NHS support over the holiday period and winter months
If you want to talk to someone about how you are feeling, the Grenfell NHS outreach team is open every day, including Christmas and New Year, from 9am to 8pm, and at night from 10pm to 7am. They can be called on 020 8962 4393 at any time.
If you or a loved one requires urgent emotional wellbeing support, please contact the specialist health line on 0800 0234 650, open 24 Hours (Including Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day).
If you are feeling down or need urgent help
A 24 hour telephone number to call if you or someone is feeling down or needs urgent emotional help. It is run by the local NHS and is free. The service is confidential and you are not required to give any personal details.
Services can be reached by calling 0800 0234 650 or emailing cnw-tr.SPA@nhs.net any day, any time, including weekends and bank holidays. Just tell the call handler you’ve been affected by the Grenfell Tower fire and they will make sure you are referred quickly to the right service and support.
If you know someone who needs urgent help
If you notice someone close to you is struggling to cope or even feeling suicidal, you should contact the 24/7 specialist health line 0800 0234 650 or ask the person you are worried about to call.
Where there is an urgent need, the call handlers will make sure you get the right support, quickly. Not everyone needs specialist emotional health support – for some people, practical help is needed, and others just need someone to talk to.
The Samaritans are always available to call confidentially, 24/7 free on 116 123.
Planning for the winter
Winter can be bad for our health, especially if you’re aged 65 or older or you are someone with a long term health condition. Being cold can raise the risk of increased blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes, and make us more vulnerable to respiratory winter illnesses.
At the first sign of a winter illness, even if it’s just a cough or cold, get advice from your pharmacist before it gets more serious. Pharmacists are qualified to advise you on the best course of action, and can be the best and quickest way to help you recover and get back to normal.
Make sure you get your flu jab, as the flu virus strikes in winter and can lead to serious complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
You can get the flu jab for free if you’re aged 65 or over, are a pregnant woman, or have a long term health condition. You may also be eligible for a free flu vaccination if you have young children or grandchildren, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person. Speak to your pharmacist or GP for further information.
Children aged two and three years old can be given the free flu vaccine at their general practice, usually in the form of a nasal spray.
This is a very quick and painless procedure. Nearly all eligible children in reception year and school years 1 to 5 will be offered the flu vaccine in school.
Remember to keep warm, both inside and outdoors. Indoor environments should be 18ºC (65ºF) or higher if possible, and wear several layers of light clothes. Several layers trap warm air better than one bulky layer.
Ask your pharmacist what medicines should be in your medicine cabinet. Many over-the-counter medicines such as paracetamol are available to relieve symptoms of common winter ailments including colds, coughs and sore throats.
Remember to get your prescription medicines before your pharmacy or GP practice closes for Christmas.
For the full range of services available over the holiday period download our new booklet.
