Illness or injury? Not sure where to turn?

Website: www.asapglos.nhs.uk

Community Meals

There are a range of providers within Gloucestershire able to provide hot, chilled and frozen meals that you can arrange for yourself, and there are many activities such as luncheon clubs that you can attend where meals are provided.

Website: www.yourcircle.org.uk

Blue Badge

Applying for a blue badge is no longer done through your GP.

Advice about who is eligible and how to apply from Gloucestershire County Council

Warm and Well

Funding for Care

Learn about NHS and self-funding options, managing direct payments, and other ways to pay for your care.

Website: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk

Getting Help at Home

If you or a family member are beginning to need more help to support you staying in your own home you can apply to Gloucestershire Council for a free care assessment by completing an e-enquiry form.

To learn more about care at home please visit www.ageuk.org.uk

Care Homes in Gloucestershire

Search local Care Homes and view reviews on carehome.co.uk.

Website: www.carehome.co.uk

Assist24 - Personal GPS Tracking Alarm

Assist24 is a small, discreet, pebble-shaped personal alarm designed to be carried on the person, wherever and whenever needed. One press of the SOS button and within seconds a trained and experienced care team at the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) are talking through the device.

Telephone: 0808 108 4748

Website: www.smarthomeprotection.co.uk

Benefit Advice

If you need to learn more about benefits:

www.gov.uk/browse/benefits

Need advice on which benefits you are entitled to and how to apply?

www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits

or speak to Gloucester Community and Wellbeing Service:

www.homegroup.org.uk/Wellbeing-Service-Gloucester

Anticoagulants

Stroke prevention medicines are called anticoagulants. These help to stop blood clots forming in your blood vessels.

Anticoagulants are medicines that prevent the blood from clotting as quickly or as effectively as normal.

Warfarin, an anticoagulant, will be prescribed if you have an unwanted blood clot or at risk of having one.

Dr Marksteiner, Dr Raj, Dr Khalid and Dr Meade are trained in Warfarin initiation.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot in a vein. Blood clots in veins most often occur in the legs but can occur elsewhere in the body, including the arms.

Find out about blood clots in leg veins.

A pulmonary embolism (embolus) is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition. It is due to a blockage in a blood vessel in the lungs.

Nurse anticoagulation lead

Morag Brown is our new Nurse anticoagulation lead. She comes with 12 years of Specialist Nurse experience in anticoagulation in secondary care and we are delighted to have her expertise in the Aspen team.

Armed forces healthcare

How the NHS can help if you’re in military service or a veteran.

Website: www.nhs.uk

Blesma

Blesma, The Limbless Veterans, is an Armed Forces charity dedicated to assisting serving and ex-Service men and women who have suffered life-changing limb loss or the use of a limb, an eye or sight.

They support these men and women in their communities throughout the UK.

Telephone: 020 8590 1124

Website: blesma.org

Email:  info@blesma.org

Breakfast Clubs

Gloucester Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club meets on the last Saturday of each month at The Toby Carvery, Shurdington Road, Brockworth, Gloucester GL3 4PH.

Reunite with old friends and make new ones. Non member attendance is restricted to carers only; no children, pets or family members.

Telephone: Mark Burton, 07888 984552; Stan Fryatt, 07549 107343

Facebook: @GloucesterArmedForces&VeteransBreakfastClub

Gloucester Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club poster

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The Combined Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club meets on the second Saturday of each month at the Redgrove Harvester Restaurant, Hatherley Lane, Cheltenham, GL51 6TA.

Telephone: Ray Taylor, 07746 043666; Jim Warnock, O7523 582945

Facebook: CheltenhamCombinedArmedForcesandVeteransBreakfastClub

Email: cafvbc@gmail.com

Cheltenham Combined Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club poster

Combat Stress

Combat Stress are the UK’s leading charity for veteran’ s mental health.

For a century we’ve been helping former servicemen and women deal with issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression. Today we provide specialist treatment and support for veterans from every service and conflict to give them hope and a future.

Telephone: 0800 138 1619

Text: 07537 404719

Website: www.combatstress.org.uk

Email: helpline@combatstress.org.uk

Contact

Contact is a group of charities working with the NHS and the MOD. They want to make it simpler for the military community to find support with their mental wellbeing.

Website: www.contactarmedforces.co.uk

Help for Heroes - Hidden Wounds Service

Help for Heroes’ Hidden Wounds Service provides free and confidential support to Ex-Service Personnel, their families and the families of those still serving.

Telephone: 0808 2020 144

Website: www.helpforheroes.org.uk

Email: hidden.wounds@helpforheroes.org.uk

NHS - Veterans’ Prosthetics

A better deal for military amputees.

The Government recently announced it was making £11 million available to spend on prosthetics and improve rehabilitation services across the country for ex-servicemen and women who are amputees.

The NHS Veterans’ Prosthetics page provides more information on the scheme and how veterans can apply.

Webaite: www.england.nhs.uk

NHS Mental Health Care for Veterans

Helpful information on mental healthcare for veterans.

Please view: assets.nhs.uk

RAFA

The RAF Association is committed to supporting the RAF Family, whether currently serving, or former-serving, in a wide range of ways, delivering help and support where it is needed.

Telephone: 0300 102 1919

Website: www.rafa.org.uk

Email: advice@rafbf.org.uk

SSAFA

Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association provide lifelong support to those who are serving or have served in the British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Marines or the Royal Air Force, and to their families.

Founded in 1885, they are extremely proud of their long-standing heritage and of all the work they do with inspiring people from Gloucestershire, across the UK and around the world.

Telephone: 0800 731 4880

Website: www.ssafa.org.uk

Royal British Legion - Veterans' Medical Funds

The Royal British Legion’s Veterans’ Medical Funds programme provides support for veterans with hearing loss and serious physical injury.

Telephone: 0808 802 8080

Website: www.britishlegion.org.uk

Email: MedicalFunds@britishlegion.org.uk

Veterans' Gateway

The first point of contact for veterans seeking support.

Veterans’ Gateway put veterans and their families in touch with the organisations best placed to help with the information, advice and support they need – from healthcare and housing to employability, finances, personal relationships and more.

Telephone: 08‍08 80‍2 12‍12

Text: 81212

Website: www.veteransgateway.org.uk

One Piece at a Time

Charlie’s group of Widow’s/Wiowers is a place where you can speak your mind. It is a therapeutic space where support is on hand. For more information please read our poster.

Please read: One Piece at a Time poster

Coping with Grief

The death of a loved one affects us all in different ways. There is no right way or right time to grieve. Be kind to yourself and take each day as it comes. There is support if and when you need it.

www.gloucestershireccg.nhs.uk/Grieving the loss of someone

gloucestershirecruse.org.uk

Cruse Bereavement Care

Cruse offers face-to-face, telephone, email and website support.

Telephone: 0808 8080 1677

Website: www.cruse.org.uk

Listening Post

Listening Post is a professional voluntary counselling service with three centres in Gloucestershire. There is no set fee but clients are asked make a donation per session, based upon individual means.

Website: www.listeningpost.org.uk

Email: lpostcounselling@listeningpost.org.uk

Supporting Children who have been Bereaved

Winston’s Wish gives hope to grieving children

Telephone: 08088 020 021

Website: www.winstonswish.org

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Hope Support Services offers support to young people aged 11 to 25 when a close family member is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. This can be anyone within their family with whom they have a significant relationship.

Telephone: 01989 566317

Website: www.hopesupport.org.uk

Footsteps Counselling and Care

Footsteps is an organisation dedicated to support anyone, men and women affected by a pregnancy related issue including miscarriage, still-birth, ectopic-pregnancy, neonatal death, abortion, traumatic birth, infertility, post/ante-natal depression, ante-natal anxiety and loss of parental care, recently or at any point in their lives.

Telephone: 01452 308618

Website: www.footstepscandc.org.uk

Sunflowers Suicide Support

Sunflowers Suicide Support endeavours to provide families with practical support and guide them to the professional support available to them so they do not feel overwhelmed and alone.

Telephone: 07542 527888

Website: www.sunflowerssuicidesupport.org.uk

Email: glos.sunflowers@outlook.com

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide

The charity Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide aims to meet the needs and overcome the isolation experienced by people over 18 who have been bereaved by suicide.

Telephone (national helpline, Monday to Friday – 09:00-21:00): 0300 111 5065

Facebook: @SOBSCharity

Twitter: @SOBSCharity

Website: uksobs.org

Gloucestershire Self Management - Live Better to Feel Better

Self-management is about finding ways, and learning techniques, which enable you to control your long-term health condition, rather than having it control you.

The Live Better to Feel Better course has been designed with you in mind, to provide you with these techniques as well as the confidence and awareness to use them appropriately.

LBFB Poster

Telephone: 0300 421 1623

Website: www.ghc.nhs.uk

Email: gloucestershire.selfmanagement@nhs.net

Asthma

Asthma is a common condition that affects the airways with typical symptoms being wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Treatment usually works well to ease and prevent symptoms.

Asthma leaflet

If you have been advised by the surgery to submit an annual review of your asthma symptoms please use this form. If your symptoms are deteriorating or you are having any concerns please make an appointment with our Nurse.

Complete the Cycle Scheme

Complete the Cycle is the first national recycling and recovery scheme for respiratory inhalers. We want to reduce waste and greenhouse gases by moving towards a more environmentally sustainable treatment of respiratory disease.

For more information, please read our leaflet.

British Lung Foundation

British Lung Foundation is the only UK charity looking after the nation’s lungs and has been researching lung conditions for 30 years. Its aim is to improve care – and to prevent, treat and cure lung diseases.

Website: www.blf.org.uk

Bronchiectasis

Information about bronchiectasis, its causes, diagnosis and how to live with a lung condition.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a long-term condition of the lungs where the flow of air to the lungs is restricted (obstructed). The condition is most often caused by smoking and stopping smoking is always advised as the best treatment.

Malnutrition Pathway

Managing Adult Malnutrition, including a pathway for the appropriate use of
oral nutritional supplements (ONS).

Website: www.malnutritionpathway.co.uk

Please view: Eating well for your Lungs

Please view: Your guide to making the most of your food

Please view: Nutrition support in COPD

Flu Vaccinations and Long Term Respiratory Conditions

This leaflet is for patients with long term respiratory (breathing) conditions and explains the importance of having an annual flu vaccine to protect you from getting the flu virus:

Respiratory Conditions and the Flu Vaccine

Keeping Active with a Lung Condition

If you have a lung condition, being active can help to improve your quality of life and help you manage your condition.

Website: www.blf.org.uk

How to use your inhaler

Improve your inhaler technique in three minutes. Watch these short videos to learn how to use your inhaler properly and better manage your respiratory symptoms.

Website: www.asthma.org.uk

Mind Song

Breathe in Sing out is all about taking an active part in managing your breathing. The aim is to improve the physical, emotional and social effects of COPD on your everyday life, and to introduce an enjoyable way of self-managing your lung condition.

Each group is run by an experienced leader with a good understanding of COPD and respiratory conditions.

Spirometry (Lung Function) Patient Information

We hope that this leaflet provides the information you need about your forthcoming breathing test (spirometry). If you can, please complete the questionnaire and bring to your appointment.

Trying to Conceive?

Improve your chance of success when trying to conceive and information about fertility treatment

Website: www.nhs.uk/getting-pregnant

Your pregnancy and Baby Guide

Whatever you want to know about getting pregnant, being pregnant or caring for your new baby, you should find it at www.nhs.uk.

Newly Pregnant

You do not need to book an appointment with the GP to confirm pregnancy, instead please book an appointment with the midwife when you are around eight weeks’ pregnant.

Further information

Keeping Well in Pregnancy

Everything you need to know about a healthy pregnancy diet and supplements, stopping smoking and alcohol.

www.nhs.uk/keeping-well-in-pregnancy

Healthy Start

With Healthy Start, you get free vouchers every week to spend on milk, plain fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables, and infant formula milk. You can also get free vitamins. You could qualify if you’re on benefits, or if you’re pregnant and under 18.

Would you like to Stop Smoking?

With support, people are four times more likely to successfully stop smoking.

Healthy Lifestyles Gloucestershire will help you every step of the way.

Maternity Services at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital

Maternity Advice Line/Triage: 0300 422 5541

Delivery Suite: 0300 422 5542

The Birth Unit: 0300 422 5523

Maternity Ward: 0300 422 5520

Maternity Outpatients: 0300 422 6103

Neo-natal Unit: 0300 422 5529

Website: www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/maternity

Hypnobirthing

Our new hypnobirthing service, run by our midwives, is proving really popular with mums-to-be. As an addition to our free-of-charge antenatal education provision, these classes have a small charge, but some concessionary rates are available.

You can attend from 28 weeks’ pregnant.

You can book or find out more by emailing:
ghn-tr.hypnobirthingclassesgloucestershire@nhs.net

Gloucestershire Maternity Voices

Gloucestershire Maternity Voices Partnership (GMVP) is a group of parent representatives and professionals who are helping shape and develop maternity services in Gloucestershire.

Website: www.glosmaternityvoices.nhs.uk

Email: glccg.glosmvp@nhs.net

Diabetic and thinking of becoming pregnant?

If you have type 1 or type 2 Diabetes and are considering pregnancy it is better to have pre-pregnancy counselling to discuss your options. This is because many diabetic medications and associated medications that are used for blood pressure and cholesterol should not be used prior to becoming pregnant and during pregnancy.

Having diabetes increases the risk of complications to mother and baby. It is important that there is tight blood sugar control and this includes levels in the few months prior to conception.

Because there are an increased risk of heart and spinal cord abnormalities in babies born to diabetic mothers , we advise that you take 5mg folic acid which is only available on prescription.

The Diabetes Consultants are very clear that they prefer to meet with patients before they become pregnant to look at medication and plan for future pregnancies. This helps to reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy leading to better outcomes for mothers and babies.

Website: www.diabetes.co.uk/pregnancy

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational Diabetes is the development of raised blood sugar readings during pregnancy. If you develop gestational diabetes it can lead to complications during your pregnancy for you and your baby.

50% of woman who have gestational diabetes will develop Type 2 Diabetes later in life without making lifestyle changes. If you have had Gestational Diabetes you should have a blood test 4 months after you have had your baby and then annually. This blood test checks your HbA1c ( average sugar readings in the past three months) which helps to pick up if diabetes is developing.

If you have had Gestational Diabetes before and become pregnant again please contact the GP again as soon as you are aware as you will need to be seen in the joint antenatal and diabetic clinic. The specialists are keen to see you early on in your pregnancy.

If you would like to reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes please look at joining our Eat Real Food programme.

Website: www.diabetes.co.uk/gestational-diabetes

Struggling with your Mental Health?

Pregnancy can be very stressful and some women struggle with feelings of anxiety and or depression. If you are feeling this way please let your midwife know.

Let’s Talk – which offers a priority service to pregnant patients – provides free, confidential support and advice. Call between 09:00 and 17:00 on 0800 073 2200 or visit www.talk2gether.nhs.uk.

The Association for Post Natal Illness runs a helpline, provides information and has  a network of volunteers. Call 0207 386 0868 between 10:00 and 14:00 or visit www.apni.org.

PANDAS

PANDAS supports anyone, including fathers and partners, suffering from pre (antenatal) and postnatal illnesses.

Their helpline is open from 09:00 until 20:00 (including weekends) on 0843 28 98 401.

Tommy's

You may get told that pregnancy is a good time to put your feet up but if your pregnancy is uncomplicated it is actually much healthier for you and your baby to exercise while pregnant.

Tommy’s provides a midwife-led telephone line from 09:00 until 17:00, Monday to Friday, on 0800 0147 800

Samaritans

Samaritans offer a confidential listening service. You can call them at any time on 116 123 about whatever’s getting to you.

Miscarriage (Bereavement Services)

The death of a baby is devastating to parents and their families.

At the Women’s Centre at Gloucester Royal Hospital they have two special suites in which you and your family can spend time with your baby and prepare for your return home.

You will be put in touch with one of the specialist bereavement midwives who will help you to find the best way for you and your partner to cope with your loss.

It may also help to talk about your feelings with other parents who have lost a baby in a similar way. SANDS (the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society) has a Gloucestershire branch, run by our midwives, and can offer support and put you in touch with other parents who can offer friendly help.

Baby Buddy App

Baby Buddy is an award winning mobile phone app for new parents and parents-to-be, created by mums, doctors and midwives.

Download from: play.google.com

Download from: itunes.apple.com

Newborn and Beyond

Please register your newborn baby with the practice.

Your baby’s first appointments

www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk

www.youtu.be/J4ba0QwDAnQ

Health Visitor

Your Health Visitor will usually contact to meet with you around two weeks after baby has been born and you have been discharged by the Midwifery Team.

They are able to support you with many issues until your baby starts school or turns five.

Gloucestershire Care Services: www.glos-care.nhs.uk/health-visiting

Useful information: www.glos-care.nhs.uk/health-visiting-useful-information

Facebook: @Health-Visiting-and-School-Nursing

Keeping fit and healthy with a baby

www.nhs.uk/keeping-fit-and-healthy/

Infant Feeding Support

If you are breastfeeding your baby and would like help, or would like to get out and meet other mothers, breastfeeding groups can be a lifesaver.

In Gloucestershire you will be supported by your health visitor and midwife if you decide to breast feed and have any problems but we are also fortunate to have two charities providing non-judgemental support across the county.

There is plenty of information online whether breastfeeding or formula/bottle feeding.

Vitamin D guidance

Weaning children onto solid foods normally starts at about six months.

Breastfeeding Friend from Start4Life

It can take a while to feel confident about breastfeeding, but you’re not alone. Your midwife and health visitor are there to help, guide and support you.

If you have breastfeeding questions the Breastfeeding Friend from Start4Life has lots of useful information and expert advice.

It is available 24/7 on Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Facebook Messenger

Eating low carb or keto when breastfeeding

Do you want to eat a low-carb diet while breastfeeding? It can be an excellent way to lose excess weight, while still eating all the nutritious foods that you and your baby needs.

Website: www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb

Diagnosis of mild-to moderate Cow Milk Allergy

Practical pointers for Parents/Carers on how to carry confirm or exclude the diagnosis of mild-to moderate Cow Milk Allergy.

Home reintroduction protocol to confirm or exclude diagnosis

Macmillan Cancer Support

Being diagnosed with cancer can be a huge shock. You might be overwhelmed, worried about what happens next or thinking about the impact on your life. There is a variety of practical advice and support locally and nationally for people who have been diagnosed with cancer (or their family and friends).

Helpline (seven days a week, 08:00-20:00): 0808 808 00 00

Facebook: @macmillancancer

Twitter: @macmillancancer

Website: www.macmillan.org.uk/just-diagnosed
www.macmillan.org.uk

Easy read titles: be.macmillan.org.uk/easy-read-titles

Focus Support and Information Centre

The Focus centre is in the heart of the Oncology Centre in the outpatient waiting area of Cheltenham General Hospital. The team are there to support patients at every step; from a diagnosis of cancer to advice during and beyond their treatment.

Website: www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/focus

Charlie’s – Gloucester

Charlie’s Community Cancer Support and Therapy Centre offers friendship, support, holistic therapies, activities and events to help anyone affected by cancer in Gloucestershire, people with and post cancer, their families and carers.

Telephone: 0778 654 7439

Website: www.charlies.org.uk

Email: charlies2014@yahoo.co.uk

Please read: Charlie’s Twighlight Evening poster

Please read: Charlie’s Monthly Meeting Schedule

Maggie’s Centre (Cheltenham)

Maggie’s offers free practical, emotional and social support to people with cancer and their families and friends. Help is offered freely to anyone with any type of cancer. Simply drop in to The Lodge, College Baths Road, Cheltenham, GL53 7QB.

Telephone: 01242 250611

Website: www.maggiescentres.org/cheltenham

Cancer Survivorship Programme - Living Beyond Cancer

More and more people are surviving cancer. There are two million people living with or beyond cancer in the UK and this is increasing by 3.2 percent every year. A cancer survivor is anyone who is living with or beyond a cancer diagnosis.

The survivorship pathway helps to identify and address the individual needs of each person.

Young People with Cancer

There are a range of charities supporting young people with cancer including Teenage Cancer Trust and CLIC Sargent.

Macmillan Cancer Support - Recipes

Macmillan Cancer Support provides physical, financial and emotional support to help you live life as fully as you can. Their large collection of sweet and savoury recipes is tailored specifically for people with cancer. They’re simple and quick to prepare.

Website: www.macmillan.org.uk

Register as a Carer

It is important that we know if you are a carer so that we can make sure you receive information, services and the help that is available. If you are a carer please complete our online form.

Carer Support Session

At Aspen Medical practice we appreciate how difficult life as a carer can be. We would like to invite you to the Aspen Carers Support Session to be held at The Aspen Medical Centre, top floor meeting room on Wednesdays each months, between 10:30 and 12:30.

We will also be holding quarterly twilight sessions aimed at carers who have to juggle work and caring for a family member. These will run on a Monday evening 17:00 – 19:00. No invitations are necessary and light refreshments will be served; it will be a very relaxed atmosphere and you are welcome if you are a carer or are a carer for a patient at the Aspen Medical Practice. We are kindly supported by the Gloucestershire Carers Hub who are a great resource with specialist knowledge and skills.

We hope the group will grow and act as a resource to assist with signposting to available services and offering emotional support from people who understand. we hope you can join us.

For the dates and activities of the support sessions, please view our Carer Support Session Timetable page.

Carers' Feedback

Dear Carer,

Aspen Medical Practice would like your feedback on services available locally or carers.

We would be very grateful if you could complete this survey

Gloucestershire Carers Emergency Scheme

Do you care for someone? What would happen if you got caught in a emergency?

The Gloucestershire Carers Emergency Scheme (CES) can help. It will help to give you peace of mind that the person that you care for will receive support if an emergency arises which prevents you from caring for them.

Emergency situations for example could be :

•  becoming ill or having an unplanned hospital admission
•  other family emergencies
•  being delayed due to unexpected travel issues

Website: www.gloucestershire.gov.uk

Carers' Support Policy

If you identify yourself as a carer our staff, following our Carers’ Support Policy, can provide you with extra support.

Crossroads Care

Crossroads Care offers support to those with care needs and their carers.

Telephone: 01452 302542

Email: admin@crossroadsfd.org.uk

Gloucester Care Services

Gloucester Care Services offer a variety of different services to help the community.

Website: www.glos-care.nhs.uk

Gloucestershire Carers Hub

Gloucestershire Carers Hub offers support for carers to help not only their physical and emotional well-being, but to help them to make informed decisions that have a positive, lasting influence on their lives.

Facebook: Gloucestershire CarersHub

Telephone: 0300 111 9000

Website: www.peopleplus.co.uk

Email: carers@peopleplus.co.uk

Gloucestershire Workshop Dates for Carers

Gloucestershire Young Carers

A range of information, advice, useful links, resources and details about Gloucestershire Young Carers is available online.

Telephone: 01452 733060

What you can expect from Gloucestershire Young Carers Leaflet

Support for defence personnel and their families

Royal British Legion

Support starts after seven days of service and continues through life.

Telephone: 0808 802 8080

Website: www.britishlegion.org.uk

RAFA (Royal Air Forces Association)

The charity that supports the RAF family.

Telephone: 0300 102 1919

Email: advice@rafbf.org.ukSSAFA

SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association)

The Gloucestershire branch of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.

Telephone: 01452 520255

Website: www.ssafa.org.uk/gloucestershire

Caring for someone nearing the end of their life

Caring for someone who is nearing the end of their life is very difficult. This can be a sad and challenging time for you; you may want answers to questions which are difficult to ask.

This leaflet gives you details about several organisations that may be able to help:

www.gloucestershireccg.nhs.uk/Carers Info Leaflet

Planning ahead and other information

Support from Longfield Community Hospice Care

Longfield Community Hospice Care recognises anyone who provides unpaid care and support for someone as a carer, so whatever your relationship with the person who is ill, or however you describe yourself, there is a range of support available.

Phone: 01453 886868

Facebook: @LongfieldHospice

Twitter: @longfieldcare

Website: www.longfield.org.uk

Caring for Someone's Eye Health

There are many things that can be done to keep them healthy and make sure their sight is functioning at its best.

Gloucestershire CCG has prepared some useful tips on caring for someones Eye Health.

Carers Trust

Carers Trust is a major charity for, with and about carers. Find help about money and benefits, getting a break, health and wellbeing, getting out and about.

Facebook: @carerstrust

Twitter: @CarersTrust

Website: carers.org

Carers UK

They’re here to make sure that no matter how complicated your query or your experience, you don’t have to care alone.

Telephone: 020 7378 4999

Website: www.carersuk.org

Email: info@carersuk.org

Which Doctor should you see?

At Aspen Medical practice the following doctors have a special interest in Child Health: Dr Holdcroft, Dr Hanlon, Dr R Khalid, Dr Raj, Dr Wilson and Dr Zafar

Help Online for Parents

A huge variety of online help is available to parents.

Find out More About Health Visitors

Health visitors are registered nurses or midwives from a wide range of backgrounds with a wealth of experience.

You can find out more about them and their work in this short film produced by Gloucestershire Care Services with the help of local parents and children.

Vaccination planner

Download a personalised vaccination calendar, which highlights the dates your child needs to have their vaccinations by.

Website: www.nhs.uk

Potty Training

Please talk to your health visitor if you need additional support and advice.

Website: www.eric.org.uk/potty-training

BDA - The Association of UK Dietitians

The BDA is the only body in the UK representing the whole of the dietetic workforce. They are a trade union and professional body representing the professional, educational, public and workplace interests of their members.

Website: www.bda.uk.com

Please view: Weaning your child

Please view: Suitable milks for children with cows milk allergy

Healthy Start

With Healthy Start, you get free vouchers every week to spend on milk, plain fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables, and infant formula milk. You can also get free vitamins. You could qualify if you’re on benefits, or if you’re pregnant and under 18.

Tooth Decay in Children

In children aged 5 and above, the biggest cause of admission to hospital is for dental extraction for tooth decay. We need to talk about sugar.

Website: www.rewardsproject.org

Looking after your child’s health

Looking after your child’s health: An NHS guide for parents and carers of children aged up to five.

Childhood illness visual guide

Use this visual guide to help you identify common conditions and illnesses that may affect your child. Includes conditions such as measles, slapped cheek syndrome, chicken pox and warts.

Website: www.nhs.uk

School Exclusion for Infections

Information about common childhood infections and whether or not children should go to school.

Website: patient.info

Caring for Children with Coughs

This leaflet contains information about how to look after a child who has a cough (not due to asthma).

View our information poster!

Website: www.bristol.ac.uk

Childhood Bowel and Bladder Issues

The Eric website is a very useful resource if you have issues around childhood bowel and bladder issues, with information about bedwetting, constipation and soiling, and daytime bladder problems.

Website: www.eric.org.uk

For children of school age the school nurse manages bowel and bladder issues including referrals.

Website: www.glos-care.nhs.uk/school-nursing-continence

Concerns about ADHD or Autism

If you are concerned regarding your child’s behaviour it is important that you speak to the school first. Before an onward referral by the GP can be made, more information has to be acquired.

If you are concerned regarding ADHD you will be required to attend a parenting course before you can be referred.

Please also approach the school for a classroom observation report and My Plan, and if possible an Educational Psychologist’s report. The paediatric team may reject a referral if there is not enough information.

Please download, print and complete this form to bring with you to the GP appointment. This information is vital and will help with the onward referral.

Please print off the letter below to give to the school if you are concerned that your child may have Autism.

Next steps if you have concerns about ADHD or Autism

Gloucester Autism Support Group (GASP)

A supportive group for those with a child who is on the Autistic Spectrum or thinks might be. It meets on the second Tuesday of the month from 10:00-12:00 at the Spring Centre, Quedgeley.

Telephone (Spring Centre): 01452 725935

Website: www.netmums.com/gasp

National Autistic Society

Gloucestershire branch of the National Autistic Society offers help, support and information to parents, carers, and their families.

NAS Autism Helpline (Monday to Thursday, 10:00-16:00 and Friday, 09:00-15:00): 0808 800 4104

Parent to Parent Support Line: 0808 800 4104

Website: www.nas-gloucestershire.com

Email: nasgloucestershirebranch@nas.org.uk

The Mix

The Mix is the UK’s free, confidential helpline service for young people under 25 who need help, but don’t know where to turn.

Telephone: 0808 808 4994 

Website: www.themix.org.uk

Childhood Mental Health

Knowing that your child is struggling with their mental health can make us feel helpless and it is important to know where to turn. Many schools have access to counsellors and all have an assigned school nurse who can offer support in person or via text message support.

www.glos-care.nhs.uk/school-nursing-mental-health

www.glos-care.nhs.uk/school-nursing-self-harm

Teens in Crisis offer face to face or web based support to children and young adults aged nine to 21 and their families.

www.ticplus.org.uk

Other support in Gloucestershire:

www.gloucestershireccg.nhs.uk/young-peoples-mental-health

www.onyourmindglos.nhs.uk

Happy Maps

Happy Maps offer information and advice for all ages from babies to young adults.

Facebook: @happymaps.co.uk

Website: www.happymaps.co.uk

Kooth

Free anonymous online chat for young people to discuss mental health issues.

Website: kooth.com

harmLESS

harmLESS is a resource for those who have contact with young people who are self-harming.

Wesbite: www.harmlessglos.org.uk

Gloucester Youth Support Team

We aim to offer quick, responsive and effective intervention to vulnerable young people. We work with them and their families to identify the best support for them within their own communities.

Telephone: 01452 547540 

Website: www.youthsupportteam.co.uk

Children in Care Health Service

Our aim is to promote and look after the health of children in care. We do this by ensuring that high quality health assessments are offered to young people in care and the health professionals are equipped to deal with identifying and providing for their health needs.

Telephone: 01452 895245

Website: www.glos-care.nhs.uk

Gloucestershire Community Children and Young People’s Physiotherapy Service

The service aims to support children and young people with a range of conditions by providing them and their families with support, advice and physical intervention to promote optimum outcome for the child and their family.

Information and factsheets

Children's Occupational Therapy

The Children’s Occupational Therapy (OT) service aims to provide an effective, safe, high quality service to enable children, young people and their families to reach their full potential in activities of daily living at home, school, college and their community.

Telephone: 0300 421 6988

Website: www.glos-care.nhs.uk

Relaxation

The regular practice of relaxation techniques can be a helpful skill to develop when managing stress, pain or difficult emotions. These are different to relaxing activities such as taking a walk or reading a book.

Website: www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/pain/relaxation/

Gloucestershire Self Management - Live Better to Feel Better

Self-management is about finding ways, and learning techniques, which enable you to control your long-term health condition, rather than having it control you.

The Live Better to Feel Better course has been designed with you in mind, to provide you with these techniques as well as the confidence and awareness to use them appropriately.

LBFB Poster

Telephone: 0300 421 1623

Email: gloucestershire.selfmanagement@nhs.net

The Pain Toolkit

The Pain Toolkit is for people who live with persistent pain and Healthcare teams who support them.

Find Out More.

Living with Pain

A non-profit self-help CD for people who suffer persistent pain.

Find Out More.

Let's Talk

Local courses and one-one help for depression, anxiety and insomnia.
6 week Manage Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Course.
Refer yourself online or by telephone 0800 0732 200

Find Out More.

Tazzy Persistent Pain Booklet

A free downloadable booklet with information on understanding persistent pain.

Find Out More.

Opioid Painkillers

In persistent pain, using opioid painkillers, such as codeine, tramadol and
morphine for more than a few months, has not been shown to be helpful. As doses increase above the equivalent of 120mg oral morphine per day,
there is a much greater risk of harm and little extra pain relief.

You can check your dose on the thermometer chart.

Mindfulness

Meditation exercises to help with stress and pain. Courses available trough Pain Self Management and Let’s Talk.

Find Out More.

Understanding Pain Video

Managing Good Days and Bad Days

It might feel like the pain is in control. There can be traps to fall into; pushing through pain, avoiding activity, or falling into a ‘boom and bust’ cycle.

Website: www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/managing-good-days-and-bad-days/

Sex

Persistent pain, also known as ‘chronic’ pain can affect your sex life, including sexual and emotional intimacy. Whilst some people might live full and contented lives without sexual relationships, others feel it is important to them.

Website: www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/pain/sex/

Sleep

Sleep is often viewed as one of the top 3 issues for people we see at the pain management service, and because sleep is so necessary to our health and general well-being it makes it a high priority in establishing the best quality of sleep possible.

Website: www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/pain/sleep/

Fibromyalgia

If you have fibromyalgia, there are several ways to change your lifestyle to help relieve your symptoms and make your condition easier to live with.

Website: www.nhs.uk

The British Pain Society

There are many different causes for persistent pain. The aim of this booklet
is to highlight the difficulties associated with persistent pain, and  how it can best be treated.

Website: www.britishpainsociety.org

Ten Footsteps

Learning how to manage your pain is a journey. Like any journey, it takes time and
everyone’s experience is different.

This Ten Footsteps guide by One Gloucestershire contains useful advice.

Opioid Side Effects

Opioid painkillers can be really useful for a short time – after an injury or surgery – but longer term they only reduce pain for about 10 per cent of people.

Find out more in the Opioid side effects lottery leaflet by One Gloucestershire.

Air Training Corps

The ATC provides activities that offer you challenge, excitement and adventure. You’ll get hands on experience as well as learn theory that you can apply both in and out of the Cadets.

Telephone: 01452 383590

Website: www.181sqn.co.uk

Gloucester Neighbourhood Watch

Neighbourhood Watch is recognised nationally as one of the most effective voluntary organisations and a good example of communities working together to reduce crime and the fear of crime, building safer communities to improve the quality of life.

Telephone: 0845 463 4684

Website: nwatch.wixsite.com/falkner

Gloucestershire Young Farmers

Young Farmers is an organisation that provides people with fun, learning and achievement opportunities. It is a club for individuals who have a love for agriculture or rural life. One of the common misconceptions of Young Farmers is that you have to be a farmer to take part; you definitely don’t!

Telephone: 01452 526 032

Website: www.gloucestershireyfc.co.uk

Volunteering

Volunteering Gloucestershire works with charities and other non-profit-making organisations to help them recruit.

Telephone: 0300 365 6700

Facebook: @volunteerglos

Twitter: @volunteerglos

Alzheimer's Society

Alzheimer’s Society is the only UK charity that campaigns for change, funds research to find a cure and supports people living with dementia today.

Website: www.alzheimers.org.uk

Dementia Information

If you are worried about your or a loved one’s memory please book an appointment with a GP where a memory assessment will be done and the relevant blood tests requested so that a referral to the memory team can be made.

• This information sheet by One Gloucestershire is intended to give a general overview of support services for people with dementia and carers of people with dementia:

Dementia Information Sheet

Every Mind Matters

Having good mental health helps us relax more, achieve more and enjoy our lives more. There are simple things we can all do to look after our mental health and wellbeing take our quiz to get started today with a free plan, expert advice and practical tips.

Website: www.nhs.uk

Help in a Crisis

All our doctors can see you to discuss your mental health and medication in a telephone or face to face appointment.

If you are feeling suicidal, or having thoughts of self harm, please contact our receptionists who will arrange for the duty doctor to call you back.

If you or someone you know needs help in a mental health crisis outside normal working hours call the crisis teams on 0800 169 0398, selecting option 2 for Gloucester.

Please be aware you can self refer for counselling and psychological therapies through agencies listed in this section.

If there is an immediate danger to life, please dial 999 or go to your nearest Accident and Emergency Department.

Website: www.2gether.nhs.uk

This could be why you're depressed or anxious | Johann Hari

TED Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MB5IX-np5fE

Exercise and Mental Health for Young People

This webpage explains the link between physical activity and mental health and offers some suggestions about getting started. It is for young people who want to know:

• How being active can make you feel better.
• How exercise can help depression and anxiety.
• How active you need to be to feel better.

Website: www.rcpsych.ac.uk

Gloucestershire Counselling Service

The GCS provides a counselling service to people living in Gloucestershire. People from all backgrounds and areas of the community may find counselling helpful at particular times in their life.

Telephone: 01453 766310

Website: www.gloscounselling.org.uk

Gloucestershire Self Management - Live Better to Feel Better

Self-management is about finding ways, and learning techniques, which enable you to control your long-term health condition, rather than having it control you.

The Live Better to Feel Better course has been designed with you in mind, to provide you with these techniques as well as the confidence and awareness to use them appropriately.

LBFB Poster

Telephone: 0300 421 1623

Website: www.ghc.nhs.uk

Email: gloucestershire.selfmanagement@nhs.net

Support at The Cavern

Support at The Cavern is a support service that runs from 18:00-23:00 every day of the year, for adults struggling with mental ill health. It’s a low level, non-clinical service which provides a safe and supportive environment aiming to help people avoid crisis.

Telephone: 01452 228489

Website: www.glosfamiliesdirectory.org.uk

Email: support@kftseekers.org.uk

Let's Talk

Let’s Talk offers talking therapies to people aged 18 and over, registered with a GP in Gloucestershire or Herefordshire, who are experiencing mild to moderate anxiety and/or depression.

Telephone: 0800 073 2200

Website: www.talk2gether.nhs.uk

Treasure Seekers

Treasure Seekers is a place where people become the best versions of themselves. They want to see each vulnerable and disadvantaged person in Gloucester reach their full potential, and become fully engaged in the community.

Telephone: 01452 307201

Twitter: @KFTSeekers

Facebook: @KFTSeekers

Instagram: @KFTSeekers

Website: www.kftseekers.org.uk

Email: info@kftseekers.org.uk

Talking Therapies

South Gloucestershire Talking Therapies offers a variety of services to people experiencing depression/anxiety/stress and to those looking to improve their general wellbeing.

Telephone: 0117 378 4270

Website: www.wellaware.org.uk

CALM

Anyone can hit crisis point. CALM runs a free and confidential helpline and webchat – seven hours a day, seven days a week for anyone who needs to talk about life’s problems.

Telephone: 0800 58 58 58

Website: www.thecalmzone.net

Mind

Mind provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.

Telephone: 0300 123 3393

Website: www.mind.org.uk

Samaritans

Samaritans offer a safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way – about whatever’s getting to you. You don’t have to be suicidal. Call Samaritans free: 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Telephone: 116 123

Website: www.samaritans.org

Email: jo@samaritans.org

Rethink

Rethink provide expert, accredited advice and information to everyone affected by mental health problems.

Telephone: 0300 5000 927

Website: www.rethink.org

Email: info@rethink.org

Listening Post

Listening Post offers counselling to adults in Gloucestershire suffering from emotional distress.

Telephone: 01452 383820

Website: www.listeningpost.org.uk

Email: lpostcounselling@listeningpost.org.uk

SANE

SANE is a UK mental health charity working to improve the quality of life for anyone affected by mental illness.

SANEline (16:30-22:30 daily): 0300 304 7000

Facebook: @charitySANE

Email: info@sane.org.uk

The Mix

The Mix is the UK’s free, confidential helpline service for young people under 25 who need help, but don’t know where to turn.

Telephone: 0808 808 4994 

Website: www.themix.org.uk

PAPYRUS - Prevention of Young Suicide

Suicide is the biggest killer of those under 35 in the UK. PAPYRUS wants to help build a society which speaks openly about suicide and has the resources to help young people who may have suicidal thoughts.

HopelineUK: 0800 068 41 41

Text: 0778 620 9697

Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org

Website: papyrus-uk.org

Young Minds

Provides free, 24/7 crisis support across the UK if you are experiencing a mental health crisis.

Free Text Messaging Service – 85258

Get Active, Feel Good

There are lots of different types of exercise and physical activity. The most important thing to consider, is finding something that you enjoy. Mind has some great resources on where to start.

Website: www.mind.org.uk

harmLESS

harmLESS is a resource for those who have contact with young people who are self-harming.

Wesbite: www.harmlessglos.org.uk

Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service

Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service is a county-wide service designed to reduce the level of domestic abuse and improve the safety of victims and their families. It operates in all districts offering a variety of support programmes for women and men aged over 16 experiencing domestic abuse.

Telephone: 0845 602 9035

Website: www.gdass.org.uk

Email: support@gdass.org.uk

Stalking and Harassment

Everyone should have the right to go about their daily business in safety and without fear. Nobody has the right to harass you or stalk you and SupportLine can provide advice.

Helpline: 01708 765200

Website: SupportLine

Email: info@supportline.org.uk

Pre-diabetes

Have you have recently been given a new diagnosis of Pre-diabetes based on your HBA1c blood test?

Dr Kuok, Dr Hodges and Dr Wilson have a special interest in diabetes.

What is Real Food?

That sugar film music video

Video: www.youtube.com

Eat Real Food Resources

Please find below a list of resources aimed to assist in the support of lifestyle changes to manage chronic disease and to lose weight. We believe that eating real food is a core part of this.

Please read: Real Food Lifestyle Patient Booklet.

Please read: Real Food Real Budget

Please read: Metabolic Syndrome information poster

Please read: PHC Sugar Chart

Please read: Sugar Infographics Poster

Please read: Keto for Beginners

Please read: How to start a low-carb diet

Please visit: www.dietdoctor.com

Please visit: www.fatismyfriend.co.uk

Please visit: www.ditchthecarbs.com

Please visit: www.jessicainthekitchen.com

Eat Real Food Programme

As a practice we support lifestyle changes to manage chronic disease and to lose weight. We believe that eating real food is a core part of this.

Previously known as Cut Carbs at Saintbridge Surgery, the programme was re-branded as Eat Real Food in 2018.

Find out about our Eat Real Food Patient Support Group.

For more information please visit: www.phcuk.org

Success story: www.youtu.be/ewZVfryIuPY

Success story: https://youtu.be/l5WkwVb2YiM

Success story: www.youtu.be/2tYNatKBYU8

Success story: https://youtu.be/RmNy860UYhw

Success story: https://youtu.be/_B280YfB9dM

Success story: https://youtu.be/PjouBaFQpd8

Success story: https://youtu.be/0rKnhejQKI8

Pre-diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes

For more information please read this leaflet.

For information on first being diagnosed please read Diabetes and Me.

For information on when your are ill and taking oral medication, please read Sick Day Rules – advice for managing diabetes during illness.

For information on when you are ill and on Insulin, please read Sick Day Rules.

For information on how to reverse obesity and type 2 diabetes, please read Eat fat, cut the carbs and avoid snacking to reverse obesity and Type 2 Diabetes explained.

New diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus – what does it mean for me and what do I need to know?

Keeping Active with Diabetes

Keeping active is an important part of one’s lifestyle, and particularly for those who either have or are at risk of diabetes.

Website: www.diabetes.co.uk

Diabetes and Employment

It is important to show that having diabetes does not make a difference to your ability to work. You need to have stable diabetes control and be able to adjust your diabetes treatment around your working day if necessary. Diabetes UK believes that everyone should have an equal opportunity to apply for employment and individuals should be treated on their own merits.

For more information please read this leaflet.

10 simple steps to prevent foot problems

Never ignore a foot problem. For more information please read the below leaflet.

10 simple steps to prevent foot problems

DVLA

For more information about driving please visit www.gov.uk.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational Diabetes is the development of raised blood sugar readings during pregnancy. If you develop gestational diabetes it can lead to complications during your pregnancy for you and your baby.

50% of woman who have gestational diabetes will develop Type 2 Diabetes later in life without making lifestyle changes. If you have had Gestational Diabetes you should have a blood test 4 months after you have had your baby and then annually. This blood test checks your HbA1c ( average sugar readings in the past three months) which helps to pick up if diabetes is developing.

If you have had Gestational Diabetes before and become pregnant again please contact the GP again as soon as you are aware as you will need to be seen in the joint antenatal and diabetic clinic. The specialists are keen to see you early on in your pregnancy.

If you would like to reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes please look at joining our Eat Real Food programme.

Website: www.diabetes.co.uk/gestational-diabetes

Website: www.dietdoctor.com

Diabetes and Pregnancy

If you have Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes and become pregnant it is important that you contact your GP for a telephone consultation as soon as possible. This is because it is important that we refer you quickly to the joint antenatal and diabetes clinic.

We will also need to ensure that the medication you are on is safe to continue. There are an increased risk of heart and spinal cord abnormalities in babies born to diabetic mothers , we therefore advise that you take 5mg folic acid which is only available on prescription.

Good diabetic control is vital to help to reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy leading to better outcomes for mothers and babies. There is an increased risk of eye problems during pregnancy and kidney complications so the hospital will ensure that you will have closer monitoring of your eyes (retinopathy screening) and kidney screening.

Website: www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-and-pregnancy.html

Flu Vaccinations and Diabetes

This leaflet is for patients with Type 1 Diabetes or Type 2 Diabetes and explains the importance of having an annual flu vaccine to protect you from getting the flu virus: Diabetes and the Flu Vaccine

Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.

Telephone: 0800 9177 650

Website: www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Email: help@aamail.org

Cancer risk for Drinkers and Smokers

A recent study compared the risks of alcohol and smoking with developing cancers of the throat, breast, bowel and liver.

Many people know that smoking causes cancer but underestimate the risk of alcohol. The research showed that when compared to a teetotal person:

• If 1,000 men drink a bottle of wine per week an extra 10 men will develop cancer.
• If 1,000 women drink a bottle of wine per week an extra 14 women will develop cancer.

What’s the ‘cigarette equivalent’ of alcohol consumption?

The researchers next calculated the ‘cigarette equivalent’ – how much would you have to smoke to increase your cancer risk by the same amount as a bottle of wine? 

• Five cigarettes per week for men
• Ten cigarettes per week for men

It is important not to under estimate the risks associated with alcohol consumption and developing cancer. If you would like to reduce your alcohol intake but are struggling please seek advice from local service Change Grow Live.

Drinkline

If you’re worried about your own, or someone else’s drinking, you can call this free helpline, in complete confidence.

Telephone: 0300 123 1110

Gloucestershire Self Management - Live Better to Feel Better

Self-management is about finding ways, and learning techniques, which enable you to control your long-term health condition, rather than having it control you.

The Live Better to Feel Better course has been designed with you in mind, to provide you with these techniques as well as the confidence and awareness to use them appropriately.

LBFB Poster

Telephone: 0300 421 1623

Email: gloucestershire.selfmanagement@nhs.net

Change, Grow, Live

The hub acts as a base for services such as health and wellbeing interventions, assessment and recovery planning, clinical services and housing advice.

Telephone: 01452 223014

Website: www.changegrowlive.org

Email: Gloucestershire.Info@cgl.org.uk

Rehab 4 Addiction

Rehab 4 Addiction is an advisory and referral service for people who suffer from alcohol, drug and behavioural addiction.

Telephone: 0800 140 4690

Website: www.rehab4addiction.co.uk

Drink Less Alcohol

For more information about the affect alcohol has on your health and the benefits of reducing your alcohol intake, read the Macmillan Cancer Support Booklet.

Talk to Frank

If you have a problem with drugs Talk to Frank for friendly, confidential drugs advice.

Telephone: 0300 123 6600

Text: 82111

Website: www.talktofrank.com

Email: frank@talktofrank.com

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is the most common inner ear problem and cause of vertigo (a false sense of spinning).

www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/resources/

www.swbh.nhs.uk/Brandt-Daroff-Exercises

Earwax

Blocked ears (wax) self-care guidelines for patients

Earwax:

Earwax is a normal build-up of dead cells, hair, foreign material such as dust, and natural wax which forms a protective coating on the skin in the ear canal. The quantity of earwax produced varies greatly from person to person. A doctor or nurse can look into the ear canal and confirm a plug of earwax has formed. A plug of earwax is not a serious problem, more a nuisance. You only need to remove earwax if it is causing symptoms such as dulled hearing or when fitting a hearing aid.

How to Remove Earwax:

Note: If you think you have ear wax, do not try to clean the ear canal with cotton wool buds. This can make things worse, as you will push some earwax deeper inside. It may also cause an ear infection.

Ear Drops:

Ear drops alone will clear a plug of earwax in most cases. Put 2 or 3 drops of ordinary olive oil down the ear 2 or 3 times a day for 2-3 weeks. This softens the wax so that it then runs out of its own accord without harming the ear. You can continue for any length of time, but 3 weeks is usually enough. Surprisingly, you will not necessarily see wax come out. It often seems to come out unnoticed.

If you are prone to repeated wax build-up you can continue to use olive oil drops twice a week to prevent recurrence. If olive oil does not work you can buy sodium bicarbonate drops from pharmacies.

How to use ear drops:

• Warm the drops to room temperature before using them.
• Pour a few drops into the affected ear.
• Lie with the affected ear uppermost when putting in drops.
• Stay like this for 10 minutes to allow the drops to soak into the earwax.

Bulb Syringing:

Use olive oil drops twice a day for at least 14 days prior to bulb syringing. Or alternatively use sodium bicarbonate ear drops purchased from your pharmacy (please read the manufacturers leaflet).

Instructions for Bulb Syringing:

• Wash your hands.
• Use a bowl of cooled boiled water that is warm to the touch, not too hot or too cold.
• Prepare the syringe by squirting water in and out of it a few times.
• Gently pull your outer ear “up and out” to help straighten out the canal, which will allow better access for the water.
• Tilt your head so the ear to be treated is upmost.
• Place the tip of the syringe into the opening of the ear. Do NOT push the syringe further into the ear and gently squirt one or more bulb syringes of water into your ear. (This might be best done in the shower so that the excess water will run into the bathtub and not on your floor).
• Allow the water to remain in your ear for at least 60 seconds. Gently tilt your head in the opposite direction and wiggle your outer ear.

Tinnitus

Tinnitus is the name for hearing noises that are not caused by an outside source. It’s not usually a sign of any serious conditions and generally improves over time. There are treatments that can help.

www.nhs.uk/conditions/Tinnitus

www.tinnitus.org.uk

Otitis Media and Otitis Externae (Ear Infections)

Otitis Media

Ear infection is very common in children, although it can occur in people of any age. The infection usually clears within a few days.

patient.info/ears-nose-throat-mouth

Otitis Externae

Otitis externa is an inflammation of the ear canal and usually clears within a week or so. When otitis externa is short-lasting, it is described as ‘acute otitis externa’. However, sometimes it persists for three months or more and is then described as ‘chronic otitis externa’.

patient.info/ears-nose-throat-mouth

Gloucestershire Care and Support Guide

The Gloucestershire Care & Support Guide 2018/19 is a great introduction to what care services are on offer in your local area.

Assist 24 - Personal GPS Tracking Alarm

Assist24 is a small, discreet, pebble-shaped personal alarm designed to be carried on the person, wherever and whenever needed. One press of the SOS button and within seconds a trained and experienced care team at the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) are talking through the device.

Telephone: 0808 108 4748

Website: www.smarthomeprotection.co.uk

Care Homes in Gloucestershire

Search local Care Homes and view reviews on carehome.co.uk.

Website: www.carehome.co.uk

The Silver Line

Free phone support for older people, 24 hours a day.

Telephone: 0800 470 80 90

Website: www.thesilverline.org.uk

Age UK Gloucestershire

Age UK is the country’s largest charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life – read the Guide to Later Life in Gloucestershire.

Telephone: 01452 422 660

Facebook: @Age-UK-Gloucestershire

Twitter: @AgeUKGlos

Website: www.ageuk.org.uk

Managing Memory ²gether

Managing Memory ²gether provides a memory assessment, community dementia nurse and information and education service for Gloucestershire residents worried about memory, people with dementia and carers of people with dementia.

Telephone: 0800 694 8800

Website: www.2gether.nhs.uk

Email: 2gnft.managingmemory2g@nhs.net

Alzheimers Society

Our innovative Dementia Connect service will transform the support people receive and will provide the right support in the best way for each individual person. Combining face-to-face support with telephone and online advice and information offered by specially trained Dementia Advisers.

Telephone: 0300 222 1122

Website: www.alzheimers.org.uk

Dementia UK

Dementia UK offers specialist one-to-one support and expert advice for people living with dementia.

Telephone: 0800 888 6678

Website: www.dementiauk.org

Email: helpline@dementiauk.org

Parkinson's

Exercise is good for you. And it’s especially good for you if you have Parkinson’s. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach and the best exercise to do will depend on the way Parkinson’s affects you. But the message is the same for everyone – go for it!

Website: www.parkinsons.org.uk/exercise

Food First

The following information can help you to increase your calorie
and protein intake if you have a poor appetite or have lost weight.

Please view: Dairy free

Please view: Food First Booklet

Malnutrition Pathway

Managing Adult Malnutrition, including a pathway for the appropriate use of
oral nutritional supplements (ONS).

Website: www.malnutritionpathway.co.uk

Please view: Your Guide To Making the Most of Your Food

Please view: Nutrition Support in COPD

Fall-proof Strength and Balance Plan

Do you have older parents, family or friends that may be susceptible to falls?
Are you an older person that wants to become more active, fitter, stronger and protect yourself from falls? Fit for Life is a specifically developed exercise class for active older people.

Telephone: 01452 393605

Website: www.activegloucestershire.org/fall-proof

10 Today

10 Today aims to increase physical activity amongst older people across the country, helping to reduce social isolation and improve the physical and mental wellbeing of participants – all starting with 10 minutes of exercise.

Website: www.anchorhanover.org.uk/10today

Planning Ahead

We know how important continuity is for patients and their families, especially where they are approaching the end of their life. We have prioritised the care of these patients and they are discussed monthly at a multi-disciplinary meeting.

Each Patient is assigned a Primary and Secondary Doctor who should be their first port of call for any queries or clinical concerns by patients, families and Health Care Professionals.

Planning ahead and other information

Care Homes

As part of the ongoing work caring for our frail elderly patients in care homes, there is a designated GP that visits each care home every two weeks to review the patients.

The care homes under this practice include Chapel House, Avalon Residential Home, Horton House, Magdalen House, Guild House and Saintbridge House Nursing Home.

Bronze Level Practice

Aspen Medical Practice are proud to have been accredited as a bronze level practice for training and embedding ReSPECT Into our practice culture and care. 

Bronze Level Practice Certificate 

ReSPECT

The ReSPECT process provides health and care professionals responding to an emergency with a summary of recommendations to help them to make immediate decisions about that person’s care and treatment. ReSPECT can be complementary to a wider process of advance/anticipatory care planning.

The ReSPECT plan is created through conversations between a person and their health professionals. The plan is recorded on a form and includes their personal priorities for care and agreed clinical recommendations about care and treatment that could help to achieve the outcome that they would want, that would not help, or that they would not want.

Website: www.resus.org.uk

www.g-care.glos.nhs.uk

Gold Standard Framework

This framework looks to support patients with life limiting conditions where treatment becomes for symptom control and not cure. We hold a register of all patients affected. You will be assigned a Primary GP and Secondary GP to ensure continuity of care. Where possible you will see your primary GP who will work with you to plan ahead with your care and provide pro-active not reactive health care. We hope by ensuring continuity that we will get to know you and your family and deliver the highest level of care. When you or your family call for advice or an appointment please advise the receptionist who your primary GP is so that they can contact them for you directly. If a Healthcare Professional wishes to speak to your GP please advise them that your Primary GP is best placed to discuss your care.

We hold monthly meetings with the district Nursing team, Community Matron, Palliative Care team and Dr Wilson who leads on Palliative Care.

Maggie's Centre (Cheltenham)

Maggie’s offers free practical, emotional and social support to people with cancer and their families and friends. Help is offered freely to anyone with any type of cancer. Simply drop in to The Lodge, College Baths Road, Cheltenham, GL53 7QB.

Telephone: 01242 250611

Website: www.maggiescentres.org/cheltenham

Charlie's - Gloucester

Charlie’s Community Cancer Support and Therapy Centre offers friendship, support, holistic therapies, activities and events to help anyone affected by cancer in Gloucestershire, people with and post cancer, their families and carers.

Telephone: 0778 654 7439

Website: www.charlies.org.uk

Email: charlies2014@yahoo.co.uk

Please read: Charlie’s Twighlight Evening poster

Please read: Charlie’s Monthly Meeting Schedule

Food First

The following information can help you to increase your calorie
and protein intake if you have a poor appetite or have lost weight.

Please view: Dairy free

Please view: Food First Booklet

Malnutrition Pathway

Managing Adult Malnutrition, including a pathway for the appropriate use of
oral nutritional supplements (ONS).

Website: www.malnutritionpathway.co.uk

Please view: Your Guide To Making the Most of Your Food

Please view: Nutrition Support in COPD

Planning ahead

For some patients and their families, it can be helpful to look ahead. Planning ahead means thinking and talking about how you wish to be cared for in the final months of your life.

www.macmillan.org.uk/EndOfLife

www.dyingmatters.org/page/planning-ahead

www.ageuk.org.uk/thinking_about_end_of_life_inf.pdf

Allowing a natural death

Preferred place of care

What happens in the final days

In the final days of life your body may undergo these changes. The leaflets below can help to prepare you and your family with what may happen.

www.dyingmatters.org

www.cancerresearchuk.org

Hospice Care

GPs and district nurses may take advice from the Specialist Palliative Care Team who may also ask to visit you at home or see you in clinic. If you are finding symptom control difficult sometimes a short visit to one of the hospices can helpful to stabilise your symptoms and get you back home feeling more comfortable. Hospices also offer daytime activities which patients and their families can find helpful.

Hospices are able to provide specialist care and a range of holistic (physical, psychological, spiritual and social) support to people with a life-limiting illness, their carers and families.

There are three hospices in Gloucestershire:

Leckhampton Court Hospice (Cheltenham) provides in-patient hospice beds, day hospice care and hospice at home care (Cheltenham, Gloucester and Tewkesbury)

Great Oaks Hospice (Coleford) provides day hospice care and hospice at home care (Forest of Dean)

Longfield (Minchinhampton) provides day hospice care and hospice at home care (Stroud and Berkeley, Cotswolds and Gloucester)

Just in Case Boxes

Just in Case Boxes are available for GPs to prescribe in the Forest of Dean and are being rolled out across Gloucestershire. This is a box containing anticipatory medication that a person may need for the main symptoms at end of life (pain, nausea, secretions, agitation). It is kept in the person’s home ‘just in case’ it may be needed and is particularly useful at evenings and weekends if urgent or emergency services have been called out.

Caring for Someone Nearing the End of Their Life

Caring for someone who is nearing the end of their life is very difficult. This can be a sad and challenging time for you; you may want answers to questions which are difficult to ask.

This leaflet gives you details about several organisations that may be able to help:

www.gloucestershireccg.nhs.uk/Carers Info Leaflet

What to do After Death

The death of your loved one will be a challenging and difficult time. We hope that these resources can clearly outline what you need to do. It’s important to realise that when your loved one does die that you feel comfortable to deal with it in your own time.

When you are ready call the GP or District nurses and they will attend. If this happens out of hours you will need to call the out of hours service on 0300 421 0220 and explain that your loved one has died and that this is an expected death. Please do not call 999 if this is an expected death.

When they have been and you are ready, you can contact the funeral director who will make arrangements to take your loved one to their Chapel of rest.

www.gloucestershireccg.nhs.uk

You will need to contact your GP and they will talk through what has happened and issue a death certificate. This is then used by you to register their death. If your loved one wishes to be cremated a separate form will be completed by your GP. This form then has to be signed by a further two GPs.

They may contact you to talk through what has happened. This is standard practice and whilst difficult for you please do not be concerned.

www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/register-a-death

Coping with grief

The death of a loved one affects us all in different ways. There is no right way or right time to grieve. Be kind to yourself and take each day as it comes. There is support if and when you need it.

www.gloucestershireccg.nhs.uk/Grieving the loss of someone

gloucestershirecruse.org.uk

Funeral Planning

As part of the planning ahead process some patients wish to think about what type of funeral they would like, who they would like to be there and whether there is anything in particular, they would like to happen.

Whilst these can be a difficult conversation many people find this a helpful process and for the loved ones who organise funeral arrangements after your death it can be a comfort to them that they are carrying out all your wishes exactly as you wanted.

funeralplanningauthority.co.uk

Flu Vaccinations

Our Flu Clinics can now be booked online. On Saturday 21st September at the Aspen Medical Practice we will have a mix of pre-bookable and drop in clinics from 09:00 – 12:00. PLEASE NOTE THESES ARE ONLY FOR PATIENTS OVER THE AGE OF 65 as we will only have these vaccines in stock.

Patients who are under age 65 and in at risk groups are invited to book clinics after the 11th October when these vaccines have been delivered.

There will be pre bookable clinics available at: The Aspen Centre, Saintbridge Surgery and Tuffley Surgery from the 23rd September 2019.

An additional clinic will be held on wednesday 16th October 2019 at Tuffley Community Centre.

Seasonal flu is a highly infectious illness caused by a flu virus. The virus infects your lungs and upper airways, causing a sudden high temperature and general aches and pains. You could also lose your appetite, feel nauseous and have a dry cough. Symptoms can last for up to a week.

You may be invited for a flu jab if you:

• are 65 years of age or over
• are pregnant
• have certain medical conditions
• are living in a long-stay residential care home or other long-stay care facility
• receive a carer’s allowance, or you are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill

or have a serious long-term health condition, including:

• chronic (long-term) respiratory diseases, such as asthma
• chronic heart disease, such as heart failure
• chronic kidney disease
• chronic liver disease, such as hepatitis
• chronic neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease
• diabetes
• problems with your spleen – for example, sickle cell disease or if you have had your spleen removed
• a weakened immune system as the result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS
• being seriously overweight (BMI of above 40 or above)
• eligible children who are aged 2 or 3 on the 31.08.2019
• children who are 4 years old are also eligible for flu vaccination provided they were 3 on August 31 2018. These children should be offered the vaccination at their general practice
• children in reception class and school years 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 will be offered their vaccination in school. In a couple of areas it might be offered in primary care settings

If you have any queries please contact the surgery.

Flu Vaccinations and Chronic Liver Disease

This leaflet is for patients with chronic liver disease and explains the importance of having an annual flu vaccine to protect you from getting the flu virus: Liver Disease and the Flu Vaccine

Flu Vaccinations and Chronic Neurological Diseases

Flu Vaccinations and Diabetes

This leaflet is for patients with Type 1 Diabetes or Type 2 Diabetes and explains the importance of having an annual flu vaccine to protect you from getting the flu virus: Diabetes and the Flu Vaccine

Flu Vaccinations and Heart Conditions

Flu Vaccinations and Long Term Respiratory Conditions

This leaflet is for patients with long term respiratory (breathing) conditions and explains the importance of having an annual flu vaccine to protect you from getting the flu virus: Respiratory Conditions and the Flu Vaccine

Heart Heroes

Heart Heroes works with children and their families living with congenital heart disease and conditions.

Telephone: 07951 835360

Facebook: @heartheroesglos

Website: www.heartheroes.co.uk

The British Heart Foundation

The British Heart Foundation fund over £100 million of research each year into all heart and circulatory diseases and the things that cause them.

Website: www.bhf.org.uk

Local Support Groups

Where the Heart is Support and Social Group

Contact Pearl Stokes

Telephone: 01452 712058

Email: pearlstokes@ukgateway.net

Gloucestershire Heart Support Group

Chairman Mr Norman Tebworth

Telephone: 01452 712489 or Mobile: 07870 895273

Email: norman.tebworth@btinternet.com

Gloucester Take Heart Support Group

Contact Ernest Way

Telephone: 01242 678443

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram, or “echo”, is a scan used to look at the heart and nearby blood vessels.

NHS – Echocardiogram

Electrocardiogram

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a simple test that can be used to check your heart’s rhythm and electrical activity.

NHS – Electrocardiogram

Angiography

Angiography is a type of X-ray used to check the blood vessels. Blood vessels don’t show up clearly on a normal X-ray, so a special dye needs to be injected into your blood first. This highlights your blood vessels, allowing your doctor to spot any problems.

NHS – Angiography

Flu Vaccinations and Long Term Heart Conditions

This leaflet is for patients with long term heart conditions and explains the importance of having an annual flu vaccination to protect you from getting the flu virus: Heart Disease and the Flu Vaccine

Insomnia

Information about Insomnia and Sleep Hygiene. If you would like to be referred to Sleepstation, please download and complete the referral form below and hand into the practice.

Please view: www.choiceandmedication.org

Please view: Sleepstation leaflet

Please complete: Sleepstation referral form

Eat Real Food Programme

As a practice we support lifestyle changes to manage chronic disease and to lose weight. We believe that eating real food is a core part of this.

Previously known as Cut Carbs at Saintbridge Surgery, the programme was re-branded as Eat Real Food in 2018.

Find out about our Eat Real Food Patient Support Group.

For more information please visit: www.phcuk.org

Success story: www.youtu.be/ewZVfryIuPY

Success story: https://youtu.be/l5WkwVb2YiM

Success story: www.youtu.be/2tYNatKBYU8

Success story: https://youtu.be/RmNy860UYhw

Success story: https://youtu.be/_B280YfB9dM

Success story: https://youtu.be/PjouBaFQpd8

Success story: https://youtu.be/0rKnhejQKI8

Eat Real Food Resources

Please find below a list of resources aimed to assist in the support of lifestyle changes to manage chronic disease and to lose weight. We believe that eating real food is a core part of this.

Please read: Real Food Lifestyle Patient Booklet.

Please read: Real Food Real Budget

Please read: Metabolic Syndrome information poster

Please read: PHC Sugar Chart

Please read: Sugar Infographics Poster

Please read: Keto for Beginners

Please read: How to start a low-carb diet

Please visit: www.dietdoctor.com

Please visit: www.fatismyfriend.co.uk

Please visit: www.ditchthecarbs.com

Please visit: www.jessicainthekitchen.com

That sugar film music video

Video: www.youtube.com

Active Gloucestershire

Get your family and friends together and run, walk or cycle as Gloucester is transformed into a giant game.

Website: www.activegloucestershire.org

Benefit from Activity

Exploring the benefits activity can have on medical conditions.

Website: www.benefitfromactivity.org.uk

Get Britain Standing

In recent years a variety of major international research has produced compelling evidence that sitting for more than 4 hours each day leads to:

• Enzymes responsible for burning harmful blood fats shutting down.
• Reduced calorie burning (Metabolic rate).
• Disrupted blood sugar levels.
• Increased insulin and blood pressure levels.
• Leg muscles switch off.

Website: www.getbritainstanding.org

Sustrans

We’re the charity making it easier for people to walk and cycle.

Website: www.sustrans.org.uk

Walk 4 Life

Want to know where to walk or know how long a walk you do regularly is? Do you want to find someone to walk with? All of this is possible and more…come on in!

Website: www.walk4life.info

Gloucestershire Moves

Gloucestershire Moves is aimed at getting everybody more active by integrating  physical activity into daily lives.

Website: www.gloucestershiremoves.org

Do you have older parents, family or friends that may be susceptible to falls?

Are you an older person that wants to become more active, fitter, stronger and protect yourself from falls? Fit for Life is a specifically developed exercise class for active older people.

Telephone: 01452 393 605

Website: www.activegloucestershire.org/events-and-campaigns/fall-proof/

Everybody active, every day

An evidence-based approach to physical activity.

For more information, please read this booklet.

Parkrun Practice

Aspen Medical Centre is delighted to have partnered with Gloucester City Parkrun to become a ‘Parkrun Practice’. For those of you that don’t know about Parkruns, they are free nationwide events – every Saturday morning – that revolve around completing a 5km route in open spaces. Many choose to run but others push buggies, walk their dogs or amble round while chatting with friends. They are run entirely by volunteers which makes them an incredibly supportive and friendly environment to get out and feel good about yourself.

If you want to be competitive then by registering you receive a barcode that records your time and how many runs you have attended, which can also be a great motivator.

By becoming a Parkrun Practice we intend to practice what we preach (with members of staff also joining in), as well as promoting the events through posters and in consultations as a really important way you can take control of improving your own physical and mental health.

More details of the local run will be noticeable on your next trip to Aspen, but in the meantime more information can be found here. Warning, it can become addictive!

Get fit for free

The secret to getting fit for free is to use every opportunity to be active.

For more information please visit, www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/free-fitness-ideas/

Healthy Lifestyles

Healthy Lifestyles Gloucester have helped many people to improve their health and wellbeing. They provide up to 12 weeks’ worth of personalised support and will work closely with you to help you get more active.

Get help now – call us free on 0800 122 3788 and start your journey.

Website: www.hlsglos.org

Healthy Eating Guidelines and Weight Loss Advice

How to take and implement healthy decisions, set out by non-profit organisation Public Health Collaboration.

Moving Medicine

In the United Kingdom, physical inactivity is the fourth greatest cause of ill health with negative impacts on health, social and economic outcomes for individuals and communities. Moving Medicine provide clinicians and allied health professionals with accessible, evidence based, condition specific information to help give advice on physical activity at all stages of a patient’s treatment pathway. The project has been developed in collaboration with experts, professional bodies and charities representing patients and healthcare professionals in each disease area.

Website: www.movingmedicine.ac.uk

Slimming World

You’ll find delicious recipe and menu ideas at your local group, along with all the help you need to get started and reach your target weight.

Website: www.slimmingworld.co.uk

WW UK

Meetings, online or a little bit of both. WW UK, formerly Weightwatchers, offers options and support, whatever your lifestyle.

Facebook: @WW.UK

Twitter: @ww_uk

Website: www.weightwatchers.com

Sunflower Lanyard - Hidden Disabilities

At Aspen Medical Practice we know that not all disabilities are visible.

Our staff have been trained to recognise the Sunflower Lanyards developed by the Hidden Disability store which are being introduced across the UK. These lanyards let our staff know that you may need a little more time or help which they will be very happy to give.

Learning Disability Annual Reviews

Learning Disability Annual Reviews are important. We would like to offer these reviews to all patients over 14 with a learning disability. Usually they will be done in the surgery, by one of our nurses.

Dr Jarvis will help to answer questions and manage problems that the nurses cannot. Visits can be arranged for people who really can’t come into surgery.

It is helpful for the pre-health check questionnaire to be completed beforehand and brought to the appointment. 

We will create a Health Action Plan and send it to you after the appointment.

Reasonable Adjustments

If you need special arrangements to be made (such as particular times for your carer to come too, or a quieter waiting space) please do tell us.

Learning Disability Team

Dr Iain Jarvis, Geraldine Lane, Lana Gorospie, Kim Peacey and Sarah Hewlett form the LD team.

Videos: Accessing Health Services and What to Expect

A series of short films about accessing health services is available from Inclusion Gloucestershire.

2gether

2gether NHS Foundation Trust (²gether) provides specialist mental health and learning disability services to the people of Gloucestershire and Herefordshire.

Telephone: 01452 894000

Website: www.2gether.nhs.uk

Supercharged Me

Stay Supercharged and fully fit by having your Annual Health Check.

For anyone with a Learning Disability aged 14+.

Website: www.superchargedme.uk

Macmillan - Say Healthy Resources

Macmillan have created a variety of easy read, stay healthy booklets:

Being safe in the sun

Breast care for women

Healthy exercise

Having safe sex

Stop smoking

How to check your balls (testicles)

The Smear Test Film

‘The Smear Test Film’ is a health education film resource for women eligible for cervical screening (smear tests) who have mild and moderate learning disabilities.

The film has been designed and made by women who have learning disabilities to give women and their carers information about smear tests and their role in preventing cervical cancer and help women make a decision about whether to attend their smear test invitation.

Website: www.jostrust.org.uk

GIRES

GIRES is a UK wide organisation whose purpose is to improve the lives of trans and gender non-conforming people of all ages, including those who are non-binary and non-gender.

GIRES is a volunteer operated membership charity that, in collaboration with the other groups in its field, hears, helps, empowers and gives a voice to trans and gender non-conforming individuals, including those who are non-binary and non-gender, as well as their families.

Telephone: 01372 801 554

Website: www.gires.org.uk

The Gloucestershire Gay & Lesbian Community (GGLC)

The Gloucestershire Gay and Lesbian Community is a friendly social group that welcomes people of all sexualities and ages. The group aims to provide a meeting place for people who want to meet others similar to themselves in a relaxed social environment without the pressures associated with the gay bars and clubs.

Telephone: 07050 627273

Website: www.gglc.co.uk

Email:  info@gglc.co.uk

TransUnite

A social and support group aimed at trans folk whose gender identity does not match the sex they were assigned at birth. This includes but is not exclusively limited to trans women, trans men and non binary folk.

Telephone: 07834657547

Facebook: @GloucesterTrans

Twitter: @GloucesterTrans

Website: www.transunite.co.uk

Email: transgloucestershire@gmail.com

Terrence Higgins Trust

The UK’s leading HIV and sexual health charity. They support people living with HIV and amplify their voices, and help the people using services to achieve good sexual health.

Telephone: 0808 802 1221

Facebook: @TerrenceHigginsTrust

Twitter: @THTorguk

Instagram: @thtorguk

Website: www.tht.org.uk

Gay-Glos for LGBT people

A young people’s social group for LGBT people and those exploring their sexual orientation.

Website: www.gay-glos.org

galop - supporting LGBT+

If you’ve experienced hate crime, sexual violence or domestic abuse, galop are here for you. Also supporting lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer people (LGBT+) who have had problems with the police or have questions about the criminal justice system.

Advice Line Telephone: 020 7704 2040

Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0800 999 5428

Website: www.galop.org.uk

Email: info@galop.org.uk

Gloscats

We believe that it is unimportant how ‘convincing’ you look. We encourage you to believe in yourself so that the true, complete person within will shine through. You shall be gorgeous!

You are normal and have nothing to be ashamed of or to apologise for. There is no need to hide part of your true self behind a closed door and drawn curtains. We can introduce that part of you to the world outside in easy stages, until you can be who you are wherever you wish, amongst all the other normal people.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gloscatssupport

Website: www.gloscats.org.uk

Email: gloscats@gmail.com

Bristol Mind - MindLine Trans+

The MindLine Trans+ provides a safe place to talk about your feelings confidentially. We don’t record calls nor ask for any personal details. Our listeners will try understand the multitude of feelings and concerns that may be going on for you. We are here to listen and offer our support.

Telephone: 0117 980 0381

Website: https://bristolmind.org.uk

Email: mindline@bristol.org.uk

Mermaids UK

Mermaids is passionate about supporting children, young people, and their families to achieve a happier life. Mermaids has evolved and grown to meet demand and offer resources to young people, their families and carers, and professionals working with gender variant young people.

Telephone: 0808 801 0400

Website: www.mermaidsuk.org.uk

Email:  info@mermaidsuk.org.uk

Gendered Intelligence

Gendered Intelligence (GI) is a charity whose mission is to increase understandings of gender diversity. GI’s vision is of a world where people are no longer constrained by narrow perceptions and expectations of gender, and where diverse gender expressions are visible and valued; particularly specialising in supporting young trans people aged 8-25.

Telephone: 0207 832 5848

Facebook: @GenderedIntelligence

Twitter: @genderintell

Website: genderedintelligence.co.uk

The Eddystone Trust

The Eddystone Trust challenges the stigma, discrimination and misinformation associated with HIV and sexual health, and works with people affected by HIV to improve their quality of life.

Telephone: 01752 254 406 / 0800 3283508

website: www.eddystone.org.uk

Email: info@eddystone.org.uk

Advice and Information

Find information from the NHS for men below –

Prostate cancer: www.nhs.uk/prostate-cancer

Erectile disfunction: www.nhs.uk/why-can-i-not-get-and-keep-an-erection/

What should my testicles look and feel like?
What should my testicles look and feel like?
How to check your testicles

Information about Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Men

Joint Injections

In some situations, an injection of steroid into a painful joint can be helpful. However, sometimes this is not the best treatment and your doctor may recommend an alternative.

However, the following doctors do joint injections.

Shoulder: Dr Islam, Dr Jarvis, Dr H Khalid, DR McNiece, Dr Moreno, Dr Kuok

Elbows: Dr Islam, Dr Jarvis, Dr H Khalid, Dr Kuok, Dr Hodges

Fingers: Dr Islam, Dr Jarvis, Dr H Khalid, Dr Moreno

Knees: Dr Hodges, Dr Islam, Dr Jarvis, Dr Kempfen, Dr H Khalid, Dr Kuok, Dr McNiece

Thigh (Trochanteric bursa area): Dr Kuok, Dr Jarvis, Dr H Khalid

How to see a Physiotherapist

Find out how to see a physiotherapist. what you can do to manage your pain.

See here for exercises and advice on how to manage your sprains/pain.

Gloucestershire Community Children and Young People’s Physiotherapy Service

The service aims to support children and young people with a range of conditions by providing them and their families with support, advice and physical intervention to promote optimum outcome for the child and their family.

Information and factsheets

Gloucestershire Self Management - Live Better to Feel Better

Self-management is about finding ways, and learning techniques, which enable you to control your long-term health condition, rather than having it control you.

The Live Better to Feel Better course has been designed with you in mind, to provide you with these techniques as well as the confidence and awareness to use them appropriately.

LBFB Poster

Telephone: 0300 421 1623

Email: gloucestershire.selfmanagement@nhs.net

Fall-proof Strength and Balance Plan

Do you have older parents, family or friends that may be susceptible to falls?
Are you an older person that wants to become more active, fitter, stronger and protect yourself from falls? Fit for Life is a specifically developed exercise class for active older people.

Telephone: 01452 393605

Website: www.activegloucestershire.org/fall-proof

Versus Arthritis

Arthritis can affect the body in many different ways. Versus Arthritis has a wealth of information on how the pains caused by arthritis can be managed.

Website: www.versusarthritis.org

International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative

A global initiative to improve the lives of over 590 million people worldwide living with dysphagia.

Website: https://iddsi.org

Please view: www.aspenmedicalpractice.nhs.uk

Malnutrition Pathway

Managing Adult Malnutrition, including a pathway for the appropriate use of
oral nutritional supplements (ONS).

Website: www.malnutritionpathway.co.uk

Please view: Your Guide To Making the Most of Your Food

Please view: Nutrition Support in COPD

Vitamins B12 and D

If your recent blood test indicated that your Vitamin B12 levels are low please read this: Vitamin B12.

Please also visit our B12 Deficiency page.

Please read this Vitamin D leaflet by Gloucestershire CCG.

Royal Osteoporosis Society

The society’s helpline provides tailored information about osteoporosis and bone health. You may have osteoporosis, or be a friend or family member of someone who does. Health and social care professionals are also invited to get in touch.

Helpline: 0808 800 0035

Facebook: @RoyalOsteoSoc

Twitter: @RoyalOsteoSoc

Website: www.theros.org.uk

Osteoporosis - Calcium and Vitamin D facts

If you have osteoporosis it means that you have lost some bone material and your bones are more prone to break (fracture).

Find out if you’re getting enough calcium with this calculator

Vitamin D helps maintain healthy bones, muscles and teeth.

BDA - The Association of UK Dietitians

The BDA is the only body in the UK representing the whole of the dietetic workforce. They are a trade union and professional body representing the professional, educational, public and workplace interests of their members.

Website: www.bda.uk.com

Please view: Osteoporosis

This could be why you're depressed or anxious | Johann Hari

TED Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MB5IX-np5fE

Community Wellbeing Service

Gloucester Community Wellbeing Team can help:

• In times of change, for example after redundancy, health issues or retirement
• In times of emotional hardship, such as after a bereavement
• If you are worried about debt or financial issues
• If you don’t know where to turn for support
• If you would like to volunteer in your community

Telephone (via Homegroup): 0300 131 0024

Website: www.homegroup.org.uk/Care-and-Support

Gloucestershire Care and Support Guide

The Gloucestershire Care & Support Guide 2018/19 is a great introduction to what care services are on offer in your local area.

Contraception

We are able to offer a range of contraceptive choices at the surgery. We prescribe:

Combined contraceptive pill

Progesterone only pill

Contraceptive patch

Progesterone Injection – Depo-Provera or Sayana Press

Intrauterine devices- both copper and hormonal coils

Emergency Hormonal Contraception

Please click on the links below to learn more about the options available:

Combined oral contraceptive pill

Progesterone only pill

Combined hormonal patch (Evra)

Depo-Provera injection and Sayana Press

Both are given as an injection every 13 weeks. However, if you prefer you can be shown how to inject Sayana Press yourself and this can be done by you at home. Both injections are as effective as each other with the same side effect profile.

Contraceptive Hormone Implant (Nexplanon)

This is injected under the skin on your arm and lasts for three years:

Intrauterine Device (copper coil or IUD)

These last between five to 10 years depending on the type fitted.

Intrauterine System (IUS)

We offer two types at the practice. Mirena which lasts for five years and has more progesterone (52mg), this is very effective at reducing periods and is used for heavy periods even if contraception is not needed. It is also used as part of an HRT package with the addition of a oestrogen patch/gel/tablet.

Kyleena is smaller and has less progesterone (19.5mg) but also lasts for five years. This can not be used for HRT.

At Aspen Medical Practice we have doctors who are able to fit and replace intrauterine contraceptions (coils) and Nexplanons (contraceptive implants).

Dr Fisher, Dr Meade, Dr Sarkar and Dr Wilson all fit, remove and replace contraceptive implants – Nexplanons.

Dr Meade, Dr R Khalid, Dr Sarkar, and Dr Wilson all fit and replace intrauterine contraceptive devices – copper coils (last five to 10 years).

Hormonal Intrauterine systems (Mirena and Kyleena which last five years).

If you would like to have an implant or coil fitted/replaced please ask reception to book you a telephone consultation with one of the above doctors who will talk through the process and book an appointment.

Please see below our information leaflet prior to having your coil fitted:

What you need to know

If you would like to have a coil removed and require ongoing contraception it is best to have a telephone consultation or see a doctor first to initiate this a week before the coil is removed to avoid any gaps in your contraception. Please see the above leaflet.

If you wish to have your coil removed because you no longer require contraception or are trying to conceive please book an appointment with:

Dr Holdcroft, Dr Kempfen, Dr Khalid, Dr Kuok, Dr Kanan, Dr Meade, Dr Sarkar, Dr Wilson, Dr Quentin, Dr Fisher, Nurse Angela Amys and Advanced Nurse Practitioner Sarah Ron.

Emergency Hormonal Contraception

There are two types of Emergency oral hormonal contraception that can be given but the gold standard for preventing unwanted pregnancy is the IUD (copper coil).

These can be fitted up to five days after an episode of unprotected Sexual intercourse or up to five days after the calculated ovulation date. These are fitted by Hope House. They can be contacted on 0300 421 6500.

It is important that you advise the receptionist you need a coil for EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION so that you can be prioritised.

Please contact reception at The Aspen Medical Practice for a telephone consultation on the day if you require Emergency Hormonal Contraception.

Emergency hormonal Contraception can also be provided by your local pharmacy and Hope House.

Emergency contraception – your guide

Where can I get emergency contraception?

• Hope House also offer screening for Sexually Transmitted Infections both at their clinic and by post.

Brook

Brook provides free and confidential sexual health and wellbeing services for nearly 250,000 young people UK-wide, each year.

Website: www.brook.org.uk

Hope House

Hope House Sexual Health Services provides sexual health care across the county. It is free and available to anyone who needs it.

Website: www.hopehouse.nhs.uk

Family Planning Association

A sexual health charity, the Family Planning Association gives straightforward information and support on sexual health, sex and relationships to everyone in the UK.

Telephone: 020 7608 5240

Website: www.fpa.org.uk

Sexual Health Helpline

The National Sexual Health Helpline provided by Public Health England is open Monday to Friday, 09:00 – 20:00.

Telephone: 0300 123 7123

Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)

If you, or someone you know, has been the victim of sexual assault or rape, the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) at Hope House, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, is there to help.

Helpline: 0300 421 8400

Telephone: 01452 754390, 0800 090 1234 (out of hours)

Website: www.hopehousesarc.nhs.uk

Email: hopehousesarc@glos-care.nhs.uk

So what is a vulva anyway?

This booklet is here to help you to understand your vulva and how puberty can change it. You might be worried about how you look or feel and it can be difficult to know where to turn for advice. Everyone’s vulva is unique and will change throughout your life.

So what is a vulva anyway leaflet. 

Stroke

A stroke causes damage to the brain. A common cause of stroke is a blood clot that forms in a brain blood vessel (artery). Immediate treatment may include a clot-busting medicine to dissolve the blood clot. Other treatments include medication to reduce risk factors for further strokes. Rehabilitation is a major part of treatment. Disability following a stroke depends on factors such as the part of the brain affected, how quickly treatment was given and the extent of the damage to the brain. Call for an ambulance immediately if you suspect someone is having a stroke.

Website: www.patient.info

Gloucester Stroke Club

The purpose of the Gloucester Stroke Club is to give support to its members and enable them to meet other stroke survivors in a social atmosphere.

Website: www.stroke.org.uk

Gloucester Speakability Group

Speakability self-help groups are run by and for people with aphasia – language-loss following stroke, head injury or other neurological condition.

We meet bimonthly for casual meetings to have a chat, share experience and make new friends. Occasionally, we go on outings or have speakers coming in. We all understand aphasia and encourage each other in our recovery.

Website: www.stroke.org.uk

Stroke Discharge

A member of the stroke coordinator service will see you at home within one month of discharge from hospital. Follow up appointments can be arranged when you feel you want information, support and practical advice on issues and problems related to your stroke.

The Stroke Early Supported Discharge Team provide:

• Support and education at home for people living with the effects of stroke in the community.
• Education through the Life after Stroke Programme for self management of the effects of stroke.
• Support and advise to the carers of stroke survivors in the community and signposting them to support services.
• Involvement on educational programmes for anyone involved in the care of stroke patients in community hospitals/acute hospitals trust/social services and care homes.

Website: www.glos-care.nhs.uk

Statin Decision Aid

This decision aid is intended to help patients in whom treatment with a statin is being considered, for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

QRISK and Statin Decision aid v2

Gloucestershire Care Services: Podiatry

Podiatry Services are accessed by an online self-referral.

Managing Eczema for Patients and Families

Please find below information about how to manage Eczema.

Please read: KISS: Practical Tips for Managing Eczema for Patients and Families

Who Should I See?

All of our doctors can examine skin and look at a skin lesion which you may be worried about because it is new or is changing.

However, Dr Hodges, Dr Islam, Dr Lunn and Dr Moreno have undergone further training to examine the skin microscopically with a dermatoscope to help decide if a lesion is sinister or harmless.

Dr Hodges, Dr Islam, Dr Lunn, Dr McNiece and Dr Moreno, all have a special interest in skin problems and rashes.

Healthy Lifestyles

With support, people are four times more likely to successfully stop smoking. Healthy Lifestyles Gloucestershire is there to help you every step of the way.

Telephone: 0800 122 3788

Website: www.hlsglos.org

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)

Pharmacists at Badham Pharmacy are trained to provide a smoking cessation service to help patients stop smoking.

The patient will regularly see a pharmacist to discuss how they are getting on and to ensure the medication is the most appropriate option, or a dose reduction is needed. There is no need to visit your GP.

Stay Health - Stop Smoking

For more information on how to quit and the benefits read the CHANGE Cancer Series Booklet.

Breast Cancer Screening

Most experts agree that regular breast screening is beneficial in identifying breast cancer early.

The earlier the condition is found, the better the chances of surviving it.

Further Information:

Breast Cancer Screening

Breast Care for Women

Cervical Screening

For more information please visit these websites.

www.nhs.uk/cervical-screening

www.nhs.uk/breast-cancer-screening

So what is a vulva anyway?

This booklet is here to help you to understand your vulva and how puberty can change it. You might be worried about how you look or feel and it can be difficult to know where to turn for advice. Everyone’s vulva is unique and will change throughout your life.

So what is a vulva anyway leaflet. 

Pelvic Floor Exercises

Pelvic floor exercises strengthen the muscles around your bladder, sex organs, and back passage.

View our information poster!

Further information: www.nhs.uk/what-are-pelvic-floor-exercises

Ring Pessaries

If you would like to discuss having a ring pessary fitted for a prolapse for the first time please make an appointment with: Dr R Khalid, Dr Kuok, Dr Meade, Dr Quentin, Dr Sarkar or Dr Wilson.

If you simply wish to have your ring pessary replaced (this should be done every six months) please order your replacement and book an appointment with Dr Holdcroft, Dr R Khalid, Dr Kanan, Dr Kempfen, Dr Kuok, Dr McNiece, Dr Meade, Dr Sarkar, Dr Quentin, Dr Wilson or ANP Sarah Ron.

Overactive Bladder Syndrome

Overactive bladder syndrome is very common with symptoms including an urgent feeling that you need to go to the toilet.

Menopause Matters

Menopause Matters is an award winning, independent website providing up-to-date, accurate information about the menopause, menopausal symptoms and treatment options.

Website: www.menopausematters.co.uk

Symptoms of Early Menopause

In this help sheet you will find more information on the most common physical symptoms, why you get them — and some suggestions on effective treatments and coping strategies.