Health Advice

This page is to give advice and guidance to patients on how to manage their long-term conditions, how to deal with minor injury and illness that doesn’t require treatment from a clinician and give patients advice on several topics.

Minor Injuries & Illness

Your GP, nurse or pharmacist will not generally give you a prescription for over the counter medicines for a range of minor health concerns. Instead, over the counter medicines are available to buy in a pharmacy or supermarket in your local community. The team of health professionals at your local pharmacy can offer help and clinical advice to manage minor health concerns and if your symptoms suggest it’s more serious, they’ll ensure you get the care you need. Please help the NHS to use resources sensibly.

Why can’t I get a prescription for an over the counter medicine? – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Please see more information by clicking on the link below;

Over the counter Leaflet

Patient Advice

These local advices services are to add patients to manage both physical and mental health issues as well as give support for carers of the elderly and young.

Bereavement

Bereavement is the period of grief and mourning after death. When you grieve, it’s part of the normal process of reacting to a loss. You may experience grief as a mental, physical, social or emotional reaction. Mental reactions can include guilt, anxiety, sadness and despair. Physical reactions can include sleeping problems, changes in appetite, physical problems or illness.

Grief counselling or grief therapy can be useful to some people. Below are some useful services you can access:

Coventry City Council Bereavement

“Coventry Bereavement Services will support you and your family when planning a funeral either for burial or cremation. This can be in person or by phone, their staff are highly trained, conscientious, caring and are sensitive to your requirements. They will take as much time as you need to make sure we look after you and your family at such a difficult time.”

Telephone: 024 7697 5520

Website: https://www.coventry.gov.uk/deaths-1/support-available-bereavement-services 


Cruse Bereavement Support

“We help people through one of the most painful times in life – with bereavement support, information and campaigning.”

Telephone: 0808 8081677

Website: https://www.cruse.org.uk/


Gingerbread Bereavement Support

“We’re the leading national charity working with single parent families. We provide expert advice, practical support and campaign for single mums and dads.”

Telephone: 0808 8020925

Website: https://www.gingerbread.org.uk/information/bereavement/


Myton Hospice Bereavement

“Coping with a terminal illness is a huge challenge for patients, friends and family, including children. We provide support for both adults and children, either individually or in groups, to help you cope.

By providing an opportunity to talk to someone who is not directly involved in the situation and by sharing your worries and fears, you can feel less overwhelmed by them. It can also help you feel more in control even though there may be some things you cannot change.”

Telephone: 01926 492518

Website: https://www.mytonhospice.org/patients-and-families-2/the-services-we-provide/adult-children-and-young-persons-counselling/


National Bereavement Service

“The National Bereavement Service helps those in need of support during the difficult time of losing a loved one with our services including emotional and legal assistance.”

Telephone: 0800 0246 121

Website: https://thenbs.org/


UHCW Bereavement Services

“Please accept the condolences and sympathy of UHCW NHS Trust for your loss. We understand that there will be a lot for you and your family to deal with at this difficult time.

You will find that there are a lot of practical matters you will need to deal with following bereavement and we hope the information provided will be of help.”

Telephone: 02476 965834/ 02476 965835/ 02476 965838

Website: https://www.uhcw.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/bereavement-services/

Carers

Carers UK

They’re here to make sure that no matter how complicated your query or your experience, you don’t have to care alone.

Telephone: 020 7378 4999

Website: www.carersuk.org

Child Health

Vaccination planner

Check out the NHS website for an overview on when you child is due their vaccinations

Click here to be redirected


Childhood illness visual guide

Use this visual guide to help you identify common conditions and illnesses that may affect your child. Includes conditions such as measles, slapped cheek syndrome, chicken pox and warts.

Click here to be redirected

Depression

Depression Advice

Rethink

Rethink provide expert, accredited advice and information to everyone affected by mental health problems.

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 0300 5000 927

Website: www.rethink.org


Samaritans

Samaritans offer a safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way – about whatever’s getting to you. You don’t have to be suicidal. Call Samaritans free, 24 hours a day 365 days a year.

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 116 123

Website: www.samaritans.org


Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT)

Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) can support you if you are stressed, anxious, low in mood or depressed and where this is affecting you doing everyday things, like working and going out. Speak to your doctor or contact the IAPT Services directly. IAPT can work with people who are aged 16 and over, who are registered with a doctor in Coventry, Warwickshire or Solihull, and who are not already under the care of specialist mental health services.

Telephone: 024 7667 1090

Website: www.healthymindservice.com 


Coventry and Warwickshire Mental Health Partnership Trust (CWPT)

For more severe mental health conditions, the main provider of mental health services is the Coventry and Warwickshire Mental Health Partnership Trust (CWPT). They can support people with a range of mental health conditions such as more severe depression and anxiety, bi-polar disorder, schizophrenia, dementias and personality disorders.

Website: https://www.covwarkpt.nhs.uk/ 

There are also audio self-help guides, entitled ‘Don’t Panic’, which can be downloaded free to help you to deal with panic attacks, stress, anger, social anxiety, negative thinking and worry. Please click on the following link for more information.


Coventry & Warwickshire Mind

We are a independent charity governed by a group of local trustees, Coventry and Warwickshire Mind is affiliated to the national Mind network made up of over 120 organisations across England and Wales. Each local Mind is unique, working hard to understand the needs of their community and tailoring their services to match. 

We want to make sure that everyone with a mental health problem gets the support they need and the respect they deserve. This could mean having access to information, a listening ear, or more specialist support and services to help someone to live and recover from their mental health problem.

Website: https://cwmind.org.uk/ 

Domestic Abuse

“The staff in your practice are trained about domestic abuse and specialist workers are available to support you.  Your practice is an ‘IRIS’ practice.  You can talk to doctors, nurses and other staff working here if you are being hurt or controlled by your current or ex-partner, are afraid of someone at home or a member of your family.  You can also contact Coventry Haven Women’s Aid and ask to speak to the IRIS worker, ‘IRIS Advocate Educator’.”

Website: https://www.coventryhaven.co.uk/ 

Website: https://www.womensaid.org.uk/cover-your-tracks-online/ 

Drugs & Alcohol

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

Telephone: 0300 123 6600

Text: 82111

Website: www.talktofrank.com


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

Elderly Care

Dementia UK

Dementia UK offers specialist one-to-one support and expert advice for people living with dementia.

Telephone: 0800 888 6678

Website: www.dementiauk.org


Age UK

Age UK is the country’s largest charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life. We believe in a world where everyone can love later life and we work every day to achieve this.

Telephone: 0800 169 2081

Website: www.ageuk.org.uk


Silver Line

Free phone support for older people, 24 hours a day.

Telephone: 0800 4708 090

Website: www.thesilverline.org.uk

Maternity

Baby Buddy App

Baby Buddy is an award winning mobile phone app for new parents and parents-to-be, created by mums, doctors and midwives.

Download from: play.google.com

Download from: itunes.apple.com

Sexual Health

Family Planning Association

They are a sexual health charity. They give straightforward information and support on sexual health, sex and relationships to everyone in the UK.

Telephone: 0300 1237123

Website: www.fpa.org.uk

Smoking Advice

NHS Smoke free: Mobile App

The Smoke free app can help you stop smoking by providing daily support and motivation. If you stay smoke free for the 4-week programme you’re up to five times more likely to stay quit for good.

Download from: play.google.com

Download from: itunes.apple.com


Quit with help

Everyone has a different reason for quitting, get a personalised Quit Smoking Plan.

Website: www.quitwithhelp.co.uk

Weight Management

NHS Couch to 5K

The Couch to 5K app has been designed to get you off the couch and running in just 9 weeks. Grab your trainers, download the app and follow the step-by-step instructions.

Download For: Android or Apple


One You Easy Meals: Mobile App

The free Easy Meals app is a great way to eat foods that are healthier for you. You’ll find delicious, easy meal ideas to help get you going if you’re ever short of inspiration.

Download from: play.google.com

Download from: itunes.apple.com


Weight Watchers

Meetings, Online or a little bit of both. We’ve got options and support, whatever your lifestyle.

Website: www.weightwatchers.com


Slimming World

You’ll find delicious recipe and menu ideas at your local group, along with all the help you need to get started and reach your target weight.

Website: www.slimmingworld.co.uk

Change, Grow, Live

CGL Coventry is a free and confidential drug and alcohol service for adults (including offenders), families and affected others.

We offer treatment and recovery services to support anyone experiencing difficulties with drugs and/or alcohol in a range of local community settings across Coventry. Our recovery teams are based across the city and include doctors, recovery coordinators, nurses, recovery champions, peer mentors and volunteers

We provide:

  • Confidential advice and information about drugs and alcohol
  • A tailored package of care for those experiencing difficulties with drugs or alcohol
  • Healthcare clinics
  • Aftercare
  • Family and friend support
  • Educational group sessions and support
  • Needle Exchange

Please follow link below for more information or call 02476 010 241