Simple Signposting to Better Health and Wellbeing
Barnet
Self-care and National Support Services
NATIONAL SUPPORT
Do you think you would benefit from some further support to reduce your drinking to 'lower risk' levels?
- Speak to your GP, a loved one or call Drinkline 0300 1231110 (Mon-Fri 9am - 8pm, weekends 11am - 4pm). The Drinkline service provides free, confidential, accurate and consistent information and advice to callers who are concerned about their own or someone else`s drinking regardless of the caller`s age, gender, sexuality, ethnicity or spirituality.
- The 'One You' drinks tracker app makes it easy to keep an eye on the booze and take control with daily tips and feedback.
- NHS Better Health have a 'Drink Free Days' app and tips on how to reduce alcohol consumption.
- Mutual Aid services including twelve step programmes and Smart Recovery are available to anyone who wants support to address their drug or alcohol use. You can find a meeting here:
- Alcoholics Anonymous https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/
- Narcotics Anonymous https://online.ukna.org/
- Cocaine Anonymous https://www.ca-online.org/
- SMART Recovery https://smartrecovery.org.uk/online-meetings/
SELF CARE
Further tips on cutting down
- Alcoholics Anonymous https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/
- Narcotics Anonymous https://online.ukna.org/
- Cocaine Anonymous https://www.ca-online.org/
- SMART Recovery https://smartrecovery.org.uk/online-meetings/
Make a plan
Before you start drinking, set a limit on how much you're going to drink.
Set a budget
Only take a fixed amount of money to spend on alcohol.
Let them know
If you let your friends and family know you're cutting down and it's important to you, you could get support from them.
Take it a day at a time
Cut back a little each day. That way, every day you do is a success.
Make it a smaller one
You can still enjoy a drink, but go for smaller sizes. Try bottled beer instead of pints, or a small glass of wine instead of a large one.
Have a lower-strength drink
Cut down the alcohol by swapping strong beers or wines for ones with a lower strength (ABV in %). You'll find this information on the bottle.
Stay hydrated
Have a glass of water before you have alcohol and alternate alcoholic drinks with water or a soft drink.
Take a break
Have several drink-free days each week.
Local Support Services
Change Grow Live Barnet
Change Grow Live Barnet is the local service for adults and young people who are experiencing issues with drugs or alcohol.
The service is free and open to all Barnet residents, as well as their families and carers. Any professional, such as a housing support worker, social worker or a nurse, can make a referral on your behalf or you can get in touch yourself.
Website: https://www.changegrowlive.org/barnet
Referral form: https://www.changegrowlive.org/barnet/referrals
Telephone: 0300 303 2866 24 hours a day
General Email: For general enquiries, email Barnet.Info@cgl.org.uk (Please be advised that this email address should not be used to send confidential information). Should any confidential information need to be sent, please use the secure email: barnet.info@cgl.cjsm.net
You will be able to talk to one of the duty team practitioners who will help you decide which service best meets your needs. The team will then work with you to create a care plan, which will be reviewed regularly.
Address: Change Grow Live Barnet, Unit 10, Breasy Place, 9 Burroughs Gardens, NW4 4AU.
Drinkcoach Barnet
If you would like information and advice about your alcohol intake, why not take the free online alcohol test at Drinkcoach. Provide details of your alcohol intake, and receive advice about your drinking.
You can also speak with an experienced alcohol specialist via online coaching sessions, a convenient and confidential way to discuss your drinking and receive expert guidance. Bookings can be made at a time that suits you, including evenings and weekends. No waiting lists, no travel time, with sessions happening in a place that suits you.
Alternatively, you can contact your GP practice for further support.
Our dedicated pages on the council website also has other information and support:
Drug and alcohol misuse: https://www.barnet.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing/adults-health/drug-and-alcohol-misuse
Young people's drug and alcohol misuse: https://www.barnet.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing/young-peoples-health/young-peoples-drug-and-alcohol-misuse
Self-care and National Support Services
National Support Services
The Money Helper Service was set up by the Government and offers free impartial advice including
- Advice and guides to help improve your finances
- Tools and calculators to help keep track and plan ahead
- Support over the phone and online
https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en
0800 1387777 (free phone)
Got a question? You can start a Webchat online.
Webchat opening hours:
- Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
- Saturday, 8am to 3pm
- Sunday and Bank Holidays, closed.
WhatsApp: Need help sorting out your debts, have credit questions or want pensions guidance? You can talk to the team live on WhatsApp.
- Add +44 77 0134 2744 to your WhatsApp and send a message.
Citizens Advice Service
The Citizens Advice Service can help you to make the right choices, including help to deal with your debt problems, how to avoid losing your home and how to get your finances back into shape. Citizens Advice also offer advice on Benefits and Tax credits as it's important to make sure that you get all the help that you're entitled to.
03444 111 444
National Debtline
National Debtline has helped millions of people with their debts. They'll talk you through options and give clear advice on how to take back control.
The Debt Advice Foundation is a national debt advice and education charity offering free, confidential support and advice to anyone worried about debt.
0800 622 61 51
Credit Unions
Credit unions can help those who can't get access to ordinary bank products.
Rising cost of Energy
If you are struggling to pay for energy or think you may get into difficulty, contact your supplier.
The energy regulator rules mean suppliers must offer payment plans you can afford and you can ask for ‘emergency credit’ if you use a prepay meter and can’t top up.
Save money off your Gas Bill
Turning down a single setting will make your boiler work more efficiently, saving around £129 a year for the average household. It only takes a few minutes to lower your flow temperature, and it can be changed back instantly. There’s nothing to lose by trying it. Advice from Nesta, the UK's innovation agency for social good.
Walkthrough - Money Saving Boiler Challenge
Local Support Services
Cost of living support
Cost of living support: https://www.barnet.gov.uk/benefits-grants-and-financial-advice/cost-living-support
Mayor of London - Borough Support
This Hub contains information about benefits, grants and discounts you can get if you are in financial difficulty, from the Mayor of London, the government, your local council, charities and advice centres.
Self-care and National Support Services
Self Care
The NHS Better Health website has a range of resources, tips and apps available to help with weight management and encourage a nutritious diet.
NHS Digital Weight Management Programme
A GP or pharmacist can refer a person to the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme if the individual comes into the following category:
- They are aged 18 or over.
- They have a BMI greater than 30. (The BMI threshold will be lowered to 27.5 for people from black, Asian, and ethnic minority backgrounds, as we know people from these ethnic backgrounds are at an increased risk of conditions such as Type 2 diabetes at a lower BMI.)
- They have diabetes, high blood pressure, or both.
- They have a smartphone, tablet, or computer with internet access.
Local Support Services
Barnet Adult Weight management
Barnet's adult weight management programme is delivered by our leisure provider, Better as part of their Healthwise Programme.
Adult Weight Management (AWM) is a 12-week physical activity and healthy diet programme for people with a BMI of 30-40kg/m2 or a BMI of >27.5-40kg/m2 for those from Black, Asian and other Minority Ethnic groups living in Barnet or registered with a Barnet GP. The cost is £22 per month or £4.50 per session. You can self-refer or ask your GP if you are interested.
Self-referral: https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/london/barnet/barnet-copthall-leisure-centre/weight-loss-with-better
Website: https://www.barnet.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing/adults-health/adult-weight-management
For more details on our programmes, you can:
- visit the Fit and Active Barnet Hub
- contact us at Healthwise.barnet@gll.org
- call us on 0208 457 9910 for the adult weight management programme
Better Healthwise
Healthwise physical activity referral schemes take place within local leisure centres delivered by the Healthwise team and are dedicated to keeping you fit and healthy, whether you’re living with a health condition or looking for support and guidance.
Healthwise programmes:
Adult Weight Management (AWM) is a weekly group based physical activity and nutrition project. To access the AWM scheme, as a Barnet resident you can be referred via your GP or you can also self-refer.
The following programmes can be accessed via GP referral:
Physical Activity Referral Scheme (PARS) is a 12-week programme designed to encourage people of all abilities to become and remain physically active, helping to increase fitness levels and improve physical and mental wellbeing.
Better Balance are Falls Prevention classes. They are a great way for those of you who are at risk of a fall or who are in fear of having a fall. It is a great way for people to develop their strength and balance that they may need to reduce the risk of falling.
Cancer rehabilitation is a 12-session physical activity programme of 1 2 1 support from a qualified exercise instructor, designed for individuals aged 18 years and over, with a cancer diagnosis within the last 5 years.
There are 5 local leisure centres in Barnet with quality facilities and activities available for people of all ages and abilities.
Fit & Active Barnet
Get active and give it a go - visit the Fit and Active Barnet (FAB) Hub for tips to help you keep active in Barnet and physical activity opportunities for all ages and abilities.
It is led by Barnet Council and hosted by Better, our leisure operator.
Website: https://www.better.org.uk/fab-hub
Email: sport@barnet.gov.uk
Telephone: 020 8359 6314
Healthy weight in children
The Healthy Weight Pathway for Children and Young People in Barnet. A multi-agency pathway providing details of services available in Barnet to help children and young people achieve a healthy weight. Within the pathway document, all criteria and list of services are included, and links to services are embedded.
XPLORE - Child weight management
XPLORE is a FREE 8 week healthy lifestyle programme for 4-13 year olds, delivered in Better leisure centres across Barnet. The programme, for children and their families, assists children who might be over the healthy weight range to make lifestyle and dietary changes, helping to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Each 8-week programme consists of interactive nutrition workshops and fun physical activity sessions. Sessions run afterschool from 4.00pm-6.00pm.
GPs, health professionals and self referrals are all welcome to refer into the programme. If you’d like to make a referral, book a spot on the programme or just find out more details of the programme itself please email xplore.barnet@gll.org or alternatively call 020 8457 9907.
NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme
The NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NDPP) is a 9-month programme for people who are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. You can receive support to reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes, including advice about diet, physical activity, emotional wellbeing and weight management.
The programme is delivered by Living Well Taking Control in Barnet. They offer face-to-face sessions and Liva Healthcare provide digital sessions.
Eligibility criteria:
- Aged 18 years and over
- Registered with a GP Practice
- HbA1c of 42-47mmol/mol or fasting plasma glucose of 5.5-6.9mmol/l; or has a history of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) and normoglycaemia (HbA1c < 42 mmol/mol (< 6.0%) or FPG < 5.5mmol/l)
- Not pregnant
Healthcare professionals can refer patients onto the programme. Or you can self-register here.
For support on referring, please contact: info@lwtcsupport.co.uk
NHS Couch to 5K
The NHS Couch to 5K is a running programme for absolute beginners that has helped millions of people to keep active, start running and take positive steps for their health and fitness.
It is a free and easy away of getting fitter and healthier and will help you gradually work up towards running 5km in as little as 9 weeks: Get running with Couch to 5K
NHS Weight Loss Plan
NHS 12-week Weight Loss Plan to guide you through a healthy weight-loss programme: Lose weight - Better Health - NHS
Eat Well Apps
Eating a healthy, balanced diet is important to maintain good health, and a healthy weight. Choosing healthier foods is easier than you might think. There are lots of cheap and tasty ways you and your family can eat well every day.
Healthy, easy step-by-step recipes
Food Factsheets
The British Dietetic Association have created a series of food fact sheets written by dietitians to help you learn the best ways to eat and drink to keep your body fit and healthy.
Self-care and National Support Services
If you think the person you are concerned about is in immediate danger or needs urgent care, please call 999.
Whilst there are some amazing national services available, we recommend a local first approach. A list of local services can be found at the foot of this text.
Not sure which local authority area to choose? If you know a postcode you can check which local authority area here.
Street Link is a national service which can be used by members of the public if they see people sleeping rough. Referrals can be made online or via telephone (0300 500 0914).
Supporting access to primary care
Groundswell have produced and widely circulated small, plastic, credit card-style cards called ‘My Right to Healthcare’. These cards emphasise the person’s right to register and highlight that they may need assistance to complete forms and help with reading and understanding. The cards can be used to remind GP receptionists and other practice staff of the national patient registration guidance from NHS England. The cards are freely available and can be downloaded and printed locally.
Local Support Services
Homelessness
If you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless you should contact Barnet Homes as soon as possible on 020 8610 3539.
If you are already homeless, Barnet Homes runs an appointment only system.
Telephone: 020 8610 3539 (Open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday). Outside of these hours, if it’s an emergency you can call 020 8359 2000
Type Talk: 18001 0800 3895225
Address: 2 Bristol Avenue, Colindale, NW9 4EW
Self-care and National Support Services
The London Damp and Mould Checklist is designed by London’s public health system partners, who have worked together to produce a checklist resource for use by health and social care professionals who visit residential properties as part of their management and care of patients.
It provides a checklist and guidance to support the identification of internal damp and mould, as well as people at risk of poor health due to damp and mould exposure in their home. There is also an emphasis on prevention of damp and mould for all residents.
Where concerns are identified this resource provides guidance for tenants on actions to take in the form of advice, signposting, and template letters to inform local authority housing teams, housing associations, landlords and health services of any concerns.
We would really value your feedback on this resource.
To provide feedback, please email LondonDampandMould@dhsc.gov.uk
Local Support Services
Damp and condensation
Damp can be caused by:
- leaking pipes
- rainwater from blocked pipes
- lack of, or no effective damp proof course
- rising dampness
It can also be caused by condensation, which is a common issue in poorly heated and insulated homes during winter.
Condensation occurs when warm air meets cold surfaces. This leads to moisture build up and causes tiny droplets of water to appear on windows and behind furniture placed against external walls.
This can lead to staining and mould growth.
The amount of condensation and mould can be increased by factors such as overcrowding and furniture, clothing, and bags being placed close to external walls.
Mould
Mould growth is a strong sign that condensation is causing a damp problem.
Depending on the type of mould and the surface that it’s growing on, mould may be black, white, yellow, or green in colour,
Mould can:
- damage your home, including window frames, furniture, and clothing
- have severe health consequences, including respiratory problems and asthma.
It is crucial to tackle damp and condensation in your home as soon as you notice any signs.
Reducing moisture in your home
Many daily activities can produce moisture in your home. To reduce this, you can:
- wipe off condensation from windows, window frames and sills, and walls every morning
- keep low background heating on all day in cold weather, even when there is no one home
- close the kitchen door when cooking
- put lids on pans when boiling food
- close the bathroom door when showering
- open windows after having a shower to let air into the room
- regularly clean any extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens
- dry washing outside, if possible, if not dry it in the bathroom with the door closed
- make sure you vent your tumble drier outside
- leave trickle vents open and unblocked, even in winter
- move any furniture very close to an outside wall forward by 3 to 4 inches
- ventilate wardrobes and cupboards and don’t overfill them
Additional support:
Damp mould and condensation advice | Barnet Council
Preventing damp and mould in your home – Barnet Homes
Treating mould growth in your home
The only way of avoiding mould is to stop the cause of the dampness, but regular removal of mould is vital.
To remove mould, wipe down walls and window frames with a mouldicide or fungicidal wash.
You can get spray containers of mouldicide from chemists and supermarkets or get a mould kit from a specialist supplier.
Make sure you choose one which carries a Health and Safety Executive approval number.
You can also:
- dry clean mildewed clothes
- shampoo carpets
- when repainting, use a good quality fungicidal paint to help prevent mould
- when wallpapering, use a paste that has a fungicide to prevent further mould growth
Additional support:
Damp mould and condensation advice | Barnet Council
Preventing damp and mould in your home – Barnet Homes
Reporting damp and mould
Visit barnethomes.org/report-damp and use the online form. Here, you will be able to upload photos of your home so that Barnet Homes can assess and treat any damp and mould more effectively.
Private Sector Housing residents can report unresolved issues to us by email or by calling 0208 359 7995.
Mayor of London - Borough support
The Mayor of London is funding free local advice services for vulnerable Londoners and those on low incomes: Warmer Homes Advice Service in your borough
If a tenant is concerned about a private landlord, they can consider reporting them through the GLA’s rogue landlord process.
Self-care and National Support Services
If someone needs help for a mental health crisis, emergency or breakdown, you should seek immediate expert advice and assessment. It's important to know that support is available, even if services seem busy at the moment because of coronavirus.
Scrolling down to the local listings below will provide you with a crisis line number to use in an emergency for each London borough.
However, if someone’s life is at risk – for example they have seriously injured themselves or taken an overdose and you do not feel that you can keep yourself or someone else safe you should call 999.
A mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a physical one. You will not be wasting anyone's time.
If you are not able to speak to your local NHS urgent mental health helpline and you need help urgently for a mental health issue, but it's not an emergency, you should call 111 who will tell you the right place to get help.
If you are worried that this person is at risk of suicide, please also see the section for Suicide Prevention.
You can also encourage them to ring:
Samaritans - (All age groups)
Tel: 116 123, open 24 hours a day.
Papyrus - (Young people)
Tel: 0800 068 41 41
Text: 07786209697
Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org
Opening hours - Mon-Fri: 10am-10pm, weekends: 2pm-10pm & bank holidays: 2pm-5pm
If you're under 19, you can also call 0800 1111 to talk to Childline. The number will not appear on your phone bill.
Coping during a crisis
The mental health charity Mind has information on ways to help yourself cope during a crisis.
This includes calming exercises and a tool to get you through the next few hours.
Local Support Services
Barnet Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Team
Barnet Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Team (CRHTT) offers short term intensive home treatment for people in mental health crisis who may otherwise need to be admitted to hospital. We can do this by supporting people in their own home or other suitable accommodation when it is safe and appropriate to do so. Our team consists of psychiatrists, nurses, psychologists and support workers.
Barnet CRHTT support healthy lives and healthy communities through the provision of excellent integrated mental and community healthcare. We will treat you with care, compassion, respect and will always seek to work together with you and your family as well as friends to support your recovery.
They can provide:
- Intensive short term intervention to support recovery
- Comprehensive mental health assessment
- Home visits
- Diagnosis, and appropriate care plan and treatment
- Support to access advocacy services
- Psychological Assessment and formulation
- A physical health check and support with social needs
Working with a multidisciplinary team based on your assessed needs, Barnet CRHTT can support your mental health wellbeing with advice, education and community engagement with your support worker.
Website: http://www.beh-mht.nhs.uk/services/barnet-crisis-resolution-and-home-treatment-team.htm
Telephone: 020 8702 4040
Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust: 0800 151 0023 (24 hour crisis telephone service)
Address: Barnet Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Team,
First Floor, The Dennis Scott Unit,
Edgware Community Hospital,
Burnt Oak Broadway,
Edgware HA8 0AD
Sanctuary Barnet (Crisis Cafè)
Sanctuary in Barnet is a short-term crisis intervention and prevention service. They are open every day of the year, 4:30pm-10pm weekdays and 12-6pm weekends. They act as an A&E and Emergency services alternative, providing support to individuals in the Barnet Borough aged 18+.
Their trained mental health professionals specialise in crisis de-escalation and prevention.
For self referrals: Either call on 0208 343 5704 or email at sanctuarybarnet@mindeb.org.uk
For professionals: Please refer by completing this form and sending it to their email address.
Self-care and National Support Services
The following resources are available to support people who are experiencing mental health challenges, however if they are in crisis and need urgent access to support, please go to the URGENT MENTAL HEALTH section of MECC Link where you can find local support services for mental health emergencies.
For non-urgent mental health support, encourage the person to contact their GP. Always give reassurances that there are lots of sources for support, however they wish to access and use them.
Scroll to the bottom of the page to see listings of local support services in their borough.
Self Care Resources
- Good Thinking provides digital mental wellbeing support for Londoners. This includes free NHS-approved apps to help you deal with stress, anxiety, low mood and poor sleep.
- Every Mind Matters is an NHS-approved digital hub full of expert advice and practical tips to achieve good mental health.
- The NHS have other self-help tools available, including 5 steps to mental wellbeing.
- Mind 'The charity for better mental health' has an extensive range of self help resources available.
- For Men -CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) offer accredited, confidential and free support to men anywhere in the UK through a helpline and web and webchat service.
Support Services
Adults
Adults can self-refer to Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services. IAPT is a national NHS programme, which offers evidence based psychological therapies or interventions approved by the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). IAPT is primarily for treating people with mild to moderate mental health issues such as anxiety disorders, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
IAPT treatments are delivered via a stepped care model where patients are initially offered low intensity therapies, such as computerised cognitive behavioural therapy (cCBT) and guided self-help. If these treatments are unsuccessful, or not appropriate for individuals, higher intensity therapies are utilised and include one to one cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or interpersonal therapy (IPT). Please see local support and contact details for further information.
Children and Young People
The Mix is a leading support service that can help young people to take on challenges they are facing - from mental health to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs.
0808 0808 4994 (Freephone)
Parents
YoungMinds run a free, confidential parents helpline, which parents/careers can call if they are worried about how a child or young person is feeling or behaving. They also run a group called Parents Say, for parents whose children are accessing Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.
Perinatal
The PANDAS Foundation supports and advises parents who is experiencing a perinatal mental illness. They also inform and guide family members, carers, friends and employers as to how they can support someone who is suffering.
0843 2898401 (0900 - 2000 hrs, 7 days per week)
Carers
The Carers Trust contains helpful guides for carers on relationship management and information on self-care and respite care.
Refugees and asylum seekers
Thrive LDN have produced a number of resources designed to support new arrivals to the UK, including:
- Guidance for supporting the mental health and wellbeing of displaced Ukrainians
- Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of Afghan refugees
- Wellbeing guidance in 36 languages
Good Thinking’s 'Coping with Trauma' workbook outlines seven techniques to help people who have experienced trauma.
Veterans
Veterans Combat Stress is the UK's leading mental health charity for veterans. They offer free, confidential 24-hour support to Service and ex-Service personnel who are experiencing mental health issues, including feeling suicidal.
0800 138 1619
Local Support Services
Barnet Wellbeing Service
The Barnet Wellbeing Service provides access to a wide range of services and activities to help you with your mental health and emotional wellbeing. It is delivered through a variety of wellbeing and mental health providers across Barnet.
Website: https://www.barnetwellbeing.org.uk/
Telephone: 03333 449 088
Email: info@barnetwellbeing.org.uk
Mind in Barnet
Mind in Barnet has information and advice on a wide range of mental health problems and provide local services in Enfield and Barnet. They can help to support you, whether you are suffering with your mental health, a carer, employer or just want to know more.
Let’s Talk IAPT
Let's Talk Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) is a free NHS evidence-based talking therapy service for people 16 years old and over, who are worried or have low mood. We provide a range of treatment programmes including one to one therapy, counselling and group work. You can self-refer into the service if you are registered with a Barnet, Enfield or Haringey GP.
Website: http://www.lets-talk-iapt.nhs.uk/
Good Thinking
Good Thinking is a London-wide NHS Digital Wellbeing Service designed to support low level mental health needs. It offers a digital self-assessment test followed by a range of personalised, clinically approved, digital and local interventions based on your preferences and location.
KOOTH online counselling (Young People)
KOOTH is a free online self-referral counselling and emotional well-being support service available for young people aged 11-25 in Barnet.
Website: https://www.kooth.com/
Barnet’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) offers assessment, counselling and therapy for families and parents of children who are experiencing emotional, development and behavioural problems.
Website: http://www.behcamhs.nhs.uk/professionals/making-a-referral-to-camhs.htm
Address: CAMHS Referrals Administrator, Holly Oak, Edgware Community Hospital, Burnt Oak Broadway, Middlesex, HA8 OAD
Telephone: 020 8702 3444
Email: beh-tr.Barnetcamhsreferrals@nhs.net
Every Mind Matters
Every Mind Matters is an evidence-based tool that shows people how to build simple changes into their daily lives – such as reframing unhelpful thoughts, breathing exercises and increasing physical activity.
Andy's Man Club
Andy’s Man Club offers peer to peer support for men, where men can speak openly about their mental health in a judgment free, non-clinical, confidential environment. In Barnet, Andy’s Man Club meets in-person every Monday evening at 7pm (except on bank holidays). Sessions are held at:
The Meritage Centre,
Church End,
London
NW4 4JT
There are also online meetings for all to access.
Email: info@andysmanclub.co.uk
Other Mental Health and Wellbeing Services in Barnet
There are a number of local and national sources of support and advice to help maintain good mental health and wellbeing. See the range of mental health and wellbeing services and support available on our dedicated webpage here.
Self-care and National Support Services
Self Care
- The Couch to 5K phone app has been designed to help get people off the couch and running in just 9 weeks.
- The Active 10 phone app show you how how much brisk walking you do and helps to show you how you can fit a ten minute brisk walk into your day. It breaks this brisk walking down into manageable chunks of ten minutes and encourages at least one session every day (which equates to 70 minutes a week). Users can set their own goals and the app encourages people to progress up to 30 brisk minutes of walking per day, to meet the 150 minutes recommended by the Chief Medical Officer
- Why not join a Parkrun in your local area? Did you know that one of the best things about Parkrun and Junior Park run is that you can run, or jog or walk entirely at your own pace. This makes it accessible for those who never could envisage running 2k or 5k and creates an environment where people feel welcome.
Active Travel Toolkit
The Greater London Authority have produced a toolkit to support healthcare professionals to social prescribe active travel.
Local Support Services
Fit & Active Barnet
Get active and give it a go - visit the Fit and Active Barnet (FAB) Hub for tips to help you keep active in Barnet and physical activity opportunities for all ages and abilities.
It is led by Barnet Council and hosted by Better, our leisure operator.
Website: https://www.better.org.uk/fab-hub
Email: sport@barnet.gov.uk
Telephone: 020 8359 6314
Health Walks
Enjoy a stroll around some of our beautiful parks and open spaces by taking part in one (or more) of the weekly organised health walks.
Barnet’s Health Walks programme is suitable for anyone aged 18 and over and is led by qualified and experienced instructors, creating a friendly atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. Seven Health Walks are delivered each week in Barnet and are graded for their difficulty to help you find a walk that’s suitable for you.
Website: https://www.barnet.gov.uk/health-walks
Email: sport@barnet.gov.uk
Telephone: 020 8359 4600
Barnet Healthy Heritage Walks
Barnet’s healthy heritage walks are self-guided walks around Barnet’s heritage points, with accompanying audio. There are currently seven walks available. Maps, transcripts and audio can be downloaded from the Council website.
Website: https://www.barnet.gov.uk/heritagewalks
Email: publichealth@barnet.gov.uk
Active Trails & Outdoor Gyms
Active trails are pre-plotted routes of 1k, 2.5k or 5k which can be walked, run or cycled at your own pace - all for free.
Active trails webpage: https://www.barnet.gov.uk/parks-sport-and-leisure/walks-and-trails/active-trails
Barnet has 11 outdoor gyms available in our parks, providing a mixture of equipment. They are suitable for all abilities and fitness levels.
Outdoor gyms webpage: https://www.barnet.gov.uk/parks-sport-and-leisure/sport-and-physical-activity/leisure-and-sports-facilities/outdoor-sport
Email: parks@barnet.gov.uk
Telephone: 020 8359 4600
Age UK Barnet - Fitness classes for Older People
Age UK Barnet run fun and affordable fitness and exercise activities throughout the London Borough of Barnet. These include indoor and outdoor classes for all levels and abilities. The classes are aimed at people aged 55 and above: Fitness Classes
NHS Couch to 5K
The NHS Couch to 5K is a running programme for absolute beginners that has helped millions of people to keep active, start running and take positive steps for their health and fitness.
It is a free and easy away of getting fitter and healthier and will help you gradually work up towards running 5km in as little as 9 weeks: Get running with Couch to 5K
NHS Weight Loss Plan
NHS 12-week Weight Loss Plan to guide you through a healthy weight-loss programme: Lose weight - Better Health - NHS
Self-care and National Support Services
Reassure them that sexual health services are confidential, and free of charge in most cases.
Self Care
For information about sexual health, STIs, HIV and contraception visit Sexwise, It Starts With Me or the NHS website.
The Sexual Health Helpline provides advice and information on all aspects of sexual health, call free on 0300 123 7123 (open from 9am-8pm, Monday-Friday and Saturday-Sunday 11am to 4pm). Calls will be treated with sensitivity and in strict confidence.
Contraception Choices is designed to help people decide which method of contraception might suit them best and provides honest information on the advantages and disadvantages of each method.
Community Pharmacies
Emergency hormonal contraception is effective up to five days after sex and is available from most community pharmacies. Some pharmacies may charge for this service, so it is advised to call ahead to check what they offer.
General Practice
If registered with a GP, routine contraception and, in some cases, Long-Acting Reversible methods (such as an Interuterine Device/’coil’ or a contraceptive injection or implant) can be provided. Suggest contacting local practice directly to find out what they can offer.
Support for victims of sexual assault
The Havens provide specialist centres across London for people who have been raped or sexually assaulted. For urgent advice and an initial assessment call 020 3299 6900.
Other local services
Go to the local support section for information on what is available in each borough.
Local Support Services
Look after your sexual health
Good sexual health is an important part of your health and wellbeing. There are lots of services in Barnet to help you take care of your sexual health.
If you're concerned about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV, you can order free test kits online or visit a clinic. If you think you are at risk, it is important to get tested even if you feel fine – not everybody gets symptoms.
If you're concerned that you may be at increased risk of getting HIV, PrEP is available in Barnet. PrEP is a medication for people who are HIV negative to help prevent them getting HIV if they are at high risk.
If you need regular contraception, you can order some kinds online, visit a clinic or check which services your GP offers. You can also get the progesterone-only contraceptive pill from pharmacies without prescription.
If you need emergency contraception, you can access it for free online, from sexual health clinics and from A&E or walk-in centres. If you are under 25, you can get it free from some Barnet pharmacies. You can also buy emergency contraception at many pharmacies.
Barnet sexual health clinics
You can visit a sexual health clinic for testing, emergency contraception and regular contraception: Adults' sexual health
Online services
Anyone aged over 16 can order free test kits for sexually transmitted infections and HIV, regular contraception and emergency contraception from Sexual Health London.
Specialist Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinics
People who are aged under 16 years and people with serious symptoms that could indicate a sexually transmitted infection are advised to contact a face-to-face clinic. These clinics can also provide a wide range of contraception including Long-Acting Reversible Methods e.g. coils and implants.
Click here to find a clinic via Sexual Health London
PrEP
PrEP is available in Barnet for people who are at increased risk of getting HIV: https://www.sexualhealth.cnwl.nhs.uk/prep/
Emergency contraception for under 25s
Free emergency contraception is available for under 25s at some Barnet pharmacies: Adults' sexual health
Self-care and National Support Services
NATIONAL SUPPORT
- Call the free Smokefree National Helpline to speak to a trained, expert adviser on 0300 123 1044. All lines are open Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm and Saturday and Sunday 11am to 4pm*.
- Smokefree has lots of free support this includes a smartphone app, email programme or text messages that will keep you focused wherever you are.
- You can also speak to your doctor, pharmacy team or local Stop Smoking Service for expert advice on stop smoking medicines.
SELF CARE
- Download the NHS Smokefree app from itunes or google play
- Get further information from the National Health Service www.nhs.uk/quit
- Consider using e-cigarettes to stop smoking
- Millions have used Smokefree support to help them stop smoking. Choose from an app, email, SMS and face-to-face guidance.
Emphasise that quitting will the best thing they will ever do and the NHS Smokefree service can provide the friendly and helpful support they need to quit for good
Illegal Tobacco
The availability of cheap, illegal tobacco can seriously undermine attempts to stop smoking. Did you know that you can report any sales of illegal tobacco in your community by contacting Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline anonymously on 0808 223 1133, or report it online at http://www.londontradingstandards.org.uk/report-consumer-crime/. Click on our regional resources tab to see more information about how organisations in London are working together on the Stamp It Out campaign and how you can help.
Local Support Services
Stop Smoking Service Barnet
If you live, work or study in Barnet we can help you stop smoking now.
Complete our contact form to receive advice and support from our trained stop smoking advisors.
If you live, work or study in Barnet, and you are a smoker who is aged 12 and over, there are free and confidential one-to-one support programmes across the borough to help. The service is also suitable for people who smoke shisha.
Barnet has a range of local stop smoking service providers including GP surgeries and pharmacies. You can contact any of the listed pharmacies by telephone or online, but if you would like to use a GP surgery service, you must be registered as a patient at that practice. You do not need a referral to access the services.
Website: www.barnet.gov.uk/stopsmoking
Email: smokingcessation@barnet.gov.uk (Please be advised that this email address should NOT be used to send confidential information or referrals. Use contact to find out how to make a referral or access these services).
Nicotine vaping
Evidence has shown that using nicotine-containing vapes is substantially less harmful than smoking, and it is also an effective tool for quitting smoking.
Vaping is not recommended for non-smokers or young people: if you have never smoked, don't vape.
Using an e-cigarette is not completely without risk, but they are much less harmful than continuing to smoke. In the UK, vapes are tightly regulated for safety and quality. When used as intended, nicotine contained in vaping liquids is relatively harmless.
Additional information: Vaping to quit smoking - Better Health
Addressing common myths about vaping: Putting the evidence in context
Stop Smoking London
Stop Smoking London provides a dedicated telephone service for Londoners who want to stop smoking. You can call 0300 123 1044 to speak to a trained advisor. The service is open 7 days a week at the following times:
- Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm
- Saturday and Sunday, 11am to 4pm
Website: https://stopsmokinglondon.com
Self-care and National Support Services
Booking an appointment
For those wishing to find out whether they are eligible for a vaccination and how to book an appointment, go back to the Assist section and guide them through.
Local information and support
Specific borough information for local vaccination and support services can be found below.
Local Support Services
Adult immunisation: https://www.barnet.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing/adults-health/adult-immunisation
COVID-19 information and advice: https://www.barnet.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19-latest-information-and-advice
COVID-19 vaccine information: https://www.barnet.gov.uk/covidvaccine
COVID-19 vaccines: https://nclhealthandcare.org.uk/keeping-well/covid-19-the-flu-and-your-health/covid-19-vaccines-for-people-aged-16-and-over/
COVID-19 testing: barnet.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19-latest-information-and-advice/covid-19-testing-and-symptoms
COVID-19 situation in Barnet: https://www.barnet.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing/coronavirus-covid-19-information-and-advice/barnet-local-outbreak-management