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Find your local services for staying well this winter in:

Barking and Dagenham

NHS 111

If you need urgent medical attention, but it is not life threatening, visit NHS 111 online or call 111 first.

Seeing a doctor out of hours

Urgent doctor’s appointments are available seven days a week including in the evenings, weekends and on bank holidays. Call your practice or NHS 111 to book.

Pharmacy

Your local pharmacist can offer advice as well as medication. Many pharmacies are open late and over the weekends and you do not need an appointment to see a professional. Some offer free delivery services, so check with your local pharmacy.

Community pharmacists can also supply prescription medicines if you need them for seven different conditions without you needing to see a GP, under a new scheme called Pharmacy First. These conditions are:

  • earache in children (aged 1 to 17 years)
  • impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
  • infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
  • shingles (aged 18 years and over)
  • sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
  • sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
  • urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women (aged 16 to 64 years)

Walk-in clinics

For help with minor injuries and illnesses visit the Urgent Treatment Centres at Barking Community Hospital and Harold Wood Polyclinic. These are open 8am-10pm, seven days a week. Call NHS 111 to book an appointment or walk in and wait to be seen.

Mental health crisis support

If you are feeling overwhelmed or you are struggling with your mental health, you can call the mental health crisis line for free 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call NHS 111 and choose option 2.

Mind in Havering, Barking and Dagenham

Mind offers mental health support through a range of services.

You can call them on 01708 457040, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm.

Talking Therapies

Talking Therapies offers support for many common mental health concerns such as anxiety, stress, phobias, bereavement and depression.

You can call them on 0300 300 1554

The Silver Line run by Age UK

The Silver Line Is a free telephone support line for older people offering confidential support and friendly conversation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Call them for free on: 0800 4 70 80 90 

Age UK in Redbridge, Havering, Barking and Dagenham

Age UK provide a range of support and advice for older people as well as befriending services, activities and events.

020 8220 6000

Young at Heart Programme

The Young at Heart programme run by Barking and Dagenham Council is for residents over the age of 60 who want to meet new people, take part in activities and improve their mental and physical well-being.

Sessions are available at a variety of times in community settings across the borough. 

Finance advice

General information and advice is available to help you through the cost of living crisis, from benefits and low-cost loans, through to income maximisation and signposting to food banks and wellbeing support.

020 8215 3000

Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice provides free, independent, confidential and impartial advice on a wide range of subjects.

0808 278 7870

Support for carers

If you’re a carer and would like
some support, Carers of Barking and Dagenham can help.

020 8593 4422

Support with NHS costs

While NHS care is free, there are some things you need to pay for, like prescriptions and dental costs.

A range of financial support is available to eligible people to help with these costs. Even if you are not eligible for free prescriptions, there are ways to save money on them and you can talk to your local pharmacist about this.

Community Hubs

There are Community Hubs across the borough, making it easier for you to access the advice and support you need on your doorstep.

Food banks

There are a number of food banks in Barking and Dagenham that can provide emergency food parcels to help people who are temporarily unable to provide for themselves.

Some of them require you to obtain a voucher in order to receive a food parcel, so check with them before you visit. 

Family Hubs and Early Help

Barking and Dagenham want to make sure that all families can get the support they need. Family Hubs, Family Navigators and Early Help outreach services are for parents of children aged from 0 to 19 and up to 25 for young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

Download your guide for Barking and Dagenham

City of London and Hackney

NHS 111

If you need urgent medical attention, but it is not life threatening, visit NHS 111 online or call 111 first.

Seeing a doctor out of hours

Urgent doctor’s appointments are available seven days a week including in the evenings, weekends and on bank holidays. Call your practice or NHS 111 to book.

Pharmacy

Your local pharmacist can offer advice as well as medication. Many pharmacies are open late and over the weekends and you do not need an appointment to see a professional. Some offer free delivery services, so check with your local pharmacy.

Community pharmacists can also supply prescription medicines if you need them for seven different conditions without you needing to see a GP, under a new scheme called Pharmacy First. These conditions are:

  • earache in children (aged 1 to 17 years)
  • impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
  • infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
  • shingles (aged 18 years and over)
  • sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
  • sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
  • urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women (aged 16 to 64 years)

Mental health crisis support

If you are feeling overwhelmed or you are struggling with your mental health, you can call the mental health crisis line for free 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call NHS 111 and choose option 2.

Mind in City & Hackney

Mind can provide mental health support through a range of services.

Call 020 8985 4239 

City and Hackney Walk-in Crisis Café

Offers a welcome cuppa and a safe, supportive place for anyone struggling to cope. The café is open at The Raybould Centre in Homerton Row from 6pm to 9pm Monday to Friday, and 12pm to 4pm on weekends.

Call 07393 762 366 for more details.

City Wellbeing Centre

The City Wellbeing Centre offers counselling and psychotherapy to workers and residents in the City of London and Hackney, included low or no fee options for low income households.

You can call 020 7380 1960 for more information.

Your nearest Samaritans

If you’re struggling speak to the Samaritans. Visit their walk-in centre at 46 Marshall Street, London open every day from 9am to 9pm, or ring 116 123 for free, 24/7, 365 days a year.

Talk Changes

Talk Changes provides support for many common mental health concerns such as anxiety, stress, phobias, bereavement and depression. Call 020 7683 4278 or email huh-tr.talkingtherapy@nhs.net

Dragon Café in the City

Dragon Café in the City is a space to release the pressure of work, home, or day-to-day life. Come along and take part in a range of free activities promoting mental wellbeing, or just to relax and meditate in the space. Every second Wednesday 12 to 7.30pm. 

Support services

If you’re feeling lonely and would like to get involved locally or just have someone to talk to, there are lots of organisations who can help.

Befriending service

Community Befrienders offer a crucial lifeline and confidence boost to people who are lonely or socially isolated in Hackney and the City. Call 0207 241 4443

The Silver Line by Age UK

The Silver Line is a free telephone support line for older people offering confidential support and friendly conversation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 0800 4 70 80 90

Age UK

Age UK in East London provides a range of support and advice for older people as well as befriending services, activities and events. 020 898 17124

Email: info@ageukeastlondon.org.uk

Help with the cost of living

General information and advice to help you through the cost of living crisis is available for Hackney and for the City of London.

Citizens Advice

Hackney Citizens Advice provides free, independent, confidential and impartial advice on a wide range of subjects. Appointments are available at their office in Mare Street Hackney. 020 3880 2023.

Support for carers

If you’re a carer and would like some support, help is available from Hackney Council.

Support with NHS costs

While NHS care is free, there are some things you need to pay for, like prescriptions and dental costs.

A range of financial support is available to eligible people to help with these costs. Even if you are not eligible for free prescriptions, there are ways to save money on them and you can talk to your local pharmacist about this.

Help keeping warm this winter

Guidance from Hackney council is available. You can also find libraries with warm spaces in the City of London.

Food banks

Hackney Foodbank provides emergency food parcels to anyone going through a temporary crisis or those trapped in poverty. They offer practical, immediate relief and can connect you with local organisations who can help with any wider issues you are facing.

0207 254 2464 – Monday to
Friday, 10am to 2pm.

Family Services Unit

Families can get a range of help and support via the family services unit in:

Local Services

A range of local services offering support, advice and activities are available in Hackney.

Download your guide for City of London and Hackney

Havering

NHS 111

If you need urgent medical attention, but it is not life threatening, visit NHS 111 online or call 111 first.

Seeing a doctor out of hours

Urgent doctor’s appointments are available seven days a week including in the evenings, weekends and on bank holidays. Call your practice or NHS 111 to book.

Pharmacy

Your local pharmacist can offer advice as well as medication. Many pharmacies are open late and over the weekends and you do not need an appointment to see a professional. Some offer free delivery services, so check with your local pharmacy.

Community pharmacists can also supply prescription medicines if you need them for seven different conditions without you needing to see a GP, under a new scheme called Pharmacy First. These conditions are:

  • earache in children (aged 1 to 17 years)
  • impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
  • infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
  • shingles (aged 18 years and over)
  • sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
  • sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
  • urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women (aged 16 to 64 years)

Urgent Treatment Centres

For help with minor injuries and illnesses visit the Urgent Treatment Centres at Barking Community Hospital and Harold Wood Polyclinic. These are open 8am-9pm, seven days a week. Call NHS 111 to book an appointment or walk in and wait to be seen.

 

Mental health crisis support

If you are feeling overwhelmed or you are struggling with your mental health, you can call the mental health crisis line for free 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  Call NHS 111 and choose option 2.

Mind in Havering, Barking and Dagenham

Gives mental health support through a range of services. Call 01708 457040 Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm.

Havering Talking Therapies

Gives support for many common mental health concerns such as anxiety, stress, phobias, bereavement and depression. Call 0300 300 1554 or visit www.talkingtherapies.nelft.nhs.uk/havering.

The Silver Line run by Age UK

The Silver Line Is a free telephone support line for older people offering confidential support and friendly conversation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Call them for free on: 0800 4 70 80 90 

Age UK in Redbridge, Havering, Barking and Dagenham

Age UK provide a range of support and advice for older people as well as befriending services, activities and events.

020 8220 6000

Joy directory

Use the new Joy directory to find a local sports club, social group and more

Finance advice

Information and advice to help you through the cost of living crisis

Citizens Advice

Provides free, independent, confidential and impartial advice on a wide range of subjects. Appointments are available at their offices in Romford, Rainham, Hornchurch and Harold Hill.

For more information call 0808 1898273 

Support for carers

If you’re a carer and would like some support Havering Carers Hub can help. They can be contacted on 01708 961111, via email at info@haveringcarershub.org.uk 

Support with NHS costs

While NHS care is free, there are some things you need to pay for like prescriptions and dental costs. A range of financial support is available to eligible people to help with these costs. Even if you are not eligible for free prescriptions there are ways to save money on them and you can talk to your local pharmacist about this.

Warm hubs

There are a number of warm spaces in Havering that you can go to if you are struggling to heat your home. They include libraries and leisure centres and some offer hot drinks and Wi-Fi. 

Food banks

The Trussell Trust can provide food parcels to people who may be struggling to afford the essentials. There are currently three food banks in Havering run by the Trussell Trust which you can access if you have a voucher. The food banks are located in Collier Row, Romford, Harold Hill and Rainham. Ask them about how to get a voucher, or call their Help Through Hardship helpline on 0808 208 2138 for advice. 

Energy Doctors

A joint service by Havering Council and Age UK to help you save money on energy bills and get your home ready for winter. Call 020 3011 1241 or email energydoctors@ageukeastlondon.org.uk.

Download your guide for Havering

Redbridge

NHS 111

If you need urgent medical attention, but it is not life threatening, visit NHS 111 online or call 111 first.

Seeing a doctor out of hours

Urgent doctor’s appointments are available seven days a week including in the evenings, weekends and on bank holidays. Call your practice or NHS 111 to book.

Pharmacy

Your local pharmacist can offer advice as well as medication. Many pharmacies are open late and over the weekends and you do not need an appointment to see a professional. Some offer free delivery services, so check with your local pharmacy.

Community pharmacists can also supply prescription medicines if you need them for seven different conditions without you needing to see a GP, under a new scheme called Pharmacy First. These conditions are:

  • earache in children (aged 1 to 17 years)
  • impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
  • infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
  • shingles (aged 18 years and over)
  • sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
  • sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
  • urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women (aged 16 to 64 years)

Walk-in clinics

For help with minor injuries and illnesses visit the Urgent Treatment Centres at Barking Community Hospital open 8am-9pm and King George Hospital open 24/7. Call NHS 111 to book an appointment or walk in and wait to be seen.

Mental health crisis support

If you are feeling overwhelmed or you are struggling with your mental health, you can call the mental health crisis line for free 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  Call NHS 111 and choose option 2.

Mind in Tower Hamlets, Newham and Redbridge

Can provide mental health support through a range of services. Call 020 7510 1081 or visit www.mindthnr.org.uk.

Redbridge Talking Therapies

Provides support for many common mental health concerns such as anxiety, stress, phobias, bereavement and depression. Lines are open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Call 0300 300 1554 and select option 1 or visit www.talkingtherapies.nelft.nhs.uk/redbridge.

The Silver Line run by Age UK

Is a free telephone support line for older people offering confidential support and friendly conversation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call free on 0800 4 70 80 90.

 

Age UK in Redbridge

Provides a range of support and advice for older people as well as befriending services, falls prevention, care navigation, activities and events. Call 020 8220 6000 or visit ageuk.org.uk/redbridgebarkinghavering.

Alzheimer’s Society – Dementia Support Line

The Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Support Line is open 9am to 8pm Monday to Wednesday, 9am to 5pm Thursday and Friday, and 10am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday. Call 0333 150 3456.

Dementia UK – Admiral Nurse Helpline

Speak to a specialist dementia nurse for free, confidential, expert advice and support to help you care for your loved one and cope with the daily challenges of living with dementia. Lines are open from 9am to 9pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 5pm weekends and bank holidays. Call 0800 888 6678 or visit www.dementiauk.org.

Finance advice

Information and advice to help you through the cost of living crisis is available from Redbridge council

Citizens Advice

Provides free, independent, confidential and impartial advice on a wide range of subjects. Call 0808 278 7872.


Support for carers

If you’re a carer and would like some support, Redbridge Carers Support Service can help. Get in touch and find out what support you may be entitled to. Call 020 8514 6251, or email office@rcss.org.uk 

Support with NHS costs

While NHS care is free, there are some things you need to pay for like prescriptions and dental costs. A range of financial support is available to eligible people to help with these costs. Even if you are not eligible for free prescriptions there are ways to save money on them and you can talk to your local pharmacist about this. 

Warm hubs

There are a number of warm spaces in Redbridge that you can go to if you are struggling to heat your home. They include libraries and leisure centres and some offer hot drinks and Wi-Fi. 

Food banks

The Trussell Trust can provide food parcels to people who may be struggling to afford the essentials. The food bank is located at 14 Granville Rd, Ilford IG1 4JY, UK which you can access if you have a voucher. Ask them about how to get a voucher or call their Help Through Hardship helpline on 0808 208 2138 for advice. 

There is also a Community Grocery at City Gates in Clements Road, Ilford, which can help local families. Call 020 3422 6511.

Families can get help and support from the family services hub run by Redbridge Council

Download your guide for Redbridge

Newham

NHS 111

If you need urgent medical attention, but it is not life threatening, visit NHS 111 online or call 111 first.

Seeing a doctor out of hours

Urgent doctor’s appointments are available seven days a week including in the evenings, weekends and on bank holidays. Call your practice or NHS 111 to book.

Pharmacy

Your local pharmacist can offer advice as well as medication. Many pharmacies are open late and over the weekends and you do not need an appointment to see a professional. Some offer free delivery services, so check with your local pharmacy.

Community pharmacists can also supply prescription medicines if you need them for seven different conditions without you needing to see a GP, under a new scheme called Pharmacy First. These conditions are:

  • earache in children (aged 1 to 17 years)
  • impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
  • infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
  • shingles (aged 18 years and over)
  • sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
  • sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
  • urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women (aged 16 to 64 years)

Mental health crisis support

If you are feeling overwhelmed or you are struggling with your mental health, you can call the mental health crisis line for free 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  Call NHS 111 and choose option 2.

Mind

Mind can provide mental health support through a range of services. Call 020 7510 1081 

Newham Talking Therapies

Provides support for many common mental health concerns such as anxiety, stress, phobias, bereavement and depression. Call 0208 1751 770 

Good Thinking

Good Thinking is an online platform that supports Londoners to look after their mental health and wellbeing in a way that works for them. 

For more information about the mental health support available in Newham, visit the Well Newham website.

The Silver Line run by Age UK

Is a free telephone support line for older people offering confidential support and friendly conversation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call free on 0800 4 70 80 90.

Age UK in Newham

Provides a range of support and advice for older people as well as befriending services, falls prevention, care navigation, activities and events. Call 020 8220 6000 

Finance advice

General information and advice to help you through the cost of living crisis is available from Well Newham

Citizens Advice

Provides free, independent, confidential and impartial advice on a wide range of subjects. Appointments are available at their office in Canning Town (123 Star Lane, E16 4PZ). For more information call 020 3855 5233.

Money A&E

Money advice & education for Newham residents. Call 020 8616 3750.

Our Newham Money

Hardship support, debt advice and income maximisation guidance. Call 020 8430 2041 or visit. You can also come along to 112-118 The Grove, E15 1NS.

Support with NHS costs

While NHS care is free, there are some things you need to pay for like prescriptions and dental costs. A range of financial support is available to eligible people to help with these costs. Even if you are not eligible for free prescriptions there are ways to save money on them and you can talk to your local pharmacist about this. 

Warm spaces

There are a number of warm spaces in Newham that you can go to if you are struggling to heat your home. They include libraries.

Food banks

The Trussell Trust can provide food parcels to people who may be struggling to afford the essentials. There are currently three food banks in Newham run by the Trussell Trust which you can access if you have a voucher.

The food banks are at the Royal Docks Learning and Activity Centre (RDLAC), Bonny Downs and the Ascension Church Centre.

Ask them about how to get a voucher, or call their Help Through Hardship helpline on 0808 208 2138 for advice. 

The Newham Food Alliance can also help with food. Call 07790 975 086.

Our Newham Money

The team can help if you’re not able to afford heating, food or other essentials. Call 020 8430 204.

Community Links

Free legal, welfare, and debt advice. Call 020 7473 2270.

Energy saving

You can access energy-efficiency grants, advice and services

Eligible households can also access -saving improvements via Stay Warm in Newham. Call 020 8471 6954.

Please remember, it is important to warm your home safely

Download your guide for Newham

Waltham Forest

NHS 111

If you need urgent medical attention, but it is not life threatening, visit NHS 111 online or call 111 first.

Seeing a doctor out of hours

Urgent doctor’s appointments are available seven days a week including in the evenings, weekends and on bank holidays. Call your practice or NHS 111 to book.

Pharmacy

Your local pharmacist can offer advice as well as medication. Many pharmacies are open late and over the weekends and you do not need an appointment to see a professional. Some offer free delivery services, so check with your local pharmacy.

Community pharmacists can also supply prescription medicines if you need them for seven different conditions without you needing to see a GP, under a new scheme called Pharmacy First. These conditions are:

  • earache in children (aged 1 to 17 years)
  • impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
  • infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
  • shingles (aged 18 years and over)
  • sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
  • sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
  • urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women (aged 16 to 64 years)

Walk-in clinics

For help with minor injuries and illnesses, visit the Urgent Treatment Centre at Whipps Cross Hospital, open 24 hours a day, located on the Whipps Cross Hospital main corridor at Junction 5.

Mental health crisis support

If you are experiencing something that makes you feel unsafe, distressed, or worried about your mental health, you can call the mental health crisis line for free, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call NHS 111 and choose option 2.

Waltham Forest Talking Therapies

If you’re distressed by difficult events in your life or struggling with your mental health, contact Talking Therapies for online, telephone or video call support.

Email wf.talkingtherapies@nhs.net

Call 0300 300 1554, option 4 for self-referral.

Samaritans

If you or someone you know is feeling low, depressed, or suicidal, call the Samaritans 0330 094 5717 or email jo@samaritans.org.

For more information, contact: social.prescribing@walthamforest.gov.uk

 

 

The Silver Line run by Age UK

Is a free telephone support line for older people offering confidential support and friendly conversation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call free on 0800 4 70 80 90.

Age UK in Waltham Forest

Provides a range of support and advice for older people as well as befriending services, falls prevention, care navigation, activities and events. Call 020 8558 5512 or email info@ageukwalthamforest.org.uk.

Finance advice

General information and advice to help you through the cost of living crisis.

Citizens Advice

Provides free, independent, confidential and impartial advice on a wide range of subjects. You can get advice and make appointments by calling the Citizens Advice Waltham Forest adviceline on 0808 2787 838, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.


Support for carers

 If you’re a carer and would like some support, Carers First provide health and wellbeing services, support groups and activities, education, training and employment offers. Call 0300 303 1555 or email referral@carersfirst.org.uk.

Cheaper internet

Social tariffs are reduced cost broadband packages, offered by broadband and telecom companies to eligible benefit claimants. They can save you up to £200 annually.

Check directly with your current provider if they offer a social tariff. You can apply for most tariffs online or call your provider and ask to switch

Support with NHS costs

While NHS care is free, there are some things you need to pay for, like prescriptions and dental costs. A range of financial support is available to eligible people to help with these costs. Even if you are not eligible for free prescriptions there are ways to save money on them and you can talk to your local pharmacist about this. For more information, visit: www.northeastlondon.icb.nhs.uk/nhs-costs

Community Living Rooms

There are a number of Community Living Rooms in Waltham Forest, offering free warm spaces for everyone. These spaces offer a range of free activities, while some provide free healthy communal meals. Some also provide advice on money, welfare and benefits support, and energy advice. 

Food hubs

Community food hubs across the borough can help you access free or affordable food if you need it

Community Drop-Ins

Get support to fill in tricky forms and access online services, and receive information about local activities and services at Waltham Forest Community Drop-Ins. No need to book, just drop in.

They are open weekly between 9.45am to 11.15am in four locations:

  • Tuesdays at Queens Road Family Hub, E17 8PJ
  • Wednesdays at Chingford Family Hub, E4 6EY
  • Thursdays at Walthamstow Library, E17 7JN
  • Fridays at Leytonstone Family Hub, E11 4LF

Pension Credit Support

Check whether you qualify for Pension Credit or get help with your claim at the Pension Credit Drop-In sessions, every Monday until Christmas, from 1pm to 3pm at Walthamstow Library. Check if you’re eligible and apply or call 0800 99 1234.

Digital support

There are free drop-in sessions for residents to get help with their devices and use the internet. The sessions are delivered by friendly Digital Champion volunteers. No need to book, just drop-in.

  • Tuesdays at Leytonstone Library, 5pm to 7pm
  • Wednesdays at Wood Street Library, 5pm to 7pm
  • Thursdays at Chingford Library, 3pm to 5pm
  • Fridays at Walthamstow Library, 2pm to 4pm

AbilityNet have friendly tech volunteers who provide at home support to over 65s and disabled people with their computer, mobile phone, tablet and the internet. Phone 0800 048 7642.

Find a directory of organisations in Waltham Forest that will help you get online and teach you how to use your devices.

Families can get help and support at Family Hubs, one-stop shops to access all the support families need. There are four Family Hubs throughout the borough: Chingford Family Hub, Walthamstow Family Hub, Queens Road Family Hub and Leytonstone Family Hub.Family Hubs are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Their support phoneline is also available during the same hours, on 020 8496 4965.

Register for your local Family Hub

Download your guide for Waltham Forest

Tower Hamlets

NHS 111

If you need urgent medical attention, but it is not life threatening, visit NHS 111 online or call 111 first.

Seeing a doctor out of hours

Urgent doctor’s appointments are available seven days a week including in the evenings, weekends and on bank holidays. Call your practice or NHS 111 to book.

Pharmacy

Your local pharmacist can offer advice as well as medication. Many pharmacies are open late and over the weekends and you do not need an appointment to see a professional. Some offer free delivery services, so check with your local pharmacy.

Community pharmacists can also supply prescription medicines if you need them for seven different conditions without you needing to see a GP, under a new scheme called Pharmacy First. These conditions are:

  • earache in children (aged 1 to 17 years)
  • impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
  • infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
  • shingles (aged 18 years and over)
  • sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
  • sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
  • urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women (aged 16 to 64 years)

Tower Hamlets Talking Therapies

Provides support for many common mental health concerns such as anxiety, stress, phobias, bereavement and depression.

Call 0208 175 1770

Mental health crisis support

If you are feeling overwhelmed or you are struggling with your mental health, you can call the mental health crisis line for free 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  Call NHS 111 and choose option 2.

Mind in Tower Hamlets, Newham and Redbridge

Can provide mental health support through a range of services is available

Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

020 7510 1081

Support services in Tower Hamlets

If you’re feeling lonely and would like to get involved locally or just have someone to talk to there are lots of organisations who can help.

The Silver Line run by Age UK

Is a free telephone support line for older people offering confidential support and friendly conversation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call free on 0800 4 70 80 90.


Age UK in East London

Provides a range of support and advice for older people as well as befriending services, activities and events.
Call 020 8981 7124

Finance advice

General information and advice to help you through the cost of living crisis.  

Citizens Advice

Provides free, independent, confidential and impartial advice on a wide range of subjects. Appointments are available at their offices in East London. For more information call 020 3855 5234.

Support for carers

 If you’re a carer and would like some support, Carers Centre Tower Hamlets can help.

020 7790 1765

Email:  enquiries@ccth.org.uk

General information

General information and advice to help you through the cost of living crisis 

Support with NHS costs

While NHS care is free, there are some things you need to pay for like prescriptions and dental costs. A range of financial support is available to eligible people to help with these costs. Even if you are not eligible for free prescriptions there are ways to save money on them and you can talk to your local pharmacist about this. For more information visit www.northeastlondon.icb.nhs.uk/nhs-costs

Energy saving

You can find further information on grants, schemes and support to help you save money on energy bills and get your home ready for winter.

Food banks

If you are struggling to get food for yourself or your family there are a number of food aid organisations in Tower Hamlets that can help. The council has set up several FOOD stores and foodbanks in the borough that you can pick up food supplies.

Translated guides for Tower Hamlets

Top tips for staying well this winter

Keeping warm and well over the winter can help to prevent colds, Covid-19, flu and more serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression.

You may be more vulnerable if you are 65 and older, or you have health conditions such as: 

  • heart or kidney disease
  • COPD
  • bronchitis
  • emphysema
  • asthma
  • diabetes 
  • Heat your home to a temperature that's comfortable for you. If you can, this should be at least 18°C in the rooms that you regularly use, such as your living room and bedroom.
  • Wearing several layers of clothing will keep you warmer than one thicker layer.
  • If you are struggling to heat your home, you can visit a number of warm spaces in Barking and Dagenham, City & HackneyHavering, NewhamRedbridgeTower HamletsWaltham Forest.They include libraries and leisure centres and some offer hot drinks and wifi.
  • Getting the flu and COVID-19 vaccines ahead of winter are two of the most important things you can do to keep yourself and others around you safe. You can get both for free if you are aged 65 and over, are pregnant or have a long-term health condition.
  • Children can get a flu vaccine if they are aged 2 to 16, or aged 6 months to 17 years old with certain health conditions. It is important to make sure they are also up to date with their MMR, polio and other childhood vaccinations.
  • If you are aged 70 to 79, or aged 50 or above and have a weakened immune system, you can get a free shingles vaccination from your GP. The shingles vaccine is now also being offered to people turning 65 on or after 1 September 2023.
  • Make sure you have enough prescription medicines. Stock up early as your pharmacy or GP practice may be closed for the holidays.
  • Make sure the medication that you do have is still in date.
  • Stock up on essential over-the-counter medications for common winter illnesses like coughs, colds, sore throats and general aches and pains. Ask your pharmacist for advice.
  • Try to reduce the amount of time you spend sitting down during the day and keep active. It doesn’t matter what you do, as long as it’s something you enjoy and keeps you moving.
  • Eating a healthy balanced diet can help you to feel your best and keep your energy levels up.
  • Wear shoes with good grip when you go outside to avoid slips and falls on slippery or icy surfaces.
  • Keep in touch with your friends, neighbours and family.
  • Speak to someone if you’re feeling under the weather, and don’t be afraid to ask if you or they need any help.
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