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

Well Newham Website

Please visit the Well Newham Website here for information about all the alcohol and drug support available in Newham.

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

Well Newham Website

Please visit the Well Newham Website here for information about all the Cost of Living support available in Newham.

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

Well Newham Website

Please visit the Well Newham Website here to find all the support available for Healthy Weight.

ICS NDPP

Dietary advice and support for people with non-diabetic hyperglycaemia (HbA1C 42-47mmol/mol). Accepts self-referrals after diagnosis and information/referral letter by GP. Requires venous HBA1C to have been taken in the last 12 months.

Website: https://preventing-diabetes.co.uk/north-east-london/

Telephone: 0333 577 3010

Email: info@preventing-diabetes.co.uk

Live well Newham

All programmes

Live Well Newham Weight Management services have been developed to help people get fit, lose weight and feel great. 

• Live Well Newham – adult weight management
• Live Fit Newham – adult weight management with a focus on physical activity
• Healthy Future – family weight management
• M-Fit – male-only adult weight management with a focus on physical activity

All of these free programmes are 12 weeks long and start with a one-to-one session followed by 12 group sessions, all run by a qualified local health coach. 

Each programme has been developed by our qualified, experienced team of dietitians, psychologists, physical activity specialists and medical professionals, to support people in achieving their weight loss goals.

To register visit Bitly: https://bit.ly/3L4MFnX  or contact our team for more information 0333 577 3011

Live Well Newham

The Live Well Newham programme takes a well-rounded approach to help you kick-start your weight loss journey. The programme will educate you about nutrition and psychology, as well as physical activity to help you achieve your weight loss goals. This is a free 12-week programme, open to Newham residents aged 18 or above, you will attend group sessions in a community venue with likeminded people. All of the sessions are run by qualified health coaches who will support you on your journey.

To register visit https://bit.ly/40G55k1 or contact our team for more information 0333 577 3011

 

Live Fit Newham 

The Live Fit Newham programme is for individuals who want a programme that covers all aspects of health, but with the main focus on physical activity. You will benefit from a practical exercise session each week and cover a range of topics including nutrition and psychology, to help you achieve your weight loss goals. This is a free 12-week programme, open to Newham residents aged 18 or above, you will attend group sessions in a community venue with like-minded people. All of the sessions are run by qualified health coaches who will support you on your journey. 

To register visit bit.ly/3nFtbNs or contact our team for more information 0333 577 3011

 

 

M-Fit 

The M-Fit programme is for men only. This programme covers a range of topics including nutrition and psychology, with the main emphasis being physical activity. You will benefit from a practical exercise session each week and cover a range of topics including nutrition and psychology, to help you achieve your weight loss goals. This is a free 12-week programme, open to male Newham residents aged 18 or above, you will attend group sessions in a community venue with like-minded people. All of the sessions are run by qualified health coaches who will support you on your journey. 

To register visit bit.ly/3U6zZjb or contact our team for more information 0333 577 3011

 

 

Healthy Futures

The Healthy Futures programme is a fun learning opportunity to engage the whole family in the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and explore how to incorporate healthy eating and moving more into everyday life. This free programme includes 12 weekly fun, interactive sessions for parents/carers and children. All of the sessions are run by qualified health coaches who will support you on your journey. 

 

 

To register visit https://bit.ly/3nD42D0 or contact our team for more information 0333 577 3011

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

Housing, homes and homelessness – Newham Council

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.

Well Newham website

For support with Housing, please visit the Well Newham Website here.

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

If you live in council housing get advice and support from Newham Council’s Damp and Mould Taskforce: dampandmouldtaskforce@newham.gov.uk 

If you are experiencing damp and mould in a rental property please talk to your landlord first and if no response contact: ENVPrivate.SectorHousing@newham.gov.uk

For more information, please click here.

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

Newham - 24 Hour Mental Health Crisis Helpline

The Crisis Helpline can:

• support and help you if you have mental health problems
• provide accurate information and advice about local mental health services
• communicate with other services or teams on your behalf if you wish
• support you in a non-directive way, to empower and encourage you to take control of your own life and come to your own decisions

Website: https://adultsocialcare.newham.gov.uk/Pages/Crisis%20Help.aspx

Telephone: 020 7540 6782

North East London NHS Foundation Trust 0300 555 1000 (24 hour freephone)

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

East London Foundation Trust 

Referrals to secondary mental health services. Must be referred by GP.

Website: https://www.elft.nhs.uk/service/312/Assessment-and-Brief-Treatment-Team-Newham

Telephone: 020 3288 5100 or 020 3288 5101

Address: East Ham Memorial Building, Shrewsbury Road, London, E7 8QP.

East London Foundation Trust - IAPT

IAPT - 4 locations in E7, E13, and E15.

Monday to Thursday from 9am–8pm, Friday from 9am–5pm.

Website: https://www.newhamtalkingtherapies.nhs.uk/

Referral and Booking telephone: 020 8475 8080

Assessment and brief treatment - crisis in office hours: 020 3288 5100

Address: Find your nearest location here.

Newham CAMHS - Young People

Specialist mental health service for 0-18 year olds, self-referral available. Offer groups and workshops for easier access.

Website: https://www.elft.nhs.uk/service/48/Child-and-Family-Consultation-Service

Telephone: 020 8430 9000

Address: York House, 411 Barking Road, Plaistow, London, E13 8AL.

Visit the Healthy Mind section on the Well Newham Website here.

Self-care and National Support Services

 Self Care

• The Couch to 5K phone app has been designed to help get people off the couch and running in just 9 weeks.
• The Active 10 phone app show you how how much brisk walking you do and helps to show you how you can fit a ten minute brisk walk into your day. It breaks this brisk walking down into manageable chunks of ten minutes and encourages at least one session every day (which equates to 70 minutes a week). Users can set their own goals and the app encourages people to progress up to 30 brisk minutes of walking per day, to meet the 150 minutes recommended by the Chief Medical Officer
• Why not join a Parkrun in your local area? Did you know that one of the best things about Parkrun and Junior Park run is that you can run, or jog or walk entirely at your own pace. This makes it accessible for those who never could envisage running 2k or 5k and creates an environment where people feel welcome.

Active Travel Toolkit

The Greater London Authority have produced a toolkit to support healthcare professionals to social prescribe active travel.

Local Support Services

Well Newham Website

Visit the Well Newham website's Keeping Active page for information on all the ways you can keep active in Newham. 

activeNewham - Adults

Trust with charitable status working in partnership with Newham Council to deliver leisure, sports and volunteering opportunities in Newham. Whether you want to take part in your favourite sport, organise an event in your local neighbourhood park, or even just to achieve your fitness goals in one of our leisure and fitness centres, we are here to help and support you.

Whatever your age, interest, or ability, we have an activity to suit you and your lifestyle.

Website: http://www.activenewham.org.uk/

Email: info@activenewham.org.uk

Telephone:

• Leisure Centres - 0300 124 0123
• Head Office - 020 3770 4444

Newham School Sport Partnership - Young People

Provision of teacher training, sports coaching, sports competitions and sports leadership for children and young people of all abilities in a network of Newham schools.

Website: https://www.newhamssp.com/

Email: simone@newhamSSP.com

Telephone: 020 8471 9048

Address: Southern Road Primary School, Southern Road, Plaistow, London, E13 9JH.

 

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

Well Newham Website

On the Well Newham website here, you can find all the information you need around sexual health and where to get contraception, STI testing and support. 

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

Newham residents aged 16-24 can claim up to 24 free condoms (12 per visit) every month from a range of the pharmacies listed here. The pharmacist will take some personal details but there is no need to bring anything specific when visiting the pharmacy. 

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

On the Well Newham website here, you can find all the information you need around stopping smoking. 

Quit Well Newham

Quit Well Newham provides a free 12 week support program for smokers and smokeless tobacco users who wish to quit. The expert advisors have many years’ experience of helping highly dependent tobacco users. They combine state of the art medication free of charge with expert support in group and one-to-one settings, giving you the best chance of becoming tobacco-free.

Newham residents who want to quit smoking can self-refer to the service by:

1. Calling the helpline on 020 7882 8230 / 0800 1691943
2. Emailing: clinicbookings@qmul.ac.uk  
3. Text or WhatsApp; 07474 082 330

Or for more information visit www.newham.gov.uk/stopsmoking    

Queen Mary University of London

Health and Lifestyle Research Unit

2 Stayners Road

London

E1 4AH

 

Newham Pharmacies

Newham Council commission a stop smoking service to provide free support and advice to anyone living in Newham who is a smoker and aged over 16 years old. Support provided is free, friendly, and informal. You will not be expected to quit at your first appointment. Weekly one-to-one stop smoking support is available in a selection of community pharmacies.

The weekly one to one service includes:

• personalised advice and support on how to stop smoking
• individually tailored treatment plan that includes setting a quit date
• access to NHS approved medications, including Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) like patches, gum and lozenges*
• follow-ups for at least the first four weeks of stopping smoking
• regular carbon monoxide monitoring
• up to 12 weeks support.

Website: Free help to quit smoking in Newham – Help to quit smoking – Newham Council

Address: You can view our list of community pharmacies  here

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 Friday: 9am-8pm
• Saturday and Sunday: 11am-4pm
• When you call you’ll speak to one of our advisors, they will talk you through the various options and help you to decide what might work best for you.

Website: https://stopsmokinglondon.com/

Telephone: 0300 123 1044

Resources: https://stopsmokinglondon.com/tools-and-resources

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

Website: https://www.newham.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19

Telephone: 0208 430 2000

Email: help@newham.gov.uk

Online form: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=4Wk2NRiX-Eab7ZWvyHdsinzNexfecdxDi8j0lfqE4qdUOFNIVFBPTjhWVTZWSUs1NE9IMUhMN1o4MC4u