🌟 A Winter Message from Caritas Group Practice
Dear Patients,
As the year draws to a close and winter settles in, we wanted to take a moment to pause, reflect, and say thank you.
At Caritas Group Practice, caring for you is about more than appointments and prescriptions — it’s about relationships, trust, and community. This season reminds us of the importance of kindness, connection, and looking out for one another, especially during the colder and darker months.
💚 Looking Back: A Year of Care & Community
This year has brought its challenges, but also many moments of progress and togetherness.
Thanks to your support and feedback, we have continued to:
Provide care across our three surgeries — Woodside, Mixenden Stones, and Shelf Health Centre
Work closely within the North Halifax Primary Care Network to expand services such as physiotherapy, social prescribing, and mental health support
Strengthen communication with patients through newsletters, digital updates, and community engagement
Grow our Patient Participation Group (PPG) — ensuring patient voices help shape how we deliver care
“Healthcare works best when patients and practices work together.”
Your patience, understanding, and engagement have made a real difference, and we are deeply grateful.
❄️ Winter Health Advice: Looking After Yourself & Others
Winter can be a challenging time for health and wellbeing. A few gentle reminders to help you stay well:
🧣 Keep Warm
Heat your home safely and adequately
Layer clothing and keep active indoors
Check in on elderly neighbours, friends, and family
💉 Flu & Winter Vaccinations
If you are eligible, please make sure you have had your flu vaccine
Vaccination helps protect you and those around you during peak winter months
🫖 Mind & Mood
Short daylight hours can affect mood — try to get outside when you can
Stay connected with others, even a phone call can lift spirits
If you’re feeling low or overwhelmed, please reach out — support is available
📞 Know When to Seek Help
Don’t delay seeking advice if you’re unwell
Use NHS 111 for urgent advice when the surgery is closed
For emergencies, always dial 999
🌱 Your Voice Matters: The Patient Participation Group (PPG)
Our Patient Participation Group continues to play an important role in shaping Caritas.
The PPG helps us:
Understand patient experiences and priorities
Improve communication and access
Design services that reflect real community needs
“This is your surgery — your voice helps guide its future.”
You don’t need medical knowledge — just lived experience and a willingness to share ideas.
You can contribute as much or as little as suits you.
👉 Join via the PPG sign-up form on our website or speak to reception.
🎄 Festive Season Message
For many, the festive season is a time of joy and celebration. For others, it can be a time of loneliness, reflection, or difficulty. Wherever you find yourself this winter, please know:
You are not alone, and your health and wellbeing matter.
Our team remains here to support you throughout the season.
✨ Looking Ahead to the New Year
As we step into a new year, our commitment remains the same:
Compassionate, patient-centred care
Listening, learning, and improving together
Supporting not just illness, but overall wellbeing
We look forward to continuing this journey with you in the year ahead.
🎉 With Warmest Wishes
From all of us at Caritas Group Practice, we wish you and your loved ones a peaceful winter season, a healthy start to the New Year, and moments of warmth, rest, and connection.
📞 Stay Connected
Caritas Group Practice
Woodside Surgery | Mixenden Stones Surgery | Shelf Health Centre
📞 01422 557711
🌐 www.caritasgp.co.uk
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