Simple Signposting to Better Health and Wellbeing
Kensington and Chelsea
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
The Alcohol Service
The Alcohol Service provides support to anyone affected by alcohol use. They will work together with you to create a support plan to help you achieve your goals, meeting at a convenient venue for you, such as your local GP practice. Whether you are looking to stop drinking or cut down, or you have issues with the drinking behaviour of someone close to you, the Alcohol Service can support you to make changes and improve your lifestyle.
Telephone: 0800 0147 440
The Drugs and Alcohol Wellbeing Service (DAWS)
We're here to help you to address your drug and/or alcohol use, through one to one or group sessions. We can support you to quit, cut down, or manage your drinking or drug use: what happens is up to you.
Website: http://wellbeing.turning-point.co.uk/centrallondon/
Telephone: 0330 303 8080
The Club Drug Clinic (CDC)
The Club Drug Clinic is delivered through Central and North West London Mental Health Trust (CNWL) and is focussed on delivering specialised harm reduction and treatment services to residents who are using novel psychoactive substances problematically, have linked physical or psychological health problems, or who need formal treatment interventions to resolve their addiction.
Confidential advice line: 020 3315 6111
Email: clubdrugclinic.cnwl@nhs.net
Insight
Insight KC offers a free, friendly and confidential support service to young people living in Kensington and Chelsea aged between 12 and 25 with or affected by drug or alcohol issues as well as providing a stop smoking service.
Website: https://insightyoungpeople.org.uk/
Call us: 020 8960 5510
Text us: 07833074581
Email: insight@blenheimcdp.org.uk
Address: 51 Golborne Road, Ladbroke Grove, London, W10 5NR.
The School Health Service
The School Health service provides specialist public health nursing, advice, support and health promotion activities to school-age children and young people within state funded schools to promote their health and wellbeing
Duty Desk: 020 3317 4460
Email: cnw-tr.kandcshs.cnwl@nhs.net
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
https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/cost-living-support-hub
Mayor of London - Borough Support
This Hub contains information about benefits, grants and discounts you can get if you are in financial difficulty, from the Mayor of London, the government, your local council, charities and advice centres.
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
One You Kensington and Chelsea
Contact ONE YOU Kensington and Chelsea to start your journey to better health today and to learn how to make small changes to your lifestyle that can have a big benefit to your health. Your journey will start with a tailored health assessment with your own personal health adviser to look at your individual needs.
From there you will have the option to join our range of FREE healthy lifestyle interventions:
- Weight management: healthy eating, different forms of physical activity, food labels and fats, etc.
- Workshops: cook and eat, mindfulness, stress, resilience, and others.
- Virtual Gym: exercise classes for all levels available from the comfort of your own home.
We have a 10-week Weight Management course specifically aimed to help residents of Kensington and Chelsea.
We have also adapted our Programme to be delivered through virtual sessions and adviser’s support over the phone, in keeping with social distancing regulations.
Call us: 020 3434 2500
Fill in the quick referral form: OYBB Referral Form
Email us: hello@oneyoukensingtonandchelsea.org.uk
Visit our website: www.oneyou.rbkc.gov.uk/
Change4Life Kensington and Chelsea - Young People
Change4Life Kensington and Chelsea encourages and supports children, young people and families across Kensington and Chelsea to make healthy lifestyle choices. A new local service will be available for families from April 2020. In the meantime contact the School Health service.
The School Health service provides specialist public health nursing, advice, support and health promotion activities to school-age children and young people within state funded schools to promote their health and wellbeing.
Website: https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/public-health-services/change4life
Duty Desk Kensington & Chelsea: 020 3317 4460
Telephone: 020 7361 3000
Email: cnw-tr.kandcshs.cnwl@nhs.net
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
Help with homelessness | Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (rbkc.gov.uk)
In addition to the persons written or verbal consent, try to gather the following information to include on the duty to refer form.
- Person’s name
- Contact details – include a mobile phone number
- Address (if any)
- Household members / Next of Kin – if known
- Any other support needs, health issues or vulnerabilities
While someone can apply to any local authority, they should be made aware that the local authority might refer them to another local authority if they do not have a local connection to the area where they are applying for assistance. Local authorities should not refuse to accept a homeless application because a person does not have a local connection and must still provide emergency accommodation if the person is vulnerable or has significant health and social support needs.
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.
We would really value your feedback on this resource.
To provide feedback, please email LondonDampandMould@dhsc.gov.uk
Local Support Services
https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/housing
Mayor of London - Borough Support
The Mayor of London is funding free local advice services for vulnerable Londoners and those on low incomes: Warmer Homes Advice Service in your borough
If a tenant is concerned about a private landlord, they can consider reporting them through the GLA’s rogue landlord process.
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
CNWL Mental Health Crises Team
Central and North West London Mental Health Trust’s Single Point of Access is for referrals to secondary mental health services and support in a mental health crisis for Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster.
The team takes referrals from :
- GPs
- statutory services such as the Police or the London Ambulance services.
Non-statutory services such as housing associations, as well as other professionals can contact SPA for advice in relation to mental health support and signposting information for people that they are concerned about. People can make enquiries on behalf of a family member or friend, or for themselves.
Telephone: 0800 0234 650 (available 24/7)
Website: https://www.cnwl.nhs.uk/services/mental-health-services/adult-and-older-adult/single-point-access
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
Community Living Well
Community Living Well offers a range of services to support your social wellbeing, physical and mental health needs including access to psychological therapies. The easiest way to get in touch is via the online referral form on the website. Community Living Well is not a crisis service.
Website: https://communitylivingwell.co.uk/
Telephone: 020 3317 4200
Email: cnw-tr.clw@nhs.net
Address: Find your nearest location here.
Kooth - Young People
Kooth provide free, safe and anonymous online counselling support for young people aged 11 to 18.
The School Health service provides specialist public health nursing, advice, support and health promotion activities to school-age children and young people within state funded schools to promote their health and wellbeing.
Website: https://www.kooth.com/
Telephone: 020 3317 4460
Email: cnw-tr.kandcshs.cnwl@nhs.net
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
One You Kensington and Chelsea
ONE YOU Kensington and Chelsea has lots of resources and services to help you move more everyday including Apps, advice and personalised plans to help you achieve your exercise goals.
We have developed a virtual gym ‘The Other Room Gym’ where you will access exercise classes at any time, from the comfort of your home. You will find a variety of classes from yoga, pilates, chair-based exercises all the way up to high intensity interval training. There is a range of different levels to suit all abilities.
Access is FREE for residents of Kensington and Chelsea when you register for our Healthy Lifestyle or Stop Smoking Programme.
Call us: 020 3434 2500
Fill in the quick referral form: OYBB Referral Form
Email us: hello@oneyoukensingtonandchelsea.org.uk
Visit our website: www.oneyou.rbkc.gov.uk/
Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Sport and Physical Activity - Young People
Information on local clubs and activities.
Website: https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/sports-clubs-directory
Telephone: 020 7361 3000
Address: Town Hall, Hornton Street, W8 7NX.
The School Health service
The School Health service provides specialist public health nursing, advice, support and health promotion activities to school-age children and young people within state funded schools to promote their health and wellbeing.
Duty Desk Kensington & Chelsea: 020 3317 4460
Email: cnw-tr.kandcshs.cnwl@nhs.net
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
Online Services
Anyone aged over 16 can register with Sexual Health London for this free, confidential, and discrete sexual health service. Once registered, the service can issue an STI testing kit for people with mild or no symptoms, they can be posted to their home or collected from a clinic. Users take their own samples and post the kit back to the laboratory. Test results are available a few days later and telephone support is provided.
This service requires registering online and is best accessed via a mobile phone for confidentiality, so do encourage the person you are talking with to register.
Specialist Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinics
People who are aged under 16 years and people with serious symptoms that could indicate a sexually transmitted infection are advised to contact a face-to-face clinic. These clinics can also provide a wide range of contraception including Long-Acting Reversible Methods e.g. coils and implants.
Click here to find a clinic via Sexual Health London
HIV prevention and outreach
Do It London provides highly effective treatment and prevention strategies for HIV. The London HIV Prevention Programme hosts information and resources about U=U, PrEP, condoms and a range of HIV testing services across London.
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.
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
One You Kensington and Chelsea
ONE YOU Kensington and Chelsea offers a tailored 1 to 1 stop smoking support for all residents of Kensington and Chelsea.
The programme is free and includes 12 weeks’ worth of nicotine replacement therapy (free or a one-off payment if you pay for prescriptions) and 6 sessions of 1 to 1 support with our experienced and specially trained advisors.
We have also adapted our Programme, so our adviser’s support is delivered over the phone or virtual sessions, in keeping with social distancing regulations.
Call us: 020 3434 2500
Fill in the quick referral form: OYBB Referral Form
Email us: hello@oneyoukensingtonandchelsea.org.uk
Visit our website: www.oneyou.rbkc.gov.uk/stop-smoking-support
Insight
Insight KC offers a free, friendly and confidential support service to young people living in Kensington and Chelsea aged between 12 and 25 with or affected by drug or alcohol issues as well as providing a stop smoking service.
Website: https://insightyoungpeople.org.uk/
Call us: 020 8960 5510
Text us: 07833074581
Email: insight@blenheimcdp.org.uk
Address: 51 Golborne Road, Ladbroke Grove, London, W10 5NR.
The School Health Service
The School Health Service provides specialist public health nursing, advice, support and health promotion activities to school-age children and young people within state funded schools to promote their health and wellbeing.
Duty Desk: 020 3317 4460
Email: cnw-tr.kandcshs.cnwl@nhs.net
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
Website: https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19
Telephone: 020 7361 4326 (9am-5pm, 7 days a week)
Email: C19Hub@rbkc.gov.uk
General enquiries: covid-19enquiry@rbkc.gov.uk