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.
If you need help, but you're not in a crisis, call Alcoholics Anonymous on 0800 9177 650 or Narcotics Anonymous on 0300 999 1212 any time.
You should also be able to contact your GP out of hours, as they will have an out of hours service.
If you or someone you know is experiencing problems related to drugs or alcohol, help is available, either through your GP or your local drug and alcohol service.
Drug and alcohol misuse | Live Well in Bath & North East Somerset (bathnes.gov.uk)
There is a wealth of information and ways to prevent falls on the following websites
Our specialist Falls and Balance Service aims to provide advice, management and treatment for people who have balance problems or who have had a fall. This service, in conjunction with other community services, aims to reduce the number of falls that result in serious injury and ensure effective treatment and rehabilitation for those who have fallen or who are at risk of falling.
The service is for adults registered with a Bath and North East Somerset GP who have been identified as being at an increased risk of falling or who have had unexplained falls or black-outs.
This service is based at the Clara Cross Centre at St Martin’s Hospital, Bath, where most of the appointments would take place. Some therapy assessments may also take place in your home.
You may see one or more of the multi-disciplinary team, over a number of appointments.
The team includes:
Doctors – medical review and specialised tests
Administration – to deal with your queries
Nurses – holistic assessment of your health and wellbeing
Physiotherapy – optimise your physical fitness and address difficulties with movement and balance
Occupational Therapy – carry out an environmental falls hazard assessment and provide life style advice to help reduce falls, and they also provide advice on adaptations and specialist equipment
Therapy assistants – support the therapists to help you work towards your rehabilitation goals
Specialist falls and balance service - https://bathneshealthandcare.nhs.uk/clinics-and-treatments/falls-service/
The Money Advice Service
Free and impartial money advice, set up by government
Tel: 08001387777
Web: https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/
Typetalk: 18001 0800 915 4622, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays, closed
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
Tel: 03444 111 444
Web: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/
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.
Tel:
Debt Advice Foundation is a national debt advice and education charity offering free, confidential support and advice to anyone worried about debt.
Tel: 0800 622 61 51
Web: http://www.debtadvicefoundation.org/
Credit Unions
Credit unions offer an alternative to traditional banks and building societies for saving and borrowing.
They're there to provide a financial community. Credit Unions can help those who can't get access to ordinary bank products; a lifeline in less well-off communities for people grappling with their finances.
Web: https://www.findyourcreditunion.co.uk/
Bath and North East Somerset
The Welfare Support Scheme provides B&NES residents with short-term, emergency help with living costs. We cannot provide cash or loans, but may offer you vouchers or help you to buy essential items, refer you to charity support, or temporarily contribute towards travel, housing, or living costs.
To qualify, you must be on a low income, and will need to provide evidence that you are experiencing financial hardship. We have very limited funds, and will offer help based on your personal and financial situation.
If you are a migrant to the UKBefore you apply for Welfare Support, please prepare by taking note of the types of help available and how you will need to demonstrate your need for this support.
The Welfare Support Scheme provides B&NES residents with short-term, emergency help with living costs and can advise on other welfare benefits that you might be entitled to.
https://www.mecclink.co.uk/banes-swindon-and-wiltshire/financial-inclusion/
For more support services please click on the link below:
This is a Healthy Lifestyle Service programme of courses that work with parents and carers to improve the diet of children and young people up to the age of 17 years old.
Who is this service for?
Our service targets families in the areas of the highest health need who are either registered with a GP, or who live or work within Bath and North East Somerset.
Food and Health Courses for Families: https://bathneshealthandcare.nhs.uk/wellness/food-and-health-courses-for-families/
The Community Wellbeing Hub: https://communitywellbeinghub.co.uk/
Information on healthy eating: https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/services/environment/sustainability/local-food/healthy-and-sustainable-diets
Weight management services for adults: https://bathneshealthandcare.nhs.uk/wellness/slimming-on-referral/
Weight management services for children: https://bathneshealthandcare.nhs.uk/childrens/childrens-weight-management/
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/
Find services and groups that can help with housing: https://livewell.bathnes.gov.uk/supporting-adults-live-independent-lives/housing-options-and-support-directory
National Support Services
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.
Website: 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.
Website: 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@tide.uk.net
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:
Website: 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 - Dementia and the Herbert Protocol - North Yorkshire Police | North Yorkshire Police
Humberside Police - The Herbert Protocol | Humberside Police
Please see below for more information and contact details in your local area.
List of groups and services that can help people affected by dementia and memory loss and their carers.
Encourage them to ring:
Tel: 116 123, open 24 hours a day.
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
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
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.
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
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/
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.
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.
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/
1. Connect - With the people around you. With family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. At home, work, school or in your local community.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mental health support and information for adults.
Mental Health | Live Well in Bath & North East Somerset (bathnes.gov.uk)
Do you think you would benefit from some further support to spend more time in Nature and Greenspaces?
Can you think of opportunities that you may have to connect with and spend time in nature? Suggestions include:
Outdoor -
Indoor -
We are lucky enough to have a wealth of greenspace in Bath & North East Somerset. From parks to nature reserves, riverside paths to woodlands all these places provide homes for nature and spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy.
https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/green-spaces-bath-north-east-somerset
“Live Well B&NES
https://livewell.bathnes.gov.uk/
Bath & North East Somerset Council's directory of organisations and services operating in Bath & North East Somerset.
The Wellbeing College
https://www.wellbeingcollegebanes.co.uk/
The Wellbeing College has online and face to face courses, some are delivered directly by the Wellbeing College and some by our 3rd sector colleagues.Community Wellbeing Hub
https://communitywellbeinghub.co.uk/
Managed by HCRG, this is your one stop shop for FREE community courses in B&NES.
The Hope Guide
bridges2wellbeing.co.uk/hope-guide
Managed by St Mungo's. the guide contains a variety of signposting information, aimed at empowering local residents by being better informed about local mental health and wellbeing opportunities, groups and services. A central place for you to access a range of services that will help you stay safe and well and improve your health and wellbeing.
If you live in Bath and North East Somerset, you can contact the Community Wellbeing Hub to talk to our friendly, caring and discreet triage team of advisors who will give the advice and support you need. The Community Wellbeing Hub, led by HCRG Care Group, is a collaboration between Bath & North East Somerset Council, HCRG Care Group, and many third sector organisation representatives. “
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.
The Community Wellbeing Hub provides a central place for you to access a range of services that will help you stay safe and well and improve your health and wellbeing.
If you live in Bath and North East Somerset, you can contact the Community Wellbeing Hub to talk to our friendly, caring and discreet triage team of advisors who will give the advice and support you need.
We offer a range of services to support you with:-
Please give us a call 0300 247 0050 and we will be happy to help you.
The Community Wellbeing Hub, led by HCRG Care Group, is a collaboration between Bath & North East Somerset Council, HCRG Care Group, and many third sector organisation representatives.
https://communitywellbeinghub.co.uk/
For more support in your area click on the link below:
Northern Gambling Service
We’re here to provide specialist addiction therapy and recovery to people affected by gambling addiction, as well as those with mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and suicidal feelings. We also provide intervention to people close to those with gambling addiction, such as family, partners, and carers.
We’re a clinical team made up of psychologists, therapists, psychiatrists, and mental health nurses. There is also access to experts by experience, who have recovered from gambling addiction. We are based in Leeds, Sunderland and Manchester
Tel: 0300 300 1490
Email: referral.ngs@nhs.net
Web: https://www.leedsandyorkpft.nhs.uk/our-services/northern-gambling-service/
BeGambleAware
The BeGambleAware website has a short series of questions you can complete if you are concerned about your gambling. This has direct link to help, support and advice about problem gambling. The National Gambling Helpline can be contact on 0808 8020 133
Web: https://www.begambleaware.org/gambling-problems/do-i-have-a-gambling-problem/
The National Gambling Helpline
Tel: 0808 8020 133
The Helpline provides confidential advice, information and emotional support throughout Great Britain to anyone experiencing problems with gambling. (Available 8am to midnight, seven days a week, 365 days a year).
The NetLine provides confidential advice, information and emotional support throughout Great Britain to anyone experiencing problems with gambling. The NetLine is an online text ‘chat’ service, where the ‘caller’ and advisor talk by typing to each other. This is offered on a one to one basis. The service can accessed via a smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop PC. As well as reading what the adviser types, the adviser can also send the caller documents and links to read later. (Available 8am to midnight, seven days a week, 365 days a year on the GamCare website).
The GamCare Forum is an online message board, providing a safe and secure space for users (who may be gamblers or their partners, friends and family) to share experiences, thoughts and feelings about problem gambling. Although the Forum is moderated by the GamCare Team, it is designed first and foremost for people to come together in similar situations, working through similar concerns and problems. (Available 24/7 via the GamCare website, 365 days a year).
We run regular sessions in the GamCare online Chatroom, where users can use live text chat to talk about issues related to problem gambling. Our Chatroom is a welcoming, friendly, safe and supportive environment. Each session is moderated by a GamCare Adviser, who is welcoming and on hand to ensure everyone is supported.
GamCare Treatment Services:
GamCare provides local services for people concerned about their own gambling and for people affected by someone else’s gambling.
People can refer themselves or be referred by another professional. Following assessment we provide individually tailored support through 1-1 sessions and groups or courses. We work holistically to enhance opportunities for people to make changes in their own gambling. We support affected others by providing a safe space for them to recognise and increase their coping skills.
GamCare Youth Services
Young people may be problem gamblers themselves or affected by another person’s gambling. Our full treatment services are offered to anyone 16 years or older, available through our regional partner networks.
Young people of any age can speak to our specially trained advisers on our helpline and net line and use our information and activities on bigdeal.org.uk
As of April 2018, GamCare will have a Youth Outreach Hub in Hull and the surrounding areas. This will offer free workshops for schools and youth groups, and free CPD training for youth-facing professionals.
Tel: 0808 8020 133
Web: https://www.bigdeal.org.uk
Youth Outreach: http://www.gamcare.org.uk/register-young-people-training
Gamblers Anonymous
Runs local support groups for people with gambling addictions and advocates the same 12-step approach to recovery as Alcoholics Anonymous. Gamblers Anonymous also offers help and support via their website, including a forum, chat room and literature. Anyone who is seeking help for gambling addiction is able to attend meetings.
Web: https://www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk/
Gam-Anon
Is an organisation dedicated to supporting the husbands, wives, partners, relatives or close friends of someone with a gambling problem who have also been affected by the problem. Like Gamblers Anonymous, meetings are held throughout the country, with online support also available.
Tel: 08700 50 88 80
Debt advice - Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice offers free, independent, confidential and impartial debt advice through their web chat service.
Tel: 0300 330 1313
Web: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money
Debt advice - Step Change Charity
StepChange Debt Remedy provides expert advice, budget support and solutions to help someone manage their debts.
Tel: 0800 138 1111, Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 8am-4pm
Web: http://www.stepchange.org
National self-exclusion schemes
New multi-operator schemes are being introduced across the five main sectors of the gambling industry to allow you to exclude yourself from each of those forms of gambling across the whole of Great Britain.
Web: http://optintoselfexclude.info/
Individual gambling sectors self-exclusion schemes
(Bookmakers, Casinos’, Bingo venues and Arcades also offer exclusion schemed for more information click the link below:
Web: https://www.begambleaware.org/stay-in-control/how-to-self-exclude/
Online sector self-exclusion and blocking software
If you want to self-exclude from an online (remote) gambling company then you will need to contact each of the companies with which you hold an account. This can usually be done on the responsible gambling pages of the website. You can also get email addresses and telephone numbers for online gambling companies that are part of the Remote Gambling Association here
If you are worried about online gambling then you can download a 'site blocker', which can block access to on line gambling sites. You can find further information on blocking software here
Gamblers Anonymous is 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.
This site offers various aids for the compulsive gambler including a forum, a chat room, literature and most importantly a meeting finder.
Meetings are the core of Gamblers Anonymous and we have meetings every day of the week throughout England, Wales and Ulster.
Adfam
Adfam is the only national charity tackling the effects of alcohol, drug use or gambling on family members and friends. We want anyone affected by someone else's drug or alcohol use or gambling problem to have the chance to benefit from healthy relationships, be part of a loving and supportive family and enjoy mental and physical wellbeing.
Our mission is to do this by:
A list of services to support you around your sexual health: https://livewell.bathnes.gov.uk/supporting-adults-live-independent-lives/health-and-wellbeing/sexual-health
Our service offers free local support to smokers aged 12 years and over through individual, face to face or telephone consultations. This support can include help to either stop smoking completely, cut down gradually prior to your quit date or cut down to reduce the harm from your smoking. When you get in touch, one of our friendly and fully trained health improvement practitioners will talk to you about your options and help you create a plan to reach your goal.
Encourage them to ring:
Tel: 116 123, open 24 hours a day.
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 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.
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 Health' section of MECC Link and can be found within the 'local support and contact details' section.
Samaritans - 24/7 listening service and suicidal support. Call: 116 123 for free from any phone or visit the website.
Bath Samaritans - Call: 0330 094 5717, open Monday 9:30am – midday, Tuesday - Thursday 9:30am – 7pm and Friday 12:30pm – 7pm or visit the website.
Shout - Text “SHOUT” to 85258. Free, confidential, 24/7 text support line in the UK, offering texters immediate support with issues such as suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, abuse, self-harm, relationship problems and bullying.
Bath Mind Breathing Space - offers a calm, non-clinical service, supporting individuals experiencing or at risk of a mental health crisis. Email: breathingspace@bathmind.org.uk or call: 01225 983130. Open 365 days a year between 5:30pm – 11:30pm. Support is available for Polish speakers as well.
Bath Mind Breathing Space for Polish Speakers - Jesli chciałbys porozmawiac z kims w jezyku polskim, zadzwon do Breathing Space. Polski pracownik oddzwoni do Ciebie w uzgodnionym terminie. Mozesz równiez wysłac do nas e-maila w jezyku polskim: breathingspace@bathmind.org.uk.
Maytree – A unique residential service for people in suicidal crisis so they can talk about their suicidal thoughts and behaviour. They offer a free 4-night, 5 day one-off stay to adults over the age of 18 from across the UK – Call: 020 7263 7070 or visit the website.
For more information please click on the link below: