MECC Link - Simple Signposting to Better Health and Wellbeing

Self-care and National Support Services

Self Care

• Compare different electricity/gas deals by using a OFGEM 'Confidence Code Accreditation' price comparison service

• The Citizen Advice Guide has a useful guide on 'How to Compare Energy Tariffs'

• You can get help and advice on how you could benefit from heating and insulation measures from the Energy Advice Service on 0300 1231234  

• Your energy supplier may provide a service called the 'Warm Home Discount scheme' which pays £140 either to your electricity account or vouchers to top up your electricity meter.  You will need to contact your electricity supplier to see if you meet their eligibility criteria

• People aged 60 or over, disabled people or those who suffer from a chronic illness, are entitled to a range of services, by signing up for free to their energy suppliers Priority Service Register.  The Priority Service Register has also been recently extended to include:
  • Customers with certain mental health conditions which impact on them understanding their bill
  • Customers who cannot top up their pre-payment meter due to injury
  • Temporary circumstances where a customer needs extra support for a limited amount of time
  • Details of how to join can be found on the reverse of your energy bill

• If you don't know who your current gas and electricity supplier is, this can be checked by contacting:
  • For Gas - Meter Point Reference Line - 0870 6081524
  • For Electricity - Northern Powergrid - 0845 0707172

• Better Homes Yorkshire on 0808 1592909 has been created to help residents across Yorkshire pay less for energy and live in healthier, warmer homes. Residents in participating Local Authority area will be able to take advantage of the latest Government funded options to make efficiency improvement works to their homes, this is open to homeowners, private tenants and landlords in the following councils: Leeds, Bradford, Kirklees, Calderdale, Barnsley, Wakefield, York, Craven, Harrogate and Selby

• If you are experiencing difficulties paying your gas/or electricity bill or have an energy debt then you should contact your supplier in the first instance.  Other impartial advice is available from the National debtline 0808 808 4000 or from the StepChange debt Charity 0800 138 1111.

Preparing for Colder Weather

• From keeping your house warm to protecting yourself from common ailments, find out how to stay healthy this winter on NHS Choices.
  

Local Support Services

North Lincolnshire Council

Affordable warmth assistance for vulnerable households and details of how to improve energy efficiency within the home, contact North Lincolnshire Council Home Assistance Team.

Tel: 01724 297000 

Web: North Lincolnshire Council | Housing standards, improvements, grants and loans - North Lincolnshire Council (northlincs.gov.uk)

Email: housing@northlincs.gov.uk 

Age UK Lindsey

Information and advice for older people on affordable warmth options as well as local schemes when available to provide practical support, home visiting benefits advice service to increase income for over 65's. Handy person service to support fitting energy efficient measures.

Tel: 01507 524242

Web: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/lindsey/ 

Lincs 4 Warmer HomesLincs 4 Warmer Homes is Greater Lincolnshire’s partnership scheme between local authorities across the region, offering energy efficiency improvements and advice. A government funded scheme to help replace existing inefficient boilers or insulation in the home, for this service - please complete the Lincs 4 Warmer Homes enquiry form via the on-line mechanism.

Web: Lincs 4 Warmer Homes - NELC | NELC (nelincs.gov.uk) 

 

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
• Download the 'One You' drinks tracker makes it easy to keep an eye on the booze and take control with daily tips and feedback) available on itunes or google play
• Get further information from NHS Choices www.nhs.uk

SELF CARE 

Further tips on cutting down

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

DELTA

Young People's drug and alcohol treatment/advice for under 19s 

Tel: 01724 298528

North Lincolnshire Healthy Lifestyle Service

A team of friendly and knowledgeable Healthy Lifestyle Facilitators will support groups of people wanting to focus on the following:

• Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight 
• Stopping smoking 
• Reducing alcohol use 
• Being more physically active 
• Increasing wellbeing, including mental and emotional health 
• Training around health and wellbeing for those people who are interested in becoming trained as health champions
• Signposting to wider local supporting services

Tel: 01724 298212

Web: http://www.northlincs.gov.uk/healthylifestyleservice

Email: nlc.healthylifestyles@nhs.net

We Are With You

We are with you – have continued to support current and new service users throughout the pandemic situation and have put measures in place to extend the support offered by increased telephone and on-line support mechanisms, in addition to in-person appointments. They provide a free, confidential service with trained staff to support with your own goals, whether that’s cutting down your drug or alcohol use, stopping completely or just getting a bit of advice.

This service is for you if you’re, 18 or over, living in North Lincolnshire, worried about your own drug or alcohol use or someone else’s. 

Tel: 08081 430640 

Web: North Lincolnshire - With You (wearewithyou.org.uk)

Address: 189-198 High Street, Scunthorpe, DN15 6EA

 

Self-care and National Support Services

Everyone aged 30 and over can get the COVID-19 vaccine (Correct as of the 25th May 2021)

You can book appointments at a larger vaccination centre or pharmacy now, or wait to be invited to go to a local NHS service.

Book your COVID-19 vaccination appointments

Reassure them their GP Practice will be in touch when their vaccine is available

Ask if they have any access needs in order to take up the vaccine – from appointments in accessible format and follow up reminder and reassurance calls, to provision of wheelchairs accessible transport, to having facilities for guide dogs.

Agree to speak again

Signpost them to reliable information:

• COVID-19 vaccine information - NHS
• COVID-19 information and extensive commonly asked questions sections – British Society for Immunology
• COVID-19 Vaccine Misinformation Toolkit - DCMS
• COVID-19: Vaccination programme FAQ explainer videos - PHE - COVID-19 FAQ explainer videos to answer the frequently asked questions about the types of vaccines including eligibility, safety, at-risk groups, rollout, intervals, common side effects, importance of two doses, who needs the vaccine and many more.

More useful resources to support your conversations:

• COVID-19 Resource centre - PHE
• Easy read – A guide to your COVID-19 vaccination for people with a learning disability and their carers - PHE
• COVID-19 vaccination: guide for older adults – available in multiple languages - PHE
• COVID-19 vaccination: guide for healthcare workers – available in multiple languages - PHE
• COVID-19 vaccination: a guide for social care staff – available in multiple languages - PHE
• Video of Dr Vanessa Apea discussing building trust within BAME communities – Barts Health Trust
• COVID-19 Vaccine information sheet for pregnant women - Royal College Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
• Young People’s Engagement Toolkit – Hackney council
• Young People’s Engagement Toolkit animation – Hackney council
• COVID-19 vaccination: British Sign Language resources - PHE

Further information relating to fertility:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-vaccine/

For the latest information, check out:

• COVID-19 vaccination: a guide for all women of childbearing age, pregnant or breastfeeding – Public Health England
• COVID-19 vaccines, pregnancy and breastfeeding – Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
• Information sheet and decision aid for pregnant women – Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
• COVID-19 vaccines and fertility – British Fertility Society
• Covid: Claims vaccinations harm fertility unfounded - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-56012529 

Local Support Services

Covid-19 Vaccination Programme - What you need to know

Vaccines are the way out of this pandemic. An effective vaccine is the best way to protect people from coronavirus. Following extensive trials, safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines have been approved in the UK and the NHS COVID-19 vaccination programme has started.

Web: COVID-19 vaccination programme – what you need to know - NHS North Lincolnshire CCG 

Self-care and National Support Services

National Support Services

Dementia Connect 

Dementia Connect, Alzheimer's Society's dementia support service, is free, easy to access, and puts you in touch with the right support. From local help to phone and online advice. 

Alzheimer’s Society’s dementia advisers can support you directly by phone or face to face, as well as connect you to a range of local services.

Web: Dementia Connect for healthcare professionals | Alzheimer's Society (alzheimers.org.uk)

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. 

Web: 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.

Web: 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:

• don’t smoke
• keep cholesterol and blood pressure under control
• be active and exercise regularly
• maintain a healthy weight
• eat a healthy balanced diet
• drink fewer than 14 units of alcohol per week.

Web: 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. 

Local Support Services

Alzheimer’s Society in North & North East Lincolnshire

Services are available to anyone with a diagnosis of dementia, their carers, family, friends and supporters. The service offers Dementia Advice & Support, Carer Information & Support Programme (CrISP), Memory cafés and local activities.

For more information on any of the above, or to make referrals for both North and North East Lincolnshire, please contact: 

Tel: 01472 359247 

Web: Dementia Adviser North East Lincolnshire | Alzheimer's Society (alzheimers.org.uk) 

E-mail: Referrals_NELincs@alzheimers.org.uk 

Address: 17A Wootton Rd, Grimsby DN33 1HE

Community Hubs

Make it easier for residents to access information, advice and support and participate in activities to improve their health and wellbeing. Open to everyone, the hub spaces are a central point in the community with support and activities for all; young and old. They also are vital source of advice and support for vulnerable adults in North Lincolnshire. Community Hubs are located across North Lincolnshire within central and accessible locations in Scunthorpe, Brigg, Barton, Crowle, Epworth, Ashby & Riddings.

If you are feeling lonely or isolated, then please feel free to contact your local community hub on the phone numbers below. Or just drop in and say hello. You will always be given a warm welcome.

Tel:

Barton and Winterton – 01652 632511

Brigg and Broughton – 01652 653384

Scunthorpe –  01724 296759

Epworth and Crowle – 01724 296850

Web: North Lincolnshire Council | Community hubs - North Lincolnshire Council (northlincs.gov.uk) 

The Adult Information Service (AIS)

The Adult Information Service (AIS) provides free, impartial information and guidance on services, activities and what’s on for adults across North Lincolnshire. They aim to provide an efficient, accessible information service to support adults, carers and their families in North Lincolnshire. 

Tel: 01724 297000

Web: North Lincolnshire Council | Adult Information Service - North Lincolnshire Council (northlincs.gov.uk) 

Email: ais@northlincs.gov.uk

The Carer's Support Service, North Lincolnshire

The North Lincolnshire Carers’ Support Service works with carers to ensure they receive the right support and information at the right time, enabling them to continue looking after members of their family, friends and neighbours.

Tel: 01652 650585

Web: Carers Support Service North Lincolnshire – The Carer Support Centre Site for North Lincolnshire (carerssupportcentre.com) 

Email: info@carerssupportcentre.com 

North Lincolnshire Council

The North Lincolnshire Council 'Caring for someone,' webpages feature further information for carers on how to access options such as the family carer team, respite care or a carers' need assessment. 

Tel: 01724 298393

Web: North Lincolnshire Council | Caring for someone - North Lincolnshire Council (northlincs.gov.uk) 

Email: familycarerteam@northlincs.gov.uk

Family Carer Team

The Family Carer Team North Lincolnshire Adult Services.
Primary focus is on the needs of the carer, keeping them well and enabling them to live their life while undertaking a caring role. The team will be able to support carers with the following: Carer’s Needs Assessment, Carer’s Reviews, Carer Break Funding, Information and advice, Signposting and referral to other services, Listening ear & Emergency planning.

Tel: 01724 298393

Web: North Lincolnshire Council | Caring for someone - North Lincolnshire Council (northlincs.gov.uk) 

Email: familycarerteam@northlincs.gov.uk

North Lincolnshire Council Adults Services

North Lincolnshire Council Adults’ Services section of the website features lots of useful information and advice on staying independent, support in your community, support for carers, activities and groups for you to get involved in and general information on care and support. You will also find online assessment forms for your care needs, carer’s needs and financial assessment forms.

Web: North Lincolnshire Council | People, health and care - North Lincolnshire Council (northlincs.gov.uk)

North Lincolnshire Dementia Action Alliance 

A voluntary group made up of representatives from the private, public and charity sectors with aim to make North Lincolnshire a dementia friendly place to live. 

Tel: 01724 298802

Web: North Lincolnshire Dementia Action Alliance

Email: Helen.wright@ongo.co.uk

Humberside Police - Herbert Protocol

The Herbert Protocol is an initiative that the Police and other agencies use which encourages carers to compile useful information which could be used in the event of a vulnerable person going missing.

Carers, family members and friends can complete, in advance, a form recording all vital details, such as medication required, mobile numbers, places previously located, a photograph etc.  In the event of your family member or friend going missing, the form can be easily sent or handed to the police to reduce the time taken in gathering this information.

Web: The Herbert Protocol | Humberside Police 

 

 

 

Self-care and National Support Services

Self Care

There is a wealth of information and ways to prevent falls on the following websites

• Saga - Discover ways to stay fit at https://www.saga.co.uk/magazine/health-wellbeing/wellbeing/falls-guide

• Age Uk - Information on falls prevention, exercise classes and handyman services in some areas.  Call free on 0800 169 6565 or see https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/fitness/falls-prevention/

• The effective assessment of an individual’s risk of a fall would be a multifactorial intervention considering falls history, visual impairment etc. This assessment would enable the referral of an individual to effective interventions targeted at specific risk factors

• Your GP may carry out some simple tests to check your balance. They can also review any medicines you're taking, in case their side effects may increase your risk of falling. Your GP may also recommend:
  • having a sight test if you're having problems with your vision, even if you already wear glasses 
  • having an electrocardiogram (ECG) and checking your blood pressure while lying and standing
  • requesting a home hazard assessment, where a healthcare professional visits your home to identify potential hazards and offer
  • advice doing exercises to improve your strength and balance (try some exercises for older people)

• NHS Choices - Find this leaflet and other resources at https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/keep-your-bones-strong-over-65/

Local Support Services

North Lincolnshire Council

'Active Ageing' - A programme that offers a 'gentler' less strenuous approach to exercise.

Tel: 01724 297270

Age UK - Lindsey

Activities for older people to support balance including games group and mobility aids for sale or to hire at Lifestyle Centre. Foot care service also available in Centre.

Tel: 01724 849819

Web: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/lindsey/

Address: 34a Crosby Road,

Scunthorpe,

DN15 6SF

North Lincolnshire Council – Staying independent webpages 

The North Lincolnshire Council staying independent webpages have really useful information on a range of topics associated to maintaining independence and functional health and fitness such as: Adaptations, Falls Prevention, Home Care, Telecare/Care Call & Handy Person Service. 

Web: North Lincolnshire Council | Staying independent - North Lincolnshire Council (northlincs.gov.uk)

Occupational therapist home adaptations  / falls prevention 

For help on how to be referred contact your nearest Network Team directly:

Scunthorpe West Network Team
(anything North of Queensway, including Frodingham Road and the Isle of Axholme)

Tel: 03033 306802

Scunthorpe South Network Team

(anything South of Queensway, up to Messingham and everything in-between including Kirton Lindsey and Hibaldstow)

Tel: 03033 306804

East Network Team (Broughton to Killingholme and everything in-between)

Tel: 01724 298180

Self-care and National Support Services

Self Care

• The Public Health England 'One You' Website contains a wealth of information on different food choices and healthy recipes

• Visit the healthy eating page on the 'Change for Life' website which has loads of great information about food and drink swaps for a healthier diet.

• Try the new 'Be Food Smart app'! See how much sugar, sat fat and salt is really inside your food and drink - just by scanning the barcode from your mobile phone, Android and Iphone Apps available.

• Visit the recipes page on 'Change for Life' has a  extensive list of recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner and lunchboxes!

• NHS Choices has a useful list of tips on how to add your 5 a day into your daily meals

 

Local Support Services

Healthy Lifestyle Facilitators

A team of friendly and knowledgeable Healthy Lifestyle Facilitators will support groups of people wanting to focus on the following:

Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight
Stopping smoking
Reducing alcohol use
Being more physically active
Increasing wellbeing, including mental and emotional health
Training around health and wellbeing for those people who are interested in becoming trained as health champions
Signposting to wider local supporting services

Tel: 01724 298212

Email: nlc.healthylifestyles@nhs.net
Web: http://www.northlincs.gov.uk/healthylifestyleservice

Get Going 

 A FREE healthy lifestyle programme for young people aged 4-16 years old above a healthy weight.

Tel: 07702 275246 

Email:  nlccg.getgoing@nhs.net

Self-care and National Support Services

Give reassurances that there are lots of sources of support

If you are worried that this person is in crisis, please see section for Suicide Prevention

 If no immediate risk take the following steps:

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

SELF CARE 

• Encourage the person to contact their GP. Their GP will be able support the person in many ways

• Mind 'The charity for better mental health' has an extensive range of self help resources available

• The NHS have has a range of self-help tools available

• Andy's Man Club provides a weekly talking group, a place for men to come together in a safe environment to talk about issues/problems they be have faced or currently been facing.  Meetings take place regularly in different locations across the region, where applicable these can be found in the local support and contact details section.
• 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.  They talk through any issue with you and offer support, advice and signposting.

Coronavirus (Covid-19) and your mental wellbeing

Information and Support from the Mental Health Charity Mind.   You might be worried about coronavirus (also known as COVID-19) and how it could affect your life. This may include being asked to stay at home or avoid other people. 

This might feel difficult or stressful. But there are lots of things you can try that could help your wellbeing.

Website:  https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/#collapse28d18

Every Mind Matters

‘Every Mind Matters’ is the first national mental health campaign from Public Health England

• It’s an NHS-approved digital hub full of expert advice and practical tips to achieve good mental health
• It also has a free NHS-approved online tool - ‘Your Mind Plan’ to help us:
• deal with stress
• boost our mood
• improve our sleep
• feel more in control.

Search online for 'Every Mind Matters'

https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/

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.

Support Services - 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.

Tel: 0800 138 1619

Web: https://www.combatstress.org.uk/help-you

Support Services - Perinatal

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/

Support Services - Carers

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.

Support Services - Children and Young People

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. 

• Tel: 0808 0808 4994 (Freephone)
• Web: http://www.themix.org.uk/

For 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.

Web: https://youngminds.org.uk/

Talk about the Five Ways to Wellbeing.  The mental health equivalent to the dietary advice to have ‘5 a day’ fruit and vegetables for physical health.

1. Connect - With the people around you. With family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. At home, work, school or in your local community.

• As being well connected is good for your mental wellbeing… Is there anything you could be doing more of?
• Can you think of connections that you would like to make or remake?

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.

• What activities do you engage in on a regular basis? How would I like to develop this?
• Are there any minor adjustments you can make in your life that can help you to be more active?

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. 

• How can you practice slowing down and pausing more often?
• What difference will incorporating this into your daily life make?

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. 

• What would you like to learn about? What interests you? What do you value? What would you find useful?
• What do you need to do to make learning something you look forward to?

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. 

• Do you notice what it’s like for you when you give to others?
• What else could you give others that you hadn’t thought of before?

Local Support Services

In an emergency or if someone is in immediate risk of serious harm or injury contact the emergency services. Telephone 999.

Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) Services

The Talking Shop - (Self Referral or via GP)

The Talking Shop in Scunthorpe offers a drop-in advice and psychological therapy shop’s which give people the opportunity to browse information on mental health issues and gain knowledge about the therapies offered by the Trust.

Tel: 01724 867297

Web: http://www.talkingsense.org/

North Lincolnshire Healthy Lifestyle Service

A team of friendly and knowledgeable Healthy Lifestyle Facilitators will support groups of people wanting to focus on the following:

• Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight 
• Stopping smoking 
• Reducing alcohol use 
• Being more physically active 
• Increasing wellbeing, including mental and emotional health 
• Training around health and wellbeing for those people who are interested in becoming trained as health champions
• Signposting to wider local supporting services

Tel: 01724 298212

Email: nlc.healthylifestyles@nhs.net
Web: http://www.northlincs.gov.uk/healthylifestyleservice

Network Café

The Network Café (part of the Community Mental Health Social Work Team) is holding drop-in sessions for anyone requiring help with mental health issues and social problems. To find out where your nearest drop-in is held, contact Sandra Jackson or Karen McLaughlin.

Tel: 01724 296633

Self-care and National Support Services

 Self Care

• If you don't do anything, do something. if exercise didn’t involve a whole lot of self-motivation and actual physical activity, but instead came in a pill, it would be hailed immediately as “a wonder drug” such are the health benefits involved. 
• Public Health England's One You campaign supports adults by encouraging physical activity at a local level. A range of personalised tools are available via the How Are You online quiz, which has been completed by over 1 million people since it launched in March 2016.  
• The 'One You' Couch to 5k phone app has been designed to help get people off the couch and running in just 9 weeks.
• The 'One You' 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.  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.

Local Support Services

Walking the Way to Health:

Tel: 01724 297631 or 07717 58638 

Web: www.northlincs.gov.uk/tourism-museums-and-the-arts/enjoying-the-countryside/walks-cycle-routes/walking-to-health

Parkrun - North Lincs (Scunthorpe and Normanby Hall)

Why not join a Parkrun in North Lincolnshire? 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.

Free Breeze

Women Only Led Bike Rides and Ride Social - Free social bike rides for men and women. 
Log onto British Cycling's Lets Ride website and search for your nearest free bike ride.

Web: https://www.letsride.co.uk/

'Active Ageing' A programme that offers a 'gentler' less strenuous approach to exercise

Tel: 01724 297270

North Lincolnshire Healthy Lifestyle Service

A team of friendly and knowledgeable Healthy Lifestyle Facilitators will support groups of people wanting to focus on the following:

• Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight 
• Stopping smoking 
• Reducing alcohol use 
• Being more physically active 
• Increasing wellbeing, including mental and emotional health 
• Training around health and wellbeing for those people who are interested in becoming trained as health champions
• Signposting to wider local supporting services

Tel: 01724 298212

Email: nlc.healthylifestyles@nhs.net
Web: http://www.northlincs.gov.uk/healthylifestyleservice

Age UK Lindsey

Activities for older people including Games Groups and Men in Sheds in Lifestyle Centre, 34a Crosby Road, Scunthorpe, DN15 6SF

Tel: 01724 849819

Web: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/lindsey/

'Do Something Different'

Sport, leisure and cultural sessions specifically for adults with a disability aged 16 plus

Tel: 01724 297270

 

Leisure centres http://www.northlincs.gov.uk/leisure/leisure-centres/

Self-care and National Support Services

• Problem gambling is often described as a hidden addiction and some people may have gone to great lengths to hide this. Where the person has highlighted that problem gambling may be affecting them and/or the people around them.

Give reassurances that there are lots of sources of support

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

Web: http://gamanon.org.uk/

Where the person has indicated that problem gambling may be affecting their physical and mental health and wellbeing. (This could include anxiety/depression, low mood, stress, use of alcohol as a coping mechanism etc)

• Encourage the person to contact their GP. Their GP will be able support the person in many ways whilst they seek help for any associated gambling problems.

• MECC Link has dedicated content for a range of national and local support services for Mental and Physical Health.
  • https://www.mecclink.co.uk/alcohol/
  • https://www.mecclink.co.uk/mental-wellbeing/
  • https://www.mecclink.co.uk/social-isolation-and-loneliness/

• If you believe the person is highly destressed or in crisis, consider offering details for Samaritans as a safe place to talk any time they like.
• Samaritans - (All age groups)
• Tel: 116 123, open 24 hours a day.

Where the person has indicated debt or financial concerns as an additional factor

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

 

Where the personal has indicated that they would like more information on self-exclusion from bookmakers or online gambling sites.

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

Local Support Services

Gamcare offers localised treatment via a network of partner organisations, for which Gamcare is the lead. All partners work to the same model of care and offer comparable services

Krysallis

Krysallis provide specialist counselling for problem gamblers and their families on behalf of GamCare. GamCare counselling is available to anyone who feels they have a gambling problem, and also to anyone who is affected by the impact of gambling, for example family members of gamblers. We also offer counselling for couples

Tel: 01423 857939 

Web: http://www.krysallis.org.uk/request-gamcare-counselling.html 

Self-care and National Support Services

Self Care

• For information about sexual health and contraception visit the FPA sexual health charity website www.fpa.org.uk or the sexual health pages of www.nhs.uk

• You can call the national sexual health helpline free on 0300 123 7123. Calls will be treated with sensitivity and in strict confidence. The Sexual Health Helpline is open from 9am-8pm, Monday-Friday.
  

• Posters and leaflets can be ordered through the NCSP website or more information can be found via NHS choices 

Local Support Services

Virgin Health Care

Advice and support for all STI screening and contraception needs

Tel: 0300 330 1122

Web: For information and to book appointments online www.thesexualhealthhub.co.uk

 

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

Local Support Services

North Lincolnshire Healthy Lifestyle Service

A team of friendly and knowledgeable Healthy Lifestyle Facilitators will support groups of people wanting to focus on the following:

• Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight 
• Stopping smoking 
• Reducing alcohol use 
• Being more physically active 
• Increasing wellbeing, including mental and emotional health
• Training around health and wellbeing for those people who are interested in becoming trained as health champions 
• Signposting to wider local supporting services

Tel: 01724 298212

Email: nlc.healthylifestyles@nhs.net

Web: http://www.northlincs.gov.uk/healthylifestyleservice

Self-care and National Support Services

Self Care

Although most people need some kind of social contact to maintain good mental health, everyone has different social needs. The person may be someone who is content with a few close friends, or they may need a large group of varied acquaintances to feel satisfied.

Loneliness in Older People

• The Silver Line is the only free confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people, open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.  Call 0800 470 8090.  The Silver Line can also put you in contact with community activities in your local area

• Age UK has a befriending service to support loneliness in later life, this is where a volunteer visits an older person once a week in their own home.  There is also telephone befriending Telephone befriending, where a volunteer befriender will phone an older person.

• NHS Choices has a range of advice on Loneliness including volunteering, continuing education and how to engage with social media and computers.

Loneliness in Younger People

• It is recognised that Loneliness is not something that is exclusive to older adult, indeed many younger adults in particular can experience loneliness and a recent report from the office for national statistics highlighted Britain as the loneliness capital of Europe.  

• Whilst on the outside young people can be very well connected on social media but if this replaces face-to-face contact then it can add to a feeling of loneliness.  Some people also present an idealised version of themselves online and we expect to have social lives like those portrayed in the media.

• Helplines can reduce loneliness, at least in the short term

• The Samaritans are available around the clock, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This number is FREE to call on 116 123

• Get Connected is a free confidential helpline for young people, where people can seek help with emotional and mental health issues often linked to loneliness.

• There are also support services on websites such as Mind's that can remind you you're not alone.

• It doesn’t really matter who you talk to first. Some ideas would include: a friend, family member, anonymous listening service like Nightline or the Samaritans, student union welfare rep, personal tutor, students support services staff member, counsellor, or doctor. Decide who is the best person for you to talk to first. Be realistic about what each person can offer. If it doesn’t work out, try someone else. Talk to more than one person.

Local Support Services

Age UK

Activities for older people including Men in Sheds, coffee mornings, lunch clubs and games groups at Lifestyle Centre, 34a Crosby Road, Scunthorpe, DN15 6SF. Wheelchair accessible Community Transport Service (email transport@ageuklindsey.co.uk), home visiting benefits advice service to increase income for over 65s. Free telephone befriending service

Tel: 01724 849819

Web: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/lindsey/

Men in Sheds Men's Sheds are community spaces for men to connect, converse and create,  The activities are often similar to those of garden sheds, for groups of men to enjoy together and could be woodworking, cycle repairs, gardening, furniture renovation etc, depending on what the group is interested in. They are great places to spend time with others making social connections and are supportive of people with long term health conditions. 

For more information on the location and contact details for Men's Sheds in your local area see: https://menssheds.org.uk/find-a-shed/

Self-care and National Support Services

National Support Services

NHS Stay well this Winter

Cold weather can be seriously bad for your health. That's why it's important to look after yourself, especially during the winter. If you start to feel unwell, even if it's a cough or a cold, don't wait until it gets more serious. Seek advice from your pharmacist.

Web: https://www.nhs.uk/staywell/

 

Self Care

Staying Warm

Age UK have produced a great that explains what you can do to get yourself and your home ready for winter, as well as where to go for more information and support. Download the guide from the link below

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/globalassets/age-uk/documents/information-guides/ageukig27_winter_wrapped_up_inf.pdf

Eating Well

Make sure you have hot meals and drinks regularly throughout the day to keep yourself warm, and keep active in the home if you can.

Visit NHS Choices for further ideas and information.

Wear warm clothes

Wrap up warm, inside and out. Layering clothing helps you stay warm as air is trapped between layers, keeping you insulated. Wearing layers of cotton or fleecy clothes is particularly effective.

Wear shoes with a good grip if you need to go outside and wear a hat or head scarf. If possible, stay inside during a cold spell if you have heart or respiratory problems. When indoors, wear well-fitting slippers with fleecy linings to keep your feet warm and to help prevent falls.

To keep warm when inside you could try:

• using a covered hot water bottle or electric blanket (but not at the same time!) to keep warm in bed
• wearing bed socks and warm night clothes

Keeping your home warm

Cold homes have a significant impact on your health. One of the best ways of keeping yourself well during winter is to stay warm.

If you have reduced mobility, are aged 65 or over, or have a health condition such as heart or lung disease, you should:

• heat your home to at least 18^oC
• keep your bedroom at 18^oC all night

If you're aged under 65 and healthy, you can safely heat your home to cooler than 18^oC as long as you're comfortable.

Reducing fuel bills

See more about affordable warmth

Cold weather benefits

Winter Fuel Payment

If you were born on or before 5 November 1953 you could get between £100 and £300 to help you pay your heating bills. You usually get a winter fuel payment automatically if you are eligible.

Web:

Warm Home Discount Scheme

You could get £140 off your electricity bill if you either receive the guarantee credit element of pension credit, or
you’re on a low income and meet your energy supplier’s criteria for the scheme

Cold Weather Payment

You may get a cold weather payment if you’re getting certain benefits. You’ll get a payment if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees celsius or below for 7 consecutive days. You’ll get £25 for each 7 day period of very cold weather between 1 November and 31 March.

Staying Safe

Prevent falls in winter weather

One of the biggest risks from wintry weather is falling, particularly among older adults. Icy conditions make it harder to stay on your feet, and the cold may cause us to limit our activity, which can lead to loss of strength and balance.

• Here are some tips to help prevent falls:
• Wrap up to stay warm but make sure you can see in all directions and move easily and freely.
• Wear sturdy shoes or boots with treads, even if you're just going out to get the newspaper.
• Do some light stretching before you venture out; it will make you physically more able to prevent a fall.
• Avoid walking on surfaces that may be icy if you can. If you can't, slow down, shorten your stride, walk with feet pointed out slightly and knees gently bent to improve grip and balance.
• Snow can hide curbs and uneven surfaces. If you can't see where your foot will land, find another way.
• Replace worn rubber ferrules on walking sticks, walking frames and crutches but remember that brakes on wheeled walkers may not be as effective on icy pavements so avoid unsalted ramps and slopes.
• Dry off shoes, sticks, crutches and walking frames as soon as you get indoors. Wet shoes on dry surfaces are just as dangerous as dry shoes on wet surfaces.
• Carry a cleaning cloth and stop immediately to clean your glasses if they fog up going from outdoors to indoors.
• Ask shops and your local council about options that might make it safer for you when conditions are bad e.g. delivering to your home or collecting the bin from beside your house instead of the end of your drive
• When in doubt, don't risk it. Ask for help if you don't feel safe doing something.

Local Support Services

Look after yourself and others this winter

Web: https://www.northlincs.gov.uk/look-after-yourself-and-others-this-winter/

Self-care and National Support Services

If you’re worried that someone is at immediate risk of taking their own life then phone 999, you should stay with that person until help arrives. Do not put your own safety at risk by getting physically involved.

 If no immediate risk take the following steps:

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

Other options include:

• contact their GP for an emergency appointment or call the out of hours service.
• call their Mental Health worker, if they have one.
• call their social worker or key worker, if they have one 
• encourage to re-engage with mental health services if already engaged
• go through their Safety Plan with them

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.

A person may not be suicidal but you may still be concerned

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. 

 

SELF CARE

• Hub of Hope - Postcode based directory of services

• Mind 'The charity for better mental health' has an extensive range of self help resources available
• The NHS have has a range of self-help tools available

• Andy's Man Club provides a weekly talking groups, a place for men to come together in a safe environment to talk about issues/problems they be have faced or currently been facing.  Meeting take place throughout Yorkshire and the Humber

• A range of self-help guides can be accessed from this Mental Health in Manchester website

• A range of self-help techniques is available on the MindWell Leeds website, these include:
  
  • Stress
  • Anxiety 
  • Depression
  • Sleep
  • Self Harm
  • Having a baby

Local Support Services

If you become aware that someone has suicidal thoughts and is about to act on them contact the emergency services. Telephone 999. Stay with that person until help arrives. Do not put your own safety at risk by getting physically involved.

Samaritans Scunthorpe

Tel: 01724 860 000 (local call charges apply) / 116 123 (this number is free to call)

Email: jo@samaritans.org

Website: https://www.samaritans.org/branches/scunthorpe-samaritans

Visit our branch:

Lyndum House
2 Lindum Street
Scunthorpe
North Lincolnshire
DN15 6QU

Usual hours open to receive callers at the door:
You can call in to talk to a trained volunteer whenever our visitors door is open. Ring the doorbell and we will answer asap:

Monday - 1.30pm - 4.00pm and 7.30pm - 10.00pm
Tuesday - 1.30pm - 10.00pm
Wednesday - 1.30pm - 10.00pm
Thursday - 7.30pm - 10.00pm
Friday - 1.30pm - 4.00pm and 7.30pm - 10.00pm
Sunday - 1.30pm - 4.00pm