Carers Leeds

For all Unpaid Cares

Are you helping a friend or family member due to their illness, disability, mental health issue or a substance misuse problem?

Carers Leeds is the first point of advice and a listening ear for all unpaid cares. The service can be contacted by phone, email or home visit or by dropping in to the city centre base.

For more information please visit their website on the link below

www.carersleeds.org.uk

• Call 0800 808 7777 Advice Line open: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9am to 4.30pm and  Wednesday 8am to 6.30pm
• Email: info@carersleeds.org.uk
• Drop in:  At 6-8 The Headrow, Leeds, LS1 6PT Monday to Friday 9.30am to 3.30pm

Carers UK

Carers UK makes life better for carers. Caring can affect us all at some point in our lives. Carers UK will be there for you if this happens, to provide expert advice, information and support.

www.carersuk.org

• Call: 0808 808 7777    Mondays and Tuesdays between 10am and 4pm

Contact

For Families with Disabled Children

Contact is a national charity that supports the families of children up to 25 years of age with additional needs.  They support families with the best possible guidance and information.  They bring families together to support each other and they help families to campaign, volunteer and fundraise to improve life for themselves and others.

For more information please visit   contact.org.uk

• Call 0808 808 3555 Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5pm
• Email: helpline@contact.org.uk

Willow Young Carers Service

Willow Young Cares Services offer support for young people who have a close relationship with a person who has mental health needs, a serious illness or a learning disability. They offer support for children and young people aged 5 – 17 years old, and living within the Leeds area of West Yorkshire.

Click here to visit their website for more information.

Or you can contact them on Telephone: 0113 249 1634 Email: willowyoungcarers@barnardos.org.uk

Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.

Email: help@aamail.org

Telephone: 0800 917 7650

Website: www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Talk to Frank

If you have a problem with drugs Talk to Frank for friendly, confidential drugs advice.

Email: frank@talktofrank.com

Telephone: 0300 123 6600

Text: 82111

Website: www.talktofrank.com

Forward Leeds

Forward Leeds support people to achieve and sustain recovery from alcohol and drug misuse through a range of treatments. As Forward Leeds is a single organisation offering a complete choice of services they are able to provide help to anyone no matter how simple or complex their needs.

Telephone: 0113 887 2477

Website: www.forwardleeds.co.uk

Drinkline

If you’re worried about your own or someone else’s drinking, you can call this free helpline, in complete confidence.

Telephone: 0300 123 1110

Drinkaware Online Tools & Apps

Online trackers and apps from Drinkaware to help you avoid harm from alcohol.

Download from: www.drinkaware.co.uk

One You Days Off: Mobile App

The One You Days Off app is a simple and easy way to track the days you drink alcohol and the days you don’t.

Download from: play.google.com

Download from: itunes.apple.com

One You Drinks Tracker: Mobile App

Drinking a bit too much can sneak up on you. Our free drinks tracker app makes it easy to keep an eye on the booze and take control with daily tips and feedback.

Download from: play.google.com

Download from: itunes.apple.com

Bee Together

Bee Together is a Time to Shine Project aimed at older people with learning disabilities (OPLD).

Time to Shine is managed by Leeds Older People’s Forum (LOPF) and funded by Big Lottery Fund’s Ageing Better programme to reduce social isolation and loneliness amongst people over 50.

Bee Together want to connect with socially isolated and lonely OPLD to discuss the difficulties they have and their needs. They will then signpost to organisations who can help them lead a more fulfilling life.

 For further information:

Website: https://timetoshineleeds.org/blog/bee-together                                            

Email: anna-marie.garbutt@healthforall.org.uk

Mencap

Learning disability is a complicated subject, and trying to find the right advice for you can be hard sometimes. Mencap are dedicated to supporting people with a learning disability, as well as their families and carers offering expert advice and support.

 They can tailor support packages to suit your needs, whatever your needs.  Visit the Mencap Website to find out more about the kind of services they deliver around the UK.

 Alternatively you can speak to the Learning Disability Helpline on 0808 808 1111. Lines are open from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday.

Pyramid of Arts

Art groups for people with learning disabilities in Leeds. 

Our groups come together to make large-scale sculptures, paintings and installations with professional artists.

They also make music together and explore movement, dance and drama. Most of all, they allow people with disabilities to share their interest in the arts, make friends and have fun.

For more information:

Telephone: 0113 234 6040                           

Website: www.pyramid-of-arts.org.uk                         

Email: info@pyramid-of-arts.org.uk

The Bridge

The Bridge is Health for All’s Learning Disability Service (for adults). We are based at Holbeck Community Centre, open Monday to Friday (9am to 3pm).

We are a friendly, person centred service (no more than 16 customers per day) which offers a range of activities tailored to customers’ expressed interests. These include boxercise, football, tag rugby, arts and crafts, movement, drama, music, a walking group, cooking and computers.

We support our customers to undertake paid or voluntary work whenever possible and seek opportunities to engage with the wider community.

For further Information please contact

Carol-Ann Reed (Service Manager) on 0753 5960784 or 0113 2762720

IAPT
Adults from 17 years +

Leeds IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) is a group of mental health care providers from the NHS and third sector, comprising of:

Leeds Community Health Care NHS Trust
Community Links
Northpoint Wellbeing
Touchstone
The organisations work in partnership together to provide assessments and a range of treatments for people with common mental health problems. These may include stress, depression, anxiety, post- traumatic stress and panic. We see adults from the age of 17 upwards.

Once you access the service, you can be seen by a clinician from any one of the partner organisations.

In Addition

If you are from a BME community, you can access specific services direct from Touchstone by calling 0113 216 3000.

If you are aged between 17 and 21 years, Community Links offer a specific service which can be accessed by calling 0113 200 9188

Click here for more information. https://www.leedscommunityhealthcare.nhs.uk/iapt

Kooth
For Children and Young People

Anonymous Online mental counselling and wellbeing service for children and young people.

Online service available Monday to Friday 12pm to 10pm and Saturday to Sunday 6pm to 10pm

For more information visit www.Kooth.com

Leeds Bereavement Forum
Everyone

The Leeds Bereavement forum works to develop and improve bereavement services in Leeds by providing up-to-date information, training opportunities, events and conferences.

For more information visit lbforum.org.uk

MindWell

Adults 18+

MindWell is the mental health website for adults in Leeds.  The website provides quick and easy access to information about services in the city, self-help tools and techniques to help for what to do in a mental health emergency.

 The website also has a section for professionals.  This includes:

• Resources for GP’s
• Resources for employers
• Resources for practitioners and wellbeing professionals

Click here to find out more www.mindwell-leeds.org.uk

• Mind website – see page on Coronavirus and your mental wellbeing:

www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/

MindMate

For Children and Young Adults  (12-25 years)

Celebrating its 50th birthday this year (June 2019), MindMate is a dedicated mental health and emotional wellbeing website for young people (age 12-25), Parents and Professionals who work with young people. The website has a number of resources and information on where to go for support.

For more information please visit the link below.

www.mindmate.org.uk

Samaritans

Everyone

Need to Talk? 

• Call Samaritans Tel: 116 123, night and day all year. Who provide emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope or at risk if suicide.
• Email jo@samaritans.org response time is 24 hours
• Write; Chris, Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK, PO Box 9090, Stitling FK82SA
• Tel: 0330 094 5717 – 9.00 am -9.00 pm every day if in Leeds

Click here to visit their website

Teen Connect
For young people (13 – 18 years)

If you’re in crisis, call the Teen Connect helpline. This is open from 6pm to 2am every night of the year.

You can call on 0808 800 1212 or send a text to 07715 661559

The Market Place

For Children and Young Adults (11-25 years) 

Offer a range of services including one to one support, counselling, group-work and our drop-in.    All of these services are delivered by the Youth Work Service and Counselling Services.

For further information, visit http://www.themarketplaceleeds.org.uk/

Parents and Parents-to-be

All Ages

Having a baby brings a number of emotions, mostly positive ones, but some new mums and their partners can feel low or anxious and experience problems with their emotional wellbeing.

The MindWell website has a dedication section which shows what support is available for mums and their partners; this includes access to online resources as well as information on where to go for support.

www.mindwell-leeds.org.uk/myself/feeling-unwell/i-am-pregnant-or-a-new-parent

If you’re a young parent or a parent –to-be who is struggling with your emotional wellbeing, there is support available for you to access.

Visit the MindMate website (www.mindmate.org.uk/im-a-parent-or-carer/are-you-a-young-parent-or-a-parent-to-be/) for more information and to see what support is available in Leeds for young parents before and after birth.

OWLS (Overcoming Worry, Loss and Sadness) Bereavement Service

For Children (4 – 11 years)

Owls offers practical and emotional support for primary school aged children and their families who have experienced the death of a loved one.

They have four strands of interventions: direct one-to-one bereavement therapy, family supoort, schools workshops and peer support activity days.

For further information, visit www.janetomlinsonappeal.com

Or call 0113 433 3737 / email owls@janettomlinsonappeal.com

SHOUT

SHOUT website https://giveusashout.org/

This is a 24/7 service which people can text ‘Shout’ to 85258 if they are struggling.

LYPFT

Call LYPFT Crisis Assessment Service 0300 300 1485

Website; https://www.leedsandyorkpft.nhs.uk/our-services/crisis-assessment-unit/

Useful Apps for Self Harm

Calm Harm (NHS Recommended) https://calmharm.co.uk/

Calm Harm is a free app to help teenagers manage the urge to self-harm. Available on Google Play & App Store.

DistrACT(NHS app)  https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library/distract/

Who is it suitable for?

Anyone over the age of 17 who’s concerned about self-harming.

How does it work?

The distrACT app aims to help you better understand urges to self-harm, and encourages you to monitor and manage your symptoms. It can also help reduce the risk of suicide.

Blue Ice (NHS Recommended) https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library/blueice/

BlueIce is an evidenced-based app to help young people manage their emotions and reduce urges to self-harm.

Useful Support Apps

Side by Side (Not  NHS Recommended) – Mind Charity

https://sidebyside.mind.org.uk/?ga=2.26862845.1903188293.1607943765-2010826521.1607943765

Side by Side is a supportive online community where you can feel at home talking about your mental health and connect with others who understand what you are going through.

TalkLife (Not NHS Recommended) – https://www.talklife.com/

Life isn’t always smooth sailing, but you’re not alone! At TalkLife you can instantly meet supportive people who actually care and want to listen! Share what’s on your mind and get the help you need today! Meet new friends who really get you, You’re not alone!

MeeTwo (NHS Recommended) – For Teenagers – https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library/meetwo/

The MeeTwo app provides a safe and secure forum for teenagers wanting to discuss any issue affecting their lives. You can anonymously get advice from experts or other teenagers going through similar experiences in areas such as mental health, self-harming, relationships and friendships.

Useful Mindfulness Apps

Catch it (NHS Recommended) – https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library/catch-it/

Feeling Good: positive mindset (NHS Recommended) – https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library/feeling-good-positive-mindset/

 Headspace (Not found on the NHS apps library but recently NHS promoted access for its staff during COVID-19) https://www.headspace.com/

Calm (Not on NHS app library) https://www.calm.com/

Aura (Not on NHS App Library) Https://www.aurahealth.io/

MyLife (formerly known as Stop, Breathe & Think) (not in NHS app Library) https://my.life/

Help to stop smoking

Stopping smoking is the best thing you can do to improve your health and the health of the people around you.

There are a number of ways to quit smoking, but one of the more successful ways is by using a stop smoking service. You are four times more likely to quit by using a stop smoking service than going it alone (cold turkey) and these services are completely free of charge.

We have listed a list of these services below including contact details to get you started.

You can also click here for 10 DIY self-help tips to stop smoking.

Leeds NHS Stop Smoking Service

Specialist stop smoking advisors offer both daytime and evening advice. As well as phone and email you can text SMOKEFREE to 60066 (charges may apply).

Telephone: 0800 169 4219

Email:  stopsmokingleeds@nhs.net

One You – Be Smoke Free

Get support now from the NHS’ Smoke Free campaign. Choose from an app, Quit Kit, email, SMS and face-to-face guidance.

You can work one-to-one or part of a group with a health adviser to stop smoking with 6 free 20-30 minute sessions are available throughout Leeds.

For more information please visit  oneyouleeds.co.uk/be-smoke-free

Or click here to create yourfree Personal Quit Plan.

On this page you will find lots of information about the services that are available to help you manage your weight, get in shape and stay healthy.

 Click the link below to check you BMI (Body Mass Index) and see if you are at a healthy weight with the free NHS Healthy Weight Calculator.

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/bmi-calculator/

NHS 12 Week Weight Loss Plan

The free NHS 12 week diet and exercise plan is designed to help you lose weight safely – and keep it off.  The plan is designed to help you lose weight at a safe rate of 0.5kg to 1kg (1lb to 2lb) each week by sticking to a daily calorie allowance. 

The plan also helps with-

• learning how to make healthier food choices
• get support from an online community
• a weekly progress chart
• exercise plans to help you lose weight
• learning skills to prevent weight regain

If this sounds like something that would be suitable to you or for more information on how to get started click on the link below

www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/start-the-nhs-weight-loss-plan

One You Leeds

The One You Leeds website (formerly Leeds let’s change) provides a range of healthy living information to improve your health and make health choices, as well as highlight what health living services are available across the city.

 You’ll find out more about nutrition, eating habits and how to be more active. Starting with a 1.5 hour Getting Started session – and then classes are for 1 hour, every week for 12 weeks.

 Contact One You on 0800 169 4219 to find your local class, or click the link below.

oneyouleeds.co.uk/manage-your-weight

Slimming World

Slimming World offers both friendly group support and online support. They will help you reach your ideal weight – and stay there for life.  You will also get help with delicious recipes and menu ideas at your local group and via the online App.

To find your local group or for more information on how to join please visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk 

You may be entitled to a Free 12 week Slimming World Course….

We are now able to refer our patients to Slimming World for a free 12 week Weight Management course if it has been identified that your weight is putting your health at risk.

Click here to find out more.

Weight Watchers

Meetings, Online or a little bit of both. Weight Watchers have help and support, whatever your lifestyle.

Weight Watchers Freestyle is a holistic programme for weight loss and wellness, guiding you to a healthy eating pattern, whether you want to lose weight or just maintain a healthy life style.

Visit weightwatchers.com/uk for more information o how you can join today.

Visit the App Store

The following Apps are also available to download for free from the App Store for all Apple and Android users.

•  Easy Meals app Eat healthier versions of foods you love. You’ll find hundreds of delicious, easy meal ideas in this free app
•  Change4Life Be Food Smart app The Be Food Smart app will help you see how much sugar, saturated fat and salt is really inside your food and drink.
•  Active 10 app  A brisk 10 minute walk every day can make a difference to your health.  Download the free Active 10 app to measure what you’re doing and how you can do more.
• Couch to 5K app Couch to 5k has been designed to get you off the sofa and running in just 9 weeks. Grab your trainers and follow the step-by-step instructions in this free app.

Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in your blood.If you have too much cholesterol in your blood, it can increase your risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases. To find out more about cholesterol and how to lower yours visit the British Heart Foundation website.

Visit the British Heart Foundation for more information.

Dehydration

Hot weather and lack of fluids can cause symptoms of dehydration like dizziness , dry mouth (including lips) and dry eyes. Feeling tried and having dark yellow and strong smelling pee.

You can reduce your risk of dehydration by:

• Having plenty of cold drinks and avoiding excessive alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks.
• Eating plenty of cold foods, particularly salads and fruit with a higher water content.
• If you start to feel dizzy or lightheaded, have a sit-down somewhere safe and ask someone to stay with.

Click here for more information form the NHS Website

Insect bites and sting

Insect bites and sting

Most insect bites are not serious and will get better within a few hours or days. Occasionally, a severe allergic reaction can occur, causing symptoms such as breathing difficulty, dizziness and a swollen face or mouth.  This requires immediate medication treatment.

To treat an insect bite or sting:

• Wash the affected area with soap and water.
• Apply a cold compress or an ice pack to any swelling for at least 10 minutes.
• Avoid scratching the area, to reduce the risk of infection.

Click here for more information from the NSH Website

Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins and minerals are nutrients your body needs in small amounts to work properly and stay healthy. Most people should get all the nutrients they need by having a varied and balanced diet, although some people may need to take extra supplements.

Click here for more information from the NHS Website

Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia

Vitamin B12 or B9 (commonly called folate) deficiency anaemia occurs when a lack of vitamin B12 or folate causes the body to produce abnormally large red blood cells that cannot function properly.

Anaemia is the general term for having either fewer red blood cells than normal or having an abnormally low amount of haemoglobin in each red blood cell.

Click here for more information from the NHS Website

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential for keeping bones, teeth and muscles healthy. In the UK we get most of our Vitamin D through sunlight exposure.

It is however important that we don’t spend too much time in the sun as sunligt contains ultraviolet (UV) rays, which are the main cause of skin cancer, so it is import to protect your skin against sun damage at any age. 

To protect yourself whilst in the sun you should:

• Spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm.
• Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. (This may vary if you’re travelling abroad)
• Cover up with clothes, a hat and sunglasses.

Current advice is that many people should consider taking a vitamin D supplements in the darker autumn and winter months although in most cases this is not available on prescription. Supplements can also be taken during the summer months if you are unable to or do not want to obtain Vitamin D through sunlight exposure.  Vitamin D is also particularly important for children under 5 years and pregnant women. There are some occasions when vitamin D supplements can be obtained on prescription or on the free Healthy Start scheme.

Click here for more information from the NHS Website

Brook

Brook provides free and confidential sexual health and wellbeing services for nearly 250,000 young people UK-wide, each year.

 They provide help and support on:

• Contraception
• Pregnancy
• STI’s
• Gender
• Abuse & Violence
• Wellbeing
• Relationships

 To find out more, visit their website www.brook.org.uk

Sexual Health – NHS

The NHS offer free sexual health advice and guidance on the NHS website, including sex facts, advice and support for genital health and STI information.

Click here to visit the webpage for more information.

Alternatively you can National Sexual Health Helpline, provided by Public Health England on 0300 123 7123. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm. 

You can also find them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/PublicHealthEngland

Vaginal Discharge

Vaginal Discharge

Common causes for vaginal discharge include bacterial vaginosis (BV) and thrush (Candida). These are not sexually transmitted infections although it is recommended to have a sexual health screen if they keep coming back. Advice on BV and thrush as well as tips on how to treat any symptoms you have can be found on the links below.

Website: bacterial-vaginosis

Website: thrush-in-men-and-women

Hyde Park Source (community gardening)

Working with local communities across Leeds to improve their surroundings, designing and creating attractive, exciting, safe and useful places for people to live, work and play.

 For more information:

 Tel: 0113 245 8863

 Email: info@hydeparksource.org

 Website: www.hydeparksource.org

The Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) is an NHS service. It gives you the chance to change how your GP sends your prescription to the place you choose to get your medicines or appliances from.

What does this mean for you?

If you collect your repeat prescriptions from your GP you will not have to visit your GP practice to pick up your paper prescription. Instead, your GP will send it electronically to the place you choose, saving you time.

You will have more choice about where to get your medicines from because they can be collected from a pharmacy near to where you live, work or shop.

You may not have to wait as long at the pharmacy as there will be time for your repeat prescriptions to be ready before you arrive.

Is this service right for you?

Yes, if you have a stable condition and you:

• don’t want to go to your GP practice every time to collect your repeat prescription.
• collect your medicines from the same place most of the time or use a prescription collection service now.

 It may not be if you:

• don’t get prescriptions very often.
• pick up your medicines from different places.

How can you use EPS?

You need to choose a place for your GP practice to electronically send your prescription to. This is called nomination. You can choose:

• a pharmacy. a dispensing appliance contractor (if you use one).
• your dispensing GP practice (if you are eligible).

Ask any pharmacy or dispensing appliance contractor that offers EPS or your GP practice to add your nomination for you. You don’t need a computer to do this.

Can I change my nomination or cancel it and get a paper prescription?

Yes you can. If you don’t want your prescription to be sent electronically tell your GP. If you want to change or cancel your nomination speak to any pharmacist or dispensing appliance contractor that offers EPS, or your GP practice. Tell them before your next prescription is due or your prescription may be sent to the wrong place.

Is EPS reliable, secure and confidential?

Yes. Your electronic prescription will be seen by the same people in GP practices, pharmacies and NHS prescription payment and fraud agencies that see your paper prescription now. Sometimes dispensers may see that you have nominated another dispenser. For example, if you forget who you have nominated and ask them to check or, if you have nominated more than one dispenser. Dispensers will also see all the items on your reorder slip if you are on repeat prescriptions.

For more information please visit the NHS Choices website .