Carers Rights Day is about raising awareness of the rights the UK’s 5.7 million unpaid carers are entitled to, and to help them get the support they need and the recognition they deserve.

Recognising your rights

This year, Carers Rights Day is on Thursday 21 November 2024 – and this year’s theme is recognising your rights.

Every day, 12,000 people become unpaid carers for a partner, family member or a friend – many of whom don’t see themselves as carers, often unaware of their legal rights and what they’re entitled to in terms of support and benefits. This year’s theme is ‘recognising your rights’ – and our aim is to help carers recognise and understand their rights, and to access the support available to them, whenever they need it.

As a carer, knowing your rights empowers you with information about what you’re entitled to. This helps you feel confident asking for what you need, as well as challenging things when your rights are not being met – whether that be in the workplace or education, in accessing health or social care, or when interacting with other professionals or at home.

For more information, call 020 7378 4999 or email advice@carersuk.org

Where? Maldon Town Hall Foyer

When? Tuesday 26th November 1pm - 2.30pm

Please see the attached flyer

Social Supermarket Flyer

1. To promote positive male role models; not just movie stars and sports men but everyday, working-class men who are living decent, honest lives.
2. To celebrate men's positive contributions to society, community, family, marriage, child care, and the environment.
3. To focus on men's health and wellbeing: social, emotional, physical, and spiritual.
4. To highlight discrimination against men in areas of social services, social attitudes and expectations, and law.
5. To improve gender relations and promote gender equality.
6. To create a safer, better world, where people can be safe and grow to reach their full potential

Public Friendly Research Website

There is currently a resident and business survey going on at Maldon District Council.  It is a great chance for residents to have a say and share their views with the council.  The information is used to help the council understand the priorities of the district. There are some questions that relate to health and wellbeing and also the wider determinants of health.

Here is the link: Maldon District Survey 2024

The more people who fill this in, the more representative it is.

• Maldon United Reformed Church 10am - 4pm drop in anytime
• Maldon Town Hall 12.30pm - 4pm drop in anytime

The surgery is hosting their next Dementia Support Clinic Friday 13th December. Please ask at reception for more information.

Winter Fuel Allowance Guidance

Blackwater Medical Centre are hosting an event on Tuesday 5th November 2024 from 10.00am - 12.00pm if any of our patients or their relatives / friends would like to pop by. This is purely a drop in opportunity.

This is in addition to the Dementia Support Clinics being held at the Heybridge Surgery, the next one of which is scheduled for Friday 8^th November if anyone would like to book an appointment. These clinics are held the second Friday of every month.

Flu and COVID-19 Vaccinations Now Available

We are offering flu vaccinations, including for children aged 2 and 3 years, and COVID-19 vaccinations at Blackwater Medical Centre.

Available Appointment Slots:

October 19 or any Tuesday afternoon with our nurse.
To book your appointment, please contact our reception. Protect yourself and your family this season by getting vaccinated.

RSV Vaccination Now Available for Ages 75–79

We are pleased to offer the RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) vaccine, which helps protect against serious respiratory infections like pneumonia, particularly in older adults. This vaccination is available for patients aged 75 to 79 at Blackwater Medical Centre.

Appointment Information:

You can book an appointment with our nurse any time throughout the week.
To schedule your vaccination, please contact our reception . Protect yourself this season with the RSV vaccine.

Dr Geranmayeh

• This month we have a number of course that are exploring Filmmaking and Photography and their how they can be used to support Mental Health Recovery.
• Our Walking group is beginning to grow and getting out and exploring the Essex countyside
• Carers courses this month include Self Care for Carers and well as Finding your voice as a Carer. Carers may also find the Navigating Services course useful.
• Living Mindfully sessions are running on a Wednesday in Moulsham Mill in Chelmsford

Watch The King's Speech at the RIO Cinema in Burnham on Monday 7th October. See the attached poster for more information

Dementia Friendly Cinema Poster

It is with sadness that Blackwater Medical Centre bid farewell to Dr Lim on 25^th June 2024 as she retires.

Dr Lim has been at the surgery for 28 years and has spent 38 years practising medicine.  She has worked tirelessly and with dedication for patients over the years.  She is remembered for providing an integral part of the delivery of the Covid vaccine being rolled out during the pandemic. 

Dr Lim said, “Connecting and caring for my patients has been the most rewarding part of my 28 years at Blackwater Medical Centre”.   She added “I feel humbled and honoured to have been caring for three, sometimes four, generations and I thank the patients for the opportunity to provide care……. I am confident that in leaving, you will be in most capable hands with the doctors, nurses, and all supporting staff at Blackwater Medical Centre”.

The Partners and staff at the surgery took the opportunity of wishing Dr Lim all the very best in her retirement as she looks forward to spending time with loved ones and pursuing her passions.   She acknowledged that “good health is our most valuable asset”.

On the 6th June 2024 we received an email from Essex Knitters and Stitchers:

Dear Sally,

It was lovely meeting you again at the knitting group at Maldon Library on Tuesday.
On behalf of the Maldon group of the Essex Knitters and Stitchers I would like to thank the partners of the Blackwater Medical Centre for the very kind donation of £50. I can assure you will be put to good use for the purchasing of wool and fabric for our charity work.
I understand that you are very close to being awarded a dementia friendly practice certificate. We make items for dementia charities and would like to help to provide some items for use by dementia patients and will pass these to you as soon as possible.
Thank you for your interest and support in the Essex Knitters and Stitchers.

Your sincerely
Wendy Morrissey
Organiser Essex Knitters and Stitchers

Dear Patients,

It is with mixed feelings that I announce my retirement at the end of June 2024 after 38 years of practising medicine.

Connecting and caring for my patients has been the most rewarding part of my 28 years at Blackwater Medical Centre.

I feel humbled and honoured to have been caring for three, sometimes four, generations and I thank the patients for the opportunity to provide care. I have come to know many of my ptients and staff as friends. However, it is time for me to pend time with loved ones and pursue my passions, whilst I enjoy good health, our most valuable asset. 

I want to thank all teh staff I have worked with over the years. Your support and camaraderie have been immense over the years and so much appreciated. I will miss being part of the team and I will miss you all for sure. 

I am confident that in leaving, you will be in most capable hands with the doctors, nurses and all supporting staff at Blackwater Medical Centre.

My thanks and my appreciation.

I wish you all the best.

Dr Linda Lim