouraging UK medical schools to introduce comprehensive eating disorder training.

Eating disorders can develop for many complex reasons. They occur when a person has a negative relationship with food and their body, which seriously affects their life.

These disorders may involve overeating or undereating, with a strong preoccupation with weight and body image, causing significant distress.

Eating disorders can affect anyone, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, sexuality, or background. The good news is that treatment is available, and it’s important to reach out for support and advice from Beat or a GP (you can submit an e-consultation).

Recovery is possible, though it’s a journey that looks different for everyone.

If you think you might lose your home, don't wait - reach out to the Housing Aid Team today. The sooner you contact us, the better chance we have to help you and prevent you from becoming homeless.

Great Mental Health Day is an annual event in the UK, typically observed on the last Friday of January. In 2025, for example, this would fall on Friday, January 31st. The day is part of the larger "Great Mental Health" campaign, which aims to raise awareness about mental health and promote positive mental well-being for everyone.

The goal of Great Mental Health Day is to encourage people to take action to improve their mental health, whether through self-care, connecting with others, or seeking support when needed. The day highlights the importance of mental health and encourages individuals, communities, and organizations to focus on mental well-being and engage in activities that promote it.

This day is especially important in light of the winter months, which can sometimes lead to seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and other mental health challenges. Activities and events on this day often include raising awareness about mental health resources, promoting positive conversations about mental health, and supporting individuals who may be struggling.

For more information, you can visit Thrive LDN.

Cervical cancer claims the lives of 700 women annually in the UK, but this doesn’t have to be the case.

Cervical screening can detect the viruses that cause cervical cancer, and the NHS screening programme in England saves 5,000 lives each year.

The HPV vaccine also plays a crucial role in the fight against cervical cancer, offering significant protection against these harmful viruses.

Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, led by the charity Jo’s Trust and running until 28 January, aims to raise awareness of cervical screening and the HPV vaccine.

Anyone eligible for cervical screening is strongly encouraged to attend their potentially life-saving appointment.

The screening involves taking a small sample of cells from the cervix to check for high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) that could lead to cervical cancer if untreated. People aged 25 to 64 who are eligible are invited every three to five years, or more frequently if HPV or abnormal cells are found.

Currently, a third of those invited for screening do not attend. If you’ve received an invitation but haven’t yet booked an appointment, contact your GP now.

For more information on cervical screening, visit the NHS website.

To learn more about Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, visit the Cancer Research UK website.

STIQ Day has been launched to get people thinking about their sexual health and encourage more people to get regular sexual health checks.  No one likes to think they’ve caught a sexually transmitted infection (STI) but without a test you just can’t be sure.

This year STIQ Day takes place on 14th January, a date chosen because many common STIs such as Chlamydia can take two weeks to be detectable. If your festive season included unprotected sex then you should be thinking about getting tested now. Also with just one month to go before Valentine’s Day anyone hoping to enjoy the celebrations to the full should do so knowing that they are infection free and will not be putting someone else’s sexual health in danger.

More and more people in the UK are catching STIs and each year the infection rate is rising. Regardless of how old you are, if you’re gay or straight, if you’ve had one partner or 100 – just one unprotected sexual encounter could have put you at risk of catching an STI.

Even if you feel perfectly healthy you could still be carrying something. Often getting routinely tested is the only way that people can detect an infection – and the earlier they are tested and treated, the less chance there is of long-term damage being caused.

Getting a sexual health check is easy and shouldn’t be embarrassing or shameful; sex is a normal part of adult life so sexual health checks should be to. It’s a quick, simple process that not only puts your mind at rest but could protect your fertility or even save your life – or that of your partner

So use STIQ Day to get smart about your sexual health

Do you want to get checked? You can do this at your local GUM clinic. The nearest GUM clinic to Partnership Primary Care Centre is:

Archway Sexual Health Clinic

681-689 Holloway Rd

Archway,

London

N19 5SE

Telephone: 020 3317 5252

You can book your child an appointment for their flu vaccination at one of our community clinics. Please see the flyer for more information.

As the new year begins, many of us set out on a path of self-improvement and personal growth. One increasingly popular resolution is ‘Dry January’: a pledge to go alcohol-free for the entire month.

In England, one in five adults (roughly ten million people) regularly consume alcohol at levels that significantly raise their risk of harm, exceeding 14 units per week (around six pints of standard beer or lager, or a bottle and a half of wine). For many, January presents an ideal opportunity for a fresh start.

A month without alcohol brings many clear benefits, such as increased energy, better focus, and an uplifted mood, as well as potential savings. But the advantages extend beyond that. Research shows that taking a month off alcohol can lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, decrease diabetes risk, and even reduce cancer-related proteins in the blood.

By utilising resources like Alcohol Change UK’s free Try Dry app or subscribing to coaching emails, participants are twice as likely to stay alcohol-free throughout January compared to those who try to go it alone.

For more information on how to join, visit the Alcohol Change UK website.

You can find more tips and advice to help you cut down on alcohol on the NHS website.

Shape Up is a 12-week programme to support patients who are overweight or obese to improve their nutrition, increase their physical activity, and reach a healthier weight through food education and enjoyable exercise. 

Shape Up participants will have access to weekly evening sessions of 90 minutes that include body composition monitoring, nutrition education and lifestyle behaviour change, and physical activity and reduction of sedentary behaviour.

Additionally, participants will have access to a remote support network and 12 months of support and monitoring after the 12-week intervention.

Click here to download the self-referral card