Author: Paul Nicholls | Page 15

Coming out of lockdown – get debt help now.

Guildford charity urges people in debt to get urgent help as lockdown restrictions are eased.

A group of churches in Guildford have been running a Christians Against Poverty (CAP) debt centre for nearly nine years. The free service is available to all people in the surrounding area.

The combination of rising unemployment, reduced hours, illness and larger bills covering the period when so many people have been at home has created a situation where many people now have unmanageable debt. As people emerge from lockdown the uncertain economic effects may impact people hard. However, for people here in Guildford, there is a solution.

Jane Seals, Guildford CAP Debt Centre Manager, said: “Although we’ve continued helping people out of debt throughout the pandemic, we know that many people have been in survival mode and it’s only as we come out of lock-down that they will start to seek help.

“We want everyone to know that we’re here to give that help completely free of charge along with localised support, understanding and encouragement.

The Debt Centre currently has plenty of appointments available so we’re urging people to get in contact as soon as possible to get help and get their lives back on track.

There is a team of volunteers, some of whom have been in debt themselves and are now out the other side, able to give a helping hand with practical solutions.

“Although we’ve continued helping people out of debt throughout the pandemic, we know that many people have been in survival mode and it’s only as we come out of lock-down that they will start to seek help.”

CAP client, Lisa, said: “Without CAP I think I would probably be dead as I wouldn’t have had money to buy food! Now, I’m going to uni! Now, I know I can afford it and I feel mentally better, I’m hoping to change people’s lives the way CAP has changed mine.”

If you know things are out of control and you’re stressed, missing meals or sleep, please give us a call and let us help you get your life back on track.

Book an appointment with CAP by calling Freephone 0800 328 0006 or visit capuk.org

Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is a UK charity determined to reduce UK poverty delivering debt counselling, money management, job clubs, life skills groups and support for people breaking life controlling habits.

capuk.org
facebook.com/capuk
twitter.com/capuk

by Paul Nicholls

Latest News from Merrow Park Surgery

Did you know that UK-based research shows that patients who see the same GP over a number of years are:

Less likely to be admitted to hospital,
Less likely to attend the emergency department,
Less likely to need to be referred to hospital,
As well as living both a longer and a healthier life.

Merrow Park Surgery continues to support relationship-based primary care by maintaining our system of usual GP. Whilst patients may not see their GP physically, their care continues to be overseen via daily clinical meetings and our team structure, by their usual/registered GP.

Merrow Park Surgery Team members:
Physician Associates

Many patients may not be aware of the integral role Physician Associates have within our clinical team since 2019. PA’s are medically-trained, generalist healthcare professionals working alongside our GP’s. Felicity and Stephanie work with a dedicated medical supervisor and your usual GP (eg authorising prescriptions & investigations), but work autonomously to:

Take medical histories
Carry out physical examinations
See patients with long-term chronic conditions
Formulate diagnostic and management plans
Perform procedures
Deliver and develop management plans
Request and interpret blood test investigations
Provide health and disease prevention advice for patients

Through working together we hope to inspire wellness in our patients, staff & the community of Merrow Park & Burpham.

As the NHS celebrates its Diamond Anniversary, we’d like to celebrate all 32 jewels in our crown: our staff. They include management, administrative and Patients Services Teams, as well as our clinicians. It is through working together we hope to inspire wellness in our patients, staff & the community of Merrow Park & Burpham.

We wish Dr James all the best for the remainder of her pregnancy as she temporarily leaves the practice this month. Dr Ekpiken, covering her maternity leave, will join us in August.

Address:

Merrow Park Surgery Kingfisher Drive, Merrow, Guildford, Surrey GU4 7EP

GPs:

Dr Calvert Han
Dr Larisa Han
Dr Victoria Farrow
Dr Sarah Quick
Dr Jessica James
Dr Melody Vincett
Dr Anupama Lochab

Phone:

01483 503331

www.merrowparksurgery.nhs.uk

Opening hours:

Monday 8.00am-7.00pm
Tuesday 8.00am-7.00pm
Wednesday 8.00am-8.00pm
Thursday 8.00am-7:00pm
Friday 8.00am-6.30pm
Saturday & Sunday Closed

by Paul Nicholls

Latest News from Merrow Park Surgery – November 2023

Merrow Park Surgery Team members:

Social Prescribers

Social prescribing is a non-medical service designed to support anyone aged 18+ by looking at factors that are having an impact on people’s wellbeing. Taking the time to listen to what matters to you, and to link you to appropriate services in the community to support social, emotional and practical needs.

For example, the Social Prescribers, could link you to an art class, walking group, dementia navigator, carers support group, support filling out benefit forms, or to learn how to use your smart phone or computer.

Kate Jones our local Social Prescriber, available for telephone consults or in person at the surgery. Contact our Patient Services Team (PST) for a referral to the service.

Taking the time to listen to what matters to you, and to link you to appropriate services in the community to support social, emotional and practical needs.

Minor Eye Conditions (MECS/ACES)

Minor eye conditions can be seen under the ACES service, which is operated by some specially trained Optometrists. Unlike your GP surgery, they have access to their specialist equipment which can help with assessment of the symptoms below:

Sudden reduced vision red eyes, eye pain, dry eyes, inflammation, irritation, sticky discharge, watery eyes, recent flashes, in growing eyelashes, foreign body in the eye, excessive tears.

The ACES Optomotrist can arrange an urgent referral to the hospital eye clinic if necessary & can report important findings back to your usual GP.

Specsavers in Guildford town centre operate this service locally.
23 Friary Street, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 4EH, 01483 452225

Flu & COVID season

Flu season is rapidly approaching and COVID cases are already on the rise, there are several ways you can boost your immune system & reduce your risk of catching respiratory viral infections.

Washing your hands regularly & avoid transferring germs to your eyes and face.
Keeping distance of more than 2 metres when sick or around others who are sick.
Optimise your sleep, 7-8 hours & reducing caffeine and alcohol intake.
Opening windows and encourage fresh airflow.
Get your annual vaccination if eligible, it takes 2 weeks for adequate antibody response.
Consider vitamin D supplement for 3 months over winter, see your local Pharmacist.