Fort House Surgery

01/09/2026

Elmbridge Together Family Fun Run

The Mayor of Elmbridge is hosting a Family Fun Run on Sunday 20th September – a fun, inclusive event bringing the community together for an afternoon of walking, jogging and running.

Participants can choose to run or walk a scenic 5km route along the River Thames, starting and finishing at Walton Xcel Sports Hub, with a 2km route also available for children under 11.

📅 Sunday 20th September
⏰ 3pm start
📍 Walton Xcel Sports Hub

The event will raise funds for the Mayor's charities for the year – The Mayor of Elmbridge Trust Fund and Elmbridge CAN – and is a great opportunity to get active and spend time outdoors.

Register here: https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/ElmbridgeTogetherFunRun

Find out more about the charities:
The Mayor of Elmbridge Trust Fund: https://www.elmbridge.gov.uk/your-council/mayor-elmbridge/mayor-elmbridge-trust-fund
Elmbridge CAN: https://www.elmbridgecan.org.uk/

25/08/2026

🎓 Heading off to university this year, or have a student in the family? Our Uni Guide brings together key information and support on health, wellbeing, and settling in, all in one place.

Read the full guide, or download it as a PDF, on our Wellbeing Wall: www.forthousesurgery.nhs.uk/uni-guide-essential-info-for-university-life-wellbeing/

❤️ Health & Wellbeing - we're here to help
- Confidential and non-judgmental advice and support for all aspects of your health.
- Sexual health and contraception
- Mental health and wellbeing support
- Talk to our friendly team before you head off
Get Support: Visit your uni's health centre, or find more info here: www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/sexual-health-services

🩺 Register with a GP
Registering with a GP near your university means you can access local NHS care when you need it.
- Easy and free to do
- Appointments for physical and mental health
- Ask at your Health Centre or visit its website
Get Registered: Visit your University Health Centre website or www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-gp/

🎉 Settling In - freshers & beyond
- Attend events that interest you
- Try new things and meet people
- Look after your physical and mental health
- Know your limits
- It's okay to say no
- Check out your university's Fresher's Guide for info on what's on
Top Tip: Plan ahead, pace yourself & look out for mates

🍺 Alcohol/drink aware
- Drink responsibly
- Alternate alcohol with soft drinks
- Eat before and while you drink
- Don't leave your drink unattended
- Look out for your friends
- There is support if you need it
Get Informed: For tips, advice and support visit www.drinkaware.co.uk

🛡 Vaccinations - stay protected
- New MenB vaccine programme now available
- Flu vaccine – protect yourself and others
- MenACWY vaccine for under 25s
Get Info: MenB vaccination available in pharmacies only. Book here: www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/vaccination-and-booking-services/book-a-menb-vaccination-appointment/
MenACWY info here: www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/menacwy-vaccine/

💰 Budgeting - make your money go further
- Plan your spending
- Track your money
- Look for student discounts
- Use campus support
Money Tips: For free, confidential money advice, visit www.moneyhelper.org.uk

💊 Drug Advice - know the risks, make safer choices
- Get the facts about drugs and their effects
- Know the law and your rights
- Look out for your friends
- Support is available if you are worried
Get Advice: For information and support visit www.talktofrank.com

🤝 Loneliness - it's ok to feel lonely
You're not alone - lots of people feel this way sometimes
- Join clubs & societies
- Chat to housemates
- Reach out - a small step can help
Get Support: Visit www.togetherall.com, www.themix.org.uk & www.studentminds.org.uk

Samaritans - here 24/7
Whatever you're going through, you can talk to them.
No judgment - they will listen anytime, day or night.
Call free on 116 123. Visit www.samaritans.org

Su***de - talking can save lives
If you are having thoughts of su***de, you are not alone. You matter and help is available. It's ok to talk about how you feel.
Get help now: Call 111 and select option 2 or visit www.papyrus-uk.org
In an emergency, call 999

🏠 Home for the holidays?
Register as a temporary patient at Fort House Surgery, to get the care you need while you're at home: www.forthousesurgery.nhs.uk/contact-us/register or visit Reception

🌐 Useful websites
www.drinkaware.co.uk | www.talktofrank.com | www.moneyhelper.org.uk | www.samaritans.org | www.togetherall.com | www.themix.org.uk | www.studentminds.org.uk

Not sure what help you need? Visit www.111.nhs.uk or dial 111. In an emergency, dial 999.

13/08/2026

04/08/2026

A reminder that you can donate to the Walton & Hersham FoodBank when you visit the practice - thank you to everyone who has already donated!

You can find the collection crate in our entrance lobby.

Not sure what's needed? The list changes week to week, so please check the link below, or scan the QR code on the posters by the crate, before you shop:

https://waltonhersham.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/donate-food/

Every donation helps 💚

31/07/2026

📌 The Saturday Night Project is back tomorrow!

Free activities for 11-15 year olds, every Saturday from 6-8pm throughout August, at Elmbridge Xcel Leisure Complex

The Saturday Night Project is back at Xcel Leisure Complex for young people aged 11 to 15.

Come along from 6pm to 8pm every Saturday in August for a free evening of fun, including pool inflatables, swimming, sports pitches and more!

No booking is required – just turn up, have fun and make new friends this summer!

Find out more on our website https://ow.ly/Vs7I50ZoTnw

29/07/2026

🐛 OAK PROCESSIONARY MOTH CATERPILLARS 🐛

We have seen an increase in cases linked to oak processionary moth (OPM) caterpillars this summer, and we'd like to advise patients to be aware.

🌳 What is it?
OPM caterpillars live on oak trees and have been spreading across the Southeast, including here in Walton-on-Thames, after the warm spring. They have toxic, barbed hairs.

⚠️ Symptoms
Contact with their hairs can cause:
🔸 Itchy skin rashes
🔸 Eye irritation
🔸 Sore throat
🔸 Breathing difficulties in more serious cases

🚫 What to do
Don't touch or approach caterpillars or their nests.
Keep children and pets away.
Report sightings to Forest Research: https://treealert.forestresearch.gov.uk/

💊 If you're affected
Mild symptoms → speak to a pharmacist
More serious reaction → contact us or call 111
Pet affected → contact a vet

📰 Read our full update on our website: https://www.forthousesurgery.nhs.uk/oak-processionary-moth-opm-caterpillar-update/

More information:
🔗 BBC News: bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cm2rdydxk32o
🔗 Forestry Commission / GOV.UK: gov.uk/guidance/managing-oak-processionary-moth-in-england

24/07/2026

📌 Free school uniform pop-up event from Walton Charity next week!

There's just 1 week to go until our free school uniform pop up shop event with Stripey Stork 👔

Join us in our new location The Bridge @ Church Farm on Friday 31st July and Saturday 1st August, where you will find:

Primary and secondary branded and non-branded second hand uniform, including shirts, trousers, dresses, skirts, jumpers, cardigans and more. Plus, shoes, PE kits and rucksacks!

No referral needed - just drop in 👋

waltoncharity.org.uk/preloved-popup-shop-2026

20/07/2026

If you're eligible, you can now get your free MenB vaccine.

MenB can cause serious illnesses like meningitis and septicaemia.

You may be eligible if you are:
✅ 17 to 18 years old and born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008
✅ Under 25 and starting university or moving into residential further education for the first time

Eligible 17 to 18-year-olds born between these dates can book online if they’re registered with a GP in England. Eligible under-25s can get vaccinated at a participating pharmacy – no GP registration is needed.

You'll need 2 doses, given at least 4 weeks apart, for the best protection.

Find out if you're eligible and how to get vaccinated: https://www.nhs.uk/book-menb

01/07/2026

📌Baby Steps Elmbridge - Women’s Perinatal & Antenatal Support Group

Baby Steps is a free, culturally sensitive support group for diverse pregnant women or women who have given birth in the last 2 years.

What’s on offer:

✔️FREE Perinatal Pilates
✔️Health & Wellbeing support
✔️Peer Support
✔️Tea & Refreshments

📅When: Weekly sessions in Term Time on Thursdays
⏰Time: 10.30am – 12.30pm
📍Where: Elmbridge Eco Hub, Rydens Grove, Hersham, KT12 5RU

For more information contact: [email protected]

No need to book - just pop in!

22/06/2026

A red heat-health alert has been issued across parts of England until 25 June. This is the highest level of alert and indicates a risk to everyone's health, not just vulnerable groups.

Learn more about how to stay safe in hot weather.

➡️ https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/heatwave-how-to-cope-in-hot-weather/