Wellbeing

Local and national help and advice for you to get the support you need for your wellbeing.

Alzheimer’s and dementia

  • 6 Signs of Elder Abuse in Seniors with Dementia.
    An explanation of how to spot warning signs of Elder abuse across the 6 types of abuse.
    dailycaring.com
  • Bereavement Help
    A website full of tips and resources for caregivers about how to help someone with Alzheimer’s or Dementia cope with the loss of a loved one.
    www.neptunesociety.com
  • Cooking with Alzheimer’s
    A comprehensive guide encompassing the cognitive, emotional, and other health-related benefits of people with Alzheimer’s disease cooking, how to create a safe environment for cooking and baking, ways caregivers can assist to make the activity enjoyable, and addressing eating challenges that may arise among individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
    www.culinaryschools.org
  • Keeping active/involved with Alzheimer’s
    A useful guide full of information and tips on how to keep physically and mentally active as Alzheimer’s and Dementia progresses.
    Tips for keeping active and involved when you have dementia
  • Dementia and Hygiene
    A guide to help solve hygiene problems common to people with Dementia and Alzheimer’s.
    www.caring.com
  • Home Improvements for Seniors
    A guide which shows budget-friendly home improvements for seniors, with tips and advice on what to install and when.
    www.homeadvisor.com
  • Drug Addiction Risks for Seniors
    An informative website for care givers about the dangers of drug addiction for people with Dementia or Alzheimer’s (for instance, sleeping tablets.)
    www.drugrehab.org
  • How Animals help with Dementia
    A website full of information and facts about how having interactions with animals can be beneficial to those with Alzheimer’s or Dementia.
    blog.supercarers.com
  • Managing Cognitive Decline – Finance
    A guide on how to spot Dementia and Alzheimer’s early and tips about finance.
    www.fidelity.com
  • Preparing Your Home – Care Guide
    A useful website with information on how to prepare your home for a loved one with Alzheimer’s (or Dementia).
    www.redfin.com

Bereavement

  • Facing the Future
    The Facing the Future service has been developed by Samaritans and Cruse Bereavement Care to help support people who have been bereaved by suicide.
    0208 939 9560
    info@facingthefuturegroups.org
    www.facingthefuturegroups.org
  • Winston’s Wish
    Winston’s Wish believes in a society in which every child can get the help they need when someone close to them dies. With the right support at the right time, a child can face the future with confidence and hope.
    08088 020 021
    info@winstonswish.org.uk
    Winston’s Wish
  • The Evelyn Centre – Northampton General Hospital
    Located in The Evelyn Centre (Area R) at Northampton General Hospital the PALS Bereavement Service provides sympathetic information, advice and support to bereaved relatives and carers by helping them through the practical arrangements that follow the death of an adult patient at the hospital.
    01604 523489 or 523454
    PALS@ngh.nhs.uk
    www.northamptongeneral.nhs.uk
  • Child Bereavement
    Child Bereavement UK supports families and educates professionals when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying, or when a child is facing bereavement.
    0800 02 88 40
    childbereavementuk.org

Cancer Screening

  • Bowel Screening
    Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK.
    Bowel cancer screening is currently offered to everyone aged 54 to 74 every 2 years. It will soon be offered to everyone aged 50 to 74, so you may be sent a home test kit now if you’re aged 50 or over.
    This is because your risk of getting bowel cancer gets higher as you get older. We offer screening to try and find signs of bowel cancer at an early stage when there are no symptoms. This is when treatment can be more effective.  
    Bowel cancer screening uses a test called a faecal immunochemical test (FIT) to look for blood in a sample of your poo. This could be a sign of bowel cancer. You collect the sample at home and send it by post to be tested.
    It can help find cancer early, and before you have any symptoms, which may mean it’s easier to treat.
    Please arrange your bowel cancer screening by calling the free helpline on 08007076060
    www.nhs.uk/conditions/bowel-cancer-screening
  • Breast Screening (Mammogram)
  • All women aged 50 up to their 71st birthday are invited by the Forrest Centre at Northampton General Hospital for breast screening every 3 years.
    You can book an appointment by telephoning the Forrest Centre on 01604 545825.
    If you would like to access further information in other languages or in more detail please click on the link provided. 
    Breast screening: information leaflets – GOV.UK
    The NHS offers screening to save lives from breast cancer. Screening does this by finding breast cancers at an early stage when they are too small to see or feel. Screening does not prevent you from getting breast cancer. 
    Breast screening does have some risks. Some women who have screening will be diagnosed and treated for breast cancer that would never otherwise have been found or caused them harm. 
  • Cervical Screening Smear Test
    Women aged 25-64 are invited for cervical screening examinations every three to five years.  Cervical cancer can be significantly reduced by having routine cervical smears. The best time to come is 3 days either side of your period. 
    If you do not wish to be invited for future cervical screening tests for which you are eligible as part of the NHS Cervical Screening Program, please contact the surgery to inform us so we can alert the screening department. We would be pleased to restore your name to the list at any time. Should you wish to do so, all you need to do is arrange an appointment for a screening test by contacting us in the usual way.
    If you would like to access further information then please visit: www.gov.uk

Cancer support

We are sorry you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer. We understand that a cancer diagnosis can be a deeply challenging experience. Please know that you are not alone in this journey.

Our community offers a wide range of support services and resources to assist you and your loved ones during this time.

We hope the information on this page will provide valuable guidance and support as you navigate this difficult period.

Primary Care Cancer Champions

We are delighted to inform you we have two members of staff, Caroline Lunt and Peter Chapman, at Eleanor Cross Healthcare who have completed an additional qualification in cancer care. These champions will aim to improve early diagnosis of cancer, address some of the health inequalities, and develop locally led action plans and share best practice with other colleagues and patients. To get in touch, please call the practice.

Primary Care Cancer Champion logo

Carers

Tell us if you are a carer

Child Health

  • Rashes in babies and children
    Many things can cause a rash in babies and children, and they’re often nothing to worry about.
    The NHS provide support for identifying some of the common rashes in babies and children.
    NHS: Rashes in babies and children
  • NHS vaccinations and when to have them
    It’s important that vaccines are given on time for the best protection. Check the dates your child needs to have their vaccinations by and contact your GP.
    NHS vaccinations and when to have them
  • Start for Life
    Trusted NHS help and advice during pregnancy, birth and parenthood.
    Start for Life
  • Kingsthorpe Children’s Centre
    Children’s centres provide locality-based support in the centre, in community venues, or in homes.
    01604 791537
    Kingsthorpe Children’s Centre
  • Children’s Aid Team
    An organisation which helps and supports children with severe learning disabilities between the ages of 5 – 18 years old.
    01604 891487
    admin@cottonsfarmhouse.org
    www.cottonsfarmhouse.org

Community Groups

  • Citizens Advice: Central and East Northamptonshire (Northampton)
    We provide free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities. We value diversity, promote equality and challenge discrimination.
    03444 889 629
    Volunteer car scheme
  • Voluntary Impact Northamptonshire
    Northampton Volunteer Car Scheme is an award winning service for elderly and disabled people living in the Borough of Northampton and Grange Park who have no other way of getting to medical appointments.
    01604 628234
    carscheme@voluntaryimpact.org.uk
    Voluntary Impact Northamptonshire
  • Dolphin Disco
    Dolphin Disco is a monthly club, bar, and raffle for anyone with a disability. It’s held at the Obelisk Rise in Kingsthorpe on the first Thursday of each month.
    trinarachel@sky.com
  • Social Club Northampton (Spice)
    Spice is the UK’s largest Activities, Adventure, Social, Sport and Leisure Group for Adults.
    Activity and Social Group in the East Midlands

Disability Support

  • Northamptonshire CIL – The Disability Resource Centre
    The Northamptonshire Disability resource Centre provides a range of Free services empowering people of all ages who are affected by disability or health conditions to fulfil their potential and aspirations.
    We help disabled people, carers and families across Northamptonshire.
    0300 303 0203
    The Disability Resource Centre
  • NAB: Northamptonshire Association for the Blind
    For more than 115 years, Northamptonshire Association for the Blind (NAB) has been the leading provider of specialist advice, support and information for anyone who is blind or partially sighted living in Northamptonshire.
    01604 719193
    www.nab.org.uk
  • Northampton Deafconnect
    “Supporting and empowering all Deaf and hearing impaired people to achieve their full
    potential and become fully included members of the community. Providing services for Deaf, Deafened, hard of hearing and Deafblind people their families, friends, carers and other professionals.”
    01604 589 011
    Deafconnect
  • Northampton MENCAP
    We are a local charity, established in 1968 by a group of pioneering individuals. Over the years there have been many ups and downs mostly ups. The needs to be met have changed from educating the public to campaigning for non-discrimination to present day leisure and social activities.
    01604 874710
    muriel@northamptonmencap.org.uk
    northamptonmencap.co.uk
  • Ability Net
    AbilityNet is a UK charity that helps older people and disabled people of all ages use computers and the internet to achieve their goals at home, at work and in education.
    0800 269 545
    www.abilitynet.org.uk

Drugs and Alcohol

Elderly care

  • Age UK – Northamptonshire
    Age UK is the country’s largest charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life. They believe in a world where everyone can love later life and we work every day to achieve this.
    0800 169 2081
    www.ageuk.org.uk
  • Dementia UK
    Dementia UK offers specialist one to one support and expert advice for people living with dementia.
    0800 888 6678
    Dementia UK
    helpline@dementiauk.org
  • The Silver Line
    Free phone support for older people, 24 hours a day.
    0800 470 80 90
    The Silver Line Helpline
  • Northamptonshire Care Choices e-Booklets
    A website which includes two useful online e-Booklet guides; a Care Services Directory 2017/2018 and Dementia Friendly: A practical guide to living with Dementia in Northamptonshire.
    www.carechoices.co.uk
  • Alzheimer’s Society – Northamptonshire
    Living with dementia can be overwhelming, but you’re not alone. From a listening ear on the phone, to a visit in person. From practical tips and advice, to opportunities to connect with others.
    01832 736670
    northamptonshire@alzheimers.org.uk
    Alzheimer’s Society
  • Independent Age
    Whatever happens as we get older, we all want to remain independent and live life on our own terms. That’s why, as well as offering regular friendly contact and a strong campaigning voice, Independent Age can provide you and your family with clear, free and impartial advice on the issues that matter: care and support, money and benefits, health and mobility.
    A charity founded over 150 years ago, we’re independent so you can be.
    0800 319 6789
    www.independentage.org
  • Lunch Clubs – Northamptonshire
    A list of lunch clubs for older people who would like to socialise whilst enjoying good food.
    Age UK Northamptonshire
  • Parkinson’s UK – Self-management programme
    Our self-management programme is designed to help you navigate your life with Parkinson’s and plan for the future.
    The aim is to share experiences and discuss the practical and emotional impact of Parkinson’s.
    Self-management leaflet (PDF)
  • Exercise & Keep Fit – Age UK
    The Lifetime Project is run by Kate Kingston and she aims to facilitate and organise courses and activities of interest to the over 55s. Venue is at the Hollowell Village Hall, Thursday at 10am to 11am.
    01604 611200
    kate.kingston@ageuknorthants.org.uk

Maternity

  • Tommy’s
    Tommy’s provides information and support to empower parents during pregnancy.
    Tommy’s
  • Start for Life
    Trusted NHS help and advice during pregnancy, birth and parenthood.
    Start for life
  • Baby Buddy: Pregnancy & Parent
    Baby Buddy is an award winning mobile phone app for new parents and parents-to-be, created by mums, doctors and midwives.
    Download Baby Buddy on the Google Play Store
    Download Baby Buddy on the Apple App Store
  • MAMA Academy
    MAMA Academy’s mission is to empower all maternity professionals and expectant parents on stillbirth prevention methods to help more babies arrive safely.
    07427 851670
    MAMA Academy
    contact@mamaacademy.org.uk
  • NHS Pregnancy
    This guide includes all you need to know about trying for a baby, pregnancy, labour and birth.
    NHS: Pregnancy
  • Antenatal Classes
    The all inclusive Active Antenatal™ method is an effective and all encompassing pregnancy class, helping you to learn your antenatal education and active birth techniques in a truly effective way.
    Netmums
  • Northampton General Hospital
    Find out about the maternity services that the hospital offers.
    www.northamptongeneral.nhs.uk/maternity

Mental health

  • NHS Mental health
    Find information and support for your mental health.
    NHS: Mental health
  • Kooth
    Free anonymous online chat for young people to discuss their mental health issues.
    Kooth
  • 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.
    Phone 116 123
    Samaritans
    jo@samaritans.org
  • Rethink Mental Illness
    Rethink Mental Illness provide expert, accredited advice and information to everyone affected by mental health problems.
    0121 522 7007
    Rethink Mental Illness
    info@rethink.org
  • Mind
    Mind provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
    0300 123 3393
    Mind
  • Depression Understood
    An information centre with details link to services and groups within Northamptonshire that can help with depression, anxiety etc – www.depression-understood.org
  • Northamptonshire Rape Crisis
    A rape crisis centre that provides a safe women only space for women and girls. They are also a rape crisis centre that is able to provide support to men and boys.
    0300 2225930
    nricc.co.uk
  • The Lowdown
    The Lowdown offers a free and confidential drop in service six days a week in Northampton, where you can get the help and support you may need, whatever you are struggling with.
    01604 622223
    thelowdown.info
  • Service Six
    A specialist provider of outcome based professional therapeutic support, diversionary and activity services for thousands of hard-to-reach disadvantaged children, young people, adults and families.
    Service Six- Northamptonshire
  • Young Minds
    YoungMinds is the UK’s leading charity championing the wellbeing and mental health of you people.
    0808 802 5544
    youngminds.org.uk
  • Five Ways to Wellbeing
    Everyone’s path to happiness is different. Based on the latest research, we have identified 10 Keys that tend to make life happier and more fulfilling.
    10 Keys to Happier Living
  • Give
    Not just about money! Visit the volunteer centre – get involved and make a contribution or perhaps practice weekly acts of kindness
    Voluntary Impact Northampton
  • Palouse Mindfulness
    Breathing exercises & relaxation techniques e.g. breathe in on 7 and out on 1.
    MBSR/Mindfulness

Mental health action plan

  • Writing an action plan can improve your well-being. Your GP/nurse may highlight some things they think could be included. However it is your wellbeing plan and you are in control. Start today at the bottom of the page and continue overleaf. Look at it regularly to help you to stay on track.
  • Wellbeing plan
    Aim for three changes you can make that will help you to feel better and help you stay well.
    – What am I going to do?
    – How will this help me?
    – When will I do this by?
  • Plan for when things are not going so wellIdentify your red flags (early warning signs) if you are starting to spiral downwards (such as your thoughts, feelings, reactions) and develop an action plan of what to do when things get tough
  • If I really can’t cope I will – Think about who you can call for support and what distractions and calming activities will help you to get through the day or through the next few hours.

Sexual Health

  • Brook
    Brook provides free and confidential sexual health and wellbeing services for nearly 250,000 young people UK-wide, each year.
    Brook
  • Sexual Health Helpline
    The National Sexual Health Helpline provided by Public Health England is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm.
    0300 123 7123
  • Family Planning Association
    A sexual health charity, the Family Planning Association gives straightforward information and support on sexual health, sex and relationships to everyone in the UK.
    020 7608 5240
    Family Planning Association
  • Northamptonshire Rape Crisis
    A rape crisis centre that provides a safe women only space for women and girls. They are also a rape crisis centre that is able to provide support to men and boys.
    0300 2225930
    nricc.co.uk
  • Northamptonshire Integrated Sexual Health Service
    As well as providing sexual health screening they also meet all contraceptive needs, offering emergency contraception as well as ongoing complex contraception.
    Integrated Sexual Health Service | NHFT

Stop Smoking

  • Quit with help
    Everyone has a different reason for quitting, get a personalised Quit Smoking Plan.
    Quit with help
  • NHS Quit smoking
    Quitting is much easier when you get the right support and there are lots of options to choose from. Check out their advice, tools and tips.
    NHS: Quit smoking

Weight Management

  • 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.
    Slimming World
  • Weight Watchers
    Meetings, online or a little bit of both. They’ve got options and support, whatever your lifestyle.
    Weight Watchers
  • BMI calculator
    The body mass index (BMI) is a measure that uses your height and weight to work out if your weight is healthy.
    NHS: BMI healthy weight calculator
  • One You Couch to 5K – Mobile App
    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.
    Google Play: One You Couch to
    iTunes: One You Couch to
  • Age UK Exercise & Keep Fit
    The Lifetime Project is run by Kate Kingston and she aims to facilitate and organise courses and activities of interest to the over 55s. Venue is at the Hollowell Village Hall, Thursday at 10am to 11am.
    01604 611200
    kate.kingston@ageuknorthants.org.uk
  • DVCC – Boot Camp
    The Northampton weight loss boot camp team can provide you with a tailored program ensuring you get the results you desire. All training is conducted by their dedicated team of qualified trainers meaning that you are in safe hands.
    0330 1200084
    www.thedvcc.com
  • Cardiovascular Risk and Statins
    Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a general term for conditions affecting the heart or blood vessels.
    It’s usually associated with a build-up of fatty deposits inside the arteries (atherosclerosis) and an increased risk of blood clots.
    See below for information about Cardiovascular Risk, and treatment using statins:
    Poster:
    Cardiovascular Risk Score (QRISK2) and starting lipid lowering treatment

Wellbeing Team

Safeguarding for surgery
Email: northantsicb.safeguarding.k83010@nhs.net

Ageing Well
What we do: We are a multidisciplinary team working across primary health and social care and voluntary sector (Integrated Care Across Northamptonshire iCAN) To support people to age well, stay independent for longer.

Referral criteria: Over 65 with mild to moderate frailty with no involvement from other services.

Website: Age Well | Integrated Care Northamptonshire

How to refer yourself or someone else

Please email agewell.centre@nhft.nhs.uk to contact the team. You will then receive an online form that has a few more details to fill in. The team aims to respond to emails within 5 working days excluding Bank Holidays. 

SPLW – Social Prescribing Link Worker (GPA)
What we do: We link people to support within the voluntary and community sector. We give people time to talk about ‘what matters to me’, help identify strengths and goals, co-create a personalised action plan, and empower people to work on the steps towards achieving their goals addressing the social determinants of health (social support networks, money, work, employment and other activities, housing, finance and benefits).

Referral criteria: Adults from 18+ years of age who need practical and emotional support to improve their social circumstances. Contact the surgery

Care-co-ordinator
What we do: We work across health and social care services – we ensure individual needs are addressed through a single personalised care plan and provide coordination and navigation of care.

Referral criteria: Adults from 65+ years of age. This could include, people living with frailty or people with multiple long-term physical and mental health conditions, care home residents or those who have recently been discharged from hospital. Contact the surgery

Health and Wellbeing Coaches (GPA)
What we do: Use health coaching skills such as motivational interviewing to support people to build their skills, knowledge, and confidence to better manage their lifestyle habits (sleeping, eating, exercise, unhealthy habits), so they can reach their self-identified health and wellbeing goals.

Referral criteria: Adults from 18+ years of age who need coaching to make lifestyle changes. Contact the surgery

Spring Social Prescribing Service (GPA)
What we do: We link people with physical long term health conditions to community and voluntary services. We can work with people on a one-to-one basis or in groups for up to 12 months to help them work towards achieving their goals. We develop groups for people with long term health conditions. We run diabetes & chronic pain peer support groups.

Referral criteria: 18+, people living with physical long term health conditions (e.g. COPD, hypertension, diabetes, chronic pain conditions) who want to make positive changes to improve their quality of life and can meet in community settings. Contact the surgery