Simple Signposting to Better Health and Wellbeing
Barnet
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.
- The 'One You' drinks tracker app makes it easy to keep an eye on the booze and take control with daily tips and feedback.
- NHS Better Health have a 'Drink Free Days' app and tips on how to reduce alcohol consumption.
- Mutual Aid services including twelve step programmes and Smart Recovery are available to anyone who wants support to address their drug or alcohol use. You can find a meeting here:
- Alcoholics Anonymous https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/
- Narcotics Anonymous https://online.ukna.org/
- Cocaine Anonymous https://www.ca-online.org/
- SMART Recovery https://smartrecovery.org.uk/online-meetings/
SELF CARE
Further tips on cutting down
- Alcoholics Anonymous https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/
- Narcotics Anonymous https://online.ukna.org/
- Cocaine Anonymous https://www.ca-online.org/
- SMART Recovery https://smartrecovery.org.uk/online-meetings/
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
Change Grow Live Barnet
Change Grow Live Barnet is the local service for adults and young people who are experiencing issues with drugs or alcohol.
- The service is free and open to all Barnet residents, as well as their families and carers.
- Any professional, such as a housing support worker, social worker or a nurse, can make a referral on your behalf or you can get in touch yourself.
Website: https://www.changegrowlive.org/barnet
Referral form: https://www.changegrowlive.org/barnet/referrals
Tel: 0300 303 2866
Email: For general enquiries, email: Barnet.Info@cgl.org.uk
Should any confidential information need to be sent, please use the secure email: barnet.info@cgl.cjsm.net
Address: Change Grow Live Barnet, Unit 10, Breasy Place, 9 Burroughs Gardens, London, NW4 4AU
Drinkcoach Barnet
If you would like information and advice about your alcohol intake, why not take the free online alcohol test at Drinkcoach. Provide details of your alcohol intake, and receive advice about your drinking.
Website: https://drinkcoach.org.uk/barnet-alcohol-test
Alternatively, you can contact your GP practice for further support.
Drug and alcohol treatment
If you are concerned about your alcohol use or need support to quit drugs, there are services in Barnet to help you.
Website: https://www.barnet.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing/adults-health/drug-and-alcohol-misuse
Self-care and National Support Services
National Support Services
The Money Helper Service was set up by the Government and offers free impartial advice including
- Advice and guides to help improve your finances
- Tools and calculators to help keep track and plan ahead
- Support over the phone and online
https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en
0800 1387777 (free phone)
Got a question? You can start a Webchat online.
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 the team live on WhatsApp.
- Add +44 77 0134 2744 to your WhatsApp and send a message.
Citizens Advice Service
The Citizens Advice Service can help you to make the right choices, including help to deal with your debt problems, how to avoid losing your home and how to get your finances back into shape. Citizens Advice also offer advice on Benefits and Tax credits as it's important to make sure that you get all the help that you're entitled to.
03444 111 444
National Debtline
National Debtline has helped millions of people with their debts. They'll talk you through options and give clear advice on how to take back control.
The Debt Advice Foundation is a national debt advice and education charity offering free, confidential support and advice to anyone worried about debt.
0800 622 61 51
Credit Unions
Credit unions can help those who can't get access to ordinary bank products.
Rising cost of Energy
If you are struggling to pay for energy or think you may get into difficulty, contact your supplier.
The energy regulator rules mean suppliers must offer payment plans you can afford and you can ask for ‘emergency credit’ if you use a prepay meter and can’t top up.
Save money off your Gas Bill
Turning down a single setting will make your boiler work more efficiently, saving around £129 a year for the average household. It only takes a few minutes to lower your flow temperature, and it can be changed back instantly. There’s nothing to lose by trying it. Advice from Nesta, the UK's innovation agency for social good.
Walkthrough - Money Saving Boiler Challenge
Local Support Services
Cost of living support
Benefits and financial advice for residents.
Website: https://www.barnet.gov.uk/benefits-and-financial-advice
Mayor of London - Borough Support
Find information about benefits, grants and discounts you can get if you are in financial difficulty, from Greater London Authority, the government, your local council, charities and advice centres.
Website: https://www.london.gov.uk/programmes-strategies/communities-and-social-justice/help-cost-living
Self-care and National Support Services
Self Care
The NHS Better Health website has a range of resources, tips and apps available to help with weight management and encourage a nutritious diet.
NHS Digital Weight Management Programme
A GP or pharmacist can refer a person to the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme if the individual comes into the following category:
- They are aged 18 or over.
- They have a BMI greater than 30. (The BMI threshold will be lowered to 27.5 for people from black, Asian, and ethnic minority backgrounds, as we know people from these ethnic backgrounds are at an increased risk of conditions such as Type 2 diabetes at a lower BMI.)
- They have diabetes, high blood pressure, or both.
- They have a smartphone, tablet, or computer with internet access.
Local Support Services
Better Healthwise Adult Weight Management
Barnet's adult weight management (AWM) programme is delivered by our leisure provider, Better as part of their Healthwise Programme.
- AWM is a 12-week physical activity and healthy diet programme for people with a BMI of 30-40 or a BMI of 27.5-40 for those from Black, Asian and other minority ethnic groups living in Barnet or registered with a Barnet GP.
- The cost is £28.50 per month.
- You can self-refer or ask your GP if you are interested.
Email: Healthwise.barnet@gll.org
Tel: 0208 457 9910
Better Healthwise
Healthwise physical activity referral schemes take place within local leisure centres delivered by the Healthwise team and are dedicated to keeping you fit and healthy, whether you’re living with a health condition or looking for support and guidance.
Healthwise programmes:
- Adult Weight Management (AWM) is a weekly group based physical activity and nutrition project. To access the AWM scheme, as a Barnet resident you can be referred via your GP or you can also self-refer.
The following programmes can be accessed via GP referral:
- Physical Activity Referral Scheme (PARS) is a 12-week programme designed to encourage people of all abilities to become and remain physically active, helping to increase fitness levels and improve physical and mental wellbeing.
- Better Balance are Falls Prevention classes. They are a great way for those of you who are at risk of a fall or who are in fear of having a fall. It is a great way for people to develop their strength and balance that they may need to reduce the risk of falling.
- Cancer rehabilitation is a 12-session physical activity programme of 1-2-1 support from a qualified exercise instructor, designed for individuals aged 18 years and over, with a cancer diagnosis within the last 5 years.
- There are 5 local leisure centres in Barnet with quality facilities and activities available for people of all ages and abilities.
Email: Healthwise.barnet@gll.org
Tel: 0208 457 9910
Fit & Active Barnet
Get active and give it a go - visit the Fit and Active Barnet (FAB) Hub for tips to help you keep active in Barnet and physical activity opportunities for all ages and abilities.
Website: https://www.better.org.uk/fab-hub
Email: sport@barnet.gov.uk
Healthy weight in children
The 0 to 18 years Healthy Weight Care Pathway for Children and Young People in Barnet. A multi-agency pathway providing details of services available in Barnet to help children and young people achieve a healthy weight.
XPLORE - Child weight management
XPLORE is a free 8 week healthy lifestyle programme for 4-13 year olds, delivered in Better leisure centres across Barnet.
- The programme, for children and their families, assists children who might be over the healthy weight range to make lifestyle and dietary changes, helping to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
- Each 8-week programme consists of interactive nutrition workshops and fun physical activity sessions. Sessions run afterschool from 4pm-6pm.
- GPs, health professionals and self referrals are all welcome to refer into the programme.
Website: https://www.better.org.uk/fab-hub
Email: xplore.barnet@gll.org
Tel: 0208 457 9907
Gro Health - Healthy living adolescent service
If you’re a young person aged 13-19 (or up to 25 with SEND) living in Barnet, you could be eligible for free access to Gro Health, the healthy lifestyle programme designed just for young people living in Barnet.
- The London Borough of Barnet and Gro Health have partnered to provide new weight management and healthy lifestyle support for young people in Barnet.
- At Gro Health, we’re all about holistic health, so our program includes support around nutrition, physical activity, mental and emotional health, and sleep to help you improve your overall health and wellbeing.
- Self-referral and professional referrals can be made by completing the Gro Health online form.
Website: https://web.grohealth.com/barnet
Tel: 0330 133 0307
Email: support@grohealth.com
NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme
The NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NDPP) is a 9-month programme for people who are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- You can receive support to reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes, including advice about diet, physical activity, emotional wellbeing and weight management.
- The face-to-face programme is delivered by Living Well Taking Control in Barnet.
- The digital service is delivered by Liva Healthcare.
- The programme accepts GP referrals & self-registrations.
Eligibility criteria:
- Aged 18 and over
- Registered with a North Central London (NCL) STP GP practice
- Not pregnant at time of referral
- Able to take part in light/moderate physical activity
- HbA1c between 42-47 mmol/mol (6.0-6.4%) or Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) between 5.5-6.9 mmols/l within the last 12 months of referral date.
- Eligible patients are now able to self-register to the programme online if they know their blood glucose test result (HbA1c/FPG), date of result and NHS number.
Website: https://www.lwtcsupport.co.uk/self-register
GDM referrals:
- Aged 18+
- Registered at any NCL GP practice.
- A past historic diagnosis of GDM, or Currently have GDM, however, they can’t start the programme until post-pregnancy.
- Blood glucose result reading not required for patient on the referral form.
- Eligible GDM patients are now able to self-register to the programme online.
Website: https://www.lwtcsupport.co.uk/self-register
Email: info@lwtcsupport.co.uk
Tel: 0300 302 0652
NHS Couch to 5K
The NHS Couch to 5K is a running programme for absolute beginners that has helped millions of people to keep active, start running and take positive steps for their health and fitness.
- It is a free and easy away of getting fitter and healthier and will help you gradually work up towards running 5km in as little as 9 weeks.
Website: https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/get-active/get-running-with-couch-to-5k/
NHS Weight Loss Plan
NHS 12-week Weight Loss Plan to guide you through a healthy weight-loss programme.
Website: https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/lose-weight/
Eat Well Apps
Eating a healthy, balanced diet is important to maintain good health, and a healthy weight. Choosing healthier foods is easier than you might think. There are lots of cheap and tasty ways you and your family can eat well every day.
Website: https://www.nhs.uk/healthier-families/recipes/
Adult food facts
The British Dietetic Association have created a series of food facts written by dietitians to help you learn the best ways to eat and drink to keep your body fit and healthy.
Website: https://www.bda.uk.com/food-health/food-facts/adult-food-facts.html
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.
Not sure which local authority area to choose? If you know a postcode you can check which local authority area here.
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 online or via telephone (0300 500 0914).
Supporting access to primary care
Groundswell have produced and widely circulated small, plastic, credit card-style cards called ‘My Right to Healthcare’. These cards emphasise the person’s right to register and highlight that they may need assistance to complete forms and help with reading and understanding. The cards can be used to remind GP receptionists and other practice staff of the national patient registration guidance from NHS England. The cards are freely available and can be downloaded and printed locally.
Local Support Services
Barnet Homes
If you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless you should contact Barnet Homes immediately.
Tel: 020 8610 3539
Type Talk: 18001 0800 3895225
Address: Barnet Council, 3rd Floor, 2 Bristol Avenue, Colindale, NW9 4EW
Email: housingadvice@barnethomes.org
Website: https://www.barnet.gov.uk/housing/homelessness
Homeless Action in Barnet
Homeless Action in Barnet (HAB) work closely with the community in Barnet. HAB provide a helping hand for people in need.
Tel: 020 8446 8400
Address: Homeless Action in Barnet, 36B Woodhouse Road, London, N12 0RG
Email: hab@habcentre.org
Website: https://www.habcentre.org/
Self-care and National Support Services
The London Damp and Mould Checklist is designed by London’s public health system partners, who have worked together to produce a checklist resource for use by health and social care professionals who visit residential properties as part of their management and care of patients.
It provides a checklist and guidance to support the identification of internal damp and mould, as well as people at risk of poor health due to damp and mould exposure in their home. There is also an emphasis on prevention of damp and mould for all residents.
Where concerns are identified this resource provides guidance for tenants on actions to take in the form of advice, signposting, and template letters to inform local authority housing teams, housing associations, landlords and health services of any concerns.
Damp and Mould escalation flow chart
We would really value your feedback on this resource.
To provide feedback, please email LondonDampandMould@dhsc.gov.uk
Local Support Services
Barnet Homes
The Healthy Homes Team is here to help if you have damp and mould in your home.
Website: https://www.barnethomes.org/repairs/report-damp-and-mould/
Website: https://www.barnet.gov.uk/housing/damp-mould-and-condensation-advice
Website: https://www.barnethomes.org/repairs/report-repair/
Tel: 0208 359 7995 (private housing service)
Damp and mould - Barnet MECC factsheet
Website: Damp and_mould_-_January_2025.odt
Self-care and National Support Services
If someone needs help for a mental health crisis, emergency or breakdown, you should seek immediate expert advice and assessment. It's important to know that support is available, even if services seem busy at the moment because of coronavirus.
Scrolling down to the local listings below will provide you with a crisis line number to use in an emergency for each London borough.
However, if someone’s life is at risk – for example they have seriously injured themselves or taken an overdose and you do not feel that you can keep yourself or someone else safe you should call 999.
A mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a physical one. You will not be wasting anyone's time.
If you are not able to speak to your local NHS urgent mental health helpline and you need help urgently for a mental health issue, but it's not an emergency, you should call 111 who will tell you the right place to get help.
If you are worried that this person is at risk of suicide, please also see the section for Suicide Prevention.
You can also encourage them to ring:
Samaritans - (All age groups)
Tel: 116 123, open 24 hours a day.
Papyrus - (Young people)
Tel: 0800 068 41 41
Text: 07786209697
Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org
Opening hours - Mon-Fri: 10am-10pm, weekends: 2pm-10pm & bank holidays: 2pm-5pm
If you're under 19, you can also call 0800 1111 to talk to Childline. The number will not appear on your phone bill.
Coping during a crisis
The mental health charity Mind has information on ways to help yourself cope during a crisis.
This includes calming exercises and a tool to get you through the next few hours.
Local Support Services
Barnet Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Team
Barnet Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Team (CRHTT) offers short term intensive home treatment for people in mental health crisis who may otherwise need to be admitted to hospital. They can do this by supporting people in their own home or other suitable accommodation when it is safe and appropriate to do so.
They can provide:
- Intensive short term intervention to support recovery
- Comprehensive mental health assessment
- Home visits
- Diagnosis, and appropriate care plan and treatment
- Support to access advocacy services
- Psychological Assessment and formulation
- A physical health check and support with social needs
Tel: 0800 151 0023
Address: First Floor, The Dennis Scott Unit, Edgware Community Hospital, Burnt Oak Broadway, Edgware, HA8 0AD
Sanctuary and Crisis Hub
Sanctuary and Crisis Hub provide access to immediate emotional support to anyone over 18 who is experiencing distress. Their trained mental health professionals specialise in crisis de-escalation and prevention.
They are open every day of the year, 4:30pm-10pm weekdays and 12-6pm weekends.
Tel: 0208 343 5704
Email: sanctuarybarnet@mindeb.org.uk
Website: https://www.mindeb.org.uk/services-for-individuals/wellbeing/sanctuary-and-crisis-hub/
Self-care and National Support Services
The following resources are available to support people who are experiencing mental health challenges, however if they are in crisis and need urgent access to support, please go to the URGENT MENTAL HEALTH section of MECC Link where you can find local support services for mental health emergencies.
For non-urgent mental health support, encourage the person to contact their GP. Always give reassurances that there are lots of sources for support, however they wish to access and use them.
Scroll to the bottom of the page to see listings of local support services in their borough.
Self Care Resources
- Good Thinking provides digital mental wellbeing support for Londoners. This includes free NHS-approved apps to help you deal with stress, anxiety, low mood and poor sleep.
- Every Mind Matters is an NHS-approved digital hub full of expert advice and practical tips to achieve good mental health.
- The NHS have other self-help tools available, including 5 steps to mental wellbeing.
- Mind 'The charity for better mental health' has an extensive range of self help resources available.
- 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.
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.
Children and Young People
The Mix is a leading support service that can help young people to take on challenges they are facing - from mental health to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs.
0808 0808 4994 (Freephone)
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.
Perinatal
The PANDAS Foundation supports and advises parents who is experiencing a perinatal mental illness. They also inform and guide family members, carers, friends and employers as to how they can support someone who is suffering.
0843 2898401 (0900 - 2000 hrs, 7 days per week)
Carers
The Carers Trust contains helpful guides for carers on relationship management and information on self-care and respite care.
Refugees and asylum seekers
Thrive LDN have produced a number of resources designed to support new arrivals to the UK, including:
- Guidance for supporting the mental health and wellbeing of displaced Ukrainians
- Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of Afghan refugees
- Wellbeing guidance in 36 languages
Good Thinking’s 'Coping with Trauma' workbook outlines seven techniques to help people who have experienced trauma.
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.
0800 138 1619
Local Support Services
Barnet Wellbeing Service
Barnet Wellbeing Service provides a flexible, holistic, person-centered approach focusing on your individual needs and wellbeing. The service is the single referral pathway for you to access services and activities in the community to improve your wellbeing.
Website: https://www.barnetwellbeing.org.uk/
Telephone: 03333 449 088
Email: info@barnetwellbeing.org.uk
Mind in Enfield and Barnet
Mind in Enfield and Barnet has information and advice on a wide range of mental health problems and provide local services in Enfield and Barnet. They can help to support you, whether you are suffering with your mental health, a carer, employer or just want to know more.
Website: https://www.mindeb.org.uk/
NHS Barnet Talking Therapies
NHS Barnet Talking Therapies offers free, confidential and evidence-based talking therapy for adults who is registered with a GP in the London Borough of Barnet.
- They offer appointments on the telephone, via video, digital treatments and in person, and a ‘hybrid’ which is a combination of these modalities.
- For anyone who requires therapy in other languages, they can provide this through arranged professional interpreters.
- In person appointments are offered mainly at Westgate House in Edgware Community Hospital, with some limited appointments at Finchley Memorial Hospital.
Website: https://www.barnetandenfieldtalkingtherapies.nhs.uk/barnet/
Email: NLFT.barnettalkingtherapies@nhs.net
Tel: 0208 702 5309
Good Thinking
Good Thinking is a London-wide NHS Digital Wellbeing Service designed to support low level mental health needs. It offers a digital self-assessment test followed by a range of personalised, clinically approved, digital and local interventions based on your preferences and location.
Website: https://www.good-thinking.uk/
Barnet’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
Barnet Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) provides multi-disciplinary assessment and treatment of children and young people with moderate-to-severe mental health or severe emotional and behavioural difficulties in the London borough of Barnet.
Address: Holly Oak, Edgware Community Hospital, Burnt Oak Broadway, Middlesex, HA8 OAD
Telephone: 020 8702 3111
Email: beh-tr.camhs-spoa@nhs.net
Every Mind Matters
Every Mind Matters is an evidence-based tool that shows people how to build simple changes into their daily lives – such as reframing unhelpful thoughts, breathing exercises and increasing physical activity.
Website: https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/
Andy's Man Club
Andy’s Man Club offers peer to peer support for men, where men can speak openly about their mental health in a judgment free, non-clinical, confidential environment.
- In Barnet, Andy’s Man Club meets in-person every Monday evening at 7pm (except on bank holidays).
- There are also online meetings for all to access.
Address: The Meritage Centre, Church End, London, NW4 4JT
Email: info@andysmanclub.co.uk
Website: https://andysmanclub.co.uk/
Other Mental Health and Wellbeing Services in Barnet
There are a number of local and national sources of support and advice to help maintain good mental health and wellbeing.
Website: https://www.barnet.gov.uk/mental-health-and-wellbeing
Self-care and National Support Services
Self Care
- The Couch to 5K phone app has been designed to help get people off the couch and running in just 9 weeks.
- The Active 10 phone app show you how how much brisk walking you do and helps to show you how you can fit a ten minute brisk walk into your day. It breaks this brisk walking down into manageable chunks of ten minutes and encourages at least one session every day (which equates to 70 minutes a week). Users can set their own goals and the app encourages people to progress up to 30 brisk minutes of walking per day, to meet the 150 minutes recommended by the Chief Medical Officer
- 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.
Active Travel Toolkit
The Greater London Authority have produced a toolkit to support healthcare professionals to social prescribe active travel.
Local Support Services
Fit and Active Barnet
Get active and give it a go - visit the Fit and Active Barnet (FAB) Hub for everything you need to help you lead a more active and healthier lifestyle.
Website: https://www.better.org.uk/fab-hub
Email: sport@barnet.gov.uk
Health walks and active trails
Barnet's green spaces offer loads of opportunities to walk for your health. Anyone can join an organised group, or you can go it alone by following one of the many trails in the borough.
Website: https://www.better.org.uk/fab-walking-in-barnet
Email: parks@barnet.gov.uk
Telephone: 020 8359 4600
Barnet Healthy Heritage Walks
Barnet’s healthy heritage walks are self-guided walks around Barnet’s heritage points, with accompanying audio.
- Download our free audio guide walks and maps and listen to interesting stories about historical and natural points of interest in Barnet.
- The walks are 5 to 10 kilometres or 3 to 6 miles and you will walk approximately 5,000 to 10,000 steps.
Website: https://www.barnet.gov.uk/heritagewalks
Email: publichealth@barnet.gov.uk
Outdoor Gyms
Barnet has 13 free outdoor gyms, providing a mixture of cardiovascular, strength and toning equipment. They are suitable for all abilities and fitness levels and all ages above 14 years.
Email: parks@barnet.gov.uk
Opportunities to stay active for older people
It is important that everyone is supported to lead more active and healthier lifestyles in Barnet, especially as we age as there are numerous associated health and wellbeing benefits with being physically active.
Website: https://www.better.org.uk/fab-older-people
Activities for children, young people & families in Barnet
Physical activity is a fun and important part of growing up as it supports overall health and well-being. There are many exciting activities available in Barnet that will inspire children, young people and families to lead active and healthy lives.
Website: https://www.better.org.uk/fab-children-family
Running in Barnet
Dust off your trainers and enjoy one of the many opportunities to perfect your running skills and enjoy being active in the great outdoors.
Website: https://www.better.org.uk/fab-barnet-running
Shape Up with Spurs
Shape Up with Spurs is a flagship Foundation programme, having started in 2015 and since supported many thousands of beneficiaries through circuit-based physical activities.
Email: THF.Activities@tottenhamhotspur.com
Registration form: Shape Up registration form
Move4You
Move4You is a transformative, award-winning programme of 12 physical activity sessions for residents who have had a cancer diagnosis in the last five years. Participants can either self-refer, or request their health professional refers them.
Sessions run one to one and in groups, as well as online, and are tailored according to the needs of each individual.
Website: https://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/the-club/foundation/what-we-do/health-and-wellbeing/move4you/
Email: THF.Activities@tottenhamhotspur.com
Referral form: Move4You referral form
Self-care and National Support Services
Reassure them that sexual health services are confidential, and free of charge in most cases.
Self Care
For information about sexual health, STIs, HIV and contraception visit Sexwise, It Starts With Me or the NHS website.
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.
Contraception Choices 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.
Community Pharmacies
Emergency hormonal contraception is effective up to five days after sex and is available from most community pharmacies. Some pharmacies may charge for this service, so it is advised to call ahead to check what they offer.
General Practice
If registered with a GP, routine contraception and, in some cases, Long-Acting Reversible methods (such as an Interuterine Device/’coil’ or a contraceptive injection or implant) can be provided. Suggest contacting local practice directly to find out what they can offer.
Support for victims of sexual assault
The Havens provide specialist centres across London for people who have been raped or sexually assaulted. For urgent advice and an initial assessment call 020 3299 6900.
Other local services
Go to the local support section for information on what is available in each borough.
Local Support Services
Barnet sexual health clinics
You can visit a sexual health clinic for testing, emergency contraception and regular contraception.
Website: https://www.barnet.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing/adults-health/adults-sexual-health
Edgware Community Hospital
Address: Sexual Health Clinic, Lower Ground Floor, Burnt Oak Broadway, Edgware, HA8 0AD
Website: https://www.sexualhealth.cnwl.nhs.uk/clinic/edgware-community-hospital/
Vale Drive Primary Care Centre
Address: Vale Drive, Barnet, EN5 2ED
Website: https://www.sexualhealth.cnwl.nhs.uk/clinic/vale-drive-primary-care-centre/
The Bridge Service for People with Learning Disabilities
Address: Edgware Community Hospital, Burnt Oak Broadway,
Edgware, HA8 0AD
Address: Vale Drive Primary Care Centre, Vale Drive, Barnet, EN5 2ED
Sexual Health London online services
If you’re over 16, you can order quick and easy to use free test kits for sexually transmitted infections and HIV, regular contraception and emergency contraception.
Website: https://www.shl.uk/
Emergency contraception for under 25s
Free emergency contraception is available for under 25s at some Barnet pharmacies.
PrEP (HIV Prevention)
PrEP is available in Barnet for people who are at increased risk of getting HIV.
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*.
- Smokefree has lots of free support this includes a smartphone app, email programme or text messages that will keep you focused wherever you are.
- 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 Smokefree app from itunes or google play
- Get further information from the National Health Service www.nhs.uk/quit
- Consider using e-cigarettes to stop smoking
- Millions have used Smokefree support to help them stop smoking. Choose from an app, email, SMS and face-to-face guidance.
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
Illegal Tobacco
The availability of cheap, illegal tobacco can seriously undermine attempts to stop smoking. Did you know that you can report any sales of illegal tobacco in your community by contacting Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline anonymously on 0808 223 1133, or report it online at http://www.londontradingstandards.org.uk/report-consumer-crime/. Click on our regional resources tab to see more information about how organisations in London are working together on the Stamp It Out campaign and how you can help.
Local Support Services
Barnet Stop Smoking Service
Support to stop smoking tobacco or using shisha, for people who live, work or study in Barnet. Complete the contact form to receive advice and support from trained stop smoking advisors.
Website: Contact form
Email: smokingcessation@barnet.gov.uk
Local stop smoking support
If you live, work or study in Barnet, and you are a smoker who is aged 12 and over, there are free and confidential one-to-one support programmes across the borough to help. The service is also suitable for people who smoke shisha.
Barnet has a range of local stop smoking service providers including GP surgeries and pharmacies.
- You can contact any of the listed pharmacies by telephone or online, but if you would like to use a GP surgery service, you must be registered as a patient at that practice.
- You do not need a referral to access the services.
Website: www.barnet.gov.uk/stopsmoking
Email: smokingcessation@barnet.gov.uk
Stop Smoking London
Stop Smoking London provides a dedicated telephone service for Londoners who want to stop smoking. The service is open 7 days a week at the following times:
- Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm
- Saturday and Sunday, 11am to 4pm
Tel: 0300 123 1044
Website: https://stopsmokinglondon.com
Self-care and National Support Services
Booking an appointment
For those wishing to find out whether they are eligible for a vaccination and how to book an appointment, go back to the Assist section and guide them through.
Local information and support
Specific borough information for local vaccination and support services can be found below.
Local Support Services
Adult immunisation
Website: https://www.barnet.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing/adults-health/adult-immunisation
Childhood immunisation
Childhood immunisation - Barnet MECC factsheet
Website: Childhood_immunisations_- October_2024.odt
COVID-19
Website: https://www.barnet.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19-latest-information-and-advice
National support
Website: https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/