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Sick child and thermometer

Healthier Together

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The Healthier Together website is full of useful health advice for parents, carers, young people and health professionals. All of the information has been approved by clinicians so it’s a great place to go for reliable advice.

Topics include common illnesses in babies and children, when to keep your child off school/nursery, support for young people and a guide to how the NHS works.

Healthier Together

If you need some help finding local health and care information or support, please get in touch.

Northumberland Advice Survey

Have your say on advice services

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The Public Health Team at Northumberland County Council is interested to know what the people of Northumberland want and need from advice services. It wants to understand what is working well and what needs to change in its Northumberland Advice Survey.
What are advice services?
In Northumberland there are a number of different charities and organisations that give advice to residents. The survey is interested in advice given about Benefits (eligibility, claims, sanctions and appeals) and Debt Management, plus a range of other areas including: welfare, work, housing, family, law and courts, immigration, healthcare, consumer rights, pension guidance and witness support.
Why is the council doing this survey?
Good advice matters, but what people need and the way that they access it may vary.
The Public Health Team want to know what you think is important, so that future services are what you want andwill use. They are interested in your views even if you have never used advice services. This information will be used by the Public Health Team in Northumberland County Council to try and ensure that they are meeting the needs of all residents.
Leave your thoughts and experiences of finding advice – including our signposting and information service here at Healthwatch Northumberland – by the end of January and help shape local services
CAB logo

Citizens Advice Northumberland Changes to Services

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Face to face advice services are suspended until further notice. This includes all drop in/appointment service, outreach services and face to face help to claim, debt, energy and health advice service.

Face to face resources have been shifted to telephone and digital services operating from all premises in small clusters and where possible from home in order to minimise the risk of infection spreading.

Citizens Advice services will be available to all for whatever they need, but will be focused on those clients requiring advice on welfare benefits, debt and budgeting advice, housing and employment, energy and health. Please check website information before calling where possible to reduce waiting times on the phone and use the Google form on the website.

During this time services can be accessed in the following ways:

Clients requiring advice on any of general enquiry areas Adviceline Service 9.30am-4.30pm Mon-Fri.

Telephone 0808 278 7944

Email advice@citizensadvicenorthumberland.org.uk
Clients requiring advice on debt/money/financial capability 01670 339960

text “DEBT” to 81400 and we will call you back

Email money@citizensadvicenorthumberland.org.uk
Clients requiring advice on energy/fuel poverty 01670 339660

Email energy@citizensadvicenorthumberland.org.uk
Clients requiring advice on FBD employability service  

Email bridge@citizensadvicenorthumberland.org.uk
Emergency Partner referral 01670 339960
For general Covid-19 information, updates or those can self-help NCAB website www.citizensadvicenorthumberland.org.uk

National Citizens Advice website https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/

 
Webchat advice service available on all enquiry areas

 

Macmillan Benefits Advice

 National Citizens Advice website

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/

 

01670 339985
Universal Credit Help to Claim Service can be accessed in the following ways Citizens Advice Universal Credit Adviceline 9.00-5.00pm Mon-Fri Telephone 0800 1448444 Webchat Get help applying for Universal Credit

Textphone 0800 144 8 444
Non-urgent partner referrals or client requests for callbacks or advice Access to our partner and client advice via our websites email advice form

 

Where to go for help if you feel unwell this winter

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Feeling unwell? Read on for advice about where you can go for help with your health during the winter months. Cold weather can trigger or worsen health problems, so it’s important that you know where to go for help if you become unwell. This winter, the NHS is running a campaign called ‘Help us help you’ to help people understand how to stay well during the winter and which services to use when they need support. Take a look at the information below to find out which is the most appropriate service to meet your needs.

At risk groups: Get advice if you feel unwell

Some people are more vulnerable to the effects of cold weather, especially if you are 65 or older, or if you have a long-term health condition. If you are 65 or over, or in one of the other at-risk groups, see a pharmacist as soon as you feel unwell, even if it’s just a cough or cold. The sooner you get advice, the sooner you are likely to get better. Click here to find out if you are in one of the at-risk groups, and for tips on how to stay well this winter.

Get your free flu vaccination

To help at-risk groups stay well this winter, the NHS is offering free flu vaccinations to people who are 65 or over, those with some long term health conditions, pregnant women and toddlers aged 2-3 years. Contact your GP or local pharmacist for more information.

Call NHS 111 if you are:

  • Unsure
  • Unwell
  • Confused
  • Need to know where to go

For confidential health service advice and information, call NHS 111. This service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They will direct you to the best place to get treatment and advise you of locally available services. Visit NHS 111 to get more information.

Visit your local pharmacy if you’re experiencing:

  • Vomiting and diarrhoea
  • Runny nose
  • Headache flu-like symptoms

Your local pharmacist is fully qualified to give you advice on common illnesses and injuries, and medicines to treat them. They will also tell you if you need to see a doctor. Click here to find your local pharmacy.

Contact your GP and out of hours if you have:

  • Ear discharge/ pain
  • Rashes
  • Stomach pain
  • Concerns regarding ongoing conditions

Contact your GP surgery if you have an illness or injury that won’t go away. You can call NHS 111 for advice if you need help outside your GP surgery opening hours. Click here to find your local GP service.

Call 999 in a medical emergency.

A medical emergency is when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk. These can include:

Click here for further information about the 999 emergency services.

For less serious injuries…

Go to your local Minor Injuries Unit for less serious injuries, such as:

  • Strains
  • Sprains
  • Stitches

You can visit an NHS Minor Injuries Unit without an appointment for the treatment of minor illnesses and injuries. Click here for more information regarding the minor injury units.

Looking after yourself

Many illnesses and injuries can be treated at home, and this can also help to stop spreading some viral infections.

  • Cough or cold
  • Sore throat
  • Grazed knee
  • Hangover

Ensure your medicine cabinet is stocked with things like paracetamol, plasters, rehydration mixture, a thermometer and indigestion remedy. If you are feeling worried, do not wait until you feel worse, visit a pharmacy for advice about your symptoms. For more information about conditions, symptoms and services, visit the NHS website.

Scam Awareness Events

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Citizens Advice Northumberland and Trading Standards are holding a series of events across Northumberland to help people spot potential scams.

The events are part of a national Scams Awareness campaign encouraging people to report and talk about scams. People will learn about the spotting the common signs of a scam, such as receiving an offer that sounds too good to be true or being told to pay upfront for an item or service. Attendees will also be encouraged to report scams so that the police can take action and they can get advice on how to try and get their money back.

The events will take place at the following venues and dates:

 

Bedlington Library – 11th June 10.00am

Alnwick Sainsburys – 12th June 10.00am

Ashington Leisure Centre – 13th June 1.00pm

Cramlington Manor Walks – 14th June 10.00am

Berwick Library 18th June – 10.00am

Hexham Library 20th June – 1.00pm

Older lady talking on the phone

Age UK Northumberland Drop In Clinic

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Age UK Northumberland has a monthly drop in clinic at Corbridge Health Centre, on the first Monday of the month, from 10.00am to 2.00pm. The drop in clinic can help you find out more about maximising you income, managing a health condition, social activites and day centres in your area.

You don’t need to be a patient at Corbridge Health Centre to visit the Age UK Northumberland drop in clinic.

If you would like more information please call: 01670 784800.

Shout text service how it works graphics

Shout: New Text Service Launched

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Shout: 85258

A new text service has been launched today which supports people who need advice in a difficult moment. Shout is the UK’s first free 24 hour text service for anyone in crisis.  It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help.

Trained volunteers provide help when it is most needed to take people from crisis to calm and to then finder longer term support.

As this is a text service, it is both private and silent, meaning it can be used at any time, anywhere – at home, at school, on the bus.

This new service was launched by the Dukes and Duchesses of Cambridge and Sussex as a legacy of the Heads Together Foundation.

Watch what he has to say here.

Website: giveusashout.org.

You can find more mental health information and our mental health webpage

 

Feeling under the weather?

Easter Bank Holiday Pharmacy Opening

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Some pharmacies across Northumberland and North Tyneside will be open over the Easter Holidays. You can see which pharmacies are open and when, by clicking on the link below.

Northumberland Pharmacies – Easter Opening Hours

 

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Citizens Advice Bureau: New Times for the West

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As from Monday 4 March 2019 CAB Northumberland has new opening hours as follows:

Prudhoe face-to-face ‘drop-in’ service:
The Manors, Adderlane Rd, Prudhoe NE42 5ET
Wednesday: 9.30am to 11.30pm

Hexham face-to-face ‘drop-in’ service:
The Community Centre, Gilesgate, Hexham NE46 3NP
Friday: 9.30am to 1.30pm

Debt and energy advice helpline:
Telephone: 01670 339960 Monday to Friday: 9.00am to 4.30pm
Text ‘debt’: 81400 (for a call back)

Adviceline telephone service:
Telephone: 03444 111 444
Monday to Friday: 9.00am to 4.30pm

Universal Credit Help to Claim helpline:
Telephone: 01670 339781
Monday to Friday: 9.00am to 4.30pm

Online information and advice: www.citizensadvicenorthumberland.org.uk

Front cover The Golden Guide 2018

The Golden Guide 2018

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The Golden Guide Northumberland 2018 – Out Now

The new The Golden Guide for Northumberland is out now. This free guide lists local activities, clubs and social networks for older people and is also full of information for finding expert help with health, care, community and money issues.

Explore the great outdoors with walking, wildlife and gardening groups, take up woodwork, singing, sport or make extra cash by starting a business, as many over 50s now do. The guide also has more on befriending schemes, dementia and mental health support, and contacts for tracing lost money, or help claiming your pension or other entitlements.

Look out for the feature on ‘How to Retire in Northumberland’. If you’re about to retire or already have, you can find helpful hints about making the most of it, from planning your finances to enjoying your extra free time.

Copies are available from us here at Healthwatch Northumberland, Age UK Northumberland, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Voluntary Service, GP surgeries, libraries, Alzheimer’s Society, Citizens Advice Bureau, British Red Cross and selected Boots UK pharmacies across the county.

 

 

Postal copy

If you can’t get out, or can’t find a copy ring us on 03332 408468 or contact Age UK Northumberland on 01670 784821 and you can be sent one in the post for free.

 

Online

The full edition is online at www.goldenguide.org.uk

For all enquiries please  Heather Alabaster on: 0191 386 5918, or email heather@goldenguide.org.uk

Events

Community Information Morning Hexham

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Our umbrella organisation Adapt (NE) holds these quarterly Community Information Mornings for the benefit of the local community.

Anyone can pop in to this free event and pick up advice and information about health, wellbeing, transport, money and things going on in your area. A mix of organisations come along each time and this month you can find out more about Tynedale Hospice at Home, Northumberland Cancer Support Group, Alzheimers Society and of course Healthwatch Northumberland, Macular Society plus help around Attendance Allowance from Northumbria Healthcare.

We will be asking about your experiences of NHS, health and social care experiences of 2019 for our Annual Survey which runs throughout February and March.By telling us what went well and what could be better, you can help us be more effective on your behalf and influence positive changes for people in Northumberland,

Join us for a cuppa and a piece of cake in the Resource Room – just through the door from Cafe @ Burn Lane, Hexham.

 

 

Coffee Cups

Coffee Thursday

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Are you feeling fed up, stressed, worried or overwhelmed?

If you feel it would help to talk to someone in a non-judgemental, safe space, then Coffee Thursday might be just what you need. Coffee Thursday is a free, monthly pop-in coffee morning, where you can take time out for a cuppa and a biscuit and have a chat, when you’re having a tough time. Health Trainer Donna will be there to meet you at this pop in coffee morning, where you can stay for as long or as little time as you like.

It can really help to say things out loud and get them off your chest, and Donna will be there to listen and give support and information on lots of issues that can get us down – health, money, relationships – or point you in the direction of someone who can.

Not sure it’s for you? Call in and see what you think. Everyone is welcome at this free monthly pop-in coffee morning, taking place in the Resource Room, next to Cafe @ Burn Lane, Hexham.

Prudhoe Older Person’s Information Day

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Find out what’s going on in the local area for older people at this event from Prudhoe Community Partnership. There will be advice and information, health checks and a refreshments on offer.

Organisations attending the event include Carers Northumberland, U3A, Tynedale Talking News, Silver Talk, Age UK, library Services, Community Buddies, Northumbria Police and Digital Champions.

Coffee Cups

Coffee Thursday

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Are you feeling fed up, stressed, worried or overwhelmed?

If you feel it would help to talk to someone in a non-judgemental, safe space, then Coffee Thursday might be just what you need. Coffee Thursday is a free, monthly pop-in coffee morning, where you can take time out for a cuppa and a biscuit and have a chat, when you’re having a tough time. Health Trainer Donna will be there to meet you at this pop in coffee morning, where you can stay for as long or as little time as you like.

It can really help to say things out loud and get them off your chest, and Donna will be there to listen and give support and information on lots of issues that can get us down – health, money, relationships – or point you in the direction of someone who can.

Not sure it’s for you? Call in and see what you think. Everyone is welcome at this free monthly pop-in coffee morning. Starts Thursday 7 November, 10.30am to 12.30pm, in the Resource Room, next to Cafe @ Burn Lane.

World Mental Health Day Age UK

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Mental health issues can affect any of us at any time in our lives. As we get older we are more likely to find ourselves either experiencing mental health problems or caring for someone who does. If you’re over 65 and would like to learn more about the changes that ageing can have on mental health or you’d like to find out more about the help and support available for carers drop in to this open day from Age UK Northumberland.

Get advice on where to seek help and what help is available

Take advantage of the‘Carers Corner’ to get advice on caring and how to stay well

Chat to professionals about common mental health concerns Grab a cuppa and have a friendly chat

Drop in between 10am – 2pm on Thursday 10 October 2019

There will be a great team on hand to provide help and advice including Age UK Northumberland, Alzheimer’s Society , Behaviour Support Services, Carers Northumberland, Dementia Matters, Northumberland Memory Service and Social Care Support Planners

Carers Rights Day

Carers Rights Day

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This year’s Carers Rights Day Information Event from Carers Northumberland is taking place in Ponteland. If you look after someone, then this event will provide everything you need to stay informed and healthy. There will be information stalls around the areas of carers rights, welfare rights, housing, digital skills, energy advice, advocacy, fire and community safety, aids & adaptations and healthcare – our team will be there too with lots of information about health and social care services.

The health MOT area will have lots of information for you around moving and handling, healthy eating, stopping smoking, mental health and GP services, and you can even get your blood pressure checked.

You don’t need to book for this event for carers, just turn up. Call 01670 320025 for more details.

 

Community Information Morning Hexham

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The next Information Morning is on Thursday 14 November, from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Call in to this free event for a cuppa and slice of cake and discover more about what’s on offer locally. Advice and information about health and wellbeing, local services, social activities and more. There’s so much out there – come along and see what there is for you.

Information Morning Hexham

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Adapt (NE) holds a community information morning every three months at its Burn Lane site. Call in this time for a cuppa and a piece of cake and pick up lots of useful information from local organisations. The event is free and takes place in the Resource Room, next to Cafe @ Burn Lane.and this time the information tables will be provided by:

Call: 01434 600599 if you would like any further information.

Ageing Well Fair Longhoughton

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Head to this over 50s free event for a cuppa and a chat (plus free cake!). You can find out more about the many organisations and groups in Northumberland that help support your health and wellbeing. Maybe you’re on the lookout for local activities and services? If you have some time on your hands you can find out about volunteering opportunities near you. So much information all in one place.

For more details visit: www.longhoughtoncommunitycentre.org.

Older lady smiling and talking on the phone

Age UK Northumberland Drop In Clinic

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Age UK Northumberland has a monthly drop in clinic at Corbridge Health Centre, on the first Monday of the month, 10.00am – 2.00pm. The drop in clinic can help you find out more about maximising you income, managing a health condition, social activites and day centres in your area.

You don’t need to be a patient at Corbridge Health Centre to visit the Age UK Northumberland drop in clinic.

If you would like more information please call: 01670 784800.