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:
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.
The information below was reviewed and updated on 18th October 2024
VIA - New Beginnings
New Beginnings is a fully integrated substance misuse service offering free and confidential support for individuals and their families affected by drug and alcohol problems. It is delivered by v-i-a in conjunction with Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL) and the Brent service user organisation - B3.
The specialist team includes substance misuse workers, doctors, nurses and psychologists, as well as volunteers and peer mentors. The service is free and open to all Brent residents aged 18 or over, as well as their families and carers. Self-referrals are welcome, as well as referrals from any professional, such as housing support worker, social worker or nurse.
The service includes:
Advice about your health and wellbeing
Regular sessions with your personal keyworker
A range of different support groups (including a 12-week abstinence day programme)
Weekend drop-in support provided by service user group, B3
Looking ahead to what might be next for you: motivational programmes, education, training and employment support, peer mentoring and volunteering.
Evening appointments, online groups, and telephone or video sessions are also available.
Elev8 - New Beginnings Young People’s Service (age 25 and under)
Free and friendly drug, alcohol & mental wellbeing service for young people (25 years old or under) who live or study in Brent.
Advice and information around your health and wellbeing.
Private and confidential sessions with your own support worker (in-person and online).
Help to make better decisions about your drinking or drug use.
Help to get other support you might need.
They can meet at a location that works for you – such as your school, college, youth club or a safe space in your local community – and at a time that suits you.
Free and confidential help for young people in Brent
B-3, The Brent Substance Misuse Service User Council
B-3 members have all made use of substance misuse services for support and are now commissioned by Public Health at Brent Council to run Brent's weekend substance misuse support service (BSAFE), a personal development programme (Recovery Champions) and take an active part in wider service and community development.
B-3 aims to:-
Raise awareness of drug and alcohol issues through information and education.
Provide a voice and support for service users.
Improve services in Brent through community feedback, partnership work, training and service user involvement.
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.
Find out if you're eligible for financial assistance and benefits. including Council Tax Support, The Resident Support Fund, Housing Benefit, Discretionary Housing Payment, etc. Benefits and money advice | Brent Council
For support if you're facing homelessness
Housing assistance | Brent Council If you are homeless today Call our homeless team on: 020 8937 2000 (option 3) Normal working hours are Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm. Outside of these hours, call: 020 8937 1234. When you call, tell them what your situation is and why it’s urgent.
For support with Childcare and School Costs If you are part of a family or look after children, then find out about what support you can claim for childcare and options to help with school costs, including uniforms, meals and transport. Help with childcare and school costs | Brent Council
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.
To suggest any amendments to the information about services in Brent, please email sandy.youngson@brent.gov.uk
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.
The information below was reviewed and updated on 18th October 2024
Specialist Weight Management Service
Provided by the Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust (CLCH). This service helps people to make long term, sustainable lifestyle changes to lose weight and improve their physical and emotional well-being.
The team consists of specialist dietitians, a specialist physiotherapist, a clinical psychologist and a physician.
Referrals by GPs and health professionals via - https://clch.nhs.uk/download_file/view/594/378
Referral criteria
Those with a BMI >40kg/m2 or (35kg/m2 with co-morbidities):
Beezee Families is a free, award-winning healthy lifestyle programme for the whole family (with children between 5 to 18 years old and above their ideal weight based on the NHS BMI centile chart.
Learn about nutritious snacks and easy meals to cook together.
Get expert support from our coaches and nutritionists.
Move around every week with games and activities.
Have fun learning about healthy living.
Support is available via
In-Person group sessions
Online group sessions
At your own pace via an on-line learning platform.
Beezee Youth is a free programme for 13 to 18-year olds who live, go to school, or are registered with a GP in Brent. The programme was created with the help of young people.
Choose from a selection of courses - from anxiety and body image to mindfulness and social media.
Get expert support from our Beezee nutritionists and coaches.
We are here to talk about health and wellbeing topics that matter to you.
here are no judgements here, just a group of people who want to help you and help others.
Support is available via
Online group sessions
At your own pace via an on-line learning platform.
Community Health Workshops in Brent - learn about leading a healthy lifestyle in your culture? Our team run workshops to discuss health and wellbeing tips for different communities.
You can join us for 4–8-week workshops
We make sure to tailor each workshop to the local community
Learn about the best ways to talk about healthy lifestyles across diverse communities
It’s a safe space to meet like-minded people and share ideas.
Dietetics for in-patients at Northwick Park, Central Middlesex and/or St. Marks Hospitals
Treatment for any problems that hospital patients might have relating to diet or nutrition whilst in hospital, including...
Nutritional assessments
Evidence-based changes to your diet in hospital
tailored advice for you, your family or your carers
training for you on nutritional issues, as well as offering training for other healthcare professionals.
For Hospital Outpatients, services can be offered to patients who...
have a renal condition and are about to have replacement therapy
have diabetes (including gestational diabetes, or if you have diabetes and are pregnant)
Have food allergies or intolerances
are not always well nourished because of a condition such as Irritable Bowel Disease (this is known as impaired nutritional status due to disease related malnutrition)
Telephone Numbers for the Diatetics Service:
Central Middlesex Hospital: 0208 453 2580
Northwick Park Hospital: 0208 869 2666
This service also looks after children who are having difficulty weaning.
To suggest any amendments to the information about services in Brent, please email sandy.youngson@brent.gov.uk
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.
Call our homeless team on: 020 8937 2000 (option 3) Normal working hours are Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm. Outside of these hours, call: 020 8937 1234. When you call, tell them what your situation is and why it’s urgent.
You don’t have to be rough sleeping to be homeless. There are a number of different situations that could mean you are considered homeless or threatened with homelessness.
It may be because you:
have come to the end of your contract and your landlord has asked you to leave
have fallen into rent arrears and your landlord has given you an eviction notice
are staying with friends or 'sofa surfing' and they have asked you to leave
are at risk of violence or abuse where you are living.
are street homeless or rough sleeping
can't afford to stay where you are
have been locked out of your properly or you have been illegally evicted
live somewhere that is in a very poor condition
are experiencing problems in a relationship with your partner or close family and you cannot continue to live there
have nowhere to put your houseboat or caravan.
Not everyone qualifies for housing. Our resources and funds are limited, so we only offer accommodation to those who need it most. Visit the Shelter website to find out who qualifies for housing.
If you, or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse and needs support around housing, call 0208 937 2000 (select option 3). For out of hours please call 020 8937 1234.
The Domestic Abuse (DA) Housing Service at Brent Council is a specialist service which provides tailored housing advice and support to anyone at risk of or experiencing DA.
Following a housing assessment we can:
help you remain in your home with the Sanctuary scheme
assist you with legal options, such as a non molestation order or occupation order
provide advice and refer you to specialist advocates
provide access to a refuge (a safe house for those escaping violence) or emergency accommodation
assist you with settled future accommodation
If you are concerned about someone over the age of 18 that you have seen sleeping rough in London
you can use StreetLink (thestreetlink.org.uk) to send an alert to StreetLink. The details you provide will be reviewed by the StreetLink team who will look at the information you provide and make a judgement as to whether the alert is suitable to be sent to the local street outreach for the area in which you have seen the person, to help them find the individual and connect them to support.
It is important to note that if you think the person you are concerned about is under 18 please do not contact StreetLink but instead call the police.
We ask you to provide the following information: 1) An exact location of where this person is rough sleeping.You can do this by using a map to pinpoint the exact location and by providing a detailed written description of the location. 2) The time that you saw the person sleeping rough at the location. 3) Any additional information that will help the local team find the individual sleeping rough (gender, approximate age, what the person looks like, what they are wearing).
Following the alert being sent to the local street outreach team, you will receive details of the outreach team's typical response, and will receive and an update on what has happened as a result of your alert within 14 days if you have requested it.
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.
Housing Support from the Voluntary, Community & Social Enterprise Sector
Providing free housing advice, financial inclusion support and mentoring, Support people living in private rented accommodation to access legal advice and holistic, person centred support
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.
If you are a Brent council tenant and have issues with damp and mould in your home after taking all the actions outlined on the website above, you can report it via the report Damp & Mould section in your on-line account or by emailing dampandmould@brent.gov.uk or call:020 8937 2400
Private rental tenants in Brent with issues regarding damp and mould should report the matter to the landlord. If the landlord fails to respond within 28 days, you can report it to Brent Council’s Private Housing Team who will support with enforcement action.
If you are a housing association tenant experiencing damp and mould, you must contact your housing association provider.
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.
Single Point of Access for Mental Health Services in Brent
The Single Point of Access provides a first point of contact for people seeking information on accessing adult mental health services in Brent, Harrow, Hillingdon, Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster.
Offering mental health triage for routine, urgent and emergency referrals, mental health sign posting, information and advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days per year. • The team takes referrals from GPs and statutory services such as the police and the London Ambulance Service. • Non-statutory services such as housing associations and other professionals can contact the SPA for advice in relation to mental health support and signposting information for people they are concerned about. • People can also make enquiries on behalf of a family member or friend, but if wanting to refer themselves, they should see their GP in the first instance.
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.
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:
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.
CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) - Young People
Child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) provide community mental health services to children, young people up the age of 18, registered with a GP in the borough, with complex mental health difficulties, and their families in a range of different ways depending on their needs.
These services are mostly provided in the community, but they also have a specialist inpatient service for children aged 5 to 13.
Referrals are usually made via a GP.
CAMHS also provide perinatal services to new mothers experiencing mental health problems. Service types:
• Children's community services • Children’s inpatient service • Mother and baby inpatient services • Perinatal services
There is also a Community Eating Disorders Service for Children and Young People which offers help and support to children and young people aged 17 or under who have a suspected or confirmed eating disorder diagnosis.
Kooth is free online mental health and wellbeing platform for children and young people aged 11 to 25 years old.
Young people can access a range of free, safe and anonymous online support for their mental health that includes:
online forums
counselling (all counsellors are BCAP accredited)
discussion boards
journals
magazine
mini activities
The site is completely anonymous to help young people feel safe and confident in exploring their concerns and seeking professional support. Whether you're feeling sad, anxious, or finding life hard, the Kooth community is here to support you with any issues, big or small.
NWLondon Perinatal Mental Health Services (including Maternity Trauma and Loss Care Service)
Provided by Central and North West London NHS Mental Health Trust (CNWL) across North West London
Specialist assessment, treatment and advice to women and birthing people experiencing mental health difficulties during pregnancy and within the first year after delivery
Referrals via GPs, midwives, obstetricians, health visitors. Mental health and other health professionals.
Community Eating Disorder Service (CEDS) for Children and Young People
Provided by Central and North West London NHS Mental Health Trust (CNWL) across North West London
Help and support for children and young people aged 17 or under who have a suspected or confirmed eating disorder diagnosis.
From Wednesday 1 November 2023. CEDS) will be considering referrals for young people who have ‘mild’ eating disorders, not only those young people who may have a ‘moderate’ or ‘severe’ eating disorder. (see website for more info)
Referrals accepted from GPs, other healthcare professionals, schools and colleges.
support for anyone who is experiencing harm from gambling aged 13-18 years old from anywhere in England and 18 or overand live inLondon and the South East.
Family and Friends service providing support to those impacted by someone else’s difficulty with gambling such as family, partners, and friends.
Please note this service supports those suffering from gambling harm and cannot offer crisis interventions.
Self referrals (short enquiry form) or a wide range of health and care professionals and organisations as well as family members (via e-mail)
a multi-disciplinary clinic in the UK that provides treatment for people in England, aged 13 years and over, who have difficulty controlling their video game use and the impact it has on their lives.
Also support for parents, guardians and family members alongside the person gaming.
provides assessment and diagnosis of dementia and ongoing support and information to people with memory problems and their carers
Once the diagnosis is given the services can help to support individuals in coming to terms with their diagnosis and provide useful strategies and treatments to help people minimise their memory difficulties.
Referrals via a GP or directly via another specialist practitioner (e.g. a neurologist or medical staff in another hospital.)
Recovery & Wellbeing Colleges are learning and development centres providing a range of educational courses, workshops and resources for people with mental health difficulties, their carers, supporters and family members and staff from all areas of the Trust.
Recovery as a personal journey which is unique to each individual.
All the workshops are co-developed and co-delivered by people with life experience of recovery (peer trainers) alongside people who have clinical or health professional experience of supporting people (practitioner trainers).
with the core values of:
Hope:Believing in the possibility that things can get better
Opportunity:Feeling and being part of your world again and rebuilding a sense of self
Control:Having control over your problems and your life and being in the driving seat
To enquire about, or enrol with the College, please email recoverycollege.cnwl@nhs.net or telephone 020 3214 5686.
For Brent residents in Mental Health crisis
Single Point of Access for Mental Health Services in Brent
The Single Point of Access provides a first point of contact for people seeking information on accessing adult mental health services in Brent, Harrow, Hillingdon, Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster.
Offering mental health triage for routine, urgent and emergency referrals, mental health sign posting, information and advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days per year. • The team takes referrals from GPs and statutory services such as the police and the London Ambulance Service. • Non-statutory services such as housing associations and other professionals can contact the SPA for advice in relation to mental health support and signposting information for people they are concerned about. • People can also make enquiries on behalf of a family member or friend, but if wanting to refer themselves, they should see their GP in the first instance.
Brent Cove is a service where residents (aged 16+) of the borough can go if they are experiencing a mental health crisis. You can simply turn up, no appointment necessary.
We are a safe, inviting, and inclusive space for individuals who are struggling to cope with their mental health and daily life. On meeting with service users, we aim to support them to reduce their immediate anxiety and crisis.
Support includes:
A safe, welcoming space and a listening ear
1-to-1 support to help you to find the best path forward
Support to develop your own safety plan for the next day as well as longer term plans which could involve contact with statutory services.
Support to find and access other services in your area that interest you.
Hot drink and a snack.
Drop-in crisis support.
Group activities include:
Arts and Crafts
Young People (16 to 25) group
Emotional Wellbeing Workshop
Hang Out Group
We are open from 2-10pm Monday- Sunday, 365 days a year. The service is open to residents of the London Borough of Brent aged 16+.
Address: Brent Hub Community Enterprise Centre, 6 Hillside, Stonebridge, NW10 8BN
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.
If you are 17 years old or more, you can benefit from reduced prices on a range of activities at our sports centres, as well as priority bookings, etc.
A scheme is for people with or at risk of developing health problems which involves a tailor made 10 week exercise programme, to suit their individual needs. Referral via a Brent GP
Locations of 20 Free to use, Outdoor Gyms in Brent, each one of which has a weekly Instructor-Led session to support users (web page includes location details and times of instructor sessions, etc)
Information about turning your street into a safe play area for children
Sports, Clubs and Activities -Sports clubs and activities | Brent Council Information about various opportunities and activities in Brent, including Tennis Courts, Pitches, BMX/Scooter tracks, Bowls, Multi Use Games Areas (MUGA's), etc.
Address: Brent Civic Centre, Engineers Way, Wembley HA9 0FJ
Brent Council - Brent Youth Zone - Young People
Brent Youth Zone is a web site listing a wide range of activities available to young people in Brent.
There are opportunities to get involved in a wide range of activities in Brent. Sports clubs and leisure centres, specialist activity groups, sailing clubs, cycling clubs, open spaces, uniformed groups, performance and theatre groups all offer stimulating challenges for young people.
Including free activities and activities specifically offered during school holidays.
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.
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.
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.
The information below was reviewed and updated on 18th October 2024
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.
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.
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.
As part of the your plan, aromatherapy massage, shiatsu, or reflexology can help you make positive changes to your overall wellness, lifestyle, and health
Respite and rehabilitation assessments
Work with you to assess your respite, rehabilitation, or palliative care needs, including:
day centres
occupational therapists
residential placements
Social Care, floating Support, and Housing advice.
One to one support on:
housing
welfare rights
employments
training
education
independent living
Healthy Living
advice about nutrition and the use of safe nutritional supplements
counselling
decision making support (for example disclosure of diagnosis)
safer sexual health promotion
Self-management programmes
Links into a range of other support opportunities, including groups and networks:
life clubs and life coaching (Living Well)
volunteering opportunities
learning and development
peer networks
If you are HIV positive, normally attending the Patrick Clements Clinic/HIV services at Central Middlesex Hospital, and need to speak to a nurse, please call 07825 753 128 or 0208 453 2597 or 0208 453 2748.
The Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) provide a range of sexual health services for people aged 16 or older in west and north-west London, covering Brent, Ealing, Harrow, and Hillingdon.
All services are free and confidential and are runby appointment only, delivered via outreach and online.
They offer the following services in Brent:-
HIV testing
general sexual health info and advice
peer mentoring and group work for sexual health topics and LGBTQ+
staff trainings on sexual health and gender awareness
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.
Emergency Contraception and Pharmacy based emergency contraception clinics
If you have had unprotected sex, that is, sex without using contraception, or think your contraception might have failed, you can use emergency contraception.
Pharmacy-based emergency contraception clinics are free.
There are different types of emergency contraception
The emergency intrauterine device (IUD / coil)
An emergency contraceptive pill with the active ingredient ulipristol acetate (UPA)
An emergency contraceptive pill with the hormone levonorgestrel
An emergency contraceptive pill needs to be taken as soon as possible after sex to have the best chance of working. The emergency IUD is the most effective method.
Please phone the pharmacy ahead of setting out to check their opening hours and the availability of a pharmacist.
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.
To suggest any amendments to the information about services in Brent, please email sandy.youngson@brent.gov.uk
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.
The information below was reviewed and updated on 18th October 2024
Brent Stop Tobacco Service
The Brent Stop Tobacco service is available for smokers who live or are registered with a GP in Brent, and who:
are pregnant or living with someone who is pregnant,
are in receipt of mental health support,
smokes shisha and/or chews tobacco.
They offer a 6-week programme, consisting of weekly behavioural support sessions and advice on stop smoking medication with a specialist stop smoking advisor.
This service is currently over thephoneoronline,face to face supportorgroup workis available based on demand.
Appointments can be made by self-referring via telephone or email, eligible smokers can also ask their health professional for a referral.
Smokers that are not eligible for the Brent Tobacco Dependency treatment programme can still receive free stop smoking support via Stop Smoking London by calling; 0300 123 1044
Address: Brent Civic Centre, Engineers Way, Wembley Park, Middlesex, HA9 0FJ.
Stop Smoking London
Stop Smoking London exists to help Londoners to quit smoking. Across Greater London you can get specialist, personalised help from health advisers over the phone, throughout your 28 day quit journey.
You can call the Stop Smoking London helpline seven days a week and at the following times:
Monday to Fridays: 9am - 8pm
Saturday and Sunday: 11am - 4pm
When you call you’ll speak to an advisor, who will talk you through the various options and help you to decide what might work best for you.
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.
At times when the National Vaccination programme is operational, the COVID-19 vaccine bus will visit locations across the borough. To find out dates and locations, go to...
At times when the National Vaccination programme is operational, Flu and Covid-19 autumn booster vaccinations are available in the following Primary Care surgeries.
