Simple Signposting to Better Health and Wellbeing
North Yorkshire
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
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.
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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
Warm and Well in North Yorkshire
Warm & Well in North Yorkshire raises awareness of the impact of cold homes on our health and wellbeing, offers practical solutions to reduce fuel poverty, and supports people and communities to stay warm and well in winter.
The projects services are available across the 7 districts of North Yorkshire and include:
- Practical and financial help to stay warm and well at home.
- Talks, events and training for residents and frontline workers.
- Campaigns, resources and tops tips on a wide range of winter issues.
Referrals can be made into the project if someone is living in or at risk of a cold home or fuel poverty, struggling to afford their energy bills, or worried about winter. These can be made by professionals and by individuals themselves.
Warm & Well in North Yorkshire is a partnership of organisations from across the charity, public and private sectors. For further information about the project call the helpline number below.
Tel: 01609 767555 (Monday to Friday 9 am to 4.30 pm)
Web: https://www.cany.org.uk/warmandwell/
To refer yourself or someone else for support please make an online referral.
Find advice on how to prepare for winter with tips on keeping warm, safeguarding your health, and accessing financial support here: Keep well and warm this winter | North Yorkshire Council
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
- 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
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
North Yorkshire Horizons - Adult Drug and Alcohol Service
North Yorkshire based drug and alcohol support service for adults in North Yorkshire who need support around drugs or alcohol, we can help.
Tel (for professionals to refer): 01723 330730
Tel (for individuals seeking support): 0800 141480
Email: info@nyhorizons.org.uk
Web: http://www.nyhorizons.org.uk/
North Yorkshire Rise
North Yorkshire based drug and alcohol support service for young people aged 10 – 19 or up to 24 with SEND and need support around drugs or alcohol, we can help.
Tel (for professionals to refer): 01723 330730
Tel (for individuals seeking support): 0800 141480
Web: https://humankindcharity.org.uk/service/nyrise/
Drink Drug Hub
The Drink Drug Hub website has a range of information and advice on alcohol and other drugs, as well as a range of free training sessions for people living or working in North Yorkshire.
Tel: 08000 14 14 80
Email: drinkdrughub@nyhorizons.org.uk
Web: Providing Information & Support for Drink & Drugs - Drink Drug Hub
Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous is perhaps the best-known support for anyone struggling with drink issues. You can attend meetings in person or online for free. Anyone is welcome. An experienced AA member can act as your sponsor and guide you through the 12 steps of recovery.
Find a meeting here: Alcoholics Anonymous Great Britain (alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk)
SMART Recovery
SMART Recovery supports people with alcohol issues, but meetings are also open to those struggling with other addictive behaviours. They are free to attend. SMART meetings do not follow a 12-step programme but use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy tools instead – like those used in formal treatment services.
Find a meeting here: SMART Recovery Meetings - UK SMART Recovery
North Yorkshire Connected Spaces
NYCS is a lived experience recovery organisation, that brings together individuals and groups from all walks of life to meet the local need for stronger communities, improved well-being, and recovery from addiction and other challenges.
Through forums, events, and activities, we create opportunities to connect, socialise, share ideas, and support each other. Together, we build relationships, share resources, and empower one another.
For more information, find us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/northyorkshireconnectedspaces Or e-mail us at: NYCS@redroserecovery.org.uk
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
Webchat: Got a question? We will point you in the right direction. You can start a Webchat online to talk to us live.
Webchat opening hours:
- Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
- Saturday, 8am to 3pm
- Sunday and Bank Holidays, closed.
WhatsApp: Need help sorting out your debts, have credit questions or want pensions guidance? You can talk to us live on WhatsApp.
- Add +44 77 0134 2744 to your WhatsApp and send us a message.
- For everything else please contact us via Webchat or phone.
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)
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 Yorkshire Council - Cost of Living Support There are a wide variety of support schemes and organisations in North Yorkshire which may be able to help or advise if you are struggling to pay for essentials.
Web: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/cost-living-support
Financial Advice and Debt Management
Citizens Advice North Yorkshire
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 278 7900
(Freephone)
Monday to Friday
09.00 - 17.00
Citizens Advice York - Debt Advice
If you are from the York area and are struggling with debt issues we are able to offer confidential, free and impartial advice delivered by our specialist Debt Team.
Tel: 07526 550594
Web: Debt Advice – Citizens Advice York
York Talk Money
The cost-of-living crisis has made it more important than ever to start conversations about money. Talking about money helps us to be more financially confident, resilient and face whatever the future throws at us.
Web: York Talk Money | Live Well York
The North Yorkshire Local Assistance Fund
This provides emergency financial support to those unable to meet essential living costs, such as energy bills or food. NYLAF can also make awards in kind, such as supplying basic necessities or household goods such as a fridge.
Web: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/local-assistance-fund
Responsible Lenders
Conduit York
We offer short term, personal loans that have affordable repayments. As a personal loan company, we will cover directly to you and we cover the whole of York and the surrounding areas. Our loans offer affordable repayments and have no hidden charges or fees.
Tel: 0300 111 0556
Email: loans@conduit.org.uk
Web: Short Term Loans York – Conduit
Help with Household Bills
City of York Council - Help with utility bills
Web: Help with utility bills – City of York Council
Help with Food
City of York Council
If you're struggling to pay for food, free independent advice and support about social welfare issues is available for all residents, covering benefits, debts and employment.
Self-care and National Support Services
Self-Care & National Support Services
Reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) involves adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle and managing key risk factors. There are some useful resources available on the NHS Better Health Website: https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/
This includes useful tools and we can recommend:
Quitting Smoking
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 - 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.
To find out more you could watch our app demo which provides a step by step view of how to get started
Personal Quit Plan – four simple steps to create your own personal quit plan
Drink Less
https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/drink-less/
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.
The benefits of Physical Activity
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
Eating Well and achieving a healthy 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.
NHS Health Checks
The NHS website provides full details on what happens in an NHS health check
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nhs-health-check/what-happens-at-an-nhs-health-check/
An NHS Health Check will be done by a healthcare professional
The check takes about 20 to 30 minutes. There will be questions, measurements and tests.
You'll be asked some simple questions, including:
- whether any of your close relatives have had the illnesses being checked for
- if and how much you smoke
- how much alcohol you drink, if any
- how much physical activity you do
Your weight and height will be measured to work out if you are a healthy weight for your height.
Your waist may also be measured using a tape measure.
Your age, gender and ethnicity will be recorded.
Your blood pressure will be taken using a cuff fitted over your upper arm – find out what happens during a blood pressure test. Your pulse should be taken too.
You will either have a blood test before or at the check. You may also have a small sample of blood taken from your finger during the appointment to check your cholesterol level and possibly also your blood sugar level.
The health conditions picked up by the NHS Health Check are, when added together, the biggest cause of preventable deaths in the UK, with around 7 million people affected by them.
In its first 5 years, the NHS Health Check is estimated to have prevented 2,500 heart attacks or strokes. This is the result of people receiving treatment after their Health Check.
The latest research suggests that:
- for every 30 to 40 people having an NHS Health Check, 1 person is diagnosed with high blood pressure
- for every 80 to 200 people having a Health Check, 1 person is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes
- for every 6 to 10 people having an NHS Health Check, 1 person is identified as being at high risk of cardiovascular disease
Key CVD Support websites and resources
West Yorkshire Healthy Hearts aims to help reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke for people at highest risk.
West Yorkshire Harrogate Healthy Hearts
Humber, Coast and Vale Healthy Hearts
British Heart Foundation offers information and support for patients and professionals for the prevention and management of CVD
Welcome to British Heart Foundation - BHF
Managing cholesterol
HEART UK - The Cholesterol Charity
Diabetes support prevention and management
Diabetes UK - Know diabetes. Fight diabetes. | Diabetes UK
Know your numbers and managing blood pressure for professionals
Prevention support to lose weight, get active, quit smoking, drink less
Better Health - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Managing stress and taking care of your mental health
Every Mind Matters - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
This guide explains how AF is diagnosed and treated, and treatments to reduce your risk of a stroke.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) and stroke | Stroke Association
This guide explains what high blood pressure is and how it increases your risk of stroke
High blood pressure and stroke | Stroke Association
Local Support Services
North Yorkshire
NHS Health Checks in North Yorkshire
If you are a resident of North Yorkshire, follow this link for instructions on how to book an NHS Health Check: Overview - North Yorkshire Council - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
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
An experienced and established team supporting people with dementia and those who care for them through a range of services. We can support you whether you have a diagnosis, are worried about memory problems or care for someone affected by dementia.
This service is available to people with dementia and carers in the Pocklington area in East Riding.
Tel: 03300 578592
Web: Welcome to Dementia Forward, Dementia Forward, North Yorkshire's leading dementia charity
Email: info@dementiaforward.org.uk
Address: Dementia Forward, Registered Head Office, Community House, Allhallowgate, Ripon, HG4 1LE
North Yorkshire Police - Hebert Protocol
The Herbert Protocol is an initiative introduced by West Yorkshire Police and other agencies 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: Dementia and the Herbert Protocol - North Yorkshire Police | North Yorkshire Police
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
North Yorkshire Adult Weight Management Service
The adult weight management service is a 24-week programme designed to improve your physical and mental health by helping you eat well and get moving.
You’ll get a personalised weight loss plan to help you make positive changes and it’s completely free.
To find details of your local adult weight management service, follow this link: | North Yorkshire Council
Healthy Families – Brimhams Active
The healthy families service is a free, online, confidential 12-session programme to fit around your family, and support children and young people aged 4 to 19 years old to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Families can self-refer (or professionals can refer them) by:
- emailing health@brimhamsactive.co.uk
- calling the team on 01423 556106.
Find out more by following this link: Healthy families – Brimhams Active
Healthy Start Scheme
You may be eligible for the Healthy Start scheme if you are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child or children under the age of 4. Through the scheme you will get a pre-paid card which will be topped up with money every four weeks and can be used to buy:
- fresh or frozen fruit and vegetables (whole or chopped, packaged or loose - with no added ingredients)
- fresh, dried and tinned beans and pulses
- plain cow's milk (whole, semi-skimmed or skimmed)
- infant formula milk
Follow the link to apply: Healthy Start scheme | North Yorkshire Council
For support applying for Healthy Start contact Citizen’s Advice North Yorkshire on 0808 278 7900
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
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 using the hotline (0300 500 0914) or online at Street Link.
This service aims to connect rough sleepers with appropriate services, both statutory and voluntary. Local resources for rough sleepers vary greatly across the country. They can include day centres, contact and assessment teams, soup kitchens and soup runs. Details of such resources can often be obtained by contacting local authorities.
Street assessment teams give rough sleepers information about available health care, night shelters and hostels, and other resources for homeless people. Some hostels and night shelters will only take referrals from a contact and assessment team worker. Some outreach teams will work with people on a long-term basis.
Information on over 9,000 services - hostels, day centres and other advice and support services for homeless people and those at risk of homelessness can be found at: www.homelessuk.org/
Not sure which local authority area to choose? If you know a postcode you can check which local authority area here.
Local Support Services
North Yorkshire
Harrogate Homeless Project
Our Springboard day centre in Harrogate town centre provides meals, shower facilities, laundry, clothing, GP services, therapies, skills training, advice and practical support for any one who is currently experiencing homelessness or in need of support around their housing situation. We are fundraising to expand this important area of our work, which is often our first point of contact with someone who comes to us for help and support.
Web: https://www.harrogate-homeless-project.org.uk/
Scarborough - The Rainbow Centre
The Centre now supports over 500 people per week and provides assistance on a diverse range of issues.
We are a food and clothing bank, giving out these items to people in need. There is a shower room, laundry, television lounge and a garden for people to enjoy in a safe, comfortable environment.
Tel: 01723 500663
Web: The Rainbow Centre - Compassion, Support, Hope!
Address: The Rainbow Centre, Parish House, Castle Road, Scarborough, YO11 1TH
Selby - Horton Housing
Our Selby STAY (Supported Tenancies at Yorkshire) Well service provides housing-related support for people aged 18 or over in Selby who have mental health issues, are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
District and Borough councils across NY that can support access to housing. Those are: Harrogate, Selby, Skipton (Craven), Scarborough and Northallerton.
Tel: 01274 370689
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
Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust - (Self-Referral & via GP)
NHS North Yorkshire Talking Therapies
Provides evidence based psychological therapies for people aged 16 and over who may be experiencing the following common mental health problems:
- depression
- panic disorder
- anxiety and worry
- health anxiety
- social phobia
- specific phobias
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
How to get help?
We are here for you.
If you start to feel unwell you can make an appointment at your GPs to discuss your problems or self refer here: Online referral form - North Yorkshire Talking Therapies
Web: https://northtyorkshiretalkingtherapies.co.uk
Tel:
- 01423 852137 (Harrogate Service)
- 01609 768890 (Northallerton Service)
- 01947 899270 (Whitby, Scarborough and Ryedale)
- 01748 831964 (Vulnerable Veterans and Adult Dependants Service)
Talking Therapies is not an emergency service
Are you in a crisis situation and need help? Please visit the Crisis Resolution and intensive home treatment service ( CRHT) webpage ( link Crisis resolution and intensive home treatment service (CRHT), Trustwide, for people aged over 16 years old - Tees Esk and Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust (tewv.nhs.uk) )
Find advice about improving your mental health and accessing local support in North Yorkshire here: Local mental health | North Yorkshire Council
Children and Young People
Find advice about accessing support for children & young people who are experiencing mental health issues in North Yorkshire here: Children and young people's mental health | North Yorkshire Council
For advice and how to find local support for Perinatal Mental Health visit: Every Mum Matters - Get help
Self-care and National Support Services
Self-Care - Adults
Healthy brushing advice: (Click here for further information)
- brush at least twice daily, last thing at night and at least on one other occasion with a fluoridated toothpaste
- spit out after brushing and do not rinse (Spit, Don’t Rinse!), to maintain fluoride concentration levels
- use fluoridated toothpaste (1,350-1,500ppm fluoride)
Eat Well (See Act section of MECC Link – Healthy Eating)
Quit Smoking (See Act section of MECC Link - Smoking)
Reduce your Alcohol intake (See Act section of MECC Link - Alcohol)
Finding a dentist
Routine dental care:
- The NHS website enables you to find local NHS services, including dentists. You will need to contact the dental practice directly and check whether they are currently accepting NHS patients
Urgent dental care:
- call your dentist: some practices offer appointments at short notice
- if you don't have a dentist, find one using NHS 111
Self-Care Children
Healthy brushing advice: (Click here for further information)
- brush at least twice daily, last thing at night and at least on one other occasion with a fluoridated toothpaste
- spit out after brushing and do not rinse (Spit, Don’t Rinse!), to maintain fluoride concentration levels
- use fluoridated toothpaste:
- Children aged up to 3 years: use a smear of toothpaste containing no less than 1000 parts per million fluoride
- Children aged over 3 years use a pea size amount of fluoride toothpaste containing 1350 -1500 parts per million fluoride
Try and keep within the recommended intake of free sugars which is no more than:
- 19g (5 sugar cubes) per day for 4 to 6 year olds
- 24g (6 sugar cubes) per day for 6 to 10 year olds
- 30g (7 sugar cubes) per day for 11 years and older
Finding a dentist
Routine dental care:
- The NHS website enables you to find local NHS services, including dentists. You will need to contact the dental practice directly and check whether they are currently accepting NHS patients
- Take your child to the dentist when their first teeth come through
- Take your child with you when you visit the dentist, so they may receive preventive dental care
Urgent dental care:
- call your dentist: some practices offer appointments at short notice
- if you don't have a dentist, find one using NHS 111
Local Support Services
North Yorkshire
For local support around Oral Health and Dentists in North Yorkshire, visit Dentists and oral health | North Yorkshire Council
Community Dental Service
The community dental service is a specialised service that provides dental treatment for children, adults and older people who, because of additional needs such as learning disabilities, physical disabilities or vulnerability, are unable to access general dental care. Community Dental Service - Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust (hdft.nhs.uk) or telephone 01423 649720.
Learning and Development
An E-learning module for Children & Families Services, Early Years, and Health professionals on Children’s oral health advice is available Children's Oral Health - elearning for healthcare (e-lfh.org.uk)
If you are an employee of North Yorkshire Council or Harrogate District Foundation Trust and supporting children and young people there are 3 bite-sized e-learning modules available to access on your internal learning platforms – 0-7 Oral Health, 8-19 Oral Health and Oral health for children and young people with additional needs.
The modules provide essential information about the importance of oral health for children and young people as well as how to maintain good oral health routines. The course for professionals supporting children and young people with additional needs includes essential information about the common oral health factors that affect children and young people with learning disabilities and additional needs, and how to support them to maintain a healthy mouth.
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
Parkrun - North Yorkshire (Harrogate, Fountains Abbey, Northallerton, Catterick, Dalby Forrest)
Why not join a Parkrun in North Yorkshire? 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.
Leisure facilities in North Yorkshire
Find details of leisure facilities in North Yorkshire including leisure centres and swimming pools here: Active North Yorkshire and other leisure facilities | North Yorkshire Council
Healthy Families – Brimhams Active
The healthy families service is a free, online, confidential 12-session programme to fit around your family, and support children and young people aged 4 to 19 years old to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Families can self-refer (or professionals can refer them) by:
- emailing health@brimhamsactive.co.uk
- calling the team on 01423 556106.
Find out more by following this link: Healthy families – Brimhams Active
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
Yorsexual health
Tel: 01904 721111
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
Living Well Smokefree
Living Well Smokefree has a team of advisors who have plenty of experience in helping people to stop smoking for good. They will see anyone from the age of 12, have community based locations across North Yorkshire and can arrange home visits for people who have mobility issues.
Tel: 01609 797272
Web: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/stopping-smoking
Other Information
If you are pregnant and would like to quit, you can access the service yourself or ask your midwife to refer you. You will be offered a choice of a home visit or an appointment in a clinic if you prefer.
Living Well Smokefree offers personalised, one-to-one support over six to 12 weeks. For as little as 30p a day* you can get:
- access to a dedicated Stop Smoking Consultant;
- a supply of either Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) or Champix; or
- local weekly one-to-one sessions.
* Based on one quit product per person who pays prescription charges. The products are free to people who do not pay prescription charges.
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.
State that the simplest way to ease feelings of loneliness can be to try to meet more, or different, people.
- Can they think of anything they are interested in, a class or a group they have heard of, that could help connect them with new people? See Useful contacts for ideas of how to find groups. The Red Cross Connecting Communities team can help you connect with your local community and meet new friends.
- Volunteering is a good way of meeting people. Helping others can also really help improve mental health. See useful contacts for organisations that can help someone find local volunteering opportunities.
- Join an online community. See useful contacts for some suggestions.
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
Living Well
Living Well aims to improve the health, wellbeing and independence of adults. Our coordinators work with individuals and their carers who are isolated, vulnerable, bereaved, lacking confidence, or perhaps on the borderline of needing health and social care services. Instead, we help them to access their local community, and support them to find their own solutions to their health and wellbeing goals.
Living Well can support adults who are currently not eligible for on-going social care support and who:
- are lonely and / or socially isolated;
- have had a recent loss of a support network, including bereavement;
- have had a loss of confidence due to a recent change / event; or
- require face-to-face information, advice and guidance.
This may be older people, or people with physical, learning disabilities, sensory impairment or mental health needs.
Web: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/living-well-north-yorkshire
Tel: 01609 780780 and ask for the 'Living Well Service'
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
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 18oC
- keep your bedroom at 18oC all night
If you're aged under 65 and healthy, you can safely heat your home to cooler than 18oC 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
Find advice on how to prepare for winter with tips on keeping warm, safeguarding your health, and accessing financial support here: Keep well and warm this winter | North Yorkshire Council
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 Northallerton
Tel: 01609 776161 (local call charges apply)
National telephone: 116 123 (this number is free to call)
Address: 7 Crosby Road
Northallerton
North Yorkshire
DL6 1AA
Usual hours open to receive callers at the door:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
9:00am - 12:00 noon and 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Samaritans Harrogate and District
Tel: 116 123 (this number is free to call)
5 Mount Parade
Harrogate
North Yorkshire
HG1 1BX
Usual hours open to receive callers at the door:
8:00am - 10:00pm
Samaritans Scarborough
Tel: 01723 36 88 88 (local call charges apply)
National telephone: 116 123 (this number is free to call)
Samaritans House Address:
40 Trafalgar Street West
Scarborough
North Yorkshire
YO12 7AS
Usual hours open to receive callers at the door:
Monday: 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm & 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Tuesday: 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Wednesday: 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Thursday: 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Sunday : 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Self-care and National Support Services
Re-cycling and Waste Management
Recycle Now is the national recycling campaign for England, supported and funded by Government, managed by WRAP and used locally by over 90% of English authorities
Find out if it can be recycled: aerosols, bicycles, building rubble, car batteries, carpet, CDs, Christmas decorations, clothes, engine oil, paper, printer cartridges, spectacles, stamps and video tapes.
Find out about how your paper, glass bottles, plastic bottles, cans, electrical, cartons, food waste and garden waste are recycled at the collection services and the recycling centre.
Packaging labels and recycling symbols are now appearing on lots of everyday items, and help us to identify how different types of packaging can be recycled. It’s good to know what can and what can’t be recycled so that we can segregate this as required.
Reuse networks
There are many reuse networks so your waste can be reused by someone else:
- Charity shops – charity shops will accept nearly anything from clothes to furniture.
- Freecycle and Freegle - internet-based, not for profit organisation dedicated to reducing landfill by "gifting" reusable items rather than sending them to landfill.
- Ebay – make money by selling your unwanted items on line.
- Community RePaint - your paint can be reused on community projects
Find information on your local recycling centre
Food and Water usage
How can I save water? 5 ideas to reducing water use
Swap to a water efficient shower
For you: Switch to an aerated showerhead. Without even noticing you will save on hot water and your heating bill. Find out how much it costs to run your shower.
For the planet: An aerated showerhead uses up to 75% less water than a regular showerhead.
Don't linger in the shower
For you: Cutting a minute off your shower time every time, you could save about 3,300 litres of water a year and enough energy to make 16 cups of tea every day for a year.
For the planet: Heating water is responsible for 5% of your household’s carbon footprint. Using hot water wisely is a cost effective way to cut your impact.
Don't flush money down the drain
For you: If your water is metered, a dual-flush toilet could cut your water bill by 15%. Put a brick, a bottle filled with sand, or a Hippo / Bog-Hog bag into your toilet cistern. This reduces the amount of water you flush down the toilet.
For the planet: Toilet flushing is 30% of your daily water use. That water is processed before it gets to you, which creates carbon emissions. Using less water to flush your loo means less carbon.
Collect free rainwater
For you: Enough rainwater falls on your roof in a year to fill three tanker lorries. Store some in your garden with a water butt and water your plants and wash your car for free.
For the planet: Processing water to drinking quality takes up 2-3% of all the UK’s electricity consumption, emitting carbon. Using rainwater where you can will help reduce our carbon emissions.
Choose A or A+ appliances
For you: Choose A or A+ rated washing machines and dishwashers and only pay for heating the exact amount of water you use. Only run your washing machine/dishwasher when full. An efficient dishwasher can use as little as 10% of the water needed to wash up in the sink.
For the planet: Fully loaded A or A+ appliances use less energy and water than lower-rated ones. This helps cut carbon emissions and save water too.
‘Best before’ vs ‘Use By’ dates
The best before date, sometimes shown as BBE (best before end), is about quality and not safety. The food will be safe to eat after this date but may not be at its best. Its flavour and texture might not be as good. Best before dates appear on a wide range of foods including:
- frozen foods
- dried foods
- tinned foods
A use-by date on food is about safety. This is the most important date to remember. Foods can be eaten until the use-by date but not after. You will see use-by dates on food that goes off quickly, such as meat products or ready-to-eat salads.
Get into the habit of checking what you already have in the fridge and freezer before you go shopping. Look out for foods that are approaching their use-by date and other fresh foods that can go off over time and try to use them up first. This includes:
- fruit and vegetables
- meat and fish
- cheese, milk or other dairy products
Reducing Food waste
The production of food has its own carbon footprint, this is the greenhouse gas emissions produced by growing, rearing, farming, processing, transporting, storing, cooking and disposing of the food you eat.
The ‘Love Food Hate Waste’ campaign is to provide everyone with helpful and practical hints and tips on how to enjoy the food we buy, and cut down on the amount of good food thrown away.
Here are some ideas we thought we’d share:
Stop before you shop
- Check what is in your cupboard or freezer, not forgetting the back of the fridge, before you shop for more.
- Make a list and shop with meals in mind. This will mean that you do not buy food unnecessarily and save you time and money.
- Be careful of special offers and multi-buys especially on fresh goods – make sure you will use them.
Use it or lose it
Keep an eye on perishables you have and plan to eat meals with in their ‘use by’ date. View our advice about food date stamps.
Love your leftovers
Meals made from leftovers can be delicious and timesaving – whether its dinner from the night before or food left in the fridge or cupboard. Do your own ‘Ready Steady Cook’ and see what meals you can make. Try using an on-line recipe database to give you some inspiration. When cooking for a family – take a few minutes to measure food out – perhaps into a favourite cup – so you get the right portion per person.
No more soggy surprises
- Keeping your fridge between 1-5 degrees centigrade helps you get the best of your food.
- Milk and other food items kept in the fridge can perish quickly when not stored at the right temperature
- Make good use of the fridge and freezer to keep food better – for example, most ripe fruit can be kept in the fridge to make it last longer.
Consider your options
Chilled and fresh food has become more popular over recent years – however sometimes it may be worth purchasing frozen or ambient food to increase shelf life at home. This is particularly useful if your meal times are more unplanned due to work or family schedules.
Remember, that often fresh and chilled produce can be frozen at home if it is not going to be used in time.
Storage Solutions
You can also influence the shelf life of your cupboard storage,
- Store root vegetables in a dark place away from other fruit and vegetables.
- Store cereals, flour, rice, pasta and other dry goods in airtight containers.
- Close packets and bags with airtight bag clips. There are many ingenious products available to protect the quality of your food.
Start composting at home
Home compost your peelings and cores, this is a great way to prevent unavoidable food waste such as peelings, cores and teabags ending up in landfill and can do wonders for the garden
Minimise single-use plastics
Carry a reusable bottle
In the UK we use over 35 million plastic bottles every day! Carrying a reusable bottle is a great way to cut your plastic use and save money too! There’s even the refill app that tells you where you can refill your bottle for free!
Say no to plastic straws
Plastic straws are bad news for our oceans. Next time you order a drink, think about whether you need a straw – and if you don’t, just say no! You can also ask your local pub to stop adding straws to drinks as standard and offer paper straws to those who want one – more info here.
Take a reusable coffee cup
2.5 billion coffee cups are thrown away every year in the UK – and less than 1 in 400 are recycled. Carry a reusable cup with you – some cafes even offer a small discount if you use your own cup (and if they don’t ask them why not!)
Avoid excessive food packaging
Whether it’s making different choices in the supermarket or choosing a different place to shop, we can all try and cut down the plastic we buy. And as an added bonus, loose fruit and veg is often cheaper than pre-packaged alternatives!
Say no to disposable cutlery
We’ve all been there – caught out in a cafe or at a train station when we’ve bought a salad or a yogurt but the only cutlery on offer is plastic! Whilst it’s hard to plan for every opportunity, consider carrying a spoon or fork (or spork!) in your bag or keeping cutlery in your desk at work.
Get your milk delivered
Although the early morning sound of a milk float is not as common as it used to be, there are still lots of places in the UK where you can get milk delivered in glass bottles – which are then collected and reused. You can find your nearest milk round here
Carry a shopping bag
Since the plastic bag charge was introduced in England, there’s been a massive 85% drop in their use. Many of us are used to carrying an extra bag with us – if you still find it hard to remember, try a foldaway one that you can carry in your normal day bag.
Making just a few small changes can have a big impact on the amount of plastic we use on a day-to-day basis.
Energy consumption
Green Energy providers
Before you switch energy provider or tariff, it’s a good idea to look at all the different types of tariffs available. Each gives you different options, so it’s important to choose one that best suits your needs.
You can choose a ‘green tariff’ if you want your energy to come from renewable supplies like wind or solar. These tariffs are usually more expensive but reduce your carbon footprint. Many of the price comparison website will inform you which of the tariffs are linked to green energy.
If you’re on a green tariff, your supplier has to tell you:
- how much of each kind of renewable energy they generate
- if they contribute money to environmental schemes on your behalf
Energy efficient appliances
Energy efficiency labels can help you choose household appliances which cost less to run and have less impact on the environment. They help you compare the efficiency of different makes and models, enabling you to make the right choice for your lifestyle and budget.
With the energy label recognised by 85% of consumers, manufacturers are keen to see their products in the highest available category when compared to competitors. For example, roughly two-thirds of refrigerators and washing machines sold in 2006 were labelled as class A, whereas well over 90% of those sold in 2017 were higher than class A, namely A+, A++ or A+++.
In addition to information about the product’s energy consumption, the labels can also provide specific data about other relevant features of usage e.g. the product’s noise emissions or water consumption.
Home energy efficiency
There are many simple yet effective ways to insulate your home, which can significantly reduce heat loss while lowering your heating bills.
Visit the Energy Saving Trust for further information on the following
- Roof and Loft
- Cavity Wall
- Tanks, Pipes and Radiators
- Floor
- Solid Wall
- Draught Proofing
- Damp and Condensation
Clean/Active Travel
Walking and cycling to work
Travelling to work on foot or by bike is a practical and healthy alternative to using the car.
Step to it! - for journeys of less than two miles, walking is a quick, easy and cheap way to get to work and it’s also a great way to build exercise in to your daily routine.
Every minute you walk adds between 1½ and 2 minutes to your life - a return rate of almost 2:1.
Top tips for increasing your steps within a working day
- If you don’t walk regularly, start gradually, and try walking just one day a week.
- Walk one stop further to catch the bus or get off a stop earlier.
- Park further away from work.
- Improve your social and work life and take a 10-minute lunchtime walk to boost your productivity.
Did you know that people in cars suffer three times as much pollution as pedestrians?
Bike it!
Cycling is a great way to keep fit; it’s fun to do and gives you the flexibility to time your journey to work, putting you in control.
By cycling to and from work - or to the train station - you can by-pass traffic jams and arrive alert for the day ahead, as well as saving on fuel and parking costs.
5 reasons for walking and cycling to work
- Increases energy levels and boosts brainpower making you mentally sharper.
- Helps to control weight by reducing body fat and pumping up metabolism.
- Reduces the risk of heart disease, strokes, some cancers and diabetes.
- Boosts ‘happy’ hormones, improving mood and reducing stress.
- Cuts traffic congestion and pollution.
Walking for 30 minutes a day could mean you burn off up to 130 calories, the equivalent of a doughnut or a small glass of wine.
Local Support Services
North Yorkshire
Practical guidance, funding schemes, energy-saving tips and information on what you can do to deal with climate change in North Yorkshire can be found here: Climate change and local action | North Yorkshire Council
Self-care and National Support Services
Please select the Family Hub in the local area to find out more information.