Together First CIC

Together First CIC Federation of GP practices in barking & Dagenham which cares for more than 210.000 residents.

03/06/2026

Think that insect bite might be infected? Your pharmacy should be your first stop 🦟

With the NHS Pharmacy First service, you can get expert advice and treatment for infected insect bites without waiting for a GP appointment πŸ’Š

Pharmacists can assess your bite and recommend the best treatment to help it heal quickly and safely πŸ‘

Watch out for signs of infection like increasing redness, swelling, pain, or if the bite is getting worse after a couple of days 🚨

This service is available for adults and children aged 1 and over, making it quick and easy to access care when you need it πŸ‘¨β€βš•οΈ

Search: Pharmacy First infected insect bites πŸ”

Enjoying the sunshine? Make sure you’re protecting your skin properly β˜€οΈSunscreen is important, but it shouldn’t be your...
01/06/2026

Enjoying the sunshine? Make sure you’re protecting your skin properly β˜€οΈ

Sunscreen is important, but it shouldn’t be your only line of defence. Wearing suitable clothing, spending time in the shade, and avoiding the sun when it’s strongest (11am–3pm) can all help reduce your risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage 🌀️

When choosing sunscreen, look for:
β€’ SPF 30 or higher to protect against UVB rays
β€’ At least 4-star UVA protection or a UVA symbol in a circle
β€’ Broad-spectrum protection covering both UVA and UVB β˜€οΈ

Don’t forget to apply sunscreen generously about 20–30 minutes before going outside and reapply every 2 hours, especially after swimming or sweating πŸ’§

Even water-resistant sunscreen needs reapplying, as water and towels can remove it more easily than you think 🌊

Find out more:
NHS sun safety advice: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/sunscreen-and-sun-safety/
Choosing the right sunscreen: https://patient.info/features/skin-conditions/how-to-choose-the-right-sunscreen

Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, and support is available to help you every step o...
31/05/2026

Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, and support is available to help you every step of the way. The NHS Quit Smoking app provides a free, structured 28-day programme with practical tools, encouragement and personalised advice to help you stop for good. πŸ’™πŸš­πŸ“±βœ¨

Using the app can help you:
β€’ Track your progress and stay motivated πŸ“ŠπŸ’ͺ
β€’ Manage cravings and triggers with practical tips 🧠✨
β€’ See how much money you’re saving πŸ’·πŸ’™
β€’ Get daily support and encouragement when you need it most πŸŒΏπŸ“±

With the right support, quitting becomes much more achievable, and even small steps can lead to lasting change. πŸš­πŸ’™βœ¨

Get free NHS quit smoking support: https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/
Download the NHS Quit Smoking app: https://nhsquitsmoking.app.link/better_health_quit_smoking

πŸ“± Cervical screening invitations are now available through the NHS App.Cervical screening is one of the best ways to hel...
29/05/2026

πŸ“± Cervical screening invitations are now available through the NHS App.

Cervical screening is one of the best ways to help prevent cervical cancer, so it's important to attend when invited.

By downloading the NHS App, you can receive screening invitations and health information directly to your phone, making it easier than ever to stay up to date with your healthcare.

πŸ’™ Don't ignore your invitation. Cervical screening saves lives.

Staying active as you get older is one of the best ways to maintain independence, improve wellbeing and reduce the risk ...
27/05/2026

Staying active as you get older is one of the best ways to maintain independence, improve wellbeing and reduce the risk of conditions like heart disease and stroke. It’s never too late to start, and even small amounts of movement can make a difference. πŸ’™πŸšΆβ€β™‚οΈβœ¨

For older adults, the NHS recommends:
β€’ Being active every day, even with light activities πŸŒΏπŸ’™
β€’ Aiming for around 150 minutes of moderate activity each week, such as brisk walking πŸšΆβ€β™€οΈβœ¨
β€’ Doing strength exercises at least twice a week to keep muscles strong πŸ’ͺ🩺
β€’ Including balance and flexibility activities to reduce the risk of falls βš–οΈπŸŒ±

Activities like walking, gardening, swimming or gentle exercise classes can all help improve physical and mental wellbeing, as well as reduce loneliness and support independence.

Find out more about staying active as you get older: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/physical-activity-guidelines-older-adults/

Bladder cancer is one of the most common cancers, and recognising the signs early can make a real difference to outcomes...
25/05/2026

Bladder cancer is one of the most common cancers, and recognising the signs early can make a real difference to outcomes. The most common symptom is blood in your p*e, even if it only happens once or is not painful, and it should always be checked by a GP.

Other symptoms to look out for include:
β€’ Pain, burning or stinging when passing urine πŸ’§βš οΈ
β€’ Needing to p*e more often or urgently 🚽⏱️
β€’ Repeated urinary infections πŸ”πŸ©Ί
β€’ Pain in the lower tummy or back πŸ€•βœ¨
β€’ Feeling very tired or losing weight without trying πŸ’™πŸ“‰

These symptoms are often caused by other conditions, but it’s important not to ignore them. Getting checked early can lead to earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment.

Learn more about bladder cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bladder-cancer/
Read detailed information from Cancer Research UK: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/bladder-cancer

Looking to connect with others who understand life with Crohn’s or Colitis? πŸ’œJoin one of our upcoming virtual social eve...
23/05/2026

Looking to connect with others who understand life with Crohn’s or Colitis? πŸ’œ

Join one of our upcoming virtual social events – a friendly and supportive space to meet others, share experiences, and connect from the comfort of home πŸ’¬

πŸ“… Young Adults – Tues 26th May at 6.30pm
Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/young-adults-virtual-social-event-tickets-1987064938722?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-source=cp&utm-term=listing

πŸ“… North of England – Mon 1st June at 6.30pm
Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/north-of-england-virtual-social-event-tickets-1987058184520?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-source=cp&utm-term=listing

πŸ“… Friends & Family – Wed 10th June at 6.30pm
Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/friends-and-family-virtual-social-event-tickets-1987603565770?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-source=cp&utm-term=listing

πŸ“… South West – Mon 15th June at 6.30pm
Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/south-west-virtual-social-event-tickets-1987617982892?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-source=cp&utm-term=listing

πŸ“… It Takes Guts – Sun 21st June at 10.30am
Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/it-takes-guts-virtual-social-event-tickets-1988079623672?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-source=cp&utm-term=listing

Whether you’re looking for support, friendship, advice, or simply a chance to chat with people who get it, we’d love to see you there πŸ’œπŸ’¬

22/05/2026

Maintaining a healthy weight is important for your overall health and wellbeing. Even small changes can make a big difference, helping to reduce your risk of serious conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. πŸ’™βš–οΈβœ¨

Losing just a small amount of weight, around 5–10% of your body weight, can have significant health benefits, including improving blood pressure, cholesterol and energy levels.

Simple ways to work towards a healthier weight include:
β€’ Eating a balanced diet and making healthier food choices πŸ₯—πŸŒΏ
β€’ Being more active and moving regularly πŸšΆβ€β™‚οΈπŸ’ͺ
β€’ Setting realistic, achievable goals πŸ“Šβœ¨
β€’ Making small, sustainable changes over time πŸ’™πŸŒ±

The NHS Better Health programme offers free tools, apps and a 12-week plan to help you build healthier habits and stay on track.

Start your journey to a healthier weight: https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/lose-weight/

20/05/2026

If your child or young person has an earache, your local pharmacy can often help without needing a GP appointment. Through the Pharmacy First service, pharmacists can assess symptoms, give advice and provide treatment where appropriate for children aged 1 to 17. πŸ’™πŸ‘ΆπŸ©Ίβœ¨

Pharmacists can:
β€’ Assess your child’s symptoms and check for signs of infection πŸ”πŸ’™
β€’ Offer advice on managing pain and symptoms at home πŸŒΏπŸ’Š
β€’ Provide treatment, including some prescription medicines if needed πŸ’ŠπŸ©Ί
β€’ Refer you to a GP or other service if symptoms need further care πŸš‘βš οΈ

Earache is a common condition in children, and many cases can be safely managed with support from your pharmacist. Getting help locally can save time and ensure your child gets the right care quickly.

Learn how pharmacies can help (Pharmacy First): https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/how-pharmacies-can-help/

18/05/2026

Walking is one of the easiest ways to boost your health and wellbeing, and it doesn’t require any special equipment or gym membership. Even a brisk 10-minute walk a day can improve your mood, increase energy levels and support heart health. πŸšΆβ€β™€οΈπŸ’šβœ¨

Regular walking can help:
β€’ Improve heart health and reduce risk of disease ❀️🩺
β€’ Boost mood and reduce stress and anxiety πŸŒΏπŸ’™
β€’ Increase energy levels and improve sleep βš‘πŸŒ™
β€’ Support weight management and overall fitness βš–οΈβœ¨

You don’t need to do hours of exercise to see benefits. Short, regular walks all add up and count towards the recommended activity levels.

Making walking part of your daily routine, whether it’s a lunchtime walk, walking to work or getting outside with friends, can have a big impact on your physical and mental wellbeing. πŸ’šπŸšΆβ€β™‚οΈβœ¨

Get active with NHS tips and support: https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/get-active/
Find out more about National Walking Month: https://www.livingstreets.org.uk/get-involved/national-walking-month/

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