New Year, new resolutions - CHECK

It’s a New Year!

Millions of people across the globe will be thinking about their resolutions for 2024 and how each one will impact their lives over the next 12 months.

Here at Shropdoc we would like to ask that one of your resolutions be to CHECK on your neighbours and your community to ensure a support network…especially for those in rural areas across Shropshire and Wales.

As a health provider we are dedicated to finding ways to engage and connect with our communities and as part of this, we launched the CHECK campaign in December 2022.

The CHECK campaign urges people to Care for those around them, Help anyone that may need assistance, understand that Everyone can provide support, be Consistent in their checks and Keep our communities running.

Shropdoc Medical Director Dr Simon Chapple said: “Checking on your neighbours and the people around you can play a huge part in supporting communities.

“At a time when many are struggling with energy bills, it is also important to check that those living around you are prepared for Winter and dropping temperatures.”

Dropping temperatures are always a worry for urgent care providers and out of hours service providers as many people do not realise the dangers.

“You do not have to be freezing to develop hypothermia,” Dr Chapple adds. “Hypothermia occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce heat, causing a dangerously low body temperature.”

The CHECK campaign was originally launched to reduce pressure on out-of-hours services over the festive period but the campaign has continued to ensure a long-term support system.

Winter often also sees a huge increase in calls to mental health helplines. As the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, more and more people can spend prolonged periods alone. As a result, feelings of loneliness and social isolation become more common.

When you are thinking about your New Year resolutions, checking in on someone may impact lives more than you think!