Health and Information Hub

For many issues consider visiting your GP to seek medical advice, or to see a health and wellbeing practitioner or a social prescriber who can provide assistance and support.

The support links on this webpage were up to date when the webpage was created, Xyla can take no responsibility for advice and information offered by third parties. The presence of websites on this list is not an endorsement of the services offered by Xyla.

Emotional wellbeing and mental health

• For mental health emergencies dial 111 and select option 2; or text SHOUT to 85258.
• No panic helpline 0300 772 9844 and crisis message available 24 hours a day on 01852 680835.
• The Samaritans are available on phone 116 123 (UK wide) or 0330 094 5717 – help with feelings of isolation and disconnection that can lead to suicide
• Shout – text SHOUT to 85258 for urgent mental health support
• CALM 0800 58 58 58 5pm to midnight – you can talk to CALM about anything
• Mind.org.uk has crisis coping tools, also available on 0300 123 3393 – for information about a condition, treatment options and practical issues for those with a mental health problem or supporting someone with one
• https://www.rethink.org/ -general information on living with mental illness, medication and care

Domestic Abuse

• Call 999 if in immediate danger. For the National Domestic Abuse Helpline call 0800 2000 247 available 24 hours a day
• Mankind initiative (men) 01823 334244
• Respect: Men’s Advice Line 0808 8010327
• National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline call 0800 999 5428
• https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/– support for those experiencing domestic abuse

Drugs

• Talk to Frank tel 0300 123 6600 available 24 hours a day
• https://www.talktofrank.com/ or text 82111 – honest information about drugs

Alcohol

• Alcoholics Anonymous 0800 9177650
• Families Anonymous 0207 4984680
• https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-advice/alcohol-support/ – help for those with a problem with alcohol
• https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/ – support for cutting down the amount you drink
• https://nacoa.org.uk/support-advice/ – information, advice and support for anyone affected by a parent’s drinking
• https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/ – helps alcoholics find strength and hope

Housing, Legal, money management, family, and consumer advice

• Shelter 0808 800 4444
• Salvation Army 0207 367 4500
• https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ or tel 0800 144 8848- advice on a wide variety of issues
• https://www.ageuk.org.uk/ – cost of living support, power of attorney, benefits, finding and arranging care

Stress, anxiety and depression

• Anxiety UK – 0800 678 1602
• https://nopanic.org.uk/ or tel 0300 772 9844 – advice and support for people living with phobias, OCD and other anxiety-based disorders
• https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/ – information and support about mental health

Relationships and Parenting

• Relate tel 0300 100 1234 – relationship support
• Family Lives tel 0808 800 2222

Isolation and Loneliness

• https://www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/our-services/social-activities/ – details about clubs, groups and local events, both on-line and in person
• https://menssheds.org.uk/ – opportunities for men to get together in a workshop environment
• https://www.ageuk.org.uk/– befriending services and telephone friendship
• https://www.marmaladetrust.org/law – support for those facing loneliness and social isolation

Sleep

• https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sleep-and-tiredness/ – explains why people might feel tired and offers advice about sleep
• https://sleep-apnoea-trust.org/ – information about sleep apnoea
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sleep-apnoea/ – symptoms, tests and treatment

ADHD and Autism

• https://adhduk.co.uk/ – support and information about ADHD

Learning disability advice and support

• https://www.mencap.org.uk/advice-and-support or tel 0808 808 111 – help and advice about learning difficulties
• https://www.scope.org.uk/ – practical information and emotional support

Bereavement

• https://www.cruse.org.uk/ – or  tel 0808 8081677 bereavement support from trained volunteers
• https://winstonswish.org/ – or tel 08088 020 021 emotional and practical bereavement support for children, young people and those who care for them
• https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/feelings-and-symptoms/grief-bereavement-loss/ – advice on dealing with grief after bereavement or loss

Carers’ support

• https://www.carersuk.org/ – advice and support for unpaid carers
• https://www.ageuk.org.uk/ – help for carers

Preventing trips

• https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/preventing-falls/home-safety/prevent-falls-by-identifying-hazards-at-home/ – identifying hazards at home

Dementia

• https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/ or tel 01234 327 380 – services for people with dementia and their carers
• SilverLine is a free confidential helpline for older people across the UK available 24 hours a day seven days a week on 0800 470 80 90
• https://www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/our-services/dementia-support/ – activity and support groups for people with mild to moderate dementia and also their carers

Keeping warm in winter

• https://www.ageuk.org.uk/ – advice on Winter Fuel payment
• https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ or tel 0800 144 8848- advice on benefits

Healthy Weight and Lifestyles

• https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/ –  information and advice for adults and children about healthy weight, including how to find out if you’re a healthy weight
• https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/ – advice about healthy living, including eating a balanced diet, healthy weight, exercise, quitting smoking and drinking less alcohol
• https://obesityuk.org.uk/ – supports those living with obesity
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/obesity/ – explains causes, diagnosis and treatment of obesity
• https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/glp-1-medicines-for-weight-loss-and-diabetes-what-you-need-to-know – guidance on the safe and effective use of medicines for obesity and those overweight
• https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/ – to report concerning symptoms while taking weight loss, or other, medication. Seek advice from prescriber if affected.

Cholesterol

• https://www.heartuk.org.uk/ – support and information about lowering cholesterol

Hypertension

• https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/risk-factors/high-blood-pressure – information and support for those with high blood pressure
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/high-blood-pressure/ – risks, symptoms and explanation about high blood pressure

Stopping smoking

• https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/quit-smoking/ – information and advice for those wanting to stop smoking
• https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/ – support and advice on stopping smoking

Type 2 Diabetes

• https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about-diabetes/type-2-diabetes – explains type 2 diabetes

Sexual health

• https://conifersexhealth.co.uk/ – advice on contraception, unplanned pregnancy, STIs
• https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/ – advice about contraception including the morning after pill

Foot health

• https://www.ageuk.org.uk/services/in-your-area/foot-care/ – links to local footcare services

Menopause

• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/ – symptoms, treatment, help and support

Physical activity

• Many leisure centres have a range of activities on offer and they are not always high intensity ones. You could consider walking netball or walking football. Or you could join a walking or rambling club. See your local Help Hub [hyperlink] for websites that provide links to these activities and many more
• https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/ – exercise guidelines and workouts to help improve fitness and wellbeing
• https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/ – supports people want to get active
• https://www.ageuk.org.uk/ – advice and support on physical exercise for older people

Eating disorders

• https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/get-help-for-myself/i-need-support-now/helplines/  or tel 0808 801 0677 England, 0808 801 0433 Wales – helplines and support
• https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/behaviours/eating-disorders/overview/ – overview of eating disorders

Nutrition and diet

• https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/ – information and guidance about eating a healthy, balanced diet
• https://www.bda.uk.com/food-health/food-facts/all-food-fact-sheets.html – information about diet and food from the Association of UK Dietitians

Cooking skills

• https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/25-skills-every-cook-should-know – 25 skills every cook should know

Making ends meet

• Most towns have food banks if you are struggling to make ends meet. Just type ‘Food banks near me’ into a search engine.
• https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ or tel 0800 144 8848- advice on a wide variety of issues

Transport problems

• https://www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/our-services/getting-out-about/ – patient transport services for those with health conditions or restricted mobility

Clinical Waste

• https://www.gov.uk/request-clinical-waste-collection – to request a clinical waste collection

Pharmacies

• https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy – find a pharmacy service

Find out more about services in your own area at Xyla’s Local Health Hub below.