Simple Signposting to Better Health and Wellbeing
North Yorkshire
Self-care and National Support Services
Self Care
Register for priority service from your energy supplier
You might be able to get extra support from your energy supplier by signing up to the priority services register if you:
- are disabled or seriously ill
- are recovering from an injury
- have mental health problems
- don’t speak or read English well
- have children under 5, or are pregnant
- have reached your state pension age
- are in a vulnerable situation
Benefits of priority service can include free energy saving advice. A password protection scheme to protect you from cold-callers. Your meter moved free of charge if it’s hard for you to use or read. Bills sent to a relative, carer or friend to help you check them. You might also get advance notice if your supply is going to be interrupted, priority re-connection if your supply is interrupted. You may also get annual gas safety checks. Find out more on the Ofgem priority services register website.
To find out if you’re eligible to join the priority service register, speak to your energy supplier.
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
Energy suppliers priority service
Apply for energy bill discounts and benefits
See if you are be eligible for three heating related benefits:
- £140 discount on your energy bills with the Warm Home Discount Scheme.
This should be paid direct to you if you receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit. Energy suppliers may also offer this discount to other people who receive certain benefits, are on a low income, or are elderly. To find out if you qualify you contact your energy supplier directly. - £250 and £600 towards your energy bills with the Winter Fuel Payment. The amount you get includes a ‘Pensioner Cost of Living Payment’. This is between £150 and £300.
- Extra help if temperatures fall below a certain level with the Cold Weather Payment.
Struggling to pay for your gas and electricity?
The price of gas and electricity has increased greatly over recent weeks. If you are worrying about what to do, did you know that there is support available to help you during this time?
You can contact your supplier, to discuss ways to help pay what you may owe. This should be made affordable to you based on your budget. Your energy supplier may have support funds available.
British Gas - British Gas Energy Trust
- They offer a number of schemes to help people who are in arrears. You do not need to be a British Gas customer to apply.
Octopus Energy - Octo Assist Fund
- To apply you would need to be an Octopus Energy customer and are currently struggling with your bills.
OVO - OVO Energy Fund
- You have to either be an existing OVO customer or previous customer. This is designed for people in debt of over £150 and unable to pay their bills
Scottish Power - Scottish Power Hardship Fund
- If you are an existing customer of Scottish Power and having difficulties paying your bills you may be able to get additional support.
National Energy Action - NEA – 0800 3047159 Monday to Friday 10am to 12pm.
- A charity who specialise in assisting people with help with energy debt. Giving benefits advice and making the most of your income. Support with gas and electricity accounts including fuel debt and switching suppliers and helping with energy efficiency. They can also help you apply for trust fund money, Water rates, Warm Home Discount and Priority Services Register details.
If you need extra financial support, you can contact:
Money Advice Service - 0800 1387777
National Debtline - 0808 8084000
Citizens Advice - 0808 2231133
Step Change - 0800 1381111
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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.
- Tips for staying warm and well this winter
The UK Health Security Agency has advice on staying well in the cold weather, covering issues such as financial help, healthy lifestyle, flu jabs and heating.
- Cold Weather Alerts will keep you safe and well this winter by keeping you informed
The Cold Weather Alert operates in England from the 1 November to 31 March every year, in association with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The alerts give you advanced warning of adverse weather conditions that could have a significant effect on your health and well-being, enabling you to take extra precautions to keep safe and well. Sign up here.
Local Support Services
Warm and Well in North Yorkshire
Warm & Well in North Yorkshire raises awareness of the impact of cold homes on our health and wellbeing, offers practical solutions to reduce fuel poverty, and supports people and communities to stay warm and well in winter.
The projects services are available across the 7 districts of North Yorkshire and include:
- Practical and financial help to stay warm and well at home.
- Talks, events and training for residents and frontline workers.
- Campaigns, resources and tops tips on a wide range of winter issues.
Referrals can be made into the project if someone is living in or at risk of a cold home or fuel poverty, struggling to afford their energy bills, or worried about winter. These can be made by professionals and by individuals themselves.
Warm & Well in North Yorkshire is a partnership of organisations from across the charity, public and private sectors. For further information about the project call the helpline number below.
Tel: 01609 767555
Web: https://www.warmandwell.org.uk/
To refer yourself or someone else for support please complete this form.
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
- Cutting back on the booze can be a really effective way to improve your health, boost your energy, lose weight and save money. Any reduction in the amount you drink every week will be beneficial – and with the right help, it's easier than you think. Download the 'Drink Free Days' app to update and track your drink-free days, get simple and practical tips to help you control your drinking, receive reminders and celebrate milestones.
- 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
North Yorkshire Horizons - Adult Drug and Alcohol Service
Tel: 01723 330730
Email: info@nyhorizons.org.uk
Web: http://www.nyhorizons.org.uk/
North Yorkshire Rise
North Yorkshire based drug and alcohol support service for young people aged 10 – 19 or up to 24 with SEND and need support around drugs or alcohol, we can help.
Tel: 0800 141480 (option 2)
Self-care and National Support Services
National Support Services
Citizens Advice Bureau
Citizens Advice Bureau provides support with welfare benefits, debt management, housing, employment issues, and utility bills and more. They assist with benefit applications, challenges, and housing-related matters such as eviction prevention and tenant rights. Additionally, they offer guidance on debt management, employment rights, and energy efficiency, assisting individuals navigating complex financial and legal challenges.
Tel: 0800 144 8848
Webpages:
Benefits - Benefits - Citizens Advice
Housing - Housing - Citizens Advice
Help with debt - Help with debt - Citizens Advice
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) - Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) - Citizens Advice
Make your home more energy efficient - Make your home more energy efficient - Citizens Advice
Get help with the cost of energy efficiency - Get help with the cost of energy efficiency - Citizens Advice
Government support - GOV.uk
GOV.uk provides financial assistance and support services in the UK. This includes the administration of welfare benefits such as Universal Credit, Jobseeker's Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, and Disability Living Allowance. The platform offers information and resources for managing finances, understanding pensions, and accessing various government support programs.
Additionally, GOV.uk provides guidance on tax credits, housing benefits, and financial aid for families and individuals in specific circumstances.
Benefits: Benefits - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA): You can apply if you have a disability or health condition that affects how much you can work.
Web: Employment and Support Allowance (ESA): Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Apply for Universal Credit: Universal Credit: What Universal Credit is - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Emergency Financial Assistance: Emergency Financial Assistance (publishing.service.gov.uk)
Winter Fuel Payment:
If you were born before 25 September 1957 you could get between £250 and £600 to help you pay your heating bills.
The amount you get includes a ‘Pensioner Cost of Living Payment’. This is between £150 and £300. You’ll get this extra amount in winter 2023 to 2024. This is in addition to any other Cost of Living Payments you get with your benefit or tax credits.
Web: Winter Fuel Payment: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Department of Work and Pensions (DWP)
DWP is responsible for providing support and services related to welfare, pensions, and employment.
Financial Hardship Support:
In cases of immediate financial hardship, you may be eligible for hardship payments. Speak to the DWP or Contact your local Jobcentre for information on how to apply.
You can usually only get a hardship payment 15 days after your JSA payment was stopped.
You’ll be able to get your hardship payment straight away if you’re considered ‘vulnerable’ by the Jobcentre. This means you or your partner:
- is responsible for a child or young person
- is pregnant, disabled or a carer
- is homeless
- is under 18
- is under 21 and has recently been looked after by the local authority
- has a chronic medical condition
- has a long-term mental impairment - this includes mental health conditions (such as depression), cognitive impairments (such as dementia) and learning disabilities (such as downs syndrome)
You’ll have to show proof, for example a letter from a doctor or a benefit letter.
Benefits: Benefits - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Applying for a Discretionary Housing Payment: Applying for a Discretionary Housing Payment - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
StepChange Debt Charity
StepChange Debt Charity offers free and confidential debt advice, helping individuals create realistic budgets and negotiating with creditors to freeze additional costs. They assist in setting up Debt Management Plans for structured debt repayment. In cases of severe financial distress, StepChange provides insolvency advice. Online tools and resources, including budgeting calculators, are available. The charity emphasises ongoing support and financial education to empower individuals for a secure financial future.
StepChange Debt Charity can provide guidance if the cessation of benefits has led to financial difficulties.
Web: StepChange Debt Charity - Free Expert Debt Advice.
Life, money and budgeting: Your Personal Situation. Debt & Money Advice. StepChange
Coping with the rising cost of living
Are you struggling to pay your energy bills? If you're on a low income, find out if you're entitled to:
One-off payments to support people with the rising cost of energy bills: Coping With The Cost Of Living. Debt Advice. StepChange
Grants and funding to pay for energy bills: Grants And Funding To Pay For Energy Bills. StepChange
Government help with gas and electricity bills: Government Help With Gas & Electricity Bills. StepChange.
National Debtline
National Debtline is a debt advice charity run by the Money Advice Trust. They offer a free and confidential debt advice service. They have helped millions of people with their debts. They'll talk through options and give clear advice on how to take back control.
Tel: 0808 808 4000 or Live webchat
(Between Monday to Friday 9am-8pm and on Saturdays 9.30am-1pm)
Web: Debt advice | Free debt advice | National Debtline
Cost of living hub: Cost of living library | National Debtline
To find out more advice and information on specific topics visit the Fact Sheet Library.
Web: Fact sheet library | National Debtline
The Money Helper Service (Government backed service)
Free and impartial money advice, set up by government:
- Advice and guides to help improve your finances
- Tools and calculators to help keep track and plan ahead
- Support over the phone and online
Tel: 0800 1387777
*Calls are free. We’re committed to providing you with a quality service, so calls may be recorded or monitored for training purposes and to help us develop our services.
Web: https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en
Webchat: Got a question? We will point you in the right direction. You can start a Webchat online to talk to us live.
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 us live on WhatsApp.
- Add +44 77 0134 2744 to your WhatsApp and send us a message.
- For everything else please contact us via Webchat or phone.
Turn2us
Turn2us is a national charity offering information and practical help to people facing financial insecurity.
Apply for a charitable grant: Charitable grants can be given as money, products or services and don't have to be paid back.
Search for charitable grants Or contact Turn2us who can provide free financial advice and support to people in the UK in crisis.
Call the free helpline: 0808 802 2000 (Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 5.30pm)
The Trussell Trust
Find your local Trussell Trust food bank, their contact details and opening times.
If you're struggling to afford the essentials or need advice and support you can call one of our free helplines.
Web: Find a Food Bank - The Trussell Trust
No Recourse to Public Funds Network
Other National Support
Mental Health
Please refer to the Mental Wellbeing MECC page for further support.
Web: MECC Link
National Domestic Violence Helpline
The National Domestic Violence Helpline, established in partnership between Women's Aid and Refuge, provides immediate and confidential support to individuals facing domestic abuse in the UK. Those in need can access expert advice, emotional support, and information on available resources, guidance on safety planning, and information about local services, including refuge accommodation.
The free 24 hour helpline: 0800 9995 428
Drugs and Alcohol
For alcohol support please refer to the Alcohol MECC page for further support.
Web: MECC Link
Homelessness
Please refer to the Housing and Homelessness MECC page for further support.
Web: MECC Link
Local Support Services
'Help with the Cost of Living' websites for your Local Authority area are listed below. These provide a valuable source of information on some of more localised support arrangements for where you live.
Local Support Services
North Yorkshire Council - Cost of Living Support There are a wide variety of support schemes and organisations in North Yorkshire which may be able to help or advise if you are struggling to pay for essentials.
Web: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/cost-living-support
Financial Advice and Debt Management
Citizens Advice North Yorkshire
We provide free, confidential and impartial advice and campaign on big issues affecting people's lives. Our goal is to help everyone find a way forward, whatever problem they face.
Tel: 0808 278 7900
(Freephone)
Monday to Friday
09.00 - 17.00
Citizens Advice York - Debt Advice
If you are from the York area and are struggling with debt issues we are able to offer confidential, free and impartial advice delivered by our specialist Debt Team.
Tel: 07526 550594
Web: Debt Advice – Citizens Advice York
York Talk Money
The cost-of-living crisis has made it more important than ever to start conversations about money. Talking about money helps us to be more financially confident, resilient and face whatever the future throws at us.
Web: York Talk Money | Live Well York
The North Yorkshire Local Assistance Fund
This provides emergency financial support to those unable to meet essential living costs, such as energy bills or food. NYLAF can also make awards in kind, such as supplying basic necessities or household goods such as a fridge.
Web: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/local-assistance-fund
Responsible Lenders
Conduit York
We offer short term, personal loans that have affordable repayments. As a personal loan company, we will cover directly to you and we cover the whole of York and the surrounding areas. Our loans offer affordable repayments and have no hidden charges or fees.
Tel: 0300 111 0556
Email: loans@conduit.org.uk
Web: Short Term Loans York – Conduit
Help with Household Bills
City of York Council - Help with utility bills
Web: Help with utility bills – City of York Council
Help with Food
City of York Council
If you're struggling to pay for food, free independent advice and support about social welfare issues is available for all residents, covering benefits, debts and employment.
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)
Dementia Toolkit
This set of resources is based on research, and the expert experiences of people with dementia and their carers.
Web: Living with Dementia Toolkit
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@tidecarers.org.uk
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 - People with dementia at risk of going missing (Herbert Protocol) | 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
An experienced and established team supporting people with dementia and those who care for them through a range of services. We can support you whether you have a diagnosis, are worried about memory problems or care for someone affected by dementia.
This service is available to people with dementia and carers in the Pocklington area in East Riding.
Tel: 03300 578592
Web: Welcome to Dementia Forward, Dementia Forward, North Yorkshire's leading dementia charity
Email: info@dementiaforward.org.uk
Address: Dementia Forward, Registered Head Office, Community House, Allhallowgate, Ripon, HG4 1LE
North Yorkshire Police - Hebert Protocol
The Herbert Protocol is an initiative introduced by West Yorkshire Police and other agencies 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: Dementia and the Herbert Protocol - North Yorkshire Police | North Yorkshire Police
Self-care and National Support Services
Self Care
NHS Better Health - Lose Weight
Lose weight - Better Health - NHS (www.nhs.uk) – information and advice, and links to offers from approved partners
NHS Weight Loss Plan app, a 12-week programme following NHS advice on losing weight safely. Available from the App Store and Google Play. To find out more you could watch our app demo
Healthy Steps email programme:
Healthy Steps is a budget-conscious email programme designed to encourage families to take steps to improve their health and wellbeing. It provides regular reinforcement and feedback to help families set and achieve goals. Particular focus on lower income families with children aged 5-11.
The programme invites families/parents/carers to complete a quiz, leading to a recommendation of the best NHS approved health options for your family. There are currently three on offer: sugar reduction, 5 A Day or planned cooking. Those who sign up will get eight weekly emails with hints and tips on their chosen theme, as well as weekly challenges. Built-in feedback loops means that they will also be provided reinforcement and encouragement after set-backs to help them in their journey through Healthy Steps.
Local Support Services
Healthy Weight Support for Children, Young People and Families
During 2022 we are working with Leeds Beckett University on a research project to develop and test a digital and remote weight management service for families in North Yorkshire called Back2Basics. The service is for children aged 4-11 years old who would like some support with healthy weight and healthy lifestyles. Support for families is provided via 1-2-1 remote sessions with a dietician, access to a website, resources and videos, and peer support. If you are interested in taking part in the trial, please email Back2Basics@northyorks.gov.uk
Web: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/healthy-weight-support-children-young-people-and-families
North Yorkshire Adult Weight Management Programme
Feel better inside and out by signing up for 24 weeks of free support to help you manage your weight.
Web: www.northyorks.gov.uk/stepup
If you are a professional in North Yorkshire and would like to speak to someone about how we can support local families with healthy weight and healthy living, please contact Helen Ingle, Public Health Manager: helen.ingle@northyorks.gov.uk
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
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/
Not sure which local authority area to choose? If you know a postcode you can check which local authority area here.
Local Support Services
North Yorkshire
Harrogate Homeless Project
Our Springboard day centre in Harrogate town centre provides meals, shower facilities, laundry, clothing, GP services, therapies, skills training, advice and practical support for any one who is currently experiencing homelessness or in need of support around their housing situation. We are fundraising to expand this important area of our work, which is often our first point of contact with someone who comes to us for help and support.
Web: https://www.harrogate-homeless-project.org.uk/
Scarborough - The Rainbow Centre
The Centre now supports over 500 people per week and provides assistance on a diverse range of issues.
We are a food and clothing bank, giving out these items to people in need. There is a shower room, laundry, television lounge and a garden for people to enjoy in a safe, comfortable environment.
Tel: 01723 500663
Web: The Rainbow Centre - Compassion, Support, Hope!
Address: The Rainbow Centre, Parish House, Castle Road, Scarborough, YO11 1TH
Selby - Horton Housing
Our Selby STAY (Supported Tenancies at Yorkshire) Well service provides housing-related support for people aged 18 or over in Selby who have mental health issues, are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
District and Borough councils across NY that can support access to housing. Those are: Harrogate, Selby, Skipton (Craven), Scarborough and Northallerton.
Tel: 01274 370689
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 4141
Text: 07860039967
Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org
Lines are open 24 hours every day of the year (Weekends and Bank Holidays included)
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.
- Quell - Free, safe and anonymous mental wellbeing support for adults across the UK
- Kooth - is your online mental wellbeing community. Access free, safe and anonymous support, for 11-25 year olds
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
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 808 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 (Self referral or GP)
Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust - (Self-Referral & via GP)
Provide talking therapies for people experiencing the following difficulties:
- depression
- panic disorder
- anxiety and worry
- health anxiety
- social phobia
- specific phobias
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Tel:
- 01423 852137/852062 (Harrogate IAPT Service)
- 01609 768890 (Northallerton IAPT Service)
- 01947 899270 (Whitby, Scarborough and Ryedale IAPT)
- 01748 831964 (Vulnerable Veterans and Adult Dependants Service IAPT)
If you start to feel unwell you can make an appointment with your GP to discuss your problems or can self-refer online here
Self-care and National Support Services
Self Care
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.
Local Support Services
Parkrun - North Yorkshire (Harrogate, Fountains Abbey, Northallerton, Catterick, Dalby Forrest)
Why not join a Parkrun in North Yorkshire? 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.
Other useful links:
Craven: www.cravendc.gov.uk/leisureandculture
Harrogate: look under 'Leisure' www.harrogate.gov.uk
Selby: www.selby.gov.uk/leisure-and-arts
Hambleton: www.hambletonleisure.co.uk
Scarborough: www.scarborough.gov.uk/home/sport-and-leisure
Richmondshire: www.richmondshire.gov.uk/community-and-living
Self-care and National Support Services
Provide the details in the Self-Care section below and offer support to help navigate and access the local services – most services have moved to initial contact via phone due to the pandemic, with some elements accessed online (see specific area for contact details/ websites).
Self-Care
- For information about sexual health, STIs, HIV and contraception visit https://www.sexwise.org.uk/ or https://www.startswithme.org.uk/ or https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sexual-health/
- 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.
This website https://www.contraceptionchoices.org/ 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.
Local Support Services
Yorsexual health
Tel: 01904 721111
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*
- Better Health quit smoking website which includes information about the benefits of quitting, advice on various quitting aids and a local stop smoking service lookup tool
- NHS Quit Smoking App (Apple) or NHS Quit Smoking App (google/android) - a 28-day programme that provides practical support, encouragement, and tailored clinical advice on your mobile/tablet. Includes a savings calculator so you can see how much money you're saving.
- Get a free Personal Quit Plan Quitting smoking is easier with the right support. Give up for 28 days, and you're 5 times more likely to quit for good – get your plan now!
- 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 Quit Smoking app from apple or google/android
- Get further information from the National Health Service www.nhs.uk/quit
- Consider using e-cigarettes to stop smoking
- Get daily email support - If you would like some extra support, you can sign up for 28 days of stop smoking advice and tips – delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for email support
- Find your online community - You do not have to do it alone – join others going through the same thing in a friendly and supportive environment. Join the Quit Smoking Support Group on Facebook
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
Living Well Smokefree
Living Well Smokefree has a team of advisors who have plenty of experience in helping people to stop smoking for good. They will see anyone from the age of 12, have community based locations across North Yorkshire and can arrange home visits for people who have mobility issues.
Tel: 01609 797272
Web: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/stopping-smoking
Other Information
If you are pregnant and would like to quit, you can access the service yourself or ask your midwife to refer you. You will be offered a choice of a home visit or an appointment in a clinic if you prefer.
Living Well Smokefree offers personalised, one-to-one support over six to 12 weeks. For as little as 30p a day* you can get:
- access to a dedicated Stop Smoking Consultant;
- a supply of either Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) or Champix; or
- local weekly one-to-one sessions.
* Based on one quit product per person who pays prescription charges. The products are free to people who do not pay prescription charges.
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.
State that the simplest way to ease feelings of loneliness can be to try to meet more, or different, people.
- Can they think of anything they are interested in, a class or a group they have heard of, that could help connect them with new people? See Useful contacts for ideas of how to find groups. The Red Cross Connecting Communities team can help you connect with your local community and meet new friends.
- Volunteering is a good way of meeting people. Helping others can also really help improve mental health. See useful contacts for organisations that can help someone find local volunteering opportunities.
- Join an online community. See useful contacts for some suggestions.
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.
- https://www.reengage.org.uk/ Re-engage works with people aged 75 and over who live alone; those who are especially vulnerable to loneliness. Call our freephone number 0800 716 543 Email info@reengage.org.uk
- 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
Living Well
Living Well aims to improve the health, wellbeing and independence of adults. Our coordinators work with individuals and their carers who are isolated, vulnerable, bereaved, lacking confidence, or perhaps on the borderline of needing health and social care services. Instead, we help them to access their local community, and support them to find their own solutions to their health and wellbeing goals.
Living Well can support adults who are currently not eligible for on-going social care support and who:
- are lonely and / or socially isolated;
- have had a recent loss of a support network, including bereavement;
- have had a loss of confidence due to a recent change / event; or
- require face-to-face information, advice and guidance.
This may be older people, or people with physical, learning disabilities, sensory impairment or mental health needs.
Web: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/living-well-north-yorkshire
Tel: 01609 780780 and ask for the 'Living Well Service'
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
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 18oC
- keep your bedroom at 18oC all night
If you're aged under 65 and healthy, you can safely heat your home to cooler than 18oC as long as you're comfortable.
Reducing fuel bills
See more about affordable warmth
Cold weather benefits
Winter Fuel Payment
If you were born before 25 September 1957 you could get between £250 and £600 to help you pay your heating bills. This is known as a ‘Winter Fuel Payment’.
The amount you get includes a ‘Pensioner Cost of Living Payment’. This is between £150 and £300. You’ll get this extra amount in winter 2023 to 2024. This is in addition to any other Cost of Living Payments you get with your benefit or tax credits.
Web: Winter Fuel Payment: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
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
Winter Health for Older People
Web: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/winter-health-older-people
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 4141
Text: 07860039967
Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org
Lines are open 24 hours every day of the year (Weekends and Bank Holidays included)
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 Wellbeing' 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 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 Northallerton
Tel: 01609 776161 (local call charges apply)
National telephone: 116 123 (this number is free to call)
Address: 7 Crosby Road
Northallerton
North Yorkshire
DL6 1AA
Usual hours open to receive callers at the door:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
9:00am - 12:00 noon and 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Samaritans Harrogate and District
Tel: 116 123 (this number is free to call)
5 Mount Parade
Harrogate
North Yorkshire
HG1 1BX
Usual hours open to receive callers at the door:
8:00am - 10:00pm
Samaritans Scarborough
Tel: 01723 36 88 88 (local call charges apply)
National telephone: 116 123 (this number is free to call)
Samaritans House Address:
40 Trafalgar Street West
Scarborough
North Yorkshire
YO12 7AS
Usual hours open to receive callers at the door:
Monday: 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm & 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Tuesday: 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Wednesday: 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Thursday: 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Sunday : 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm