From your Patient Participation Group (PPG)
Every month the Academy Medical Centre Patient Participation Group raises awareness of some health and wellbeing campaigns.
The PPG would like to highlight the following in December:
- National Grief Awareness week (2 December - 8 December): There are various organisations that can provide you with help and support including Cruse Bereavement Support, AtaLoss and The Good Grief Trust. Further advice and support is also available from NHS Inform and if you think you might need extra support, your first step could be to see your GP – or another health professional you feel comfortable with – and tell them how you're feeling.
- Drinking Awareness: December is also time for festivities and being with your friends and families. However, be aware of your drinking during the season. Visit Drink Aware, Alcohol Focus Scotland and Alcohol Change UK for advice and information on drinking alcohol.
- Winter health: See NHS Tayside: Keep well in winter and beating the winter blues from NHS Inform. You will find hints and tips to keep you fit and healthy during the winter months e.g. going for walks outdoors but making sure you wrap up well, and eating a healthy diet of fruit and vegetables.
- Loneliness: If you are lonely there are organisations to give support including Age Scotland and The Silver Line (a free, confidential telephone service for older people providing friendship, conversation and support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
You can get involved and raise awareness by talking about the campaigns, tweeting or sharing on social media, or by donating, fundraising and pledging your support, or by simply reaching out to others this Christmas.
About the PPG
The Academy Medical Centre PPG has worked with the practice since 2010 to enhance the delivery of primary care services in a number of areas.
You can make a difference to the Practice too! To get involved or find out more about the work and how the PPG assists the practice and you, the patient, see the Academy Medical Centre PPG page. Notes of our meetings are also available to give you a real flavour of what we're doing.
