Simple Signposting to Better Health and Wellbeing

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

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

South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust - Adults

This service provides support to those aged 18 and over who are experiencing difficulties with drug and/or alcohol use. The service will work with you to achieve your goals and improve your quality of life. Support is also available for carers and family members who are affected by other's substance misuse. A number of drop-in sessions are available or please phone for more information.

Website: https://prpbexley.org.uk/

Telephone: 01322 357940

Email: slm-tr.PierRoadProject@nhs.net

Address: Erith Health Centre, 50 Pier Road, Erith, DA8 1RQ.

Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust - Young People

This service provides an assessment and treatment service for children and young people aged under 18 who are experiencing difficulties with drugs and/or alcohol.

This is a specialist service and referrals made by other professionals working with the young person (e.g. social workers, teachers, GPs, school nurses, youth workers, etc) are recommended, however self referrals are also welcomed.

Website: http://oxleas.nhs.uk/

Telephone: 020 3260 5200

 

For information on support services across Bexley, please also search our community directory- https://connectedbexley.co.uk/

 

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)

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.

0808 808 4000

StepChange Debt Charity

StepChange helps change the lives of thousands of people every week. Their expert advice is impartial and personalised to each individual situation.

0800 138 1111

PayPlan

PayPlan's supportive, non-judgemental team of advisers help thousands of people beat their debts every year, and treat all of their calls with the strictest confidence.

0800 280 2816

Debt Advice Foundation

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

Everyone is being affected by the rising cost of living. There are a number of local organisations in Bexley that can offer financial help and advice https://www.bexley.gov.uk/services/cost-living/help-cost-living

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.

For information on support services across Bexley, please also search our community directory- https://connectedbexley.co.uk/

 

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

Support for Children and Families

Better Health Healthier Families

Visit the NHS Healthier Families webpage for easy ways to eat well and move more, including food facts, recipes, activities, and information on child weight.  

 

Bexley-Henry

Bexley HENRY offer for families with children aged 0-5

A range of programmes for parents of children aged 0-5 years. Self-referral, or referral by an early years or health professional (e.g., a GP, Nursery Nurses, Health Visitor, Midwife, or School Nurse). Delivered online or face to face in Bexley Children’s Centres (Erith, Northumberland Heath, Danson, and North Cray) and other community settings.

 

• Starting Solids – 2 hours group workshops for parents/carers with children aged 3 to 6 months
• Fussy Eating – 2 hour group workshop for parents/carers with children aged 18 months  to 3 years
• Preparation for Parenthood – 6 week 2-hour weekly sessions for pregnant women and their partners or other family members
• Healthy Families: Right from the Start programme – 8 week 2-hour weekly sessions for parents/carers with children aged 0 to 5 years old

 

To discuss a referral into the programme:

T: 0203 045 5480

E: childrenscentres@bexley.gov.uk

 

Support for Adults

 

Bexley’s adult weight management service (tier 2 service)

Bexley’s adult weight management service consists of a 12-week multi-component healthy lifestyle programme free to eligible residents or those registered with a Bexley GP, available either digitally or in-person. You can self-refer or refer with support from your GP.

The service supports adults living with obesity (with a BMI of over 30 or 27.5 for those from a Black or Asian background).

For more information and to access the programme visit the Gro Health website or contact a member of the Gro Health team on 0330 133 0307.

 

For information on support services across Bexley, please also search our community directory- https://connectedbexley.co.uk/

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

At risk of losing your accommodation | London Borough of Bexley

In addition to the persons written or verbal consent, try to gather the following information to include on the duty to refer form.

• Person’s name
• Contact details – include a mobile phone number
• Address (if any)
• Household members / Next of Kin – if known
• Any other support needs, health issues or vulnerabilities

While someone can apply to any local authority, they should be made aware that the local authority might refer them to another local authority if they do not have a local connection to the area where they are applying for assistance. Local authorities should not refuse to accept a homeless application because a person does not have a local connection and must still provide emergency accommodation if the person is vulnerable or has significant health and social support needs.

 

For information on support services across Bexley, please also search our community directory- https://connectedbexley.co.uk/

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

The Environmental Health Team in Bexley can inspect your properties to assess potential risks to health and safety and, where necessary, require landlords to make any repairs/improvements. The team's contact details are 020 3045 3456 or rentitright@bexley.gov.uk 

For general housing advice and tips on how to manage damp and mould visit https://www.bexley.gov.uk/services/housing

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.

 

For information on support services across Bexley, please also search our community directory- https://connectedbexley.co.uk/

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

Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust

For current service users in Bexley: As part of your care planning, your care coordinator (the main person who is currently helping you) should give you detailed information on how to get in touch with the mental health services when required.

If it is an emergency, and you are unable to contact your care-coordinator, you can call the 24- hour Mental Health Crisis Line on 0800 330 8590.

You can also get emergency help at your nearest Accident and Emergency department:

Princess Royal University Hospital
Farnborough Common
Orpington
Kent
BR6 8ND
Tel: 01689 863486

Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Stadium Road
Woolwich
London
SE18 4QH
Tel: 020 8836 4360/1 

Darent Valley Hospital
Darent Wood Road
Dartford
Kent
DA2 8DA
Tel: 01322 428100

Website: http://oxleas.nhs.uk/advice-and-guidance/how-to-get-help/how-to-get-help-bexley/

Telephone: 0800 330 8590

 

For information on support services across Bexley, please also search our community directory- https://connectedbexley.co.uk/

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

Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust

Adults

Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust provides secondary mental health services for Working Age (under 65) and Older Adults in the borough of Bexley.

Website: http://oxleas.nhs.uk/advice-and-guidance/how-to-get-help/how-to-get-help-bexley/

Email: oxl-tr.referralsbexley@nhs.net

Telephone: 020 36689 490 (9am to 5pm) or 02038 611 170 (5pm to 7pm).

Perinatal

The service offers specialist assessment, care and treatment for women who are planning a pregnancy, pregnant or up to 12 months postnatal. The team offers a range of specialist interventions, including advice to help women weigh up the risks and benefits of using psychiatric medication in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Website: http://oxleas.nhs.uk/services/service/perinatal-mental-health-servic/

Email: oxl-tr.oxleasperinatalmentalhealthservice@nhs.net

Telephone: 020 3961 3613 

Address: Bexley, Bromley and Greenwich Perinatal Mental Health Service, Queen Mary's Hospital, I Block, Frognal Avenue, Sidcup, DA14 6LT.

Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust (Bexley CAMHS) - Young People

Provides mental health assessment and treatment services to children, young people and their families/carers living in the borough of Bexley. It also provides advice, consultation and support to the other individuals and agencies involved in children's care. The service is available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and with some additional early morning and evening clinics.

Website: http://oxleas.nhs.uk/services/service/child-and-adolescent-mental-2/referral/

Email: oxl-tr.BexleyCamhsReferrals@nhs.net

Telephone: 020 3260 5200

Mind in Bexley - Adults

Psychological Therapies is a countrywide Department of Health initiative, aiming to bring talking therapy to people with mild to moderate depression and anxiety.

Through this service Mind in Bexley offers anyone over 18 registered with a Bexley GP, free talking therapy under the NHS.

Website: http://mindinbexley.org.uk/self-refer/

Email: info@mindinbexley.org.uk

Telephone: 020 8303 8932

Address: 2a Devonshire Road, Bexleyheath, DA6 8DS.

 

For information on support services across Bexley, please also search our community directory- https://connectedbexley.co.uk/

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

Physical Activities around Bexley

Keep active with sport and fitness activities and achieve a positive impact on your physical health and wellbeing.

Contact the Sport and Leisure Team for help in finding the right physical activity.

Website: https://www.bexley.gov.uk/services/parks-leisure-and-libraries/sport-and-fitness

Telephone: 020 8303 7777

Email: leisure@bexley.gov.uk

Address: Civic Offices, 2 Watling Street, Bexleyheath, Kent, DA6 7AT.

Healthy Walks- WALX in Bexley

The WALX in Bexley Team are a delivery partner of Nordic Walking UK. WALX in Bexley offers an extensive programme of walks. Walks are delivered by trained NWUK instructors, community NWUK leaders and WALX Guides

For further information -

Website: https://walx.co.uk/groups/walx-in-bexley/

Telephone: 020 3045 7777

Leisure Centres

There are 3 public leisure centres in Bexley, Crook Log, Erith & Sidcup Leisure Centres which are operated by Lex Leisure CIC licenced by Parkwood Leisure Limited.
The offer a range of activities on offer including: swimming, classes, dance, spin, indoor sports and the gym.

Website: https://www.leisurecentre.com/

Telephone:

• Crook Log: 020 8304 9090
• Erith: 01322 350271
• Sidcup: 020 8302 0556

Exercise Referral Programme (GP Referral only) - Adults

The Steps to Health referral programme can be accessed through your Doctor’s Surgery. It is an affordable activity programme for people with a medical condition who would benefit from exercise. The 12-week programme is run by a dedicated expert support team and it aims to support lifestyle changes.

For more information on the exercise referral programme contact the Healthy Living Team.

Telephone: 020 3887 3360

Email: bexley.s2h@lexleisure.org.uk

Park Run

Why not join a parkrun in Bexley? Did you know that one of the best things about parkrun and Junior parkrun is that you can run, 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.  For those who don’t wish to run, jog or walk there is always the opportunity to volunteer to support your local parkrun.

We have three parkrun’s in Bexley:

5K Danson Park https://www.parkrun.org.uk/bexley/

5K Foots Cray Meadows https://www.parkrun.org.uk/footscraymeadows/

2K Junior at Lesnes Abbey Woods https://www.parkrun.org.uk/lesnesabbeywoods-juniors/

 

For information on support services across Bexley, please also search our community directory- https://connectedbexley.co.uk/

 

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.

Click here to find a pharmacy

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.

Click here to find a GP

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

Online Services

Anyone aged over 16 can register with Sexual Health London for this free, confidential, and discrete sexual health service. Once registered, the service can issue an STI testing kit for people with mild or no symptoms, they can be posted to their home or collected from a clinic. Users take their own samples and post the kit back to the laboratory. Test results are available a few days later and telephone support is provided.

This service requires registering online and is best accessed via a mobile phone for confidentiality, so do encourage the person you are talking with to register.

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

HIV prevention and outreach

Do It London provides highly effective treatment and prevention strategies for HIV. The London HIV Prevention Programme hosts information and resources about U=U, PrEP, condoms and a range of HIV testing services across London.

Free condoms for young people

The Come Correct (or C-Card) scheme provides access to free condoms in a variety of locations (called Outlets) across London. Once registered you can collect condoms or get advice from any outlet displaying the Come Correct logo.

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.

 

For information on support services across Bexley, please also search our community directory- https://connectedbexley.co.uk/

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

Smokefree Bexley - Bexley Stop Smoking Service

Bexley Stop Smoking Service is available to anyone who wants to stop smoking and has a Bexley GP. We offer FREE, friendly and effective practical support as well as advice and access to stop smoking medications that are proven to double your chance of successfully quitting. Priority bookings are given to smokers with chronic smoking-related ill-health conditions, pregnant smokers and low-income smokers. Our service offers the full range of evidence-based smoking cessation medication. We also advise on vaping and can provide a starter device to support your quit attempt. Evidence shows vaping is an effective way for helping adult smokers to quit, but smokers must switch complete away from tobacco to vaping – and we can support you whilst you do this.

Website: http://www.smokefreebexley.co.uk/

Telephone: 0800 783 2514

Email: stopsmoking@bexley.gov.uk

 

Bexley Stop Smoking Service - Young People

Nicotine replacement products can be used by smokers over the age of 12. It is highly recommended that they are supported by a Specialist Stop Smoking Advisor whilst they are following a treatment package. Vaping is not recommended for smokers under the age of 18 as it is not entirely free from risk. No-one under the age of 18 should buy, or be bought, cigarettes or vaping devices as this is prohibited by law.

Website: http://www.smokefreebexley.co.uk/

Telephone: 0800 783 2514

Email: stopsmoking@bexley.gov.uk

 

For information on support services across Bexley, please also search our community directory- https://connectedbexley.co.uk/

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

COVID-19 vaccinations have played a crucial part of the global response to the pandemic, on the reduction of the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death and helping to protect vulnerable populations.

As with previous vaccine rollouts in the community, those most at risk will be called forward on the COVID-19 booster.

You may be eligible if you are:

• aged 65 years and over (by 31 March 2024)
• aged 6 months to 64 years and at increased risk due to a health condition or medical treatment 
• a frontline health or social care worker
• aged 12 to 64 years and live with someone who has a weakened immune system
• aged 16 to 64 years and a paid or unpaid carer
• residents and staff in care homes and some people who require a home visit may be vaccinated sooner.
• children aged 6 months to 4 years old who are at increased risk of serious illness from COVID-19 can currently get a COVID-19 vaccine

You will be able to book online via the NHS national booking system, NHS App, online or calling 119. The national booking service will open on 18 September 2023, with appointments available from 19 September.

For the most up to date guidance on the COVID-19 vaccination, including who can get it, safety, and side effects, visit the NHS website.

 

COVID-19 vaccination programme: Vaccination of 6-month to 4-year-olds in a clinical risk group

Vaccination for children aged 6 months to 4 years old in a clinical risk group will commence in late spring 2023 – details to follow.

Childhood immunisation

Parents and carers are urged to ensure that children receive all their childhood vaccinations.

Many children have missed vital routine vaccinations over the past couple of years, putting them at risk of vaccine-preventable diseases. The good news is that it’s not too late to protect your child from serious illness, all you need to do is make an appointment with your GP as soon as you can. 

(148) Childhood Immunisations - Your Questions Answered - YouTube

The MMR vaccine is the safest and most effective way to protect your child from measles, mumps, and rubella, which are highly infectious diseases and can cause serious illnesses including meningitis and pneumonia. The two doses of the MMR vaccine are given to children at 1 year, at 3 years and 4 months, or at 18 months, depending on what approach your GP surgery has adopted.

(148) The MMR Vaccine – your questions answered - YouTube

Polio campaign - Phase two

Following detections of polio virus in sewage samples in London in 2022, children aged 1-9 in London were offered an additional booster (Phase 2) - this offer has now ended. Phase 2 of the campaign, starting this spring,  will focus on under-vaccinated children aged 1-11 who are least protected and at the highest risk of becoming seriously unwell with polio. The programme will be led by School Age Immunisation Service (SAIS) – Hounslow and Richmond Community Healthcare NHS Trust provider.

The NHS will be contacting the parents of children who are not fully vaccinated to sign a consent form for school-based vaccination or book an appointment at their GP practice.

 

Check your child’s red book or contact your GP to check your child’s vaccine status. If you find that your child has missed one of their vaccinations, it’s not too late, book a vaccination as soon as you can.

 

For information on support services across Bexley, please also search our community directory- https://connectedbexley.co.uk/