September 2025 Newsletter

Posted by: annecooper - Posted on:

September 2025 Newsletter




Using the NHS App

Did you know that we sometimes send you messages via your NHS App? If you’re not registered, now is the time to sign up!
It’s never been easier to see your notifications. You can you also access 111 if you’re looking for further medical advice. Check whether you need to access urgent medical care, or you may want to visit your GP following the steps in the app.

https://digital.nhs.uk/services/nhs-app/toolkit/walk-through-videos

Back to school

After a long summer, it can be difficult to settle back into the routine of early wake-ups and getting back to school. There are a few tips you can follow to help make it a little easier.

  • Establish a sleep routine before school starts
  • Always eat a good breakfast
  • Try to get some exercise
  • Prepare uniforms, bags and books the night before
  • Discuss any emotions

If your child is transitioning from primary school to secondary, or starting school for the first time, this can be an especially anxious time. Help them adjust confidently by taking them to shop for their uniform and supplies, practising the routine before the day, visiting the school, and talking about any challenges they might have.

The first day is always the hardest but after a few days, they will soon find their feet.

Find more helpful advice here: https://www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/CAMHS-going-back-to-school.pdf

Catch-up vaccines

Measles, mumps and rubella are highly infectious illnesses, with potentially life-changing complications, that can easily spread between unvaccinated people. Children need two doses of the safe and effective MMR vaccine. Both doses are needed to ensure full and lasting protection against measles, mumps and rubella.

If your child has missed either of these two doses, please contact us for an appointment. It’s never too late to catch up and protect those around you.

Blood Cancer Awareness Month, 1st – 30th September

September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month. Every three minutes, someone is diagnosed with a form of blood cancer, which doesn’t gain the same recognition as other cancers. This month, we stand together to raise awareness, support those affected, and push for more research, better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.

Being aware of the symptoms of blood cancer can save lives. Some of the symptoms may include:

  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding
  • Shortness of breath
  • Night sweats
  • Persistent fatigue

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t ignore them. Speak to your GP; it’s always better to check.

#BloodCancerAwareness #KnowTheSymptoms #EarlyDetectionSavesLives #BloodCancer

https://bloodcancer.org.uk/understanding-blood-cancer/blood-cancer-signs-symptoms

https://bloodcancer.org.uk/about-us…ss Month is,comes together to raise awareness.


Urology Awareness Month, 1st – 30th September

Every September, Urology Awareness Month shines a spotlight on urology diseases. This year, the theme of the month is ‘Bladder Leakage: Time to Act’.

One in five people in the UK are affected by bladder problems and one in three women live with bladder leakage. Many people rely on continence products and the impact on daily life and mental health can be significant.

  • Bladder leakage can happen for many reasons:
  • Menopause or childbirth
  • Urology cancers like bladder or prostate cancer
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Ongoing conditions like incontinence or after surgery

If you’ve experienced symptoms and need some help, please make an appointment with our (include as appropriate: Nurse/GP/Healthcare Team).

Vascular Disease Awareness Month, 1st – 30th September

Vascular disease is a leading cause of coronary heart disease and heart attacks, and it also contributes to strokes. It develops, often silently for many years, due to inflammation and weakening of the veins and arteries, along with the gradual build-up of fatty deposits inside blood vessels. It may only become apparent when the damage is severe.

Prevention is better than cure. Take control with a few lifestyle changes:

  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Eat a balanced diet – think plenty of fruit, vegetables and fibres
  • Stay active
  • Limit alcohol and stop smoking
  • Manage conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes

For support, please speak to a member of our team. Together we can fight vascular diseases.

https://www.penningtonslaw.com/news…nth-dispelling-myths-and-promoting-prevention

World Alzheimer’s Month, 1st – 30th September

Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer with someone being diagnosed every three minutes. This September is World Alzheimer’s Month, with World Alzheimer’s Day being on 21st September to raise dementia awareness and support people affected by the disease.

As we age, it’s normal to experience some changes in our mental abilities. While these changes can be frustrating, they’re usually a natural part of getting older. Dementia, however, is different; it’s a group of symptoms caused by different diseases that damage the brain.

Early signs can be subtle but often include:

• Memory loss
• Confusion and difficulty with daily tasks
• Trouble with language and understanding
• Changes in mood, behaviour or personality

Learn how you can raise awareness here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-involved/world-alzheimers-month

If you’ve noticed a change in yourself, or someone has mentioned that they feel you’ve shown new behaviour, it’s important to speak to a GP early.

#DementiaAwareness

Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month, 1st – 30th September

September is Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month. During the month, charities raise awareness of gynaecological cancers, which includes ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, uterine cancer, vaginal cancer and vulvar cancer.

Each year in the UK, over 22,000 women are diagnosed with a gynaecological cancer, and early diagnosis is key to improving outcomes.

If you’ve noticed symptoms that aren’t normal for you, it’s worth getting checked. These symptoms aren’t usually cancer but it’s important to identify any changes in your own body.

  • Unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge, including any bleeding after the menopause
  • Persistent bloating, feeling full more quickly or nausea
  • A persistent itch, lump or changes to the vulval skin or vagina
  • Unexplained lower back, abdominal or pelvic pain

You can book online, call our team or ask at reception.
https://eveappeal.org.uk/information-and-advice/gynaecological-cancers/

Know Your Numbers Week, 8th – 14th September

5 million UK adults aged 18-64 may have undiagnosed high blood pressure, increasing their risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney disease. Many don’t even know it. That’s why getting a simple blood pressure check at home could really save your life!

High blood pressure is known as the “silent killer” as it can show no symptoms at all. If you know your numbers, you’ll have the power to act and monitor changes. Whether you need to cut down on salt, increase your activity level or discuss medication, it starts with a simple blood pressure check.

https://www.bloodpressureuk.org/your-blood-pressure/

https://www.bloodpressureuk.org/know-your-numbers/know-your-numbers-week/

World Suicide Prevention Day, 10th September

(Please note, you may wish to add *Trigger warning* prior to your text.)

If you think someone might be suicidal, take action, interrupt their thoughts and show them you care.

This year’s campaign was co-created with people who have lived experience. Their feedback has shown the importance of interrupting suicidal thoughts and how this can save a life.

If you’re looking for help yourself, please do speak to one of our team, or contact any of these resources:

https://www.samaritans.org/support-…world-suicide-prevention-day-funders-toolkit/

World Sepsis Day, 13th September

Every three seconds, someone dies of sepsis. World Sepsis Day is the annual reminder of the importance of early recognition of this dangerous condition.

Sepsis happens when the body attacks itself following an infection. It may lead to shock, multi-organ failure and death, so it’s vital to pick it up quickly.

Knowing the signs can help early intervention and a greater chance of survival. Symptoms can vary, and can be particularly difficult to spot in babies and children. If you’re ever worried, ask your doctor, “Is this sepsis?”
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sepsis/

Sexual Health Week, 15th – 21st September

The internet is shaping how we learn, talk and think about sex and relationships. This Sexual Health Week, we focus on ‘Chronically Online’. Digital technology has become a familiar part of our daily lives. Apps are often the default when it comes to dating, and when we need an STI test, we’re just as likely to go online as we are to visit a clinic.

But how do we empower young people to challenge what they see online with the growth of AI? We can discover how integrating digital and face-to-face sexual health services can help to address health inequalities and share the voices of those using their platforms to combat stigma and misinformation online.

Join a free 60-minute online RSE lesson for Year 9 and above on 16th September: https://learnliveuk.com/brooks-big-rse-lesson-chronically-online/

https://trello.com/b/WpFydwwn/sexual-health-week-2025

Male Cancer Awareness Week, 16th – 22nd September

This year, Male Cancer Awareness Week aims to raise the profile and reduce the stigma around testicular, prostate and penile cancer, and highlight the importance of early detection.

Symptoms can include:

  • Changes in bladder habits
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Sudden lumps or swellings
  • Stomach pain/bloating

If you notice a change in your health, it’s important to make an appointment with your GP.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Week, 16th – 22nd September

This Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Week, we’re focusing on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) – a serious autoimmune condition that’s often misunderstood.

RA is an autoimmune disease that can affect people aged 16 and over – not just older adults. Unlike osteoarthritis, RA doesn’t just affect joints; it can also impact on organs including the heart, lungs, eyes and other organs. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are crucial and can help the quality of life of sufferers.

https://nras.org.uk/

EveryWoman Day, 16th September

EveryWoman Day was created to raise awareness and share experiences about women’s health, so that other women can benefit. Many women’s health problems are poorly understood, even when they’re severely life-limiting, and this is an opportunity to think about supporting conditions such as PCOS, fibroids, endometriosis, amongst others. Find out more here: https://everywomanday.com/

Youth Mental Health Day, 19th September

Did you know that one in five 8-25-year-olds have a mental health disorder? Yet, only 40% are able to access effective treatment.

This year’s Youth Mental Health Day theme is ‘Share Support’. Studies show that peer support can be associated with reductions in depression and anxiety in young people, and when young people share their own coping strategies and recommendations, it not only empowers them but also provides others with relatable, practical tools to help with their challenges.

You can now find a number of mental health management resources online, e.g., apps, which make support more accessible when conventional routes of treatment may not be an option.

https://stem4.org.uk/youthmentalhealthday/

https://stem4.org.uk/apps/

Migraine Awareness Week, 22nd – 28th September

It’s Migraine Awareness Week, and it’s an opportunity to change the perception that migraines are “just a headache”. They’re a complex neurological condition that impacts on every aspect of life, from day-to-day activities to long-term goals.

Migraine is most common among adults of working age and affects one in seven of the population. It can affect working life but this can be significantly reduced if people with migraine are supported at work. There are tips and hints for supporting those in your workplace who suffer from migraines, alongside ideas for those who are suffering.

https://migrainetrust.org/information-and-support-on-migraine-and-work

National Eye Health Week, 23rd – 29th September

Vision matters and National Eye Health Week aims to ensure that everyone takes care of their eyes. More than 2 million people in the UK are living with sight loss that’s severe enough to have a significant impact on their daily lives. Caring for your eyes can help to keep them healthy.


  • Eat a balanced, healthy diet
  • Get active
  • Do not smoke or vape
  • Protect your eyes when the UV Index rises to 3 or more
  • Have regular eye tests

You can read more about eye health here: https://www.visionmatters.org.uk/

National Inclusion Week, 23rd – 29th September

National Inclusion Week is a great chance to start conversations and get everyone thinking about inclusion in your organisation. It’s the perfect time to share ideas, spark discussions or even kick off new initiatives.

What makes this week so special is that everyone gets to be involved. It’s an opportunity to celebrate all communities – across gender, race, religion, LGBTQ+, disability, carers, and social mobility – and to explore how these identities intersect.

Let’s come together to make inclusion part of everyday life!

https://www.inclusiveemployers.co.uk/national-inclusion-week/

Organ Donation Week, 23rd – 29th September

Did you know that one donor can save or transform up to nine lives through organ donation? By saying yes to organ donation, you could give someone else a second chance at life.

Sadly, someone will die today waiting for a transplant, and most of us would accept an organ if we needed one. It takes just two minutes for someone to confirm their decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register.

All adults in England are now considered to have agreed to be an organ donor when they die unless they’ve recorded a decision not to donate or are in one of the excluded groups. It’s never been easier to show you support donation; simply update the details in your NHS App. https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/nhs-app-help-and-support/nhs-app-account-and-settings/organ-donation/

World Contraception Day, 26th September

World Contraception Day is about raising awareness of the contraceptive options available and empowering people to make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health.

Options include hormonal methods (pills, patches, injections), long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) like implants and coils (IUDs/IUCs), and barrier methods such as condoms. It’s important to choose a method that suits your needs and to remember that in addition to preventing unwanted pregnancy, condoms are crucial for protection against sexually transmitted infections.

If you’d like advice on your options, please do book an appointment with (add your most suitable options here; include local sexual health clinics, etc.).
https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/methods-of-contraception/