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

Change Grow Live (CGL) Bromley - Adults Drug & Alcohol Service

Change Grow Live (CGL) Bromley is a Public Health commissioned service that offers a range of treatment and support for adults aged 18+ who have concerns about their drug or alcohol use and are residents in the borough of Bromley.

Access to the service can be made by self-referral or from partner agencies. From here users of the service can access the amalgamated drug and alcohol recovery programmes.

Website: https://www.changegrowlive.org/bromley-drug-alcohol-service/services

Telephone: 020 8289 1999

Email: referrals.bromley@cgl.org.uk

Address: The main service is located at Regency House, 34-49 Farwig Lane, Bromley BR1 3RE. 

Change Grow Live (CGL) Bromley Changes - Young People's Drug and Alcohol Service

Bromley Changes is Bromley's young people's service run by the organisation CGL (Change Grow Live). It works with children and young people aged 10 – 18 years who live, study or work in Bromley and their families – parents, carers, grandparents and siblings who may be affected.

It is a free and confidential service for young people.

Bromley Changes will arrange to meet you at a convenient location, to assess your needs.

If you are a worried about a young person's drug or alcohol use, contact the service for advice, information and support.

Website: https://www.changegrowlive.org/changes-young-peoples-service-bromley

Telephone: 020 8289 1999 from 10am - 4pm on weekdays. Outside of those hours and at the weekend you can call on: 07738 802 713.

Email: referrals.bromley@cgl.org.uk

Families & Carers Change Grow Live

We know that substance misuse affects more than just the individual. It also takes its toll on family, friends, partners and children.

We provide a free and confidential support service working with the families and carers of anyone who has been affected by drugs or alcohol in the borough.

After an initial assessment, you can attend peer support groups and be referred for one-to-one counselling.

Telephone: 020 8313 9673

Digital Support Tool - Lower My Drinking

The free interactive tool to help Bromley residents consider their alcohol consumption and manage a healthier relationship with alcohol.

Lower My Drinking is commissioned by Public Health, providing residents aged 18 or over with help to identify the risks associated with their level of drinking and suggestions they can take to stay in control of their relationship with alcohol.

Bromley residents can try the free, short, anonymised Lower My Drinking quiz. The quiz only takes a few minutes to complete and returns tailored information and tips to help keep alcohol consumption within the low-risk guidelines.

Visit: lowermydrinking.com to take the quiz

Visit: bromley.gov.uk/lowermydrinking to learn more

This tool is not appropriate for residents that are alcohol dependant, please contact Bromley’s local community alcohol service (see above), Change Grow Live Bromley (CGL), email: referrals.bromley@cgl.org.uk or call the service on: 020 8289 1999.

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

https://www.bromley.gov.uk/supportingresidents

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.

Bromley Well - Cost of Living Support

If you or someone you know is finding it hard to cover living costs, there is support available

If you are a Bromley borough resident, Bromley Well provides free support. Call freephone 0808 278 7898, or complete the online form or email spa@bromleywell.org.uk

Visit their website for further information: Cost of living - Bromley Well

 

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

London Borough of Bromley PUBLIC HEALTH - Adults

Making small simple changes to what and how much people are eating and drinking as well as increasing activity levels, can greatly influence improvement in an individual’s health and wellbeing. 

The NHS Digital Weight Management Programme 

The NHS Digital Weight Management Programme supports adults living with obesity who also have a diagnosis of diabetes, hypertension, or both, to manage their weight and improve their health. It is a 12-week online behavioural and lifestyle programme. 

Referrals only by trained health care professionals via GP surgery or local Pharmacist. 

Eligibility criteria: 

• Over the age of 18 
• Has a BMI of 30+ (adjusted to ≥27.5 for people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds) 
• Has a diagnosis of diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2) or hypertension or both. 

Exclusion criteria: 

• Currently pregnant 
• Diagnosed eating disorder 
• Significant unmanaged comorbidity 
• Bariatric surgery within the past 2 years 
• Moderate/severe frailty (as recorded on frailty register) 
• For patients aged >80, further supporting information requested from GP to ensure suitability.

Website:NHS England » The NHS Digital Weight Management Programme 

NHS 12-week weight loss plan: NHS Weight Loss Plan online (Free 12-week diet and exercise plan)  Lose weight - Better Health - NHS (www.nhs.uk) 

Heart UK Healthy Eating Guide (Cholesterol lowering guide) Eating for lower cholesterol | HEART UK - The Cholesterol Charity

 

Tier 2 Community Weight Management Programme Bromley Council is working with Slimming World to offer a free 12-week weight management programme  to support individuals manage their weight and reduce the potential risk to their health.

Individuals are required to self-refer to the programme however can be signposted by their Bromley GP Practice or following a Vital 5 Health Check at the One Bromley Health Hub to contact Slimming World on 01773483253.

The patient should:

• Age 18+ (no upper age limit)
• BMI 30+ (27.5+ for people of Black African, African-Caribbean, and Asian origin)       
• Patients registered with a Bromley GP (not residents registered with a GP outside the borough)

You are not eligible for the free service if you are pregnant, have a diagnosed eating disorder or have been a paid member of a weight management organisation in the last 6 months.

 For more information on local Slimming World groups please visit the website: https://www.slimmingworld.co.uk/

 

Tier 3 Weight Management Programme 

Is an intensive 1-year weight management programme in South East London. It is for individuals who are severely overweight and registered with a GP in Bexley, Bromley, Lambeth, Lewisham or Southwark. 

Who is it suitable for? 

• Over 18's 
• BMI ≥40 or BMI ≥35 with Type 2 Diabetes 
• Registered with a GP in Bexley, Bromley, Lambeth, Lewisham or Southwark 

Healthy weight programmes - 1-year programme in south east London (tier 3) | Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust (guysandstthomas.nhs.uk) 

 

Commercial Weight Loss Programmes in Bromley: (fees apply) 

• MAN v FAT Football: Based at Bromley Football Club. For men with BMI of 27.5 or over. https://manvfatfootball.org 

• Mytime Active - Healthy Habits course - A 12 week fully supported weight management programme that aims to give the skills to change the way you think and feel and lead to a fitter, healthier, happier you. Healthy Habits | Mytime Active
• Weight Watchers https://www.weightwatchers.com 
• Slimming World Welcome to Slimming World | Achieve your weight loss dreams

For further guidance on MECC’s Very Brief Intervention (Ask, Assist and Act) on healthy diet / healthy weight and other national resources – see MECC Link 

London Borough of Bromley PUBLIC HEALTH (Promoting and Supporting National Guidance based on evidence from the NHS and OHID) - Young People

Public health teams engage with partners in tackling obesity locally, highlighting how to address priorities, recommend actions that can be implemented and provide evidenced based practical advice about addressing or preventing obesity. 

Some of the Programmes LBB and the Children and young people public health team actively promote are: 

Better Health Change4Life has now become part of Better Health and has a brand new look. Better Health exists to motivate and enable people to lead active and healthy lives. It's there to support and encourage all of us in taking steps to improve our physical and mental health, by eating well and moving more. 

Healthier Families - Home - NHS (www.nhs.uk)   

 

Better Health - Sugar Smart 

Encourages families to cut back on sugar by making a few simple swaps to their everyday food and drinks. 

Be Sugar Smart: https://www.nhs.uk/change4life/food-facts/sugar 

Top Tips For Teeth | Campaigns | Campaign Resource Centre  

 

Better Health - 10 minute shake up  

The campaign will help get kids active throughout the holidays by playing 10 Minute Shake Up games, inspired by some of their favourite characters from Disney's Lightyear, Encanto, Frozen and Marvel. 

 

Better Health - Food Scanner App 

This campaign focuses on helping families make healthier food swaps by using the Food Scanner app. 

 

Better Health  - Start for Life Breastfeeding 

This campaign provides support tools which assist mums and new parents through their first weeks of breastfeeding and beyond. 

 

Link to Infant Feeding Clinics in the borough

Breast feeding your baby :: Bromley 0 to 19 Public Health Service 

Tel: 0300 330 5777 or email bromh.bromley0to19@nhs.net

Princess Royal University Hospital – Infant Feeding Team

Telephone Helpline: 07866 927594 – Monday-Sunday 7am-7pm

Email: kch-tr.pruhinfantfeeding@nhs.net

 

Better Health - Start for Life Introducing Solid Foods 

This campaign focuses on helping mothers learn about introducing solid foods to their babies 

 

National Child Measurement Programme NCMP  

Children in Reception year and year 6 in primary school have their height and weight measured as part of the NCMP programme. Children who fall outside of the healthy weight ranges may be referred to the dietitian.  

https://www.bromley0to19.co.uk/5-10-years  

 

‘Healthy Schools London’ scheme.  

In Bromley, one hundred schools are currently registered to participate in ‘Healthy Schools’ initiative which encourages schools to consider ways in which they can support health and wellbeing in their school community. There have been 114 awards given out altogether.  

Healthy Schools London | Healthy Schools  

Bromley school projects include: 

Pupils managing a break time tuck shop selling only healthy snack options; re-designing menus to offer healthier options at a primary school breakfast club; and facilitating physical activities for children outside of the school day. 

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

Bromley Housing Support

Our Housing Options and Support Service will provide you with housing advice and assistance on your housing related query or homelessness issue. We can help you if you are:

• Homeless today
• Rough sleeping or have insecure housing
• Struggling with rent or mortgage payments
• Served with a notice or your tenancy is coming to an end
• Fleeing domestic abuse
• Struggling to stay in your home and need help or support to do so

We will provide housing advice and develop a plan with you to address your housing issues. We will discuss a range of housing solutions to ensure you know the options available to you.

The council will not provide emergency accommodation to everyone who is homeless, but we will always try to prevent you from becoming homeless. If this is not possible, we will try to find a solution and find you a safe place to stay. We will work with other agencies and organisations to ensure we provide you with the services you need to prevent or relieve your homelessness or help you to live in your current accommodation.

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.

What to do if you think you may become homeless

For us to help you with your homelessness issue, you will need to complete the housing options assessment form. If you need any assistance with completing this form please email us on housing.options@bromley.gov.uk or contact us on 0208 461 7721. You can also ask a family member, friend, or support worker to help you with this. If you want us to talk with anyone else in regard to your application, please let us know, by explaining this on your form.

To assist us with your application you are asked to upload as much information as possible in relation to yourself, your family and your housing situation. This could include identification documents, income, education and health information and all the documents about your housing situation.

Alternatively, if you would like to discuss your housing matter you can call us on 0208 461 7721 from 8.45am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, with the exception of Wednesday 1pm to 5pm or email us on housing.options@bromley.gov.uk.

If you need housing assistance, outside of normal hours, please call the council’s emergency housing service on: 0300 303 8671. (This service is available between 5:30 pm and 8.45am Monday to Friday and 5:30pm Friday to 8.45am.)

Accessing temporary accommodation.

Who can get help

Advice for homeless people and those threatened with homelessness is available from our Housing Options Team and the Citizens Advice Bureaux (CAB) in the borough. Our duties towards homeless people are set out in law. The council must provide advice and help anyone who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The help given depends on the person`s circumstances and whether the council has a duty to ensure that they get accommodation. You will need to be eligible and homeless to access housing assistance. To find out more about more about your eligibility for housing, please see the following information: Statutory Homeless.

If you are concerned about someone over the age of 18 that you have seen sleeping rough in London

you can use Streetlink London 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.

Victims of Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse is any incident of coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between those aged 16 years old or over who are or who have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse or any type of violence the Housing Options and Support Service will provide help and advice, working with specialist services to ensure you receive the most appropriate housing solution, and support as quickly as possible. We can also assist you to stay in your home, by making it safe through the Sanctuary Scheme.

For more information, please visit:

Domestic abuse – London Borough of Bromley

About Us - DVIP | Domestic Violence Intervention Project

Home | Refuge National Domestic Abuse Helpline (nationaldahelpline.org.uk)

Bromley and Croydon Domestic Abuse Service (bcwa.org.uk)

Volunteer Agencies

Bromley Homeless Shelter are based at the United Reform Church in Bromley, just next to Boots on Widmore Road Home - Bromley Homeless

Address: 20 Widmore Road, Bromley, BR1 1RY

Telephone: 020 8460 0042 (please leave a message if unanswered)

Email: info@bromleyhomeless.org  

They offer support with housing and other issues and have a health clinic on weekdays.

Living Well are a foodbank and support charity based in Penge, SE London. They offer support with debt, benefits, housing, and other issues.

Website: What we do :: Living Well, Bromley

Address: Holy Trinity Church, 66 Lennard Road, London, SE20 7LX

Telephone: 07864591607 (Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat)

Email: hello@livingwell.life

Cost of Living

For information and support with Cost of Living. Please visit:

Simply Connect Bromley - connecting you to your local community

On this website you will find a large range of agencies providing information and practical support including:

• Foodbanks
• Financial and Debt Support
• Warm Spaces
• Peer support and more

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

https://www.bromley.gov.uk/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.

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 - Mental Health Crisis Line

For current service users in Bromley: 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 

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

Telephone: 0800 330 8590

Bromley and Orpington Samaritans

Telephone: 116 123 free from any phone. Or call 0330 094 5717
24 hours a day, 365 days a year

9b Station Road
Orpington BR6 0RZ

What is a mental health crisis?
• A mental health crisis means different things to different people.
• You may be concerned that your mental health has been getting worse over time, or you might feel suddenly overwhelmed.
• You might feel unable to cope or as if you will not be able to cope for much longer.
• You might feel so distressed that you want to harm yourself or someone else.
• You might hear unpleasant voices or feel that people are watching you or trying to hurt you.

SLP CAMHS Crisis Line - Urgent Mental Health Support for Children and Young People in South London

Telephone: 020 3 228 5980
Opening hours: 9am – 11pm 365 days a year

What is the SLP CAMHS Crisis Line?
The SLP CAMHS Crisis Line is an urgent mental health helpline for all children and young people in South London. The line is operated by NHS trained child and adolescent mental health practitioners and advisors who provide crisis counselling and mental health support.
If you are under 18 years old and registered with a GP in South London (including Bromley) or are worried about someone who is, you can call the SLP CAMHS Crisis Line for support and guidance.

What happens when I call the SLP CAMHS Crisis Line?
When you call the crisis line, the practitioner that answers the phone will introduce themselves by name and invite you to share with them your concerns and listen to you. They will ask you some details about your current situation and try to work with you to help reduce distress and establish safety

Get Urgent Help (bromley-y.org)

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

BROMLEY WELL (Mental Health & Wellbeing Service - Adults)

Bromley Well Mental Health and Wellbeing Service opens 7 days per week (9-5pm) and can provide:

• Information and advice
• Outreach groups and workshops
• Ways to Wellbeing Peer Support Group
• Coffee Connections (Support Group for Mental Well-being)
• Mental Health & Wellbeing Newsletter
• Free Downloads from the website

Website: https://www.bromleywell.org.uk/our-services/mental-health-services/

Email: spa@bromleywell.org.uk

Telephone: 0300 330 9039

Address: Community House, South Street, Bromley, Kent BR1 1RH.

NHS Bromley Talking Therapies

NHS Bromley Talking Therapies is part of the national ‘Improving Access to Psychological Therapies’ (IAPT) programme.

• Offer evidence based support for you if you are suffering from depression or a range of anxiety disorders.
• They will help you, if you receive Sickness Benefit and are off work due to anxiety or depression.
• They will work with you if you are at risk of losing your job due to the problems that you are experiencing.
• Support you and your employer, working closely with Job Centre Plus and other local agencies who are able to provide employment support.

The service offers one-to-one counselling and group sessions (often called talking therapies) in person, on the telephone and even via a computer, to help you find ways to treat or cope with your condition.

The experienced team includes Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners (PWPs), psychologists, counsellors, therapists and mental health practitioners who will work with you to understand your thoughts, feelings and what triggers them and offer advice and strategies to deal with them.

Referrals: You can self refer to your local IAPT service by clicking here: Talk together Bromley - IAPT talking therapy service; or if you are over 18 and registered with a Bromley GP you can find out more about NHS Bromley Talking Therapies and self-referral at Bromley Talking Therapies - Bromley Healthcare

Telephone: 0300 003 3000

Bromley MIND

Bromley Mental Health - Bromley, Lewisham & Greenwich Mind (blgmind.org.uk)

Offer a range of support including Recovery College, Mindful Mums, Being Dad, Mental Health support for Carers, Employment support and other programmes.

Telephone: 020 3328 0365

BROMLEY Y (Bromley Community Well-Being Service for Children & Young people)

Bromley Y is a long established local charity offering free therapeutic support to young people between the ages of 0 – 18 years. We are open 9am-5pm Monday-Saturday.

Bromley Y aims to provide a safe, friendly environment for children, young people and their families to explore the difficulties that they may be experiencing, helping them to identify new ways forward.

Bromley Y hosts the Community Wellbeing Service which is a single point of access service for children and young people’s emotional and mental wellbeing in the borough. Children and Young People are referred in, their difficulties are screened and it is then decided how best we can support the young person and their family. This could be through therapeutic support at Bromley Y Wellbeing or signposting to a more appropriate local service.

We are a CYP IAPT compliant service which means that we use evidence based therapies to work collaboratively with children and young people. To find out more click here.

Website: https://bromleywellbeingcyp.org/

Email: info@bromleyy.org

Telephone: 020 370 8848

Addresses:

• 23 East Street Bromley BR1 1QE
• 17 Ethelbert Road, Bromley BR1 1JA

The Maypole Project

Based in Orpington, The Maypole Project supports families of children and young people with SEN and disabilities.

They provides emotional well-being to the whole family from diagnosis (including ante-natal) through treatment and beyond. Their support is free, ongoing and flexible.

Find out more at The Maypole Project – Supporting children with complex medical needs and helping their families

Telephone: 01689 889 889

Orpington Wellbeing Café

The Orpington Wellbeing Café aims to connect Orpington residents to each other and to the local health services by sharing more about what their services do to support the community.

It’s run by the Orpington Primary Care Network (PCN) with the support of Bromley Healthcare.

The café runs every other Thursday from 11am-1pm at the Orpington Methodist Church just across the road from Orpington High Street.

There are refreshments and games and an informal health talk – usually with a Q&A after!

Website: Orpington Wellbeing Café - Bromley Healthcare

 

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

PROACTIVE BROMLEY - Adults

(An organisation that brings together a number of other local ‘Physical Activity’ related providers in Bromley).

Pro-Active Bromley is a Community Sports and Physical Activity Network (CSPAN) established as a strategic, independent alliance of partners who are active in sustaining and increasing participation in sport and physical activity in the London Borough of Bromley. LBB Public Health is an important part of the strategic network of stakeholders for this organisation.

There are a range of local activities, clubs & groups which can help residents with getting fit.

Bromley Mytime Active is a Social Enterprise organisation and as an independent charity, reinvests profits for the long-term benefit of local areas. (Bromley Mytime Registered Charity Number: 1102460)They work in conjunction with other health organisations such LBB, Bromley Public Health, NHS CCG and other local and voluntary organisations. Activity examples include:

• Gym
• Golf
• Social and health programmes
• Bowling
• Fitness classes
• Swimming

Our range of wellbeing services ensures we have something for everyone. Specific activities, age criteria and opening times can be found on the website according to venue and activity.

Referral Schemes: If you need help getting started or have particular health conditions that would benefit from exercise, your GP or other help professionals can refer you to an exercise programme and be supported by trained exercise professionals.

The London Borough of Bromley Local Authority and PH actively promote Physical Activity (leaflet) and signpost residents to information and activity opportunities

Website: https://proactivebromley.org.uk/

Email: info@proactivebromley.org.uk

Address: Pro-Active Bromley, c/o John Gledhill, Civic Centre, Stockwell Close, Bromley, BR1 3UH.

PROACTIVE BROMLEY - Children & Young People

Proactive Bromley are a voluntary organisation, connecting, facilitating and promoting the work that clubs, schools, community groups and businesses are doing to get Bromley active.

Change 4 Life: It is recommended that children get a minimum of 60 minutes physical activity each day. PH provides resources and promotes the 10 minute shake up programme delivered by ‘Chang 4 Life to help families achieve this in a fun way. https://www.mytimeactive.co.uk/juniormemberships

Mytime Active: is a social enterprise and as an independent charity, reinvests profits back to the long-term wellbeing of the local area. They provide a range of Indoor and outdoor sports and activities for children and their families during term time and throughout the school holidays. https://www.mytimeactive.co.uk/juniormemberships

Go to the Mytime Active website to view activities and timetables across the borough.

Children and young people of all ages can have fun, get active, learn new skills and make friends at leisure centres and golf courses across Bromley. It's a great way to boost their confidence and keep them busy! 

Activities:

• Buzz Zone Soft Play
• Swimming
• Inflatable Sessions
• Gym & Classes
• Driving Range
• Foot Golf
• Golf
• Get Active Golf
• Football (in partnership with Charlton Athletic Community Trust & Skills Academy)
• Sports Combo
• Baby Gym
• Judo

Other companies use the facilities to provide other options such as Karate, and Dance for example.

Details can found on the websites.

Website: https://proactivebromley.org.uk/

Email: info@proactivebromley.org.uk 

Address: Pro-Active Bromley, c/o John Gledhill, Civic Centre, Stockwell Close, Bromley, BR1 3UH.

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.

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

Smoke Free Bromley

Stopping smoking can be difficult for many reasons, but with the right support it is completely possible.   No matter how long you have been smoking, or how many cigarettes you smoke each day, you can quit the habit and change your life forever.  Save your money and improve your health by becoming smoke-free. 

If you live in the London Borough of Bromley or are registered with a Bromley GP you can access a new Smoke Free Bromley service. Smoke Free Bromley have trained advisors who can offer you face to face or remote support for up to 12 weeks to help you stop smoking. You will also have access to an App, called ‘Quit with Bella’ and Nicotine Replacement Therapy which can be sent directly to your home. You may also be suitable for a free Nicotine Vape pack to help you stop smoking.

All you need to do is either:

Call: 0800 999 1072

Email: Smokefree.Bromley@nhs.net

Text QUIT to 66777

And a trained advisor will either speak to you or call you back within 48 hours.

For more information on this service you can visit the London Borough of Bromley website Get help to stop smoking (bromley.gov.uk)

Stop Smoking London

Alternatively, you can call Stop Smoking London to access telephone support for up to 8 weeks.  It is easy to self-refer by making a simple phone call on 0300 123 1044 (7 days a week). 

Website: https://stopsmokinglondon.com/

Telephone: 0300 123 1044

Why not visit the local pharmacy and find out what nicotine replacement (NRT) is available, there are a variety of products to choose from. 

There are specialist Vape Shops in the borough who are willing to give their expert advice on electronic cigarettes (e-cigs, which is otherwise known as vaping).  Vaping has been proven to carry a smaller risk than cigarette smoking and can greatly increase the success of quit attempts. 

 

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

Immunisation – London Borough of Bromley