Join us at a new community cancer wellbeing event
People living with cancer, along with their family, friends and carers, are invited to a new community cancer wellbeing event at Newton Abbot Racecourse next month.
The event takes place on Tuesday 04 November and brings together local organisations, NHS professionals, and community support groups to showcase the wide range of help available for people affected by cancer, including advice on physical activity, financial matters, and mental health and wellbeing.
Visitors can drop in at any time from 9.30am to 1.30pm. There will also be two short talks during the morning including one on nutrition and healthy eating during and after cancer treatment (10.30am).
Julie Eason, Personalised Care Project Manager for Cancer Services at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, who has helped organise the event, said: “This is an opportunity for people to meet others living with cancer and to discover the local support available to them. Everyone’s experience of cancer is different, and we want to encourage people to take an active role in their own health and wellbeing. Connecting with others who understand what you’re going through can make a real difference, providing reassurance, comfort, and a sense of belonging.”
She added that research shows people who stay engaged in their health and wellbeing during treatment often experience better physical and emotional outcomes. She said: “We want to make it easier for people to access the right information and support all under one roof.”
Ian Nightingale, Chairman of the Torbay Prostate Support Association, one of the groups attending, said: “A cancer diagnosis is life-changing, not only for the individual but also for their loved ones. Even with family and friends around, it can still feel lonely. Local support groups can play a vital role in helping people through that, and this event will be an excellent opportunity to connect.”
The event is free to attend, and there’s no need to book – simply come along on the day.
For more information, please contact The Lodge Cancer Support and Information Centre on 01803 656490.
Devon patients urged to use the NHS App this winter
Join the record number of people in Devon who are taking control of their health with the NHS App. The app has become an essential tool to help people to manage their healthcare more conveniently, including ordering repeat prescriptions and nominating a pharmacy to collect medication, booking GP appointments and locating nearby NHS services – all without calling your GP surgery.
You can also use the app to:
- View your GP health record to see information like your allergies and medicines (if your GP has given you access to your detailed medical record, you can also see information like test results)
- Book and manage vaccinations
- Register organ donation decisions
- Choose how the NHS uses your data.
Nearly all local GP practices are registered to be accessible via the NHS App, so depending on your surgery, you may also be able to use it to:
- Message your GP surgery or a health professional online
- Contact your GP surgery using an online form and get a reply
- access health services on behalf of someone you care for
- View and manage your hospital and other healthcare appointments
- View useful links your doctor or health professional has shared with you
- View and manage care plans.
Jim Goodwin, NHS Devon Head of Digital said: “Ahead of the winter, we want to remind everyone of how the NHS App can help you access NHS services quickly and easily.
“More than 600,000 people are already using this App locally. It’s an incredibly useful tool that allows you to view your GP record and results, as well as book and manage your upcoming appointments.”
You can download the app onto your smartphone or tablet via the Google Play or App Store or access the same services in a web browser by logging in through the NHS website.