Christmas can be the most wonderful time of the year, as the song says, and most of us are still scampering around buying and wrapping presents, thinking of food and drink, party frocks and make-up.

But it’s also worth spending a few minutes planning the health essentials and ‘just in cases’ – products /phone numbers/websites etc. Here’s our list:

GENERAL

• Comprehensive First Aid kit – must include burn gel; good kits available online and at most high street pharmacies

• Medications – check you have over the counter remedies for aches and pains, indigestion (fennel tea, good probiotic etc), and that anyone on prescription drugs has enough to last the holiday

• Address of nearest hospital with A&E wherever you’re staying and nearest dispensing pharmacy

NHS SUPPORT

NHS 111: available 24/7 for an urgent medical problem when you’re not sure what to do. Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111. Here’s what they offer:

• find out what local service can help you

• be connected to a nurse, emergency dentist, pharmacist or GP

• get a face-to-face appointment if you need one

• be told how to get any medicine you need

• get self-care advice

FOR ANYONE WHO’S SAD…

The holidays can be a difficult time if you’re feeling lonely or bereft - for instance, when you’re grieving a loved one. Grief therapist Julia Samuel says it’s important to know that you are not alone and there is support available from organisations such as Cruse (cruse.org.uk), The Compassionate Friends (tcf.org.uk) and Child Bereavement UK (childbereavement.org).

Young people can turn to Shout crisis text line for support in a personal crisis; simply text Shout to 85258. Other support agencies are listed at headstogether.org.uk/get-support/

And, of course, there is always the Samaritans – call free on 116 123. We have two great friends who are Samaritans and we know the hugely valuable help they provide, again 24/7.

Prize Draws