Health Advice & Self-Care
What is self-care
Self care is about looking after yourself, such as taking some exercise, and managing common illnesses yourself such as headaches, colds, and coughs
Management of long term conditions, such as asthma and diabetes is a key element of self care,
Self-care is applicable to us all; it describes all the things we do to maintain our physical and mental health and emotional wellbeing. It can include:
- taking appropriate medication
- attending appointments
- making informed choices about care
- relaxing, eating healthily and taking exercise
- being socially active
- getting involved in your community
NHS Health A-Z – conditions and treatments
Visit the NHS online reference website for a wide range of conditions
Information resources
The website Patient.info has a wealth of useful information, a symptoms checker, articles and useful links and references.
You can visit the Patient.info website here
Self referral
What is self-referral?
Self Referral is when patients are able to refer themselves without having to see anyone else first, or without being told to refer themselves by another health professional such as a GP
Self-referral services vary by area, and they may be provided by a variety of organisations. Find more information and services local to you by visiting the NHS website.
- Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Psychological Wellbeing Service
This service is for patients aged 17 years old and over. It works by helping you understand what is happening to you, help you work through your difficult feelings and learn new ways of copying in order to improve your wellbeing.
Visit the psychological wellbeing service website - Physiotherapy
You can self refer for physiotherapy online here - Sexual Health self referral
Visit the online resource for sexual health self referral - Disposal of syringes and clinical waste
Please dispose of syringes and clinical waste safely and responsibly. Please contact your local service to arrange collection: - For Cambridge
Domestic clinical and hygiene waste – Cambridge City Council
How and Where to Access Medical Help
Call 999 for
- Life threatening emergencies such as:-
- Major accident or trauma
- Severe bleeding
- Severe breathlessness
- Loss of consciousness
- Severe chest pain
Call 111 when
- You think you need to go to A&E or to another NHS urgent care service
- Your GP surgery is closed and you
- need healthcare advice
- You don’t know who to call
- for medical help
Your local chemist can help with:
- Acne
- Athletes Foot
- Coughs & sore throats
- Diarrhoea
- Ear Wax
- Haemorrhoids
- Headaches
- Head Lice
- Heartburn / indigestion
- Minor cuts & abrasions
- Mouth Ulcers
- Oral Thrush
- Scabies
- Threadworms
- Vaginal Thrush
- Verrucae
Mental health services and support
One in four people across the country will experience a mental health problem in any given year. Mental health problems and illnesses include anxiety, depression, addiction, personality disorders and psychosis.
Experiencing a mental health problem can be upsetting and very frightening. It is important to know you are not alone and that there are a wide range of services and support available to you. These include online support and information services, helplines, talking therapies, counselling and crisis mental health support, as well as specialist mental health help.
There are a number of services that you can access or self-refer to (self-refer means you do not need to have been referred by your GP or medical professional to use the service).
Below, you will find information on local support and services. You can also find further information at www.nhs.uk/mental-health
You can also contact your GP who will be able to provide advice on how to deal with your symptoms and talk to you about available treatments and support services that are available locally.
Support available:
- Keep Your Head
Provides information on mental health and wellbeing support and local services available for young people and adults across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. - How Are You (H.A.Y.)
An interactive local website that brings together information on activities and support available in your local community to help boost mental health and wellbeing. - Lifeline
Free, confidential helpline that you can call anonymously to talk to a trained volunteer. Lifeline is available daily 11am-11pm and can be reached by calling 0808 808 2121. - Mind – CPSLMind
A mental health charity providing a range of services and support for people suffering with mental health problems and promoting positive mental health across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. - Qwell and Kooth
Free online wellbeing services offering chat-based counselling, peer support and self-help.
– Qwell – for ages 18+
– Kooth – for ages 11-25 - Crisis support – NHS 111 Option 2
If you feel you are in a mental health crisis, urgent support is available in our area 24/7 through 111. Simply dial 111 and select option 2. You will be put through to a trained advisor who will speak to you and discuss your current mental health needs. - Psychological Wellbeing Service
Psychological therapy for mild to moderate depression or anxiety for anyone aged 17+. You do not need a diagnosis to access the service and can self-refer by visiting www.cpft.nhs.uk/psychological-wellbeing-service.
Should you feel in need of more urgent help, please contact one of the options below:
- Urgent care in mental health crises – dial 111 option 2
- The Hopeline UK (Papyrus) 08000684141 (up to age 35)
- The Samaritans free phone 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
- Lifeline 0808 808 2121 (11am – 11pm 7 days a week, 365 days a year)
- SANEline 0300 304 7000 (4.30pm – 10.30 pm)
- Test SHOUT to 85258 for free confidential 24/7 support via text message (giveusashout.org)