In this issue...
- Have a healthy festive season
- Vaccines remain our best defence
- New appointment to NHS Kent and Medway
- You’re not alone during the festive period
- Help your loved ones keep warm
- Check your energy rights today
- Mental health guides for adults with memory loss – tell us your thoughts
- Help spread Christmas cheer to care leavers
- Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) newsletter
- Patient First magazine from Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust
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This is our last newsletter for 2022; look out for the next issue on Thursday, 5 January. Wishing you all a merry Christmas and a happy new year.
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Have a healthy festive season
Make sure your medicine cabinet is fully stocked this festive season – collect your prescriptions and book your vaccine booster (if you haven't done so already) today.
Dr Kate Langford, NHS Kent and Medway’s (NHSKM) Chief Medical Officer, said: “Book your Covid-19 booster and flu vaccine, if eligible, and check you have basic essentials in the medicine cabinet. This should include paracetamol, cold remedies, plasters, tweezers and a thermometer.
“Ask for advice from your pharmacist at the first sign of feeling ill – don’t wait for it to become more serious. They will be happy to talk to you about a cough or a cold and can sell a range of medication without the need for a prescription.
“If you urgently need medical care when your GP practice is closed and the pharmacy can’t help, please use NHS111 online, which will help you find the right service.”
Find out more about the services on offer including a map of all pharmacies in Kent and Medway with addresses and opening times over the Christmas and New Year by visiting: www.stopthinkchoose.co.uk.
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Vaccines remain our best defence
The greatest gift this winter is protection against Covid-19 and flu. Vaccines are still our best defence against Covid-19 and flu, and health ambassadors are encouraging those eligible for the jabs – especially people who have never had a Covid-19 vaccine – to come forward. If you are eligible, book your jabs today on the national booking system or find your nearest walk-in clinic.
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Look out for our vaccine advert on Sky channels this Christmas.
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New appointment to NHS Kent and Medway
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Angela McNab has been appointed vice chair of the NHS Kent and Medway.
Angela, who was already a non-executive director at NHS Kent and Medway, has a wealth of experience from her career in health and social care, spanning national policy, regulation and operational delivery.
For more details visit our website.
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You’re not alone during the festive period
While the festive period can be a happy time, it can be difficult for some people, who may be struggling with poor mental health or low moods. Visit our Mental wellbeing information hub at any time for a list of support services. A mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a physical one.
Release the Pressure
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Worries about money, housing, heating and food bills can affect mental wellbeing, causing stress, anxiety and depression. Help is available 24/7 with the Release Pressure.
Text the word ‘Kent’ to 85258 or call the freephone number at 0800 107 0160.
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Safe havens in Kent and Medway
Kent and Medway safe havens offer out-of-hours mental health support to anyone aged 16.
Canterbury, Maidstone, Medway and Thanet safe havens will be open from 6 to 11pm as normal, including weekends and bank holidays.
The Folkestone branch is open from 6 to 11pm weekdays and 12noon to 11pm weekends and bank holidays. It is running tea and chat sessions from 7 to 9pm on Tuesday, 27 December and Tuesday, 3 January 2023. Additionally, a multi-craft group takes place from 7 to 9pm on Thursday, 29 December.
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It helps them:
- look after their own mental health
- easily find out about the support available
- know where to get extra help if they need it.
Medway Council's website also contains relevant information to help support the emotional, mental health and wellbeing of children and young people.
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Help your loved ones keep warm
If your friends or family are struggling to know what to do to stay warm this winter, there are steps you can take to help them save on their energy bills.
The Share the Warmth online platform will take you through five simple but effective energy-saving tips that can save households money.
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Watch Kent County Council's Share the Warmth campaign video for more advice.
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Check your energy rights today
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Ofgem is the energy regulator for the UK. You can find advice if you need extra help, have difficulties with your energy supply, want to save money or want to complain by visiting Ofgem's website.
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Mental health guides for adults with memory loss – tell us your thoughts
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In April 2021, we launched a mental wellbeing information hub, developed to help people in Kent and Medway find and access mental health support. The launch was supported by distribution of a booklet called How are you feeling?.
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We are now in the early stages of designing and developing a printed guide for adults with memory loss and their families, which will feature a list of mental health and wellbeing services. Visit the Have Your Say platform for more information on how to take part. |
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Help spread Christmas cheer to care leavers
Christmas can be a lonely time for care leavers, who may be celebrating on their own for the first time. They might not have spare money for a Christmas tree or lunch; they might not receive a gift.
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Publications from our partners
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Kent County Council
In the December edition of Kent’s newsletter for families of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), there is an update about how Kent County Council and the NHS intend to address the concerns of parents and families about the service. There is also health information, tips about supporting your child this Christmas, and where to go for support and advice.
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Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust
Patient First is the trust's monthly magazine for patients, visitors and local communities.
Read December's issue, featuring stories including:
- hospital ‘mission control’ opened by local MP
- introducing the new autism communication passport for patient
- welcoming the first cohort of students from Kent and Medway Medical School.
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