Access to primary healthcare, including general practitioners and community health services.
If you need to, ask for a double appointment with your GP. You are eligible to take a half an hour slot if you need to discuss things with your GP.
o NHS 111 call line.
Call 111 if you think you need medical help. They will not give you a diagnosis, but we will direct you to the best place to get help for your symptoms.
They cannot:
o issue fit notes - you need to contact your GP surgery
o make or cancel appointments for you in other parts of the NHS
Read about how 111 online works in detail
*NHS 111 online is available in England only.
If you would like further help understanding health conditions, where to find a GP or dentist and to live well, please follow this link: https://www.nhs.uk/
Services for managing long-term conditions such as arthritis, respiratory illnesses, or multiple sclerosis.
Where to get support with a long-term condition | Independent Age
Help with mental health long-term conditions HERE.
Elderly specific long-term conditions Information HERE.
o Haemochromatosis is a genetic disorder of iron consumption in our bodies. For testing please follow this link.
o For more information and support and to speak to a nurse click HERE.
o Coeliac lifelong autoimmune disease caused by a reaction to gluten. For support on how to manage this disease and more information click HERE.
o Galactosaemia literally means ‘galactose in the blood’. Galactose is a sugar which mainly comes from lactose, the sugar found in milks.
This support group helps families or individuals to discuss their experiences and provides guidance.
o You should attend your free NHS Health Check when invited. They are available every 5 years to anyone aged 40 to 74 and can tell you whether you’re at higher risk of getting certain health problems, such as heart disease or diabetes. If you are unsure if you are due a check, contact your GP.
You can get these done at your local pharmacist, check HERE.
o Sight appointments
Test every 2 years and this should be free for 60+. If you are on Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, you may be entitled to one of 10 optical voucher values. The value of a voucher ranges from £42.40 to £233.56, depending on the strength of the lenses you need. You should be offered this at the end of the eye test.
o Dental appointments
You are entitled to free NHS dental appointments if you are receiving a pension, or have other benefits. To find out more HERE.
To search for an NHS dentist near you, click HERE.
Find out what is covered in the NHS treatment HERE.
o Hearing checks
Hearing loss can be a gateway to other illness, so make sure to get your free hearing test at Specsavers or Boots.
To understand more about hearing loss and to check your symptoms, click HERE.
o Lung checks
If you're aged between 55 and 74 and have ever smoked, you may be offered an NHS lung health check. To find out where in your area offers them, click HERE.
Information, counselling, and community support groups for those affected by cancer, including early detection programmes.
Macmillan provides services for people living with cancer at every stage of their cancer experience.
Call the Macmillan Support Line for free on 0808 808 00 00 as it can be easier to discuss diagnosis, treatments or practical support in real time with a specialist.
Cancer Research UK has a wealth of knowledge of different types of cancers, follow the link to visit their website HERE.
o Some specific cancers that may impact our community:
· Bowel Cancer UK - Ask the Nurse support HERE.
· Breast Cancer UK – Check your breasts.
· Pancreatic Cancer UK support.
· Prostate Cancer UK information.
Support for individuals living with diabetes, including nutrition advice, education, and community programmes.
Resources and programmes addressing heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke prevention.
Information on financial support or benefits with a heart condition
Caregiver resources, support groups, and services for individuals affected by dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
You should also attend your free NHS Health Check when invited. They are available every 5 years to anyone aged 40 to 74 and can tell you whether you’re at higher risk of getting certain health problems, such as heart disease or diabetes. If you are unsure if you are due a check, contact your GP. You can get these done at your local pharmacist, check HERE.
Dementia UK Call our Dementia Helpline 0800 888 6678
Carers UK . If you are looking after someone, please do check if you are entitled to financial support with the carers allowance HERE.
o There is a huge support network to help with health and wellbeing, practical support and work and carer prospects HERE.
Support and treatment for addiction to alcohol, drugs, and other substances.
Services and counselling for individuals struggling with gambling addiction, including local and national organisations offering help.
GamCare is a charity dedicated to helping problem gamblers and their families and friends;
GamCare operates the National Gambling Helpline (free and confidential), providing information, advice and support for anyone affected by gambling harms (including gamblers as well as family and friends who are impacted). Advisers are available 24 hours a day on Freephone 0808 8020 133 or via web chat at www.gamcare.org.uk.
Access to tools and resources for self-management and recovery from substance misuse and gambling problems.
A GP can make a diagnosis, offer support and treatments (such as talking therapies and medication), refer to a mental health specialist like a psychiatrist, and recommend local support options.
Contact the NHS 24 Mental Health Hub by calling 111 if you need to get help when your GP isn’t open or available.
They may also have a counsellor at your GP practice, so make sure to ask.
Talking Therapies, still known in some areas as IAPT (Improved Access to Psychological Therapy) is a way to self-refer if you are dealing with something that you feel needs a counsellor. Find out more HERE.
o Suicide prevention UK: To speak with us, dial 0800 587 0800 If you encounter any issues connecting to this number, an alternative option is available at 0800 689 0880. In a life-threatening emergency, remember to dial 999 first.
o MIND
o CALM to help understand how you’re feeling. To speak with someone online, over the phone 0800 58 58 58 or on WhatsApp.
o Papyrus provides a 24-hour helpline for children and young people under the age of 35 who are having thoughts of suicide, and for anyone concerned about a young person. Call 0800 068 4141, text 88247, or email pat@papyrus-uk.org. Here’s how it works.
Counselling Services: Individual and group therapy, with a focus on culturally sensitive counselling for Irish individuals.
icap is the only specialist British-based counselling and psychotherapy service supporting people from the Irish community ·
Click here to access their website
Call:020 7272 7906 Email:info@icap.org.uk
Peer Support Groups: Community-based support networks, including mental health support, bereavement support, and group therapy.
Crisis Helplines: Dedicated phone or online helplines for those in immediate need of mental health support.
Call 999 if immediate help is required
Call the Samaritans mental health crisis helpline on 116 123
Hub of hope is a nationwide mental health database, which brings help and support together in one place. The website or app will help people to find much needed support using their location to find key services and organisations.
Minds mission is to make sure no one has to face a mental health problem alone. They provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem.
Click here to discover the supports that Mind provide.
Mind InfoLine: 0300 123 3393 The Mind InfoLine can help you find specialist services in your area.
Campaign Against Living Miserably, or CALM, is a registered charity based in England. CALM run a free, confidential and anonymous helpline as well as a webchat service, offering help, advice and information to anyone who is struggling or in crisis.
The free helpline for CALM is 0800 58 58 58 and is open 5pm-midnight, 365 days a year. They also have a free webchat service.
Andy's Man Club | #ITSOKAYTOTALK | Andy's Man Club
Group meetings evert Mondays at 7pm Click here to see our group locations
Anxiety
Anxiety UK is a national charity supporting people affected by anxiety, stress and anxiety based depression. They offer a range of services and can be contacted here.
Eating disorders
Beat is the UK's leading charity supporting those affected by eating disorders and campaigning on their behalf. They provide peer support and have helplines open 365 days a year.
Panic attacks
No Panic is a charity helping/supporting people who live with panic attacks, phobia's, OCD & other anxiety related disorders. No Panic also provides support for the carers of people who suffer from anxiety disorders. They offer lots of free support services and have a helpline open 365 days a year.
Self-Harm
Harmless is a passionate organisation who works to address and overcome issues related to self-harm and suicide. They deliver a range of services and can be contacted here.
Switchboard provides a one-stop listening service for LGBT+ people on the phone, by email and through Instant Messaging. Their helpline is 0300 330 0630 (10am to 10pm every day). They also have a messaging and email service.
o Cultural Organisations: Irish cultural centres, clubs, and societies that support the preservation and celebration of Irish heritage.
Irish in Britain’s member map - Click here to discover members near you.
o Migration and Citizenship Support: Assistance with immigration, visa, and citizenship issues for the Irish community.
Safehome provide advice, information and housing assistance to people who are thinking of returning to home to Ireland.
Click here to view the Safe Home website
Call Safe Home: +353 98 36036 Email: info@safehomeireland.com
There will be a specific AGEUK for your area, they are the experts in all things to do with ageing and the elderly. They offer helplines, information adv ice and other services.
Age UK Advice Line 0800 678 1602, free to call 8am – 7pm 365 days at year
A very helpful online and printable guide for tips, tricks and advice can be found on the NHS Healthy Ageing website HERE.
There is also a booklet to help with elderly caring, for those looking after loved ones HERE.
o Irish Community Centres: Local centres offering a range of social, cultural, and support services for the Irish community.
Click here to view Irish in Britain’s interactive map to find an Irish in Britain member group near you
o Support for Older Adults: Services and activities specifically for older Irish adults, including social groups, outreach, and care support.
Care and support for the elderly | Age UK
Social care and support guide - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
o Isolation and Loneliness Support: Initiatives aimed at reducing loneliness, particularly among the elderly and vulnerable.
Manchester and Greater Manchester based support services
The Big life services work with people in all areas of their life, working with them to remove all the obstacles to changing their life for the better.
Achieve (Bolton, Bury, Salford, Trafford): 0161 871 2623
Be Well (Manchester): 0161 470 7120
Energise Centre (Salford): 0161 212 5700
Kath Locke Centre (Manchester): 0161 455 0211
Living Well (Rochdale): 01706 751 190
Minds Matter (Tameside): 0161 343 5748
Talking Therapies (Manchester): 0161 226 3871
Talking Therapies (Stockport): 0161 480 2020
Talking Therapies (Eastern Cheshire): 01625 469 955
Thinking Ahead (Rochdale): 01706 751 180
Trafford eTherapy: 0161 226 3871, etherapy.admin@selfhelpservices.org.uk
Zion Centre (Manchester): 0161 226 5412
Big Issue North (Manchester): 0161 831 5550
Big Issue North (Leeds): 0113 243 9027
Big Issue North (Liverpool): 0151 294 3013
Big Issue North (Sheffield): 0114 263 6064
Big Life Homes (Liverpool): 0151 294 3013
Community Voice (Liverpool): 0151 294 3013
Learn Well: learnwell@thebiglifegroup.com
o Household gadgets and equipment to make life easier, can see if you can get a grant from Independence at Home - grants for disabled people and those with a long-term illness who need financial help.
o Debt and Financial Management: Services providing advice on managing finances, debt, and budgeting.
National Debtline: Click here to view the National Debtline website
Chat to a debt expert confidentially and free of charge - 0808 808 4000
Click here to start a free webchat with Debtline
o Employment Support Services: Help with finding jobs, career advice, and training opportunities.
Way Through services focus on getting people into mainstream employment in line with their preferences, at a pace that’s right for you, enabling you to retain your current job or find new employment.
Click here to visit www.waythrough.org.uk
Way Through - Find employment and training opportunities near me
o Legal Advice: Assistance with employment rights, legal issues, and discrimination cases.
o Housing Support: Assistance with housing applications, homelessness prevention, and tenancy rights.
Shelter, Nation Wide
Advice and support services offer one-to-one, personalised help with housing issues and homelessness.
o Welfare and Benefits Advice: Guidance on accessing financial benefits and entitlements available in Britain.
Check benefits and financial support you can get HERE
Citizens Advice Information on benefits
What the Autumn Budget 2024 means for you
Check if you have the right to reside for benefits
Getting benefits if you’ve recently moved to the UK
Check what benefits you can get
Payment of benefits and tax credits
How volunteering affects your benefits - overview
Problems with benefits and tax credits
Before you apply for Universal Credit
What you'll need to do on Universal Credit
While you're on Universal Credit
Check what benefits to claim if you’re sick or disabled
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Disability Living Allowance for children
If you're an adult on Disability Living Allowance
Getting benefits if you got ill or were injured at work
Deciding if you should apply for SMI
Check if a change affects your SMI
The role of the ICB is to join up health and care services, improve people's health and wellbeing and tackle inequalities in outcomes, experience and access. We also oversee how money is spent and make sure health services work well and are of high quality.
North Central London ICB: Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey, and Islington.
Northeast London ICB: Barking and Dagenham, City and Hackney, Havering, Newham, Redbridge, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest.
Our Governance - NHS North East London (icb.nhs.uk)
Northwest London ICB: Hillingdon, Harrow, Brent, Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, Hammersmith and Fulham, Ealing, Hounslow.
Integrated Care Board (ICB) :: NHS North West London (nwlondonicb.nhs.uk)
Southwest London ICB: Wandsworth, Sutton, Kingston, Croydon, Merton, Richmond.
NHS South West London Integrated Care Board (icb.nhs.uk)
Southeast London ICB: Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham, Southwark.
NHS South East London - Integrated Care Board (selondonics.org)
Outside of London, your ICB is dependent on your county. Please check your NHS county ICB and it will outline what services are available to you.
Cheshire and Merseyside ICB: Cheshire East/West Sefton Liverpool Wirral, St Helens, Warrington, and Halton
https://www.cheshireandmerseyside.nhs.uk/about/cheshire-and-merseyside-health-and-care-partnership/
https://gmintegratedcare.org.uk/
Wigan Bolton Bury, Trafford Salford Rochadale, Manchester Oldham, Tameside, Stockport
lancashireandsouthcumbria.icb.nhs.uk/
NHS Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board
www.birminghamsolihull.icb.nhs.uk
Coventry
Warwickshire
NHS Derby and Derbyshire Integrated Care Board
https://joinedupcarederbyshire.co.uk/
Amber Valley
Bolsover and NE Derbyshire
Chesterfield
Derby City
Derbyshire Dales
Erewash
High Peak
South Derbyshire
NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board
https://blackcountry.icb.nhs.uk/
Sandwell
Dudley
Click HERE for our resources page on the changes to Unversal Credit.
To talk about anything that is upsetting you, you can contact Samaritans 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can call 116 123 (free from any phone)
The Silver line provides a 24-hour telephone service for people over the age of 55, offering friendship, conversation, and support. Call 0800 470 80 90.
Text service - ‘If you can’t talk, text’
Website: Give us a shout
To use the service, simply text “SHOUT” to 85258 and trained volunteers can help with issues including anxiety, stress, loneliness or depression and are available 24/7.
Campaign Against Living Miserably, or CALM, is a registered charity based in England. CALM run a free, confidential and anonymous helpline as well as a webchat service, offering help, advice and information to anyone who is struggling or in crisis.
The free helpline for CALM is 0800 58 58 58 and is open 5pm-midnight, 365 days a year. They also have a free webchat service.