Here you can find information about A&E, urgent care and NHS 111, plus how to find details of care homes in Northumberland. We also have a directory of services for mental health and dementia support, LGBT support and services, where to find help making a complaint about health and social care services or find local transport services. We’ve also provided details of organisations to support those with special educational needs and disabilities, and specific conditions. If you can’t find the information you’re looking for, please get in touch and our signposting service will help.
Search for services
Healthcare Services and Information
The NHS website has a comprehensive search facility where you can locate hospitals, GP surgeries, dentists, opticians, pharmacies and more. There’s also information on health conditions, medicines, treatment; anything to do with NHS services.
Home Care and Care Homes
For an up to date list of care homes for older people in Northumberland please visit the Northumberland County Council website. For advice on social care and support see the NHS website.
Check if you’re eligible for help with NHS costs
You might be able to get help to pay these NHS charges:
- NHS prescriptions
- NHS dental treatment
- sight tests, glasses and contact lenses
- travel to receive NHS treatment
- NHS wigs and fabric supports
You can check what help you could get and what to do next.
It takes just a couple of minutes to find out with the NHS Eligibility Checker
Urgent Care
There are urgent care centres at Hexham, North Tyneside and Wansbeck General Hospitals, providing care for less serious conditions. Hexham and Wanseck urgent care centres are open open from 8.00am to 10.00pm and North Tyneside is open from 8.00am to 12 midnight. The NHS is advising patients to call 111 before attending an urgent care centre, or for urgent medical advice any time.
These centres treat conditions such as:
- Minor head, ear or eye problems
- Broken nose or nose bleed
- Sprains, strains, cuts and bites
- Children’s minor injuries and ailments (for children, in particular babies, it’s advisable to call ahead by using the free NHS 111 service)
- Minor fractures or broken bones
- Abscesses and wound infections
Out of hours
If you need medical help out of hours when your GP surgery or dentist is closed, call 111 for advice.
111 is the NHS non-emergency number. It is free to use from both landlines and mobiles. You will speak to a trained advisor who is supported by healthcare professionals.
They will ask you a series of questions to assess your symptoms and direct you to the best medical care for you. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
A number of pharmacies across Northumberland have longer opening hours, giving you late night access to expert advice and medication.
You can see details of when local pharmacies are open during Bank Holidays here.
If you need urgent help with your mental health, you can get in touch with the crisis team at Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust 24 hours a day.
Call: 0800 652 2861. Text number for people with hearing loss or communication difficulties: 07887 625 277.
Useful Websites
Support services, groups and information
Mental Health and Dementia
Samaritans
Samaritans are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to listen to you and help you talk through your concerns, worries and troubles.
Talking Matters Northumberland
Talking Matters Northumberland offers a free psychological treatment, support and recovery service for the people of Northumberland over the age of 16 for depression, anxiety, stress and other mental health related problems.
Tyneside and Northumberland Mind
Support when you are experiencing mental health problems or going through a difficult time in your life. Tyneside and Northumberland Mind aims is to help you live the best life you can, whatever challenges you face, by offering informal one to one support, groups and counselling.
Cygnus Support
Cygnus Support helps people in Northumberland to improve their mental health and wellbeing.
Shout - support in a crisis
Shout is the UK’s first free 24/7 text service for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help.
Sane
SANE is a leading UK mental health charity, working to improve the quality of life for anyone affected by mental illness.
Papyrus
PAPYRUS is the national charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide.
Blurt Foundation
Increasing awareness and understanding of depression.
Time to Change
A growing movement of people changing how we all think and act about mental health problems.
NIWE Eating Distress Service
NIWE aims to help people in the North East* whose lives are affected by eating distress, or eating disorders.
Natural Ability
Providing opportunities for people with learning and other disabilities to learn through challenge and well-managed risk, doing meaningful work, having fun and with a sense of personal autonomy.
Contact Mental Health Group Morpeth
Contact can help with professional support such as one-to-one counselling or simply provide a place where you can relax and socialise with people who understand the problems associated with mental health conditions. The group also provide organised activities.
Higher Ground Allendale
Higher Ground Allendale is a social enterprise using gardening to increase wellbeing. It aims to improve mental health and to support social inclusion by promoting meaningful activity, peer support and exercise through gardening in a safe and positive environment.
Alzheimers UK
Alzheimer’s Society is the only UK charity that campaigns for change, funds research to find a cure and supports people living with dementia today.
Dementia UK
Dementia UK provides specialist dementia support for families through its Admiral Nurse service.
Tynedale Hospice at Home -bereavement support
Pre and post bereavement support for adults and children living in Tynedale, Ponteland and West Northumberland, whether they have been touched by hospice care or not.
Hospice Care North Northumberland
Offering care and support to people living with life-limiting illnesses such as Cancer, heart disease, lung disease, Parkinson’s disease, Motor Neurone disease, and advanced dementia, and their families and carers.
Beat Eating Disorders
For people suffering with an eating disorder or experiencing symptoms and those close to them. Offering a helpline and support groups.
Choices4Growth
A Berwick-based organisation helping to provide essential support and counselling for better mental health and positive futures for communities in the local area.
Battle Scars self-harm support
Battle Scars offers support for people affected by self-harm and is 100% survivor led and run. They offer online support groups and support for families of people who self-harm.
Anxious Minds
Mental health support for anxiety, depression and addiction. Support groups available at Blyth Women’s Centre.
Condition Specific and Long Term Conditions
Northumberland Cancer Support Group
The Northumberland Cancer Support Group is a completely voluntary self-help organisation. They offer a gentle, holistic approach to cancer which does not conflict with conventional medical treatment, recognising that each person touched by cancer responds in their own unique way, and respect their right to choose what feels right for them.
Cancer Support UK
Cancer Support UK provides practical and emotional support to people living with cancer, both during and after the treatment period.
Macmillan
Macmillan provide physical, financial and emotional support to those with a cancer diagnosis to help you live life as fully as you can.
Northumberland County Blind Association
A well established local charity that provides advice and support services to blind and visually impaired people to enable individuals to gain the knowledge, confidence and skills necessary to increase independence and fulfil life potential.
Deaflink North East
Offering support to those with hearing loss and their families across the North East. Deaflink North East provides some services and can signpost you to others.
Royal National Institute for the Blind
One of the UK’s leading sight loss charities and the largest community of blind and partially sighted people
Northumberland Sight Loss Council
Northumberland Sight Loss Council is set to launch in September 2021.
British Lung Foundation
A national charity with the aim of preventing lung disease by campaigning for positive change in the UK’s lung health, raising awareness about lung disease, the dangers that cause it, and how to look after your lungs.
British Heart Foundation
Carrying out research into all heart and circulatory diseases and the things that cause them, plus support and advice.
MS Society UK
The national organisation for Multiple Sclerosis research, support and information.
Parkinsons UK
A Parkinson’s charity that drives better care, treatments and quality of life.
Action on Hearing Loss
Supporting people with hearing loss, deafness and tinnitus.
MND Association
Improving care and support for people with MND, their families and carers.
Stroke Association
Supporting people to rebuild their lives after stroke.
Overcoming MS
Overcoming MS educates, supports and empowers people with multiple sclerosis in evidence-based lifestyle and medication choices that improve health outcomes.
Coping with Cancer
Offering a range of social, emotional, mental and physical care and support to people dealing with cancer.
Arthritis Action
Arthritis Action’s groups are an opportunity for people with arthritis to talk with others and share their tips on how to manage their arthritis and stay active whilst at home.
GamCare
GamCare is the leading UK provider of free information, advice and support for anyone affected by gambling harms.
Without Limits
Without Limits is a support group based in Berwick for 35-65 year olds following a life altering health event or diagnosis.
Transport Services
Patient Transport Services
The North East Ambulance Service provides pre-planned non-emergency transport for patients who have a medical condition that would prevent them from travelling to a treatment centre by any other means, or who require the skills of an ambulance care assistant during the journey.
Adapt (NE) Dial-a-Ride Service
Dial-a-Rides are scheduled bus runs across Tynedale and beyond, that pick you up at your door and take you to a specific destination; ideal for shopping, appointments, social visits etc.
Getabout Scheme
Getabout is a scheme for people who have difficulty getting around Northumberland and beyond, operated by Adapt (NE) in partnership with Northumberland County Council.
Daft as a Brush
Daft as a Brush Cancer Patient Care offers staffed custom-made vehicles to transport outpatients, free of charge, to and from Hospital who are undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy cancer treatment.
Berwick Cancer Cars
Berwick cancer Cars provide free transport to any cancer sufferer to all major hospitals in the area including Wansbeck, Newcastle, Borders General and Edinburgh for any cancer related appointment.
Tynedale Hospice at Home
Hospital transport service for those with a life limiting illness. More details on eligibility at the website.
NHS Advice, Complaints and Feedback
Patient Advice and Liaison Service
The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) can provide you with confidential advice and support if you have any concerns or queries about any aspect of your care.
Care Opinion
Care Opinion is a place where you can share your experience of health or care services, both positive and negative, and see other people’s stories too.
Independent Complaints Advocacy Northumberland
If you need to raise concerns or make a complaint about NHS healthcare you have received, Independent Complaints Advocacy Northumberland (ICAN) is here to help.
Ageing Well
Age UK Northumberland
Age UK Northumberland offers many services to support, enable and inspire you to live well and thrive in your local community.
Independent Age
As well as offering regular friendly contact and a strong campaigning voice, Independent Age can provide you and your family with clear, free and impartial advice on the issues that matter: care and support, money and benefits, health and mobility.
Re-engage
Re-engage (formerly Contact the Elderly) organises monthly Sunday afternoon gatherings for small groups of older people aged 75 and over who are dealing with loneliness and social isolation.
The Silver Line
The Silver Line is a free confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people, open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
Wecan
Providing community based support for children and young people with disabilities, additional and complex needs, aged between 6 and 19 to access leisure and social activities.
Contact
Supporting families with the best possible guidance and information.
Dyslexia North East
Dyslexia North East seeks to promote knowledge, skills and understanding of dyslexia. To inspire and support dyslexics and enable them to achieve their full potential.
Autism Northumberland
A Cramlington based charity supporting families from the whole of the North East who are living with autism.
Disability North
Providing a range of information, advice and support services relating to all aspects of disability.
Headway Arts
Headway Arts in Blyth specialises in participatory arts with disadvantaged groups including learning disabled people of all ages.
Mencap
Mencap is passionate about changing the world for everyone with a learning disability.
Sense
In addition to practical support, Sense also offers information to families and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.
Scope
Scope is the disability equality charity in England and Wales, providing practical information and emotional support when it’s most needed.
Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Support
Northumberland County Council Domestic Abuse Support
Information and support for domestic abuse in Northumberland.
Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services (NDAS)
Supporting anyone affected by domestic abuse in Northumberland.
Respect – Men’s Advice Line
The Helpline for male victims of domestic abuse.
National Domestic Abuse Helpline or call 0808 2000 247 (24 hours)
The freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline.
Women’s Aid
Information and support to keep women and children safe from domestic abuse.
Acorns
Acorns offers a range of services to support families affected by domestic abuse in North Tyneside and Northumberland.
Grace (Northumberland Rape Crisis)
Supporting women and girls 13+ who have experienced any kind of sexual violence at any time in their lives.
LGBTQ+
Stonewall
Stonewall campaigns for the equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people across Britain and provides information, support and resources.
The Proud Trust
The Proud Trust helps LGBT+ young people empower themselves, to make a positive change for themselves, and their communities.
LGBT Foundation
The LGBT Foundation is a national charity delivering advice, support and information services to LGBT communities. Services include a befriending service, talking therapies, advocacy and health information.
Mesmac
MESMAC Newcastle works with gay and bisexual men providing a range of services.
Mermaids
Mermaids supports transgender, nonbinary and gender-diverse children and young people until their 20th birthday, as well as their families and professionals involved in their care.
TYA Rainbow
TYA Rainbow offers support for LGBT young people in the north east of England.
Northumberland Pride
Northumberland Pride is a county wide charity set up to raise awareness of LGBT+ culture and heritage. It provides safe spaces which break down barriers and promote inclusion and support across Northumberland, with a vision to celebrate LGBT+ life with allies through events, project work and the delivery of services.
Switchboard
Switchboard is a LGBT+ helpline, providing a safe space for anyone to discuss anything, including sexuality, gender identity, sexual health and emotional well-being.
Substance Misuse
Escape Family Support
Escape works across Northumberland with those affected by a loved ones drugs and alcohol, offering a range of services, courses and activities.
SORTED
Sorted is Northumberland’s Substance Misuse Service for young people, providing support to stop using substances, and to reduce the associated risks from substance misuse, both to themselves and their communities.
Changing Lives
Changing Lives has a dedicated drug and alcohol services offering tailored support to help people challenge their dependency.
Frank
Everything you need to know about drugs, their effects and the law. Talk to Frank for facts, support and advice on drugs and alcohol.
The Mix
Non-judgmental facts and advice about drugs, legal highs and the side effects to allow you to make the right decisions. the Mix also has information on mental health, money, relationships and more.