Here is an overview of the services provided by NHS England.
Some of these services include:
- Emergency and Urgent care
- General Practitioners (GP's)
- Self Help services - such as pharmacies
- Dental care
However choosing the service which best suits you is not always easy and there can often be more than one avenue that suits your situation.
If your not sure on which route to take, please use the check list below to help you identify the best starting point based on your needs.
Call NHS 111 if you urgently need medical help or advice but it's not a life threatening situation. You can call NHS 111 if you're not sure which NHS service your need
Ask your local Pharmacist for advice - your pharmacist can give you advice for many common minor illnesses, such as diarrhoea, minor infections, headache, travel advice or sore throats - NHS Choices
Make an appointment with your GP if you are feeling unwell and it is not an emergency
Visit a walk-in/urgent care centre if you have a minor illness or injury (cuts, sprains or rashes) and it cant wait until your GP surgery is open
Call 999 if someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk
First Contact Plus 
First Contact Plus is an online tool which helps adults in Leicestershire find information about a range of services all in one place.
The initiative allows residents who require help with one or a number of issues to access a catalouge of information, advice, help and support.
First Contact Plus is a self referral service
They offer help and support covering a range off issues, including:
- Improving Your Health
- Falls
- Feeling Safe
- Living Independently
- Money, Debts and Benefits
- Work, Learning and Volunteering
- Families and Relationships
- Your Home
For more information please visit their website First Contact Plus or call them on 0116 305 4286 or email firstcontact@leics.gov.uk
Smoking and reasons for giving up
Don't give up giving up!
Smoking kills 120,000 people each year in the UK. Smokers are 50% more likely to get ill and die.
Nicotine in cigarettes is ten times more addictive than heroin. It is never to late to stop smoking.
Tips for Stopping
- Make sure you plan for your quit attempt
- Pick a date to quit and stick to it
- Get support from family and friends
- Reward yourself - use the money you have saved
Stay positive and focused and take one day at a time.
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and Zyban
These products will double your chances of successfully quitting. Contact our local pharmacy or the practice for more information.
For Help and Support
There are many ways in which you can quit smoking. However with the right help and support you are more likely to stay smoke free.
- Call NHS Smoking Helpline on 0800 169 0169 or
- Quit Ready on 0345 646 66 66 or visit their website Quit Ready
Self referral to Physiotherapy
If you feel that you could benefit from Physiotherapy and don't want to wait weeks for an appointment please contact Physiotherapy Direct on 0300 300 0046 during the telephone consultation you will be asked for the following:
- Your NHS number (your surgery can provide this information)
- Your current address and mobile/home number(s)
- Your Next of Kin details - such as contact information
- GP Surgery name and address
Please make sure that you have this information to hand when contacting the Physiotherapy Team. You may also be asked for information relating to your problem, your communication needs and your ethnicity.
Click here to download the Physiotherapy Direct Self Referral Card
BPAS 
If you discover that you have a pregnancy that you feel you are unable to continue with, Bpas will provide help and support so that you can make a decision that is fight for you. In addition to abortion advice and treatment, Bpas provide other services through their network of reproductive healthcare centres, which include:
- Pregnancy testing
- Counselling
- Sexually Transmitted Infection Screening
- Contraception
- Vasectomy
You can self refer to their services just complete the Self referral form or call them on 03457 30 40 30 to book an appointment.
Click here to find your nearest clinic
Safeline 
Safeline is a leading specialist charity for sexual abuse and rape providing helpline and online support services throughout the UK.
It offers free services to people of all ages, who are survivors of abuse including their families and friends.
#5MillionMen and #8MillionWomen in the UK have been affected by sexual abuse and rape
At Safeline they offer:
- Supporting - offering counselling and support services to those who have been affected by the traumas that sexual abuse, rape and their associated issues reveal
- Preventing - actively working towards stopping rape and sexual abuse from happening
For more information please visit Safeline or alternatively contact them on 0808 800 5008 or email them on support@safeline.org.uk
Click here For more information - United Against Violence & Abuse
Change 4 Life
There are many ways in which to ensure that your children are getting enough of the correct foods, sugars, proteins and other essential vitamins within their daily diets. By joining Change 4 Life you can get money off vouchers, top tips on how to start making healthier choices for your children.
Millions of families have already made healthier changes - you can, too!
To sign up Click here to Join Change4Life and start making healthier choices for your family. You can also use their FREE app to access over 160 quick, easy and tasty recipes with step by step videos.
Get it on Google Play Available on the App Store
For more information about Change 4 Life please visit their website Change 4 Life
Change4Life Snacking Change4Life Teeth Hygiene Change4Life Dental Top Tip
Fun ideas to help your kids stay healthy
Local Area Coordinator
Vicky Utting is our Local Area Coordinator, the areas that she covers are Agar Nook, Greenhill, Coalville East & West and Snibston North & South.
Some of the services that she can offer to you and your family include:
- Help setting goals
- Provides information
- Provides support people to access the right services if required
- Listen to ideas from the community
- Connects people to groups for informal support
- Spends time to understand a person's strengths and aspirations
To get in touch with Vicky please contact her on 07534 263203 or for more information
Click here to download the Local Area Coordinator leaflet
Podiatry
Podiatry services aim to keep the population mobile, help users to keep their independence and maintain their quality of life, by providing an expert and complete range of services for those with a clinical, medical and/or physical need. These services include:
- Corn, Callious and nail treatment
- High risk diabetic foot ulcer care
- Complex biomechanical assessment and treatment
- Provision of insoles and Orthoctics
Treatment plans are individual aiming to either resolve the problem or to reach a level of maintenance and comfort.
Click here to download the Podiatry Self-referral form you may need your NHS number, if you don't already know it just contact reception and this can be provided to you.
LEAP - Lifestyle, Eating, Activity Programme
LEAP is a completely FREE 10 week weight management programme for adults in Leicestershire. It combines nutrition sessions led by a registered dietician followed by an exercise session with an activity instructor.
Fed up of dieting then this programme is for you - You can learn topics such as:
- Balanced eating
- Portion sizes
- How to read food labels
- Eating out the healthy way
- Emotional eating
- Why 'diets' don't work
- Which exercises suit you and your needs best
LEAP has already helped hundreds of people across Leicestershire lose weight - and keep it off !!
If this service is something that you feel would benefit your self please call them on 0116 222 7154
DHAL - Diet, Health and Activity in Leicester
DHAL is a 10 week weight management programme targeting the South Asian community in Leicester. It is run by Leicestershire Nutrition & Dietetic services working in partnership with physical activity instructors.
For more information Click here to download the DHAL information sheet or call them on 0116 222 7154
Weight Management
get help to loose weight. Visit www.leicestershirewms.co.uk
Weight Management in Pregnancy
Weight Management in Pregnancy is a service recently launched by Leicestershire County Council, providing support and expert advice for Leicestershire residents pre, during and post-pregnancy.
If you are currently pregnant, you can access the service via a referral from your midwife.
If you are planning to become pregnant or have recently given birth, you can contact the service on 0116 305 1510, or visit the Weight Management in Pregnancy webpage.
The Silver Line Charity
There is no need to be alone! 
The Silver Line Charity is a helpline for older people. It is FREE and confidential helpline available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. They offer information, advice and friendship through their helpline and services.
More than half of people aged 75 and over live alone with 1 in 10 suffering intense loneliness.
Some of the services available include:
- Telephone Friendship - a weekly 30 minute call between an older person and a Silver Line Friend Volunteer
- Silver Letters - a fortnightly exchange of a letter between an older person and a volunteer Silver Line Friend
- Silver Circles - a call between a group of older people on a shared interest or topic, taking place each week for 60 minutes
- Silver Line Connects - help with informing and connecting an older person with national and local services
For more information please visit their website The Silver Line Charity or call them on 0800 470 80 90
Lamp Mental Health
Lamp has and always will be a champion for mental health. We are an independent mental health charity founded in 1989. Our service is independent, confidential, trusted and non-judgemental. We provide free community mental health advocacy for people living in Leicester, and Carers Advocacy for people living in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Our aim is for you to feel valued, listened to and more able to cope, and to be able to access the services to support your needs through:
- Finding the right information
- Knowing your rights
- Understanding mental health
- Express your views
- Supporting Carers
for more information please visit https://www.lampadvocacy.co.uk/
Mental Health Support - Counselling Service
The service provides psychological assessment and treatment (talking therapies) for common mental health problems, which 1 in 4 of us will suffer with at some stage in our lives. This includes depression, anxiety, panic, phobias, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), trauma and stress.
It is normal to experience changes in your mood and behaviour at times of stress and emotional upset. Your physical health may also affect your mood and stress levels. If these changes continue to affect you, then the Vitaminds service could help.
Working in partnership with the NHS, Vitaminds are part of the national Improving Access to Psychological Therapies programme. We have a team of mental health experts who are highly-trained, accredited practitioners committed to excellence in clinical standards, who will ensure you always have the best chance of achieving positive outcomes individual to you.
Self referral
If you are suffering from anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, low mood or excessive worry, VitaMinds can provide you with advice, guidance and support. We take the time to understand and listen to what you need to get back on track. We provide a range of evidence-based talking therapies as well as guidance and advice on community services that can support you in your local area.
you can self refer into the service using the website here
Alternatively you can call us on 0330 094 5595
NEW MSK APP
The MSK app has been developed to offer support and guidance on how to manage a Musculoskeletal (MSK) condition or injury. This can relate to any injury, disease or problem with muscles, bones or joints.
MSK is short for MusculoSKeletal. Any injury, disease or problem with our muscles, bones or joints is known as a Musculoskeletal disorder (MSD). A broad term covering common injuries such as sprained ankle and stiff neck through to conditions such as arthritis.
MSK problems are very common. Symptoms can include pain, stiffness swelling, muscle weakness, numbness or pins and needles. They can bother you at home, at work, or through activities and sport. There are over 400 medical conditions that can affect bones, muscles and joints. Getting quick access to good information helps people with muscle, back and joint problems get back to normal quicker.
Clinical guidance and exercise videos can be of benefit to anyone with an MSK condition/injury.
TABLET LOAN SCHEME
If you’ve been suffering from tummy troubles such as diarrhoea, bloating or discomfort for three weeks or more, it could be a sign of cancer.
It’s probably nothing serious, but finding cancer early makes it more treatable and can save lives.
Speak to your GP Your NHS is here to see you, safely
Hospice Hope are delighted to announce a new FREE Counsellor led, Long-Term Covid-19 Online Support Service for emotional and mental health.
We support people whose life expectancy or quality of life is affected by their condition
- Do you know someone in your community or group who is struggling with Long-Term Covid-19 symptoms, at least 12 weeks post infection?
- Do they need support?
- Do they live in North-West Leiestershire?
- Are they over 18 year of age?
What we are offering:
- 4 x weekly 45 minutes sessions on Zoom
- Led and facilitated by a qualified Counsellor
- Starting on Thursday 26th November 2020
- Time: 10:30am
- Small group size (maximum 4)
- Each session will provide a safe space and be topic focused, to help support and benefit them
Places are allocated on a first response basis and are subject to meeting further criteria
Depending on the success of the pilot scheme, this service may be extended
Interested?
For more information please email: catherine@hospicehope.org.uk
Other services Hospice Hope offers to Registered Guests – please visit our website – www.hospicehope.org.uk
Virtual Support Groups 1:1 Counselling
Telephone Befriending Service Pen Pal Service
Wellness Wednesday - Guided Relaxation or Gentle Seated Chair Exercises
Thursday Talks – talks on a variety of leisure or therapeutic topics
HOSPICE HOPE SELF REFERRAL FORM: https://www.hospicehope.org.uk/referral-form/
Turning Point 
Turning Point provide a wide range of health and wellbeing services.
Whether you come to us with drug or alcohol issues, a mental health concern or a learning disability, we'll give you the individual support you need.
By tailoring our services we can support you each step of the way.
For more information or access to this service please visit the website https://www.turning-point.co.uk/
Alternatively you can call the dedicated freephone number: 0808 800 3302
Continence
Self-Help Advice for Patients with Bladder and Bowel symptoms...
What you need to know!
Do you go to the toilet more than 7 times during the day to pass urine?
Do you get out of bed more than twice a night to pass urine?
Do you have to rush to the toilet to empty your bladder or to have your
bowels opened?
These symptoms are not an inevitable part of the ageing process and can often be improved or cured with simple changes.
How much should I be drinking?
Drinking too much or little fluid may affect your bladder and bowel.
You should drink 6-8 cups, mugs or glasses of fluid each day (1.5 to 2 Litres) unless your GP has advised otherwise.
What should I be drinking?
Some food and drinks affect your bladder and bowel so should be avoided. These include:
Tea, Coffee, Cola, Chocolate, Alcohol, Citrus drinks (Lemon, Orange).
You can replace these with:
Decaffeinated tea, Decaffeinated coffee, Decaffeinated cola, non-alcoholic drinks, non citrus drinks (Grape or Apple).
Avoid spicy foods or foods that you know affect you bowels.
Avoid getting constipated
Constipation can affect your bladder as it may not empty fully. It is important to eat a well balanced diet with plenty of vegetables and unpeeled fruit in order to prevent being constipated.
Getting control over my bladder
If you are unable to get to the toilet in time look at how long it is between having to pass urine. For example if you are going every 2 hours then reduce to 1 and half hours and gradually increase this by 5 minutes as you gain control over your bladder. You should be aiming to go to pass urine every 3-4 hours.
Pelvic floor exercises
Pelvic floor exercises can help with bladder and bowel symptoms; it helps to keep them in place and work correctly. Pelvic floor exercises can help to reduce leaking on coughing, sneezing or exercising and reducing the urge to pass urine. See link below regarding how to do your pelvic floor exercises.
Further information
https://www.bbuk.org.uk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v731EXFR2k4
As we get older, alcohol has more of an impact on our health and wellbeing.
Changes in our lives and routines can lead us to drink more than we used to - and the health effects of alcohol can build up over the long term.
If you’re over 50 and have concerns about your drinking, or you’re worried about someone else, our helpline is for you.
This service is available 7 days a week.
To Speak to someone
Call the over 50s helpline on freephone 0808 801 0750 The Helpline is open Monday to Friday 12pm - 8pm and 10am to 4pm at weekends
Book an appointment
Book a Telephone Call
Book a Video Call
More information is available online here
Dying Matters in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland is dedicated to improving end-of-life experiences for people of all ages, their families and loved ones. It was initiated and is led by Dr Sarah Furness, Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland.
Raising awareness of dying, death and bereavement and providing support to those who need it.
Every Mind Matters
Have you been staying on top of your Mental Wellbeing during this time.
The every Mind Matters Mind Plan has been updated with new actions to help you cope with how you are feeling. click here to access the Your Mind Plan Quiz. You will be asked 5 quick questions to get your free plan with tips to help you deal with stress and anxiety, improve your sleep, boost your mood and feel more in control.
Looking after your mental health
Having good mental health helps us relax more, achieve more and enjoy our lives more. We have expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing.
And remember, mind and body go hand in hand – visit Better Health for lots of free tools and support to help you kickstart your physical health too.
The table below offers advice to patients.| | | | For More Information |
| Stress | Stressed out? Take a break, a deep breath and visit Every Mind Matters... for expert advice on managing your stress levels and your mental health. | We all feel stressed from time to time. Visit Every Mind Matters for simple tips and advice to help manage your stress levels. | Stress | Every Mind Matters | One You (www.nhs.uk) |
| Low Mood | Manage your down days by chatting to a friend, challenging unhelpful thoughts and staying active. For more mood-boosting ideas visit Every Mind Matters. | Visit #EveryMindMatters for expert advice, mood-boosters and helpful suggestions for looking after your mental health. | Low Mood | Every Mind Matters | One You (www.nhs.uk) |
| Anxiety | Breathing excercises, learning to challenge anxious thoughts and keeping track of mood changes are just a few simple ways to manage your anxiety. For more mental health tips visit #EveryMindMatters. | If you've been feeling more anxious than normal, #EveryMindMatters can help with simple tips and easy to follow advice. | Anxiety | Every Mind Matters | One You (www.nhs.uk) |
| Sleep | Getting good sleep is really important for your mental wellbeing. Visit #EveryMindMatters for useful tips on improving your sleep | Set yourself up to sleep better. Stick to a regular bedtime, try to switch off your phone and avoid clockwatching. For more sleep tips visit #EveryMindMatters. | Sleep Problems | Every Mind Matters | One You (www.nhs.uk) |
RIX WIKI
The Rix Wiki pilot project is aimed at Children and Young people 0-25 who have one or a combination of the following diagnosis:
- Autism
- Learning disabilities
- Complex physical health needs where a Personal Health Budget has been allocated
These young people may have more than one service involved in their care such as Education, Health and Social care.
Rix Wiki is an online portal to share your story, vital information, progress reviews and other important information, etc; personal to you.
You can share your Rix Wiki with people who work with you and your family, to help them to learn more about you and understand how to best support you and reach your GOALS!
Shane’s story is an example of how Rix Wiki helped a young man, his family, and his teachers.
https://rixresearchandmedia.org/shanes-wiki-a-parents-story/
You can find out more on the following link: https://Wiki.RixWiki.org/elrccg/home/organisational-llr
We believe Rix Wiki will benefit young people and their families. The licences will last until July 2022. There is no cost for having a Rix Wiki through the pilot project as we are offering licences free of charge.
Please do get in touch if you require any further information or support in this. We can send you a registration form, links to the Rix Wiki website to help you set up your Rix Wiki.
Please contact us at personalisationteam.llr@nhs.net