Simple Signposting to Better Health and Wellbeing

Self-care and National Support Services

Self Care

Register for priority service from your energy supplier

You might be able to get extra support from your energy supplier by signing up to the priority services register if you:

• are disabled or seriously ill
• are recovering from an injury
• have mental health problems
• don’t speak or read English well
• have children under 5, or are pregnant
• have reached your state pension age
• are in a vulnerable situation

Benefits of priority service can include free energy saving advice.  A password protection scheme to protect you from cold-callers.  Your meter moved free of charge if it’s hard for you to use or read.  Bills sent to a relative, carer or friend to help you check them. You might also get advance notice if your supply is going to be interrupted, priority re-connection if your supply is interrupted.  You may also get annual gas safety checks.  Find out more on the Ofgem priority services register website.

To find out if you’re eligible to join the priority service register, speak to your energy supplier.

If you don't know who your current gas and electricity supplier is, this can be checked by contacting:

• For Gas - Meter Point Reference Line - 0870 6081524
• For Electricity - Northern Powergrid - 0845 0707172

Energy suppliers priority service

• British Gas
• EDF
• E.ON Next
• Northern Powergrid

Pension Credit Toolkit

Use this collection of materials to help older people understand how they could get Pension Credit.

 This toolkit is for anyone who works with pensioners. Use it to help older people understand how they may get extra money every week by:

• increasing understanding in your organisation
• helping your customers find out if they could get Pension Credit

The toolkit contains:

• guidance to help you understand Pension Credit
• information to help you support someone applying for Pension Credit
• common reasons why pensioners don’t claim
• ideas for events and dealing with the media
• useful contacts

The Pension Credit toolkit can be accessed here: Pension Credit toolkit - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Apply for energy bill discounts and benefits

See if you are be eligible for three heating related benefits:

• One-off £150 discount off your electricity bill with the Warm Home Discount Scheme. 

• If you’re eligible, your energy supplier will apply the discount to your bill. You may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead if your supplier provides you with both gas and electricity and you’re eligible. Contact your supplier to find out.

  This should be paid direct to you if you receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit or are on a low income and have high energy costs.

  You can still qualify for the discount if you use a pre-pay or pay-as-you-go electricity meter. Your electricity supplier can tell you how you’ll get the discount if you’re eligible, for example a voucher you can use to top up your meter.

  To find out if you qualify you contact your energy supplier directly.

• £200 or £300 to help you pay your heating bills for winter 2024 to 2025 with the Winter Fuel Payment. You may be eligible if you or your partner get certain benefits. You will not get the extra Pensioner Cost of Living Payment given in 2022 and 2023. It stopped in winter 2023.
• Extra help if temperatures fall below a certain level with the Cold Weather Payment.

Struggling to pay for your gas and electricity?

The price of gas and electricity has increased greatly over recent weeks. If you are worrying about what to do, did you know that there is support available to help you during this time?

You can contact your supplier, to discuss ways to help pay what you may owe. This should be made affordable to you based on your budget. Your energy supplier may have support funds available.

British Gas - British Gas Energy Trust

• They offer a number of schemes to help people who are in arrears. You do not need to be a British Gas customer to apply.

Octopus Energy - Octo Assist Fund

• To apply you would need to be an Octopus Energy customer and are currently struggling with your bills.

OVO - OVO Energy Fund

• You have to either be an existing OVO customer or previous customer. This is designed for people in debt of over £150 and unable to pay their bills

Scottish Power - Scottish Power Hardship Fund

• If you are an existing customer of Scottish Power and having difficulties paying your bills you may be able to get additional support.

National Energy Action - NEA – 0800 3047159 Monday to Friday 10am to 12pm. 

• A charity who specialise in assisting people with help with energy debt.  Giving benefits advice and making the most of your income. Support with gas and electricity accounts including fuel debt and switching suppliers and helping with energy efficiency.  They can also help you apply for trust fund money, Water rates, Warm Home Discount and Priority Services Register details.

If you need extra financial support, you can contact:

Money Advice Service - 0800 1387777 

National Debtline - 0808 8084000

Citizens Advice - 0808 2231133

Step Change - 0800 1381111 

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Preparing for Colder Weather

• From keeping your house warm to protecting yourself from common ailments, find out how to stay healthy this winter on NHS Choices.
• Tips for staying warm and well this winter

The UK Health Security Agency has advice on staying well in the cold weather, covering issues such as financial help, healthy lifestyle, flu jabs and heating.

• Cold Weather Alerts will keep you safe and well this winter by keeping you informed

The Cold Weather Alert operates in England from the 1 November to 31 March every year, in association with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The alerts give you advanced warning of adverse weather conditions that could have a significant effect on your health and well-being, enabling you to take extra precautions to keep safe and well. Sign up here.

Local Support Services

North Lincolnshire Council

Affordable warmth assistance for vulnerable households and details of how to improve energy efficiency within the home, contact North Lincolnshire Council Home Assistance Team.

Tel: 01724 297000 

Web: North Lincolnshire Council | Housing standards, improvements, grants and loans - North Lincolnshire Council (northlincs.gov.uk)

Email: housing@northlincs.gov.uk 

Age UK Lindsey

Information and advice for older people on affordable warmth options as well as local schemes when available to provide practical support, home visiting benefits advice service to increase income for over 65's. Handy person service to support fitting energy efficient measures.

Tel: 01507 524242

Web: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/lindsey/ 

Lincs 4 Warmer HomesLincs 4 Warmer Homes is Greater Lincolnshire’s partnership scheme between local authorities across the region, offering energy efficiency improvements and advice. A government funded scheme to help replace existing inefficient boilers or insulation in the home, for this service - please complete the Lincs 4 Warmer Homes enquiry form via the on-line mechanism.

Web: Lincs 4 Warmer Homes - NELC | NELC (nelincs.gov.uk) 

 

Self-care and National Support Services

NATIONAL SUPPORT - ALCOHOL

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
• Cutting back on the booze can be a really effective way to improve your health, boost your energy, lose weight and save money.  Any reduction in the amount you drink every week will be beneficial – and with the right help, it's easier than you think. Download the 'Drink Free Days' app to update and track your drink-free days, get simple and practical tips to help you control your drinking, receive reminders and celebrate milestones.
• Get further information from NHS Choices www.nhs.uk

Organisations that offer support: 

Please see the foot of this section for a list local drug and alcohol services, along the brief details on the support they offer.

SELF CARE - ALCOHOL

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.  

NATIONAL SUPPORT - Drugs

Change Grow Live

Local Support Services

DELTA

Young People's drug and alcohol treatment/advice for under 19s 

Tel: 01724 298528

North Lincolnshire Healthy Lifestyle Service

A team of friendly and knowledgeable Healthy Lifestyle Facilitators will support groups of people wanting to focus on the following:

• Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight 
• Stopping smoking 
• Reducing alcohol use 
• Being more physically active 
• Increasing wellbeing, including mental and emotional health 
• Training around health and wellbeing for those people who are interested in becoming trained as health champions
• Signposting to wider local supporting services

Tel: 01724 298212

Web: http://www.northlincs.gov.uk/healthylifestyleservice

Email: nlc.healthylifestyles@nhs.net

We Are With You

We are with you – have continued to support current and new service users throughout the pandemic situation and have put measures in place to extend the support offered by increased telephone and on-line support mechanisms, in addition to in-person appointments. They provide a free, confidential service with trained staff to support with your own goals, whether that’s cutting down your drug or alcohol use, stopping completely or just getting a bit of advice.

This service is for you if you’re, 18 or over, living in North Lincolnshire, worried about your own drug or alcohol use or someone else’s. 

Tel: 08081 430640 

Web: North Lincolnshire - With You (wearewithyou.org.uk)

Address: 189-198 High Street, Scunthorpe, DN15 6EA

 

Self-care and National Support Services

National Support Services

Citizens Advice Bureau

Citizens Advice Bureau provides support with welfare benefits, debt management, housing, employment issues, and utility bills and more. They assist with benefit applications, challenges, and housing-related matters such as eviction prevention and tenant rights. Additionally, they offer guidance on debt management, employment rights, and energy efficiency, assisting individuals navigating complex financial and legal challenges.

Tel: 0800 144 8848

Webpages:

Benefits - Benefits - Citizens Advice

Housing - Housing - Citizens Advice

Help with debt - Help with debt - Citizens Advice

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) - Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) - Citizens Advice

Make your home more energy efficient - Make your home more energy efficient - Citizens Advice

Get help with the cost of energy efficiency - Get help with the cost of energy efficiency - Citizens Advice

Government support - GOV.uk

GOV.uk provides financial assistance and support services in the UK. This includes the administration of welfare benefits such as Universal Credit, Jobseeker's Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, and Disability Living Allowance. The platform offers information and resources for managing finances, understanding pensions, and accessing various government support programs.

Additionally, GOV.uk provides guidance on tax credits, housing benefits, and financial aid for families and individuals in specific circumstances. 

Benefits: Benefits - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA): You can apply if you have a disability or health condition that affects how much you can work.

Web: Employment and Support Allowance (ESA): Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Apply for Universal Credit: Universal Credit: What Universal Credit is - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Emergency Financial Assistance: Emergency Financial Assistance (publishing.service.gov.uk)

Winter Fuel Payment:
If you were born before 25 September 1957 you could get between £250 and £600 to help you pay your heating bills.

The amount you get includes a ‘Pensioner Cost of Living Payment’. This is between £150 and £300. You’ll get this extra amount in winter 2023 to 2024. This is in addition to any other Cost of Living Payments you get with your benefit or tax credits.

Web: Winter Fuel Payment: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Department of Work and Pensions (DWP)

DWP is responsible for providing support and services related to welfare, pensions, and employment.

Financial Hardship Support:

In cases of immediate financial hardship, you may be eligible for hardship payments. Speak to the DWP or Contact your local Jobcentre for information on how to apply.

You can usually only get a hardship payment 15 days after your JSA payment was stopped.

You’ll be able to get your hardship payment straight away if you’re considered ‘vulnerable’ by the Jobcentre. This means you or your partner:

• is responsible for a child or young person
• is pregnant, disabled or a carer
• is homeless
• is under 18
• is under 21 and has recently been looked after by the local authority
• has a chronic medical condition
• has a long-term mental impairment - this includes mental health conditions (such as depression), cognitive impairments (such as dementia) and learning disabilities (such as downs syndrome)

You’ll have to show proof, for example a letter from a doctor or a benefit letter.

Benefits: Benefits - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Applying for a Discretionary Housing Payment: Applying for a Discretionary Housing Payment - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

StepChange Debt Charity

StepChange Debt Charity offers free and confidential debt advice, helping individuals create realistic budgets and negotiating with creditors to freeze additional costs. They assist in setting up Debt Management Plans for structured debt repayment. In cases of severe financial distress, StepChange provides insolvency advice. Online tools and resources, including budgeting calculators, are available. The charity emphasises ongoing support and financial education to empower individuals for a secure financial future.

StepChange Debt Charity can provide guidance if the cessation of benefits has led to financial difficulties.

Web: StepChange Debt Charity - Free Expert Debt Advice.

Life, money and budgeting: Your Personal Situation. Debt & Money Advice. StepChange

Coping with the rising cost of living

Are you struggling to pay your energy bills? If you're on a low income, find out if you're entitled to:

One-off payments to support people with the rising cost of energy bills: Coping With The Cost Of Living. Debt Advice. StepChange

Grants and funding to pay for energy bills: Grants And Funding To Pay For Energy Bills. StepChange

Government help with gas and electricity bills: Government Help With Gas & Electricity Bills. StepChange.

National Debtline

National Debtline is a debt advice charity run by the Money Advice Trust. They offer a free and confidential debt advice service. They have helped millions of people with their debts. They'll talk through options and give clear advice on how to take back control.

Tel: 0808 808 4000 or Live webchat
(Between Monday to Friday 9am-8pm and on Saturdays 9.30am-1pm)

Web: Debt advice | Free debt advice | National Debtline
Cost of living hub: Cost of living library | National Debtline

To find out more advice and information on specific topics visit the Fact Sheet Library.

Web: Fact sheet library | National Debtline

 

The Money Helper Service (Government backed service)

Free and impartial money advice, set up by government:

• Advice and guides to help improve your finances
• Tools and calculators to help keep track and plan ahead
• Support over the phone and online

Tel: 0800 1387777

*Calls are free. We’re committed to providing you with a quality service, so calls may be recorded or monitored for training purposes and to help us develop our services.

Web: https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en

Turn2us

Turn2us is a national charity offering information and practical help to people facing financial insecurity.

Apply for a charitable grant: Charitable grants can be given as money, products or services and don't have to be paid back.

Search for charitable grants Or contact Turn2us who can provide free financial advice and support to people in the UK in crisis.

Call the free helpline: 0808 802 2000 (Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 5.30pm)

Web: Turn2us Grants Search

The Trussell Trust

Find your local Trussell Trust food bank, their contact details and opening times.

If you're struggling to afford the essentials or need advice and support you can call one of our free helplines.

Web: Find a Food Bank - The Trussell Trust

No Recourse to Public Funds Network

Other National Support

Mental Health

Please refer to the Mental Wellbeing MECC page for further support.

Web: MECC Link

National Domestic Violence Helpline

The National Domestic Violence Helpline, established in partnership between Women's Aid and Refuge, provides immediate and confidential support to individuals facing domestic abuse in the UK. Those in need can access expert advice, emotional support, and information on available resources, guidance on safety planning, and information about local services, including refuge accommodation.

The free 24 hour helpline: 0800 9995 428

Drugs and Alcohol

For alcohol support please refer to the Alcohol MECC page for further support.

Web: MECC Link

Homelessness

Please refer to the Housing and Homelessness MECC page for further support.

Web: MECC Link

Local Support Services

'Help with the Cost of Living' websites for your Local Authority area are listed below.  These provide a valuable source of information on some of more localised support arrangements for where you live.

Local Support Services

North Lincolnshire

North Lincolnshire County Council - Cost of Living 

There is help available for residents struggling with the cost of living from the council and other organisations.

There are a number of initiatives you can apply for or access information on through Lincolnshire County Council:

• Household support fund
• Holiday activities and food programme
• Help with childcare costs
• Free school meals
• Financial support for carers

Web: Cost of living – Lincolnshire County Council

Financial Advice and Debt Management

North Lincolnshire Council 

Advice on managing your debts, help to pay your council tax, apply for housing benefit, help with childcare funding, finding a job and looking after your mental health.

Web: https://www.northlincs.gov.uk/people-health-and-care/financial-support-advice-and-guidance/

Community Funds and Grants

Grants and funding available for individuals and communities in North Lincolnshire. 

Web: Community funding and grants - North Lincolnshire Council (northlincs.gov.uk)

Age UK Lincolnshire 

​There are many ways in which we can support you. Below are topics you can talk to us about: 

• Saving energy
• Pay less 
• Money in your pocket
• Looking after your money 
• Getting help with debt
• Winter wrapped up 
• Handyperson support 
• Information & Advice

Tel: 03455 546 144

Email: info@ageuklsl.org.uk 

Web: Rising Cost of Living (ageuk.org.uk)

Address: 36 Park Street, Lincoln, LN1 1UQ

Citizens Advice North East Lincolnshire 

We provide free, confidential and impartial advice and campaign on big issues affecting people's lives. Our goal is to help everyone find a way forward, whatever problem they face.

Tel: 0808 2505 701

Web: Citizens Advice North East Lincolnshire

Address: Melbourne House 16 Town Hall Street, GRIMSBY, North East Lincolnshire, DN31 1HZ

Responsible Lenders

Notts and Lincs Credit Union

We deliver a range of competitively-priced financial products and services to our members from all sectors, including both the traditional banking customers and those who have been previously without access to banking facilities.

Tel: 0330 004 0842

Email: info@nottsandlincscu.co.uk 

Web: Credit Union Nottingham, Lincoln & Mansfield (nottsandlincscu.co.uk)

Address: City Hall, Lincoln, LN1 1DD

Help with Household Bills

Lincolnshire County Council Household Support Fund

The Government has announced that a new Household Support Fund (HSF) grant will be made available to county councils and unitary authorities in England to support those most in need.

Web: Household Support Fund – Lincolnshire County Council

North Lincolnshire County Council 

There is help available for residents struggling with the cost of living from the council and other organisations.

There are a number of initiatives you can apply for or access information on through Lincolnshire County Council:

• Household support fund
• Holiday activities and food programme
• Help with childcare costs
• Free school meals
• Financial support for carers

Web: Cost of living – Lincolnshire County Council

Help with Food

Scunthorpe Foodbank 

We don’t think anyone in our community should have to face going hungry. That’s why we provide three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to us in crisis. We are part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.

Tel: 0300 102 8061 

Email: info@scunthorpe.foodbank.org.uk

Web: Scunthorpe Foodbank | Helping Local People in Crisis

Address: Ashby Road, Scunthorpe, DN16 1NR

St Georges Church Crosby Foodbank Centre

Tel: 0300 102 8061

Email: info@scunthorpe.foodbank.org.uk

Address: St George's Church, Digby Street, Scunthorpe, DN15 7LU

Connect Church 

Since our launch in 2022 Connect Foundation has become the new home of Scunthorpe Foodbank, which seeks to end hunger in North Lincolnshire. This project, with its army of more than 50 volunteers, is currently serving approximately 5000 people with emergency food parcels each year, all in conjunction with various local partners and agencies.

Tel: 01724 848388

Web: CONNECT FOUNDATION – Connect Church (weareconnectchurch.co.uk)

Email: hello@weareconnectchurch.co.uk

Address: Connect Church, Ashby Road, Scunthorpe, DN16 1NR

 

Self-care and National Support Services

National Support Services

Dementia Connect 

Dementia Connect, Alzheimer's Society's dementia support service, is free, easy to access, and puts you in touch with the right support. From local help to phone and online advice. 

Alzheimer’s Society’s dementia advisers can support you directly by phone or face to face, as well as connect you to a range of local services.

Web: Dementia Connect for healthcare professionals | Alzheimer's Society (alzheimers.org.uk)

 

Dementia Toolkit

This set of resources is based on research, and the expert experiences of people with dementia and their carers.

Web: Living with Dementia Toolkit

 

The NHS

It's normal for your memory to be affected by stress, tiredness, certain illnesses and medicines. But if you're becoming increasingly forgetful, particularly if you're over the age of 65, it's a good idea to talk to a GP about the early signs of dementia. Memory loss can be annoying if it happens occasionally, but if it's affecting your daily life, or it's worrying you, or someone you know, you should get help from a GP. 

Web: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/diagnosis/

 

The Alzheimer's Society

Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading dementia charity. We campaign for change, fund research to find a cure and support people living with dementia today.

Web: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/

The dementia guide: Living well after your diagnosis

Caring for a person with dementia: A practical guide

Tel: Dementia Connect Support Line: 0333 150 3456

 

Other Key links

Dementia UK - Dementia Helpline (support from dementia specialist admiral nurses):  0800 888 6678

Tide - Together In Dementia Everyday: Telephone: 0151 237 2669 Email: carers@tidecarers.org.uk

Carers UK- Making life better for carers: Telephone: 020 7378 4999

 

Self Care

We can’t change our age or our genes, and there is currently no way we can completely prevent dementia. However, there are some simple steps we can all take to help lower our risk.

Risk factors for cardiovascular disease (like high blood pressure and stroke) are also risk factors for dementia, so what is good for your heart is good for your brain. Looking after your health, cutting out smoking and being physically active on a regular basis will help lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. It’s likely you’ll be lowering your risk of dementia too, particularly vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

For good heart health:

• don’t smoke
• keep cholesterol and blood pressure under control
• be active and exercise regularly
• maintain a healthy weight
• eat a healthy balanced diet
• drink fewer than 14 units of alcohol per week.

Web: https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/dementia-information/reducing-the-risk/

Herbert Protocol

The Herbert Protocol is a national scheme that encourages carers, family and friends to provide and put together useful information, which can then be used in the event of a vulnerable person going missing. 

Carers and / or relatives and friends can complete a form in advance, including important information about the missing individual such as the contact numbers, medication needed, locations the person was last seen and so forth also a photograph can be provided. 

West Yorkshire Police - The Herbert Protocol Missing Person Incident Form | West Yorkshire Police - For patients known to wander

South Yorkshire Police - Herbert Protocol - SYP (southyorks.police.uk)

North Yorkshire Police - People with dementia at risk of going missing (Herbert Protocol) | North Yorkshire Police

Humberside Police - The Herbert Protocol | Humberside Police

Please see below for more information and contact details in your local area. 

Local Support Services

Alzheimer’s Society in North & North East Lincolnshire

Services are available to anyone with a diagnosis of dementia, their carers, family, friends and supporters. The service offers Dementia Advice & Support, Carer Information & Support Programme (CrISP), Memory cafés and local activities.

For more information on any of the above, or to make referrals for both North and North East Lincolnshire, please contact: 

Tel: 01472 359247 

Web: Dementia Adviser North East Lincolnshire | Alzheimer's Society (alzheimers.org.uk) 

E-mail: Referrals_NELincs@alzheimers.org.uk 

Address: 17A Wootton Rd, Grimsby DN33 1HE

Community Hubs

Make it easier for residents to access information, advice and support and participate in activities to improve their health and wellbeing. Open to everyone, the hub spaces are a central point in the community with support and activities for all; young and old. They also are vital source of advice and support for vulnerable adults in North Lincolnshire. Community Hubs are located across North Lincolnshire within central and accessible locations in Scunthorpe, Brigg, Barton, Crowle, Epworth, Ashby & Riddings.

If you are feeling lonely or isolated, then please feel free to contact your local community hub on the phone numbers below. Or just drop in and say hello. You will always be given a warm welcome.

Tel:

Barton and Winterton – 01652 632511

Brigg and Broughton – 01652 653384

Scunthorpe –  01724 296759

Epworth and Crowle – 01724 296850

Web: North Lincolnshire Council | Community hubs - North Lincolnshire Council (northlincs.gov.uk) 

The Adult Information Service (AIS)

The Adult Information Service (AIS) provides free, impartial information and guidance on services, activities and what’s on for adults across North Lincolnshire. They aim to provide an efficient, accessible information service to support adults, carers and their families in North Lincolnshire. 

Tel: 01724 297000

Web: North Lincolnshire Council | Adult Information Service - North Lincolnshire Council (northlincs.gov.uk) 

Email: ais@northlincs.gov.uk

The Carer's Support Service, North Lincolnshire

The North Lincolnshire Carers’ Support Service works with carers to ensure they receive the right support and information at the right time, enabling them to continue looking after members of their family, friends and neighbours.

Tel: 01652 650585

Web: Carers Support Service North Lincolnshire – The Carer Support Centre Site for North Lincolnshire (carerssupportcentre.com) 

Email: info@carerssupportcentre.com 

North Lincolnshire Council

The North Lincolnshire Council 'Caring for someone,' webpages feature further information for carers on how to access options such as the family carer team, respite care or a carers' need assessment. 

Tel: 01724 298393

Web: North Lincolnshire Council | Caring for someone - North Lincolnshire Council (northlincs.gov.uk) 

Email: familycarerteam@northlincs.gov.uk

Family Carer Team

The Family Carer Team North Lincolnshire Adult Services.
Primary focus is on the needs of the carer, keeping them well and enabling them to live their life while undertaking a caring role. The team will be able to support carers with the following: Carer’s Needs Assessment, Carer’s Reviews, Carer Break Funding, Information and advice, Signposting and referral to other services, Listening ear & Emergency planning.

Tel: 01724 298393

Web: North Lincolnshire Council | Caring for someone - North Lincolnshire Council (northlincs.gov.uk) 

Email: familycarerteam@northlincs.gov.uk

North Lincolnshire Council Adults Services

North Lincolnshire Council Adults’ Services section of the website features lots of useful information and advice on staying independent, support in your community, support for carers, activities and groups for you to get involved in and general information on care and support. You will also find online assessment forms for your care needs, carer’s needs and financial assessment forms.

Web: North Lincolnshire Council | People, health and care - North Lincolnshire Council (northlincs.gov.uk)

North Lincolnshire Dementia Action Alliance 

A voluntary group made up of representatives from the private, public and charity sectors with aim to make North Lincolnshire a dementia friendly place to live. 

Tel: 01724 298802

Web: North Lincolnshire Dementia Action Alliance

Email: Helen.wright@ongo.co.uk

Humberside Police - Herbert Protocol

The Herbert Protocol is an initiative that the Police and other agencies use which encourages carers to compile useful information which could be used in the event of a vulnerable person going missing.

Carers, family members and friends can complete, in advance, a form recording all vital details, such as medication required, mobile numbers, places previously located, a photograph etc.  In the event of your family member or friend going missing, the form can be easily sent or handed to the police to reduce the time taken in gathering this information.

Web: The Herbert Protocol | Humberside Police 

 

 

 

Self-care and National Support Services

Self Care

There is a wealth of information and ways to prevent falls on the following websites

• Saga - Discover ways to stay fit at https://www.saga.co.uk/magazine/health-wellbeing/wellbeing/falls-guide

• Age Uk - Information on falls prevention, exercise classes and handyman services in some areas.  Call free on 0800 169 6565 or see https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/fitness/falls-prevention/

• The effective assessment of an individual’s risk of a fall would be a multifactorial intervention considering falls history, visual impairment etc. This assessment would enable the referral of an individual to effective interventions targeted at specific risk factors

• Your GP may carry out some simple tests to check your balance. They can also review any medicines you're taking, in case their side effects may increase your risk of falling. Your GP may also recommend:
  • having a sight test if you're having problems with your vision, even if you already wear glasses 
  • having an electrocardiogram (ECG) and checking your blood pressure while lying and standing
  • requesting a home hazard assessment, where a healthcare professional visits your home to identify potential hazards and offer
  • advice doing exercises to improve your strength and balance (try some exercises for older people)

• NHS Choices - Find this leaflet and other resources at https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/keep-your-bones-strong-over-65/

Local Support Services

North Lincolnshire Council

'Active Ageing' - A programme that offers a 'gentler' less strenuous approach to exercise.

Tel: 01724 297270

Age UK - Lindsey

Activities for older people to support balance including games group and mobility aids for sale or to hire at Lifestyle Centre. Foot care service also available in Centre.

Tel: 01724 849819

Web: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/lindsey/

Address: 34a Crosby Road,

Scunthorpe,

DN15 6SF

North Lincolnshire Council – Staying independent webpages 

The North Lincolnshire Council staying independent webpages have really useful information on a range of topics associated to maintaining independence and functional health and fitness such as: Adaptations, Falls Prevention, Home Care, Telecare/Care Call & Handy Person Service. 

Web: North Lincolnshire Council | Staying independent - North Lincolnshire Council (northlincs.gov.uk)

Occupational therapist home adaptations  / falls prevention 

For help on how to be referred contact your nearest Network Team directly:

Scunthorpe West Network Team
(anything North of Queensway, including Frodingham Road and the Isle of Axholme)

Tel: 03033 306802

Scunthorpe South Network Team

(anything South of Queensway, up to Messingham and everything in-between including Kirton Lindsey and Hibaldstow)

Tel: 03033 306804

East Network Team (Broughton to Killingholme and everything in-between)

Tel: 01724 298180

Self-care and National Support Services

If someone is in crisis and needs urgent help, especially if experiencing suicidal feelings:

• Call Samaritans for free on 116 123 – whatever you are going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. They are there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
• Text SHOUT to 85258 for confidential support if you prefer to talk to someone over text message.
• Go to your nearest A&E or call 999, in an emergency or if you’re worried that you can’t keep yourself safe.

Support for gambling harms

Share sources of information and support appropriate to the person’s requests. These can include:

Chapter One

Chapter One is an information and support hub for everyone affected by gambling.

This is your place to find information that will help you understand the causes of gambling harm, and where to access the right help. The valuable resource contains details on help for an individual and others that might be affected by gambling.

Website: https://www.chapter-one.org/

*Chapter One has been developed by experts, research and lived experience and is free from gambling industry influence.

Free and confidential support is available from NHS specialists

NHS Northern Gambling Service

This Service provides specialist addiction therapy in the north of England - the North East, Yorkshire and the Humber, and North West. Clinics are located in Leeds, Sheffield, Manchester, Blackpool, Preston, Liverpool, and Newcastle.

Call the NHS Northern Gambling Services team (NHS Team) on 0300 300 1490. If you get through to voicemail, leave your name and phone number, and someone will call you back.

Website: Home - NHS Northern Gambling Service

Other Support services

National Gambling Helpline and Support

The National Gambling Helpline provides advisors who are available 24/7 online or via the telephone. They can signpost you to a range of confidential and free support services, such as counselling and therapy, as part of the National Gambling Support Network.

You can speak to an advisor or refer yourself to the National Gambling Support Network by contacting 0808 8020 133.

The National Gambling Helpline and Support Network is commissioned by the charity GambleAware, which receives voluntary donations from the gambling industry.

Website: https://www.begambleaware.org/ngsn

Peer support: Gamblers Anonymous

Gamblers Anonymous is described as a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other so that they may solve their common problem and help others do the same.

Gamblers Anonymous operates local meetings of people who are affected. Each local group operates slightly differently. It is not a ‘treatment’ option, as it is not a registered mental health support service, but some have found Gamblers Anonymous meetings helped them to stop gambling.

Website: https://www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk

Peer support: GamLearn

The Gambling Lived Experience and Recovery Network supports and empowers those who have experienced gambling-related harm.

Website: https://www.gamlearn.org.uk/

Peer support: GamFam

GamFam is a charity empowering individuals and families to reduce the impact of gambling harms and move towards a more positive future. GamFam offers free online peer support, including structured peer support groups for affected others and separate groups for those directly in recovery.

GamFam have created an opportunity for anyone affected by gambling harms to share experiences in a safe space, with no fear of judgement. Structured peer support groups provide information and support to help those affected learn and understand about gambling disorder.

GamFam is not a clinical service, it is an organisation that has lived experience at the heart of everything they do. Following a referral someone will reach out within a maximum of 24 hours with access to a group usually within a week.

Online Referral Form: GamFam Referral Form (office.com)

Gambling with Lives

A charity set up by families bereaved by gambling that provides support, raises awareness of gambling disorder’s devastating effects, and campaigns for change.

Website: https://www.gamblingwithlives.org/

Blocking tools and self-exclusion

Physical premises:

See Chapter One for guidance on how to self-exclude from physical gambling venues.

Online tools:

Gamstop
Signing up stops someone being able to use gambling websites and apps for 6 months, 1 year or 5 years.
https://www.gamstop.co.uk/

Gamban
Signing up blocks access to gambling websites and apps on your devices.
https://gamban.com/

Gambling Commission
Information on how to block gambling payments with your bank.
https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/public-and-players/page/i-want-to-know-how-to-block-gambling-transactions 

Avoiding marketing

Visit account settings with gambling operators to unsubscribe from marketing emails.

Support with debt/financial concerns

If you have got into difficulty with money - these services can offer advice:

Citizens Advice - 0300 330 1313 - www.citizensadvice.org.uk

StepChange Debt Remedy - 0800 138 1111 - www.stepchange.org

*see this helpful guide for information about language and gambling harms:

Language guide by ecgmca - Issuu

Local Support Services

If someone is in crisis and needs urgent help, especially if experiencing suicidal feelings:

• Call Samaritans for free on 116 123 – whatever you are going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. They are there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
• Text SHOUT to 85258 for confidential support if you prefer to talk to someone over text message.
• Go to your nearest A&E or call 999, in an emergency or if you’re worried that you can’t keep yourself safe.

Support for gambling harms

Share sources of information and support appropriate to the person’s requests. These can include:

Chapter One

Chapter One is an information and support hub for everyone affected by gambling.

This is your place to find information that will help you understand the causes of gambling harm, and where to access the right help. The valuable resource contains details on help for an individual and others that might be affected by gambling.

Website: https://www.chapter-one.org/

*Chapter One has been developed by experts, research and lived experience and is free from gambling industry influence.

Free and confidential support is available from NHS specialists

NHS Northern Gambling Service

This Service provides specialist addiction therapy in the north of England - the North East, Yorkshire and the Humber, and North West. Clinics are located in Leeds, Sheffield, Manchester, Blackpool, Preston, Liverpool, and Newcastle.

Call the NHS Northern Gambling Services team (NHS Team) on 0300 300 1490. If you get through to voicemail, leave your name and phone number, and someone will call you back.

Website: Home - NHS Northern Gambling Service

Self-care and National Support Services

Self Care

NHS Better Health - Lose Weight

Lose weight - Better Health - NHS (www.nhs.uk) – information and advice, and links to offers from approved partners

NHS Weight Loss Plan app, a 12-week programme following NHS advice on losing weight safely. Available from the App Store and Google Play. To find out more you could watch our app demo

Healthy Steps email programme:

Healthy Steps is a budget-conscious email programme designed to encourage families to take steps to improve their health and wellbeing. ​It provides regular reinforcement and feedback to help families set and achieve goals. Particular focus on lower income families with children aged 5-11​.

The programme invites families/parents/carers to complete a quiz, leading to a recommendation of the best NHS approved health options for your family. There are currently three on offer: sugar reduction, 5 A Day or planned cooking​. Those who sign up will get eight weekly emails with hints and tips on their chosen theme, as well as weekly challenges. Built-in feedback loops means that they will also be provided reinforcement and encouragement after set-backs to help them in their journey through Healthy Steps.

Local Support Services

Healthy Lifestyle Facilitators

A team of friendly and knowledgeable Healthy Lifestyle Facilitators will support groups of people wanting to focus on the following:

Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight
Stopping smoking
Reducing alcohol use
Being more physically active
Increasing wellbeing, including mental and emotional health
Training around health and wellbeing for those people who are interested in becoming trained as health champions
Signposting to wider local supporting services

Tel: 01724 298212

Email: nlc.healthylifestyles@nhs.net
Web: http://www.northlincs.gov.uk/healthylifestyleservice

 

North Lincolnshire Healthy Lifestyle Service

Motivational and behavioural support to enable individuals to make positive steps towards increasing physical activity levels and maintaining behavioural changes made.

Motivational and behavioural support to enable individuals to make positive steps towards healthy weight management. Provision of weight management, healthy eating and nutrition sessions.

People can self-refer to this service. The Healthy Lifestyle Service is available for those aged 16yrs+ who live, work or have a GP practice in North Lincolnshire.

Tel: 01724 298212

Email: nlc.healthylifestyles@nhs.net

Walking the way to health

The Walking the Way to Health initiative aims to encourage you to walk in your own community.

Walking the Way to Health currently holds led walks in destinations throughout North Lincolnshire. All led walks are free and most are no longer than three miles each.

All walks are led and supported by at least two trained walk leaders, one with first aid equipment, and are very welcoming to new attendees.

For further details of the time-tabled guided walks please visit: 

North Lincolnshire Health Walks | Walking for Health

North Lincolnshire Council | Walking in North Lincolnshire - North Lincolnshire Council (northlincs.gov.uk)

Tel: 07717586380

Email: christine.johnson@northlincs.gov.uk 

 

 

Self-care and National Support Services

Give reassurances that there are lots of sources of support

If you are worried that this person is in crisis, please see section for Suicide Prevention

 If no immediate risk take the following steps:

Encourage them to ring:

Samaritans - (All age groups)

Tel: 116 123, open 24 hours a day.

Papyrus - (Young people)

Tel: 0800 068 4141

Text: 07860039967

Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org

Lines are open 24 hours every day of the year (Weekends and Bank Holidays included)

SELF CARE 

• Encourage the person to contact their GP. Their GP will be able support the person in many ways

• Mind 'The charity for better mental health' has an extensive range of self help resources available

• The NHS have has a range of self-help tools available

• Andy's Man Club provides a weekly talking group, a place for men to come together in a safe environment to talk about issues/problems they be have faced or currently been facing.  Meetings take place regularly in different locations across the region, where applicable these can be found in the local support and contact details section.
• 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.  They talk through any issue with you and offer support, advice and signposting.
• Quell - Free, safe and anonymous mental wellbeing support for adults across the UK
• Kooth - is your online mental wellbeing community. Access free, safe and anonymous support, for 11-25 year olds
  

Better Health - Every Mind Matters

Better Health Every Mind Matters website​. NHS-assured information & advice on common mental wellbeing concerns: anxiety, stress, low mood & poor sleep​

Tips to manage mental wellbeing based on Mind’s ‘5 ways to wellbeing’. 

Plus self-help CBT techniques section​ Life’s challenges - practical tips on dealing with drivers of poor mental health eg coping with money worries and job uncertainty, maintaining healthy relationships and loneliness​

The Mind Plan – free, personalised plan. Answer 5 quick questions on how you’ve been feeling over the last 2 weeks and you’ll get recommendations on practical self-care actions that could help. You can customise the plan and get it emailed to you​

​Free email support programmes – complete the Mind Plan to sign up for regular emails with further tips on building wellbeing actions into everyday life, or go to the “anxiety” page to sign up for a tailored email programme with expert advice and practical tips to help deal with anxiety

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.

Support Services - 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.

Tel: 0800 138 1619

Web: https://www.combatstress.org.uk/help-you

Support Services - Perinatal

PANDAS Foundation

The PANDAS Foundation is here to help support and advise any parent who is experiencing a perinatal mental illness. We are also here to inform and guide family members, carers, friends and employers as to how they can support someone who is suffering.

Tel: 0843 2898401 (0900 - 2000 hrs, 7 days per week)

Web: http://www.pandasfoundation.org.uk/

Support Services - Carers

The Carers Trust

It is important that you take care of your own health, even if you are busy looking after someone else's health.  Being healthy is not only important for you, but it also helps the person you care after too.  The website contains some helpful guides on relationship management and information on self-care and respite care.

Support Services - Children and Young People

Children and Young People can contact the 'The Mix which is a leading support service that can help young people to take on any challenge they are facing - from mental health to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs. 

• Tel: 0808 808 4994 (Freephone)
• Web: http://www.themix.org.uk/

For 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.

Web: https://youngminds.org.uk/

Talk about the Five Ways to Wellbeing.  The mental health equivalent to the dietary advice to have ‘5 a day’ fruit and vegetables for physical health.

1. Connect - With the people around you. With family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. At home, work, school or in your local community.

• As being well connected is good for your mental wellbeing… Is there anything you could be doing more of?
• Can you think of connections that you would like to make or remake?

2. Be Active - Go for a walk or run. Step outside. Cycle. Play a game. Garden. Dance. Exercising makes you feel good. Most importantly, discover a physical activity that you enjoy; one that suits your level of mobility and fitness.

• What activities do you engage in on a regular basis? How would I like to develop this?
• Are there any minor adjustments you can make in your life that can help you to be more active?

3. Take Notice -  Be curious. Catch sight of the beautiful. Remark on the unusual. Notice the changing seasons. Savour the moment, whether you are on a train, eating lunch or talking to friends. 

• How can you practice slowing down and pausing more often?
• What difference will incorporating this into your daily life make?

4. Keep Learning - Try something new. Rediscover an old interest. Sign up for that course. Take on a different responsibility at work. Fix a bike. Learn to play an instrument or how to cook your favourite food. Set a challenge you will enjoy achieving. 

• What would you like to learn about? What interests you? What do you value? What would you find useful?
• What do you need to do to make learning something you look forward to?

5. Give - Do something nice for a friend, or a stranger. Thank someone. Smile. Volunteer your time. Join a community group. Look out, as well as in. 

• Do you notice what it’s like for you when you give to others?
• What else could you give others that you hadn’t thought of before?

Local Support Services

In an emergency or if someone is in immediate risk of serious harm or injury contact the emergency services. Telephone 999.

Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) Services

The Talking Shop - (Self Referral or via GP)

The Talking Shop in Scunthorpe offers a drop-in advice and psychological therapy shop’s which give people the opportunity to browse information on mental health issues and gain knowledge about the therapies offered by the Trust.

Tel: 01724 867297

Web: http://www.talkingsense.org/

North Lincolnshire Healthy Lifestyle Service

A team of friendly and knowledgeable Healthy Lifestyle Facilitators will support groups of people wanting to focus on the following:

• Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight 
• Stopping smoking 
• Reducing alcohol use 
• Being more physically active 
• Increasing wellbeing, including mental and emotional health 
• Training around health and wellbeing for those people who are interested in becoming trained as health champions
• Signposting to wider local supporting services

Tel: 01724 298212

Email: nlc.healthylifestyles@nhs.net
Web: http://www.northlincs.gov.uk/healthylifestyleservice

Network Café

The Network Café (part of the Community Mental Health Social Work Team) is holding drop-in sessions for anyone requiring help with mental health issues and social problems. To find out where your nearest drop-in is held, contact Sandra Jackson or Karen McLaughlin.

Tel: 01724 296633

Self-care and National Support Services

National Support

Do you think you would benefit from some further support to spend more time in Nature and Greenspaces?

Nature and Mental Health

• Thriving With Nature | Mental Health Foundation Guide containing suggestions for seasonal activities to help people engage with nature, and personal stories.
• Walking with Nature: Notice three good things - Paths for All | Paths for All Connect with nature on your walks by noticing three good things in nature. Free Guide.
• Natural Environment- National Academy for Social Prescribing | NASP Helping People Connect with Nature for Better Health and Wellbeing  
• Bring people closer to nature | The Wildlife Trusts Materials and resources available and offer a Wellbeing Through Nature course

Nature and Physical Activity

• Parkrun UK Free, weekly events around the country. Events are in parks and open spaces. Walk, run, jog, volunteer or spectate.
• Places to visit | Yorkshire Wildlife Trust (ywt.org.uk) Discover Nature reserves near you. Includes address/map, accessibility and difficulty levels.  
• Home | National Trust Ideas for days out, parks, discover and learn about nature

Nature and Community

• Social Farms & Gardens | (farmgarden.org.uk) UK wide charity supporting communities to farm and garden.
• Ramblers Bringing people together to enjoy walking and outdoor pursuits. Includes Walking for Health and Wellbeing walks.
• Wildlife Actions - Quick Wins for Wildlife.pdf (ywt.org.uk) Things you can do at home/in your community to connect with nature.

Nature and Conservation 

• The RSPB Wildlife Charity: Nature Reserves & Wildlife Conservation Find a place to visit with birds and wildlife.
• TCV | The Conservation Volunteers Connecting people and greenspaces on their doorsteps

Can you think of opportunities that you may have to connect with and spend time in nature? Suggestions include: 

Outdoor: 

• Walks in nature
• Bird watching
• Conservation volunteering
• Green gym
• Volunteering for local charities – nature based, animal-based
• Gardening, growing and horticulture activities
• Art and nature – creative activities
• Watching nature
• Visiting nature and local greenspaces
• Open water swimming
• Horse riding
• Cycling

Indoor: 

• Decorate with plants and flowers. Use of window-sills, side-boards, and hanging plants from above can bring a welcome burst of green and colour indoors.
• Use natural textiles around the home to create a more natural feel.
• Grow herbs on window-sills. Most supermarkets sell a range of herbs or try growing from seed. Most herbs just need sunlight and moisture.
• Do a nature table. Decorate a focal point e.g. a crate or box with natural objects.
• Listen to nature sounds such as birdsong and sea waves. Use apps like Spotify or Alexa to listen to a mixture of sounds. RSPB have a ‘Birdsong’ radio app.
• Let natural light in and open windows.
• Watch nature documentaries and films.
• Use the colour green as much as you can. It is calming and soothing.
• Do seasonal displays e.g. leaves and conkers in the autumn and consider doing artwork with a nature theme.

Local Support Services

HEY Smile Foundation

HEY Smile Foundation is working with partners to Grow Green and Blue Health across the six places that make up Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership. This programme of work seeks to upskill voluntary sector organisations in supporting health and wellbeing through outdoor and in-nature activity and help build relations between our healthcare partners and community-based activity.

To find out more email: GreenSP@heysmilefoundation.org. 

Humber and North Yorkshire Green Social Prescribing ‘Test and Learn’ Programme - final report: Humber-and-North-Yorkshire-Green-Social-Prescribing-Test-and-Learn-Programmme-Final-Report-April-2023-1.pdf (heysmilefoundation.org)

The Humber and North Yorkshire Green Social Prescribing Programme Cohort Evaluation: HNY_GSP_Final Report_ v1_150523.pdf (york.ac.uk)

The Conservation Volunteers - West Lindsey and Lincoln

Offering practical conservation volunteering opportunities. Activities include habitat management and improving access to green spaces every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

No experience is needed, and it's a great way to learn new skills, meet people, and enjoy nature. Also offering a Volunteer Officer Programme for more in-depth involvement and work on various community projects and partnerships.

Web: TCV in West Lindsey & Lincoln | TCV

The Conservation Volunteers - Humber and East Yorkshire

Volunteering opportunities in conservation work every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday allowing you to join practical projects to learn new skills and meet people. There’s also a Volunteer Officer Programme for those seeking more involvement and work experience.

Web: TCV in Humber & East Yorkshire | TCV

Self-care and National Support Services

 Self Care

Get Active - Better Health

The 'Get active - Better Health' - NHS (www.nhs.uk) - website includes access to free online exercise routines you can do at home and offers from approved partners

Active 10 walking app - track your walking habits to increase the number of brisk minutes, which is when the health benefits will be greatest. No Lycra required, and there are lots of benefits of getting out into local green spaces like parks for your mental health too. Available from the App Store and Google Play

Couch to 5k app - easy to follow, flexible programme to get you running 5k in as little as 9 weeks, or longer if you want. Listen to your preferred music player as you run, between motivational messages from your chosen celebrity “coach”. Track your achievements and collect awards as you progress. Available from the App Store and Google Play

How to be more active - Regular physical activity is good for our bodies and minds, but it can be difficult to get started – especially if we're not particularly sporty or have not done any exercise for a while.

Home workout videos - We could all do with a boost to feel better right now – and you don't even need to leave the house to do it! Exercise is great for your mind as well as your body, so clear some space and follow along with our 10-minute home workouts.

Park Run

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.  For those who don’t wish to run, jog or walk there is always the opportunity to volunteer to support your local Parkrun. There is probably a Parkrun local to you…visit http://www.parkrun.org.uk/ for more information.

Local Support Services

Walking the Way to Health:

Tel: 01724 297631 or 07717 58638 

Web: www.northlincs.gov.uk/tourism-museums-and-the-arts/enjoying-the-countryside/walks-cycle-routes/walking-to-health

Parkrun - North Lincs (Scunthorpe and Normanby Hall)

Why not join a Parkrun in North Lincolnshire? 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.  For those who don’t wish to run, jog or walk there is always the opportunity to volunteer to support your local Parkrun. There is probably a Parkrun local to you…visit http://www.parkrun.org.uk/ for more information.

Free Breeze

Women Only Led Bike Rides and Ride Social - Free social bike rides for men and women. 
Log onto British Cycling's Lets Ride website and search for your nearest free bike ride.

Web: https://www.letsride.co.uk/

'Active Ageing' A programme that offers a 'gentler' less strenuous approach to exercise

Tel: 01724 297270

North Lincolnshire Healthy Lifestyle Service

A team of friendly and knowledgeable Healthy Lifestyle Facilitators will support groups of people wanting to focus on the following:

• Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight 
• Stopping smoking 
• Reducing alcohol use 
• Being more physically active 
• Increasing wellbeing, including mental and emotional health 
• Training around health and wellbeing for those people who are interested in becoming trained as health champions
• Signposting to wider local supporting services

Tel: 01724 298212

Email: nlc.healthylifestyles@nhs.net
Web: http://www.northlincs.gov.uk/healthylifestyleservice

Age UK Lindsey

Activities for older people including Games Groups and Men in Sheds in Lifestyle Centre, 34a Crosby Road, Scunthorpe, DN15 6SF

Tel: 01724 849819

Web: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/lindsey/

'Do Something Different'

Sport, leisure and cultural sessions specifically for adults with a disability aged 16 plus

Tel: 01724 297270

 

Leisure centres http://www.northlincs.gov.uk/leisure/leisure-centres/

Self-care and National Support Services

Provide the details in the Self-Care section below and offer support to help navigate and access the local services – most services have moved to initial contact via phone due to the pandemic, with some elements accessed online (see specific area for contact details/ websites).

 Self-Care

• For information about sexual health, STIs, HIV and contraception visit https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sexual-health/ or https://www.brook.org.uk/
• 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.
• This website https://www.contraceptionchoices.org/ 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.
• For information about HIV prevention and treatment visit https://www.startswithme.org.uk/ and for HIV PrEP see https://prepster.info/ including how to talk about PrEP here.

Local Support Services

Lincolnshire Community Health NHS Trust

We provide free and confidential sexual health services in North and North East Lincolnshire (NLiSH), with clinics in Grimsby and Scunthorpe. This includes information and advice on all types of contraception and STI testing and treatment.

Tel: 01522 309 309 

Website: https://lincolnshiresexualhealth.nhs.uk/nlish 

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*
• Better Health quit smoking website which includes information about the benefits of quitting, advice on various quitting aids and a local stop smoking service lookup tool 
• NHS Quit Smoking App (Apple) or NHS Quit Smoking App (google/android) - a 28-day programme that provides practical support, encouragement, and tailored clinical advice on your mobile/tablet. Includes a savings calculator so you can see how much money you're saving.
• Get a free Personal Quit Plan Quitting smoking is easier with the right support. Give up for 28 days, and you're 5 times more likely to quit for good – get your plan now!
• 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 Quit Smoking app from apple or google/android
• Get further information from the National Health Service www.nhs.uk/quit
• Consider using e-cigarettes to stop smoking
• Get daily email support - If you would like some extra support, you can sign up for 28 days of stop smoking advice and tips – delivered straight to your inbox.  Sign up for email support
• Find your online community - You do not have to do it alone – join others going through the same thing in a friendly and supportive environment.  Join the Quit Smoking Support Group on Facebook

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

Local Support Services

North Lincolnshire Healthy Lifestyle Service

A team of friendly and knowledgeable Healthy Lifestyle Facilitators will support groups of people wanting to focus on the following:

• Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight 
• Stopping smoking 
• Reducing alcohol use 
• Being more physically active 
• Increasing wellbeing, including mental and emotional health
• Training around health and wellbeing for those people who are interested in becoming trained as health champions 
• Signposting to wider local supporting services

Tel: 01724 298212

Email: nlc.healthylifestyles@nhs.net

Web: http://www.northlincs.gov.uk/healthylifestyleservice

Self-care and National Support Services

Self Care

Although most people need some kind of social contact to maintain good mental health, everyone has different social needs. The person may be someone who is content with a few close friends, or they may need a large group of varied acquaintances to feel satisfied.

Loneliness in Older People

• The Silver Line is the only free confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people, open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.  Call 0800 470 8090.  The Silver Line can also put you in contact with community activities in your local area

• Age UK has a befriending service to support loneliness in later life, this is where a volunteer visits an older person once a week in their own home.  There is also telephone befriending Telephone befriending, where a volunteer befriender will phone an older person.

• https://www.reengage.org.uk/ Re-engage works with people aged 75 and over who live alone; those who are especially vulnerable to loneliness.  Call our freephone number 0800 716 543 Email info@reengage.org.uk 

• NHS Choices has a range of advice on Loneliness including volunteering, continuing education and how to engage with social media and computers.

Loneliness in Younger People

• It is recognised that Loneliness is not something that is exclusive to older adult, indeed many younger adults in particular can experience loneliness and a recent report from the office for national statistics highlighted Britain as the loneliness capital of Europe.  

• Whilst on the outside young people can be very well connected on social media but if this replaces face-to-face contact then it can add to a feeling of loneliness.  Some people also present an idealised version of themselves online and we expect to have social lives like those portrayed in the media.

• Helplines can reduce loneliness, at least in the short term

• The Samaritans are available around the clock, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This number is FREE to call on 116 123

• Get Connected is a free confidential helpline for young people, where people can seek help with emotional and mental health issues often linked to loneliness.

• There are also support services on websites such as Mind's that can remind you you're not alone.

• It doesn’t really matter who you talk to first. Some ideas would include: a friend, family member, anonymous listening service like Nightline or the Samaritans, student union welfare rep, personal tutor, students support services staff member, counsellor, or doctor. Decide who is the best person for you to talk to first. Be realistic about what each person can offer. If it doesn’t work out, try someone else. Talk to more than one person.

Local Support Services

Age UK

Activities for older people including Men in Sheds, coffee mornings, lunch clubs and games groups at Lifestyle Centre, 34a Crosby Road, Scunthorpe, DN15 6SF. Wheelchair accessible Community Transport Service (email transport@ageuklindsey.co.uk), home visiting benefits advice service to increase income for over 65s. Free telephone befriending service

Tel: 01724 849819

Web: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/lindsey/

Men in Sheds Men's Sheds are community spaces for men to connect, converse and create,  The activities are often similar to those of garden sheds, for groups of men to enjoy together and could be woodworking, cycle repairs, gardening, furniture renovation etc, depending on what the group is interested in. They are great places to spend time with others making social connections and are supportive of people with long term health conditions. 

For more information on the location and contact details for Men's Sheds in your local area see: https://menssheds.org.uk/find-a-shed/

Self-care and National Support Services

National Support Services

NHS Stay well this Winter

Cold weather can be seriously bad for your health. That's why it's important to look after yourself, especially during the winter. If you start to feel unwell, even if it's a cough or a cold, don't wait until it gets more serious. Seek advice from your pharmacist.

Web: https://www.nhs.uk/staywell/

 

Self Care

Staying Warm

Age UK have produced a great that explains what you can do to get yourself and your home ready for winter, as well as where to go for more information and support. Download the guide from the link below

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/globalassets/age-uk/documents/information-guides/ageukig27_winter_wrapped_up_inf.pdf

Eating Well

Make sure you have hot meals and drinks regularly throughout the day to keep yourself warm, and keep active in the home if you can.

Visit NHS Choices for further ideas and information.

Wear warm clothes

Wrap up warm, inside and out. Layering clothing helps you stay warm as air is trapped between layers, keeping you insulated. Wearing layers of cotton or fleecy clothes is particularly effective.

Wear shoes with a good grip if you need to go outside and wear a hat or head scarf. If possible, stay inside during a cold spell if you have heart or respiratory problems. When indoors, wear well-fitting slippers with fleecy linings to keep your feet warm and to help prevent falls.

To keep warm when inside you could try:

• using a covered hot water bottle or electric blanket (but not at the same time!) to keep warm in bed
• wearing bed socks and warm night clothes

Keeping your home warm

Cold homes have a significant impact on your health. One of the best ways of keeping yourself well during winter is to stay warm.

If you have reduced mobility, are aged 65 or over, or have a health condition such as heart or lung disease, you should:

• heat your home to at least 18^oC
• keep your bedroom at 18^oC all night

If you're aged under 65 and healthy, you can safely heat your home to cooler than 18^oC as long as you're comfortable.

Reducing fuel bills

See more about affordable warmth

Cold weather benefits

Winter Fuel Payment

If you were born before 25 September 1957 you could get between £250 and £600 to help you pay your heating bills. This is known as a ‘Winter Fuel Payment’.

The amount you get includes a ‘Pensioner Cost of Living Payment’. This is between £150 and £300. You’ll get this extra amount in winter 2023 to 2024. This is in addition to any other Cost of Living Payments you get with your benefit or tax credits.

Web: Winter Fuel Payment: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Warm Home Discount Scheme

You could get £140 off your electricity bill if you either receive the guarantee credit element of pension credit, or you’re on a low income and meet your energy supplier’s criteria for the scheme.

Cold Weather Payment

You may get a cold weather payment if you’re getting certain benefits. You’ll get a payment if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees Celsius or below for 7 consecutive days. You’ll get £25 for each 7 day period of very cold weather between 1 November and 31 March.

Staying Safe

Prevent falls in winter weather

One of the biggest risks from wintry weather is falling, particularly among older adults. Icy conditions make it harder to stay on your feet, and the cold may cause us to limit our activity, which can lead to loss of strength and balance.

• Here are some tips to help prevent falls:
• Wrap up to stay warm but make sure you can see in all directions and move easily and freely.
• Wear sturdy shoes or boots with treads, even if you're just going out to get the newspaper.
• Do some light stretching before you venture out; it will make you physically more able to prevent a fall.
• Avoid walking on surfaces that may be icy if you can. If you can't, slow down, shorten your stride, walk with feet pointed out slightly and knees gently bent to improve grip and balance.
• Snow can hide curbs and uneven surfaces. If you can't see where your foot will land, find another way.
• Replace worn rubber ferrules on walking sticks, walking frames and crutches but remember that brakes on wheeled walkers may not be as effective on icy pavements so avoid unsalted ramps and slopes.
• Dry off shoes, sticks, crutches and walking frames as soon as you get indoors. Wet shoes on dry surfaces are just as dangerous as dry shoes on wet surfaces.
• Carry a cleaning cloth and stop immediately to clean your glasses if they fog up going from outdoors to indoors.
• Ask shops and your local council about options that might make it safer for you when conditions are bad e.g. delivering to your home or collecting the bin from beside your house instead of the end of your drive
• When in doubt, don't risk it. Ask for help if you don't feel safe doing something.

Local Support Services

Look after yourself and others this winter

Web: https://www.northlincs.gov.uk/look-after-yourself-and-others-this-winter/

Self-care and National Support Services

If you’re worried that someone is at immediate risk of taking their own life then phone 999, you should stay with that person until help arrives. Do not put your own safety at risk by getting physically involved.

 If no immediate risk take the following steps:

Encourage them to ring:

Samaritans - (All age groups)

Tel: 116 123, open 24 hours a day.

Papyrus - (Young people)

Tel: 0800 068 4141

Text: 07860039967

Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org

Lines are open 24 hours every day of the year (Weekends and Bank Holidays included)

Other options include:

• contact their GP for an emergency appointment or call the out of hours service.
• call their Mental Health worker, if they have one.
• call their social worker or key worker, if they have one 
• encourage to re-engage with mental health services if already engaged
• go through their Safety Plan with them

If they don’t want help, don’t push them. Sometimes it’s easy to want to try and fix a person’s problems, or give them advice but try and at least leave a couple of key telephone numbers with them for Samaritans any local support numbers for their area (Crisis teams etc).

It’s usually better for people to make their own decisions. Help them think of all the options, but leave the choice to them.

A person may not be suicidal but you may still be concerned

Encourage them to contact their GP, they will be familiar with their medical history and will be able to direct them appropriately which may include a referral to the Primary Care IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies).  IAPT team are skilled in helping people 18 years old and older overcome emotional and mental difficulties like:

• Depression.
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Sleep problems
• Confidence and self-esteem problems

All the local IAPT services are listed under the 'Mental Wellbeing' section of MECC Link and can be found within the 'local support and contact details' section. 

 

SELF CARE

• Hub of Hope - Postcode based directory of services

• Mind 'The charity for better mental health' has an extensive range of self help resources available
• The NHS have has a range of self-help tools available

• Andy's Man Club provides a weekly talking groups, a place for men to come together in a safe environment to talk about issues/problems they be have faced or currently been facing.  Meeting take place throughout Yorkshire and the Humber

• A range of self-help techniques is available on the MindWell Leeds website, these include:
  
  • Stress
  • Anxiety 
  • Depression
  • Sleep
  • Self Harm
  • Having a baby

Local Support Services

If you become aware that someone has suicidal thoughts and is about to act on them contact the emergency services. Telephone 999. Stay with that person until help arrives. Do not put your own safety at risk by getting physically involved.

Samaritans Scunthorpe

Tel: 01724 860 000 (local call charges apply) / 116 123 (this number is free to call)

Email: jo@samaritans.org

Website: https://www.samaritans.org/branches/scunthorpe-samaritans

Visit our branch:

Lyndum House
2 Lindum Street
Scunthorpe
North Lincolnshire
DN15 6QU

Usual hours open to receive callers at the door:
You can call in to talk to a trained volunteer whenever our visitors door is open. Ring the doorbell and we will answer asap:

Monday - 1.30pm - 4.00pm and 7.30pm - 10.00pm
Tuesday - 1.30pm - 10.00pm
Wednesday - 1.30pm - 10.00pm
Thursday - 7.30pm - 10.00pm
Friday - 1.30pm - 4.00pm and 7.30pm - 10.00pm
Sunday - 1.30pm - 4.00pm