Tonbridge Medical Group

12/04/2026

Allergy Awareness Week, 22nd–28th April

Allergy affects more than a quarter of the UK population, and occurs when the body’s immune system reacts inappropriately to normally harmless substances. Some allergies are mild, but more severe cases can cause anaphylaxis, which can be fatal.

Many people’ symptoms go unrecognised, and they don’t get the support they need. So this year, the theme of Allergy Awareness Week is ‘I Wish I Knew: Diagnosis Matters’.

You can find out more about the campaign and learn about allergy symptoms, next steps and anaphylaxis on the Allergy UK website:

Free Allergy Support & Resources

12/04/2026

MS Awareness Week, 20th–26th April

More than 150,000 people in the UK have Multiple sclerosis (MS), a condition that affects the nerves in your brain and spinal cord, causing a range of symptoms like blurred vision and problems with how you move, think and feel.

MS Awareness Week is designed to raise awareness about the condition and the issues people with MS are talking about. In 2026 the focus is on challenging MS assumptions and the harm they can cause. You can find out more at

MS Awareness Week 2026 will take place on 20 - 26 April.

12/04/2026

World Parkinson’s Day, 11th April

In the UK, around 166,000 people live with Parkinson’s, and someone new is diagnosed every 20 minutes. There are over 40 symptoms of Parkinson’s. But the main three are a tremor (shaking), slowness of movement and rigidity (muscle stiffness). More information can be found at https://www.parkinsons.org.uk

Last year, more than 180 landmarks, buildings and homes were lit up in blue to shine a light on Parkinson’s, and people knitted, baked and wore blue to raise awareness and fundraise for research and support. Find out how you can join in this year’s ‘Make it Blue’ campaign at https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/community/world-parkinsons-day

World Parkinson's Day is on Saturday 11 April 2026. We've got everything you need to get involved. Find out how you can raise awareness and improve the lives of people with Parkinson's.

12/04/2026

World Autism Acceptance Month, 1st– 30th April

Autistic people face discrimination and barriers across all sectors of society. They, and their families and carers, need support to overcome those barriers, and opportunities to explore interests, develop skills and lead fulfilling lives.

World Autism Acceptance Month is a time for everyone to get involved in fundraising, sharing resources, raising awareness and helping to create a society that works for autistic people. Walk, run or fundraise your own way!

Find out more and sign up at

Celebrate with us this World by joining the 5k sponsored and our new Spectrum run 10k in Battersea Park, London.

12/04/2026

IBS Awareness Month, 1st– 30th April

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition that causes episodes of abdominal pain and often discomfort when using the toilet. It does not shorten your life, but leads to more pain, health care appointments, and surgeries, impacting quality of life, and sometimes the ability to work full-time.

This April, you can help to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and support people with IBS by sharing the hashtags and

Find out more at

This April, we are raising awareness about the hidden realities of IBS and the profound impact these symptoms have on daily life- the theme for IBS Awareness

12/04/2026

Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, 1st– 30th April

Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK, and Bowel Cancer Awareness Month aims to increase awareness of the importance of early diagnosis and knowing the symptoms, which you can find here: https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/about-bowel-cancer/symptoms/

These symptoms don’t mean you definitely have bowel cancer, but it’s important to check. The earlier bowel cancer is spotted, the more treatable it is, and the more likely it can be cured.

Why not get involved in Bowel Cancer UK’s ActiveApril campaign, and get active while fundraising to support people with bowel cancer! Sign up on their website: https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk

We’re the UK’s leading bowel cancer charity. We’re determined to save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer.

12/04/2026

Stress Awareness Month, 1st– 30th April

Stress is not always a ‘bad’ thing. However, when we experience stress in our workplace or everyday lives, it can affect our ability to function, and long-term stress can damage our health.

Workplace stress is reaching record levels worldwide, so Stress Awareness Month gives organisations a chance to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and actively support employee wellbeing before issues escalate. Learn more at:

What is Stress Awareness Month? Stress Awareness Month is an annual event observed every April since 1992, dedicated to increasing public awareness about the causes, effects, and management of stress. The Stress Management Society, a nonprofit organisation established in 2003, has been championing t...

20/03/2026

MenB needs close and prolonged contact to spread, such as living in the same household
or intimate contact such as kissing or sharing drinks and vapes.

It is not as contagious as other infections like measles or COVID-19.

Learn more about meningitis, including how to spot it and when to get help if you need it.

➡️ https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/03/18/meningitis-b-outbreak-what-you-need-to-know/

20/03/2026

MEN B UPDATE
A patient helpline, run by UKHSA, is now available. Patients can call 0344 225 3861, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, if they have no symptoms but are concerned they have been in contact with a confirmed case or have a general enquiry.

17/03/2026

Men B Outbreak:
Please refer to the latest UKHSA guidance. This is the most up to date and relevant guidance.

Club Chemistry contacts asked to come forward for antibiotics if they visited club between 5 and 7 March 2026.

17/03/2026

Due to the high volume of calls we are receiving regarding the MenB outbreak, we kindly ask patients to check their Childhood Immunisations Red Book or the NHS App to see if they have already received these injections as part of the routine childhood immunisation programme.
We are not being advised to give any additional vaccines, vaccines can only be offered to eligible people that are due.
Thank you for your patience and co-operation during this time.