Withington Medical Practice

02/09/2026

Cervical screening is one of the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer, so it’s important to take up your invitation when it arrives.
If you’ve missed your cervical screening, the NHS may invite you to take an HPV self-test instead. If invited, you can order a kit, take your sample at home or somewhere private, and return it free by post.
You can’t opt in to HPV self-testing – if you’re eligible, the NHS will contact you.
More info ➡️ https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/cervical-screening/how-to-book/

21/08/2026

Where to get help with cost-of-living support

Times are hard for many people and cost of living worries can have a big impact on health and wellbeing. If you are worried about:

Benefits and rent, debts or bills, food or staying warm, please ring Manchester’s Cost of Living advice line on freephone 0800 023 2692

Monday to Friday, 9am–4.30pm.
More information is also available at manchester.gov.uk/coladvice or text: 07860 022876

19/08/2026

World Humanitarian Day is a time to honour those who step into crises to help others, and to stand with the millions of people whose lives hang in the balance.

Increasingly, every year, hundreds of humanitarian workers are killed, injured, kidnapped or detained in the line of duty or in their homes. Even when these attacks violate international law, they are often ignored, and those responsible walk free. The system is failing not just humanitarian workers, but the people they serve.

You can find out more, discover this year’s theme and view related events at https://www.un.org/en/observances/humanitarian-day

14/08/2026

Insect bites and stings are not usually serious and get better in a few days. But they can be very painful or itchy, and sometimes they can become infected or cause a serious allergic reaction. If you think a bite or sting has become infected, see a pharmacist.

Sometimes there may be something left in your skin, you can usually remove it yourself. Find out how to do this, and what to do if you get bitten or stung at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/insect-bites-and-stings/.

Some people may experience an extreme allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis, and need urgent medical treatment. Symptoms include:
Swelling of the throat and tongue
Difficulty breathing or swallowing, or breathing very fast
Feeling tired or confused, faint or dizzy
Cold skin, or blue, grey or pale skin, lips or tongue – if the person has brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of their hands or soles of their feet

If you, or someone you are with has some of these symptoms after a bite or sting, call 999 and ask for an ambulance. If you have an adrenaline auto-injector pen, follow the simple instructions on the side to use it. To find out more, visit: https://www.anaphylaxis.org.uk/about-anaphylaxis/what-to-do-in-an-emergency/

11/08/2026

The summer holidays can be a stressful time for parents. Trying to find childcare or activities can be time consuming and expensive, and some parents feel guilty at not being able to give their children ‘the best summer ever’. So what can you do to make your summer less stressful?

Avoid expensive theme parks and attractions. Why not consider:
Small, local animal sanctuaries and attractions that may have much cheaper entry
Free play parks, water play areas, woodland, beaches and riversides
Local cafes, which sometimes have a free play area
Paddling pools, sand pits and garden sports
Cooking or gardening together
Arts and crafts
Play dates, picnics, meet-ups in parks with family and friends
When you need to work, look for cheap local activities being run by schools, churches and youth groups. A lot of camps can be paid for with your Tax-Free Childcare account, so you can get up to 20% off the cost.

If you are struggling with stress, or any other mental health difficulties, the charity Mind has lots of resources specifically aimed at parents. To get ideas, reassurance, help and support, visit https://www.mind.org.uk/news-campai...es/supporting-parents-during-school-holidays/

06/08/2026

The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) aims to empower parents by protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding. Breastfeeding saves the lives of both babies and mothers, and also supports nutrition, development and lifelong health. Breastmilk is a low-cost, locally available nutrition, so it also encourages equality.

This awareness week, everyone is invited to understand and share what is working in countries that are reporting good breastfeeding progress, to help promote a more equal and sustainable start in life for babies worldwide, and a reduction in poverty and better food security for them and their families.

Find out more, and learn about the hashtags you can use to increase awareness on social media at: https://worldbreastfeedingw

04/08/2026

Oldmoat Youth Outreach Project and Unity Arts have joined up with a range of youth providers to bring a series of free, fun summer park sessions with meals served at 4pm.
Suitable for children up to the age of 16.
Under 8s must be accompanied by adults.

31/07/2026

Greater Manchester Law Centre is now offering free legal advice clinics for people living in this neighbourhood. Clinics take place at Ladybarn Community Hub and Old Moat Sure Start Centre. This offer includes hands-on support to make sure you are getting all the benefits you are entitled to.

28/07/2026

South Asia is a region of extraordinary diversity and South Asian culture has made a profound impact on British life through food, clothing, music, language, enterprise and community.

South Asian Heritage Month is a time for learning, reflecting on and celebrating South Asian contributions to British life. This year’s theme is ‘Unity in Diversity’, and it invites us to explore what unites us across these differences, such as shared values, intertwined histories, and a common commitment to community and belonging, while celebrating the beauty and strength that diversity brings.

South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM) first took place in 2020. The global observance now runs from the 1st of July to the 31st of July each year. SAHM seeks to commemorate, mark and celebrate South Asian cultures, histories, and communities.

24/07/2026

Group B Streptococcus is a bacteria which is usually carried harmlessly by adults, with no symptoms. But during childbirth, it can be passed to babies, and in rare cases, cause serious health conditions or even death.

However, most group B Strep infections are preventable, so this Awareness Month aims to save lives by educating about how GBS is carried, how it can be transmitted during childbirth, and what steps can be taken to reduce the risk.

Information about GBS can be found at https://gbss.org.uk, and you can see more information, fundraising toolkits, and a fun quiz on the Group B Strep International website: https://www.groupbstrepinternational.org/gbs-awareness.html