Staying well through winter: get support

It’s important to get medical help as soon as you feel unwell and there are plenty of services available to help you. The sooner you get advice, the sooner you are likely to get better.

Get the right support at the right time

Here are the different options you have to make sure you get the right support at the right time.

Cold weather can make some health problems worse and even lead to serious complications, especially if you are 65 or older, or if you have a long-term health condition.

There are a range of NHS services that you can get help and advice from:

If you don’t feel well enough to go to work or carry out normal activities over the festive period, try to stay at home and avoid contact with others.

For minor health concerns visit your local pharmacy

For minor health concerns, your local pharmacy team are on hand to help with advice on medicines and treating common ailments. Pharmacists are experts in medicines. As qualified health professionals they can offer clinical advice on what you can do at home to look after yourself. They can also recommend medicines available over the counter for a range of symptoms.

Get advice on self care for minor ailments from your NHS

If symptoms suggest it’s something more serious, pharmacists have the right training to make sure you get the help you need. For example, they will tell you if you need to see a GP, nurse or other healthcare professional. Don’t delay, the sooner you get advice, the better.

Many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends and you don’t need an appointment. Most pharmacies have a private consultation room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff without being overheard.

Find out more about how pharmacy can help and find a local pharmacy for support with minor health concerns

Some local pharmacies may have different opening hours over the festive period.

If it’s not an emergency or urgent, contact your primary care team at your GP practice

Lambeth GP practices offer consultations online, by phone and face to face. Extra appointments are available from 4pm to 8pm on weekdays and 9am to 5pm on Saturdays at five Lambeth GP Enhanced Access Hubs. Use your usual GP number to book. If you need a face-to-face appointment, your GP practice will arrange that for you. They will usually need to ask you about your symptoms so that they can offer the most appropriate support with the right clinician.

The primary care team at your GP practice includes GPs, nurses, advanced nurse practitioners, healthcare assistants and other healthcare professionals such as pharmacists or physiotherapists. You may be seen by any of them as appropriate to your clinical need. Find out more about who #YourPrimaryCare team are and what they do.

It’s important to be registered with a GP so you can get the right health care when you need it.  It’s free to register and you don’t need proof of address or immigration status, ID or an NHS number.

Find a GP that suits what you need.

Young Back man sat down facing the camera with a red nose holding a tissue up to his face.The words "Get to the help you need"

For urgent health concerns if you can’t get hold of your GP contact NHS 111

For urgent health concerns that are not life-threatening, you can contact NHS 111 online at www.111.nhs.uk or by using the NHS App. By phone, just call 111.

NHS 111 can help if you have an urgent medical problem and you’re not sure what to do. You can answer questions about your symptoms online or speak to a fully trained adviser on the phone. They will give you medical advice, refer you to a specialist and help you get any medicine you may need.

NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

For life-threatening health emergencies call 999

Use emergency services wisely, but always dial 999 if you feel that your own or someone else’s life is at risk.

Mental health support

 

 

We all feel down from time to time, no matter our age. There are little things we can all do to help look after our mental health. Having good mental health helps us relax more, achieve more and enjoy our lives more.

If you’ve not been feeling yourself for a while, talking therapy could help you feel better. Contact your GP practice about talking therapy if you’re feeling anxious, low or out of sorts. Your GP is there to help you – physically and mentally – and can refer you to the right service.

Every mind matters – get your free NHS Mind Plan

Answer 5 quick questions to get your free plan with tips to help you deal with stress and anxiety, improve your sleep, boost your mood and feel more in control. Get your Mind Plan.

Getting help in Lambeth with your mental health

The Lambeth Living Well Network Alliance supports people in Lambeth who are experiencing mental illness or distress. On our Living Well Network Alliance web pages, you’ll find information on how to get support for your mental health in Lambeth, including:

  • Single point of access – the team of mental health professionals, support workers and social workers that can help you get the right mental health support, first time. You don’t need to see your GP and you can self-refer for support by completing a form
  • Mental health crisis support – support that’s available 24 hours a day, every day
  • Talking therapies and self-help – free support for handling a range of mental health difficulties