Keeping Healthy

a person looking at the camera

Mental Health

Mental health is about how we think, feel and behave. One in four people in the UK have a mental health problem at some point in their lives, which affects their daily life, relationships or physical health.

Mental health disorders take many different forms and affect people in different ways. Schizophrenia, depression and personality disorders are all examples of mental health problems. Diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia generally develop in old age, whereas eating disorders are more common in young people.

You can subscribe to wellbeing podcasts on the Mental Health Foundation Website.

The website of the Mental Health Foundation outlines the charity’s work in research, policy, service development and service user involvement. The site offers information and publications to download on research, good practice in services and on mental health problems and key issues.

For more information please visit the websites below:

External Websites

  • Wiltshire IAPT – LIFT Psychology can be accessed via self-referral or through referral by your GP
  • Mental Health – Healthtalkonline lets you share experiences of health and illness.
  • Alzheimer’s Disease An information sheet helping to understand more about Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Depression An information sheet helping to understand more about the causes, treatment and understanding of Depression
  • Alzheimer’s Society Comprehensive information for people with all forms of dementia. Alzheimer’s Society is a membership organisation, which works to improve the quality of life of people affected by dementia in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
  • Mental Health Foundation Founded in 1949, the Mental Health Foundation is a leading UK charity that provides information, carries out research, campaigns and works to improve services for anyone affected by mental health problems, whatever their age and wherever they live
  • Turning Point | Health & Wellbeing (turning-point.co.uk) Whether you come to them with drug or alcohol issues, a mental health concern or a learning disability, they'll give you the individual support you need
blood test

Blood Tests

Some blood tests need to be done on fasting samples. You will be informed if you need to fast for your blood test.

If you are to fast, you should have nothing to eat or drink (except plain water) from 10pm the night before your blood test appointment.

To stress this point: water is allowed; food, tea, coffee, milk, lemonade… in fact, anything but water is not allowed and may mean you will have to book another blood test.

If the prospect of having blood taken fills you with fear, tell us, because there are ways to make the procedure more comfortable.

a pile of cigarettes

Due to a lack of capacity, this service has been temporarily suspended until further notice

Smoking Cessation

If you’re trying to give up smoking, we can help. Studies show that your chances of success will be greatly improved if you get advice and support from health care professionals to help you stop smoking and if you don’t pay for your prescriptions then giving up is free.

  • The services we offer from the Practice can:
  • Boost your willpower to stop smoking
  • Concentrate your efforts by getting advice from someone who knows your medical background
  • Help you feel that you’re not doing it alone
  • Help you to cope when you are tempted to smoke
  • Monitor improvements to your health so that you can see the benefits

Please call the surgery to arrange an appointment with our smoking cessation advisers.

Due to a lack of capacity, this service has been temporarily suspended until further notice

For more information about quitting smoking please visit the websites below:

External Websites

  • No Smoking Day – Information to help you to kick the habit.
  • Gosmokefree – This website contains detailed information about the free NHS support services.
  • Smoking Cessation – NHS Site – if you smoke, giving up is probably the greatest single step you can take to improve your health.
  • Nicorette.co.uk – Personalised support online and on-the-go to help you quit.
  • Smoking Quitters Cost Tool – Calculate the money you will save with NHS Direct quitters cost calculator and plan how to spend it.