With the winter holidays approaching, Healthwatch Gateshead and Healthwatch Newcastle are urging patients across the area to order and collect their repeat prescriptions in good time to avoid any disruption over the festive period.
This year, with the bank holidays for Christmas and New Year’s Day reducing the number of working days for GP practices and pharmacies, it’s especially important for patients to be prepared. Yvonne Probert, CEO of Tell Us North, which manages Healthwatch services in Newcastle and Gateshead, emphasised the need to plan ahead:
“With the additional winter pressures on the NHS, it’s crucial for people to ensure they have enough medication to cover the holiday period. The NHS 111 service often receives many calls from people who have run out of their medicines, so we urge everyone to check their supply now. We understand that the run up to the festive season is a busy time, but a few moments spent now to check medication could make a real difference.”
She also expressed gratitude for the hard work of health and social care teams, and local charities and volunteers who have supported communities throughout this last year.
Healthwatch Gateshead and Healthwatch Newcastle gather and represent the voices of those using local health and social care services, helping to drive ongoing improvements.
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<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/a-woman-walks-along-one-of-almonte-s-quiet-quaint-streets-right-a-golden-retriever-sits-outside-a-charming-boutique-in-almont.jpg?id=54019581&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=96%2C0%2C96%2C0"/><br/><br/><p>Looking for a <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/travel/small-towns-near-montreal-road-trip">romantic road trip from Montreal</a>? This <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/small-town-near-montreal-road-trip-almonte" target="_self" rel="noopener">quaint and cozy Christmas village</a> is just two hours from the city and looks like it belongs in a Hallmark movie—for good reason!</p><p>With its old-time charm and picturesque streets, this <a href="https://almonte.com/movies/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">real-life Hallmark village</a> has been the backdrop for 17 Hallmark movies, including <em>Christmas By Design, A Christmas Stray, A Chance For Christmas, The Christmas Set Up</em>, and many more. </p><p>In fact, this small town has hosted so many holiday movies it's been dubbed the "Mini Hollywood North" and the "Hallmark capital" by <a href="https://www.destinationontario.com/en-ca/articles/romantic-holiday-getaways-ontario#:~:text=romantic%20holiday%20getaway.-,Almonte,than%20forty%20different%20Canadian%20makers.">Destination Ontario</a>. </p><p>This <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/upper-canada-village-alight-at-night-festival-near-montreal">cozy Christmas town</a> is located in Almonte, Ontario, around 2-3 hours from Montreal, depending on how you travel. If you want to road trip, it'll take you just under 3 hours to get there. You'll pass Ottawa en route, so you can stop for a coffee in the capital if you need a break from driving.</p><p>Arriving in Almonte, a former mill town, you're greeted by winding streets lined with heritage buildings dressed up in holiday decor. Once the season is in full swing, the village's streets are filled with Christmas trees and wreaths, wrapping you up in the holiday spirit.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CXd1t07LJ6-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CXd1t07LJ6-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top" rel="noopener">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Canada's version of the Mississippi River runs through town, catching the lights as you stroll along, giving everything a picture-perfect feel. With snow on the ground (fingers crossed!) and festive lights all around, it's hard not to feel like you've stepped into your own wintry movie scene.<br/></p><p>It's pretty obvious why this spot was selected for so many festive films and has even been described as "<a href="https://www.narcity.com/small-town-ontario-almonte-hallmark-capital">the Christmas capital of Ontario</a>." The <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/canadas-most-beautiful-village-fall-road-trip-montreal">quaint village</a> is packed with cozy shops, glowing streetlights, and a small-town vibe that really leans into winter magic. </p><p>A weekend trip here could start with a visit to <a href="https://almonte.com/destination/baker-bobs/">Baker Bob's</a>, a local favourite, which offers freshly baked treats—perfect for warming up cold hands while you browse. And if you're hungry, <a href="https://almonte.com/destination/joes-italian-kitchen/">Joe's Italian Kitchen</a> serves up hearty comfort food that hits the spot on a wintry day.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl9is4sPNCg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl9is4sPNCg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top" rel="noopener">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Almonte's annual <a href="https://almonte.com/destination/light-up-the-night/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Light Up The Night event</a> kicks off the holiday season on the first Friday of December. It's a popular event, with fireworks, Christmas lights and live music as part of an open-air concert. Described as one of Canada's "largest and most magical outdoor Christmas shows," this shouldn't be missed.</p><p>There's also the Almonte Christmas Night Parade, <a href="https://www.mississippimills.ca/en/explore-and-play/almonte-night-parade.aspx">described as</a> "a twinkly celebration with loads of sparkling lights and music."</p><p>During winter, the nearby Old Town Hall hosts the <a href="https://almonte.com/destination/folkus-concert-series/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Folkus Concert Series</a>, featuring Canadian bands and artists "up close."</p><p>If you're in the mood to browse, Almonte's local shops have handmade crafts and holiday decor that are perfect for pretty much everyone on your Christmas list. Tin Barn Market, for example, is packed with items that feel right out of a holiday magazine: home decor, candles, and handcrafted pieces.</p><p>If antiques are your thing, don't forget to check out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Almonteantiquesandcollectibles/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Almonte Antique & Collectibles</a> for a one-of-a-kind gift for yourself or somebody else.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CaQd3owpjim/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CaQd3owpjim/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top" rel="noopener">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Of course, a visit to Almonte wouldn't be complete without seeing Mill Falls, a small but beautiful waterfall that runs through town. In winter, the falls can freeze over, turning into a landscape of snow and ice that's straight out of a winter postcard.</p><p>For the perfect holiday selfie, head to <a href="https://cedarhillchristmastreefarm.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cedar Hill Christmas Tree Farm</a>.</p><h3>Almonte, Ontario</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CJY4BY_rfLJ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CJY4BY_rfLJ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top" rel="noopener">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Address: Almonte, Mississippi Mills, ON</p><p>Why You Need To Go: Although this spot has been <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/19/movies/holiday-movie-town-almonte-canada.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">depicted in movies as Vermont</a>, Milwaukee and even Alaska, Almonte is absolutely magical in its own right! With quaint streets, charming stores, cozy coffee spots and a whole host of festive events, this twinkling Christmas town is the perfect place to celebrate the season.</p><p><a href="https://almonte.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Almonte tourism website</a><br/></p><p><em>Before you get going, check out our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/responsible-travel-guidelines" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Responsible Travel Guide</a> so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.</em></p>
