Asthma Attacks

What to do in an asthma attack

You’re having an asthma attack if you are experiencing any of these:

• Your blue reliever isn’t helping, or you need to use it more than every four hours
• You’re wheezing a lot, have a very tight chest, or you’re coughing a lot
• You’re breathless and find it difficult to walk or talk
• Your breathing is getting faster and it feels like you can’t get your breath in properly

Information on what to do if you are having an asthma attack.

Macmillan Rehabilitation and Support Team

Macmillan Rehabilitation and Support are a team of Occupational Therapists and Cancer Support Workers. They provide practical, emotional and psychological support to people living with and beyond cancer, either through one to one support in people’s homes or group sessions in the Bristol, South Glos and North Somerset area.

For more information click here.

You can refer patients to us either by telephone: 07920 833 641 or email bch.macmillansupport@nhs.net or via Remedy. Patients can also self-refer via telephone or email.

For information about upcoming courses, click here.

Are You a Carer?

If you provide help and support to a partner, relative, child, friend or neighbour who could not manage without your help due to physical or mental illness, disability, frailty or addiction, then you are one of thousands of unpaid carers in and around Bristol.

If you are a carer, it is important to look after your own health as well as the person you care for.

Here at The Orchard Medical Centre we want to be able to do all we can to help you to stay as healthy and informed as possible, so you can carry on caring for as long as you want to. Please register with us, as this enables us to provide you with the following benefits:

• Free ‘flu’ vaccinations each autumn
• Sharing information with you about the person you care for if she/he consents to this, which will make communication easier
• More flexible appointments depending on your needs as a carer

If you look after someone, please let us know – we may be able to help you

Either register as a carer by completing this form online or ask for a carers’ identification form from reception or speak to your doctor / nurse.

You can also access a wide range of information and support from our local carers support organisation Carers Support Centre or contact CarersLine on 0117 965 22 00. They can help you with:

• One-to-one support
• Activity groups with other people going through similar issues
• Carers support groups
• Hospital support to help carers in a hospital setting, particularly around the discharge process
• Training and workshops to help you manage on a day to day basis
• Carers assessments to help you to get the support you need to be a carer
• Employment support to help you to get back into work or to stay in employment
• Help applying for relevant benefits
• Carers emergency card which will ensure that the person you care for is supported in the event of you being taken seriously ill.

They have specific workers for parent carers, young carers and for carers who support an adult with a learning difficulty.

If you need information about other groups available in your locality, then please visit Carers Support Centre or email CarersLine for further information and support.

Carers Trust

A carer is anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction cannot cope without their support.

The Carers Trust Network supports carers locally through its UK-wide network of Network Partners.

Telephone: 0117 939 2562

Carers Line: 0117 965 2200

Facebook: @carerstrust

Twitter: @CarersTrust

Website: carerssupportcentre.org.uk

Email: carersline@carerssupportcentre.org.uk

Carers Support Centre

Carers Support Centre is a charity providing support, information and advice to carers of any age living in South Gloucestershire and Bristol.

Telephone: 0117 965 2200

Facebook: @CarersBSG

Twitter: @CarersBSG

Website: www.carerssupport.org.uk

Carers UK

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

Telephone: 0808 808 7777

Website: www.carersuk.org

Email: info@carersuk.org

Autism

NAS South Gloucestershire branch is a parent-led group run by volunteers who are mainly parents of autistic children or young people who want to help others affected by autism (including Asperger syndrome and pathological demand avoidance).

Website: nassouthgloucestershirebranch

Email: southgloucestershire@nas.org.uk

Care and Support for Children and Families

South Gloucestershire Council can provide information varying from safeguarding and reporting concerns, to what is being done to support children to have the best start, improving outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs and/or disability, improving mental health and wellbeing.

Find out about what is on offer to children and young families here.

Young Carers

A young carer is a child or young person under 18 who provides or intends to provide care, assistance or support to any family member (of any age) who is disabled, physically or mentally ill, frail or elderly or is misusing alcohol or substances.

Through its Young Carers Service, Carers Support Centre provides help and support to children aged 8-18, their families and professionals in Bristol and South Gloucestershire.

Call: 0117 965 2200

Facebook: @CarersBSG

Twitter: @CarersBSG

Website: www.carerssupportcentre.org.uk

Happy Maps

The aim of HappyMaps is to signpost parents to mental health resources for their children.

Facebook: @happymaps.co.uk

Instagram: @happymapsuk

Website: www.happymaps.co.uk

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.

Website: www.nhs.uk

HANDi App

HANDi app provides expert support to parents/carers looking after children with the most common childhood illnesses. Guidance includes illness specific home assessment guidelines, signposting to the appropriate healthcare setting, and illness information.

Vaccination planner

This personalised vaccination calendar which highlights the dates your child needs to have their vaccinations by.

Website: www.nhs.uk

Wellbeing College

Wellbeing College helps look after your wellbeing. They run a range of courses, drop in sessions, activities and holistic therapy sessions – completely free of charge.

Telephone: 01454 821856

Website: www.sgwellbeingcollege.org

The Clock Tower Association

Warmley Clock Tower Association is community project providing support and opportunities aimed at enhancing the lives of local people.

Current users of the building in Tower Road North, Warmley, include martial arts, yoga, weaving, weaving, music therapy, ante-natal classes, band practice, walking to health and coffee mornings.

Telephone (Monday-Wednesday, 10am-1pm): 0117 967 1655

Website: www.warmleyclocktower.org.uk

Email: theclocktowerassociation@btinternet.com

Kingswood WI

Kingswood Women’s Institute meets on the second Thursday of the month at the Congregational Church Hall.

The WI provides women with educational opportunities, the chance to build new skills, to take part in a wide variety of activities and to campaign.

Website: mykingswood.co.uk/kingswood/kingswood-wi

Kingswood Y's Men

Kingswood Y’s Men’s Club is part of Y’s Men International, a YMCA affiliated service and community organisation. Despite the name the club is not exclusively a male preserve and is open to all members of the community.

Web: www.ysmen.co.uk

Email: myd@ysmen.co.uk

Rotary Club of Kingswood

The Rotary Club of Kingswood has been running since 1939 and is keen to welcome new members, men and women.

The club supports the local community, raising as much money as possible for  chosen charities, while members enjoy Rotary.

Telephone (membership information or enquiries): 07753 612225

Website: www.rotary-ribi.org

South Gloucestershire Community Learning Service

The community learning team based at The Vassall Centre, Gill Avenue, Fishponds, works with adults aged 19 and over who have no or few formal qualifications and is funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency.

Most courses are free and are offered at venues throughout South Gloucestershire.

Telephone (freephone): 0808 808 5252

Facebook: @WellAwaresouthwest

Twitter: @wellaware_tcf

Website: www.wellaware.org.uk

South Gloucestershire Over 50s Forum

South Gloucestershire Over 50s Forum campaigns for everyone over the age of 50 in the area, irrespective of race, religion, disability and sexuality. It is non party political, and seeks to address all concerns and problems facing people aged over 50.

Telephone: 07967 102141

Website: southglosover50sforum.btck.co.uk

Email: southglosover50s@gmail.com

Well Aware

Well Aware provides information on a wide range of organisations; support groups, community groups, events and activities that can help improve your health and wellbeing.

Telephone (free phone): 0808 808 5252

Facebook: @WellAwaresouthwest

Twitter: @wellaware_tcf

Website: www.wellaware.org.uk

Email: infoservices@thecareforum.org.uk

Vita Health Group

With over 30 years of experience delivering best-in-class physical and mental healthcare, Vita Health Group has a unique insight into delivering holistic, person-centred care. Their mental health services include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), guided self-help, and group therapy sessions.

Email: enquiries@vhg.co.uk

Website: www.vitahealthgroup.co.uk

Bristol Mind

Bristol Mind is a mental health resource for people in Bristol and surrounding areas providing information and signposting, advocacy services, low cost counselling, confidential helplines, volunteering opportunities and more.

Helpline: 0808 808 0330 (Wed-Sun, 8pm to midnight)

Transgender Helpline: 0300 330 5468 (Mon and Fri, 8pm to midnight)

Facebook: @BrisMind

Twitter: @BristolMind

Website: bristolmind.org.uk

Bristol Wellbeing Therapies

Bristol Wellbeing Therapies (BWT) is the gateway into Bristol’s NHS funded primary care service. BWT conduct all the assessments into this free and confidential service. Therapies are provided by a range of different providers for adults of all ages. The current wait for assessment is around a month.

Telephone: 0117 982 3209

Website: iapt-bristol.awp.nhs.uk

Support At Home

Support at Home is to be a free Red Cross First Call service for those aged 18 or over in Bristol and South Gloucestershire, providing they don’t have complex mental health needs or substance abuse issues.

DBS-checked volunteers visit for around six weeks to provide support in the home including practical support such as shopping, light domestic and picking up prescriptions. They can also provide emotional support.

Telephone (referrals): 0117 301 2601

General Enquiries: 0117 301 2619

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.

Telephone: 116 123

Website: www.samaritans.org

Email: jo@samaritans.org

Rethink

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

Telephone: 0300 5000 927

Website: www.rethink.org

Email: info@rethink.org

MindEd UK

MindEd is a free educational resource on children and young people’s mental health for all adults.

Twitter: @MindEdUK

Website: www.minded.org.uk

Diabetes Support

Four groups form the Bristol Diabetes Support Network with the Bristol East group, meeting six times a year at The Beechwood Club in Fishponds.

Telephone: 07805 803761

Website: diabetesbristol.org.uk

Email: st@diabetesbristol.org.uk

Developing Health & Independence (DHI)

DHI South Gloucestershire has treatment centres in Warmley and Yate and delivers services throughout the county, including within GP surgeries.

Responsive and imaginative services, developed in consultation with the people who use them, aim to improve the health and well being of all those affected by drug and alcohol use.

Telephone: 0800 073 3011

Facebook: @DevelopingHealthIndependence

Twitter: @dhi_online

Website: www.dhi-online.org.uk/do/south-gloucestershire/

Email (head office): info@dhibath.org.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

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.

Telephone: 0800 917 7650

Website: www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Email: help@aamail.org

Talk to Frank

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

Telephone: 0300 123 6600

Text: 82111

Website: www.talktofrank.com

Email: frank@talktofrank.com

First Contact scheme

First Contact helps those aged over 60 access a range of information to live independently at home and be more mobile.

The scheme uses a simple, quick and easy checklist of questions, which enables staff and volunteers to ascertain the needs of the person.

Find out more here

You can pick up the checklist from South Gloucestershire libraries or One Stop Shops and complete it yourself.

You may prefer to download the First Contact Postcard, complete it and return to the Freepost address on the form.

Bristol Activities of Daily Living Scale

The Bristol Activities of Daily Living Scale is a questionnaire designed to reveal the everyday ability of people who have memory difficulties of one form or another.

The Retreat Memory Café – Soundwell

The café runs on the second Monday of every month and is open to those with dementia, and their carers. There are fun activities, crafts, singing and invited speakers. It’s a great opportunity to meet, socialise and relax in a caring environment.

Telephone: 01454 868570

Website: southernbrooks.org.uk

Email: dementia@southernbrooks.org.uk

Silver Line

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

Telephone: 0800 4708 090

Website: www.thesilverline.org.uk

Dementia

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

Health Information Video Library

Take a look at our health information video library here.

It’s easy to navigate and contains over 350 videos that covers 90 common topics you might visit your GP to discuss. Key collections include asthma, diabetes, medicine management and more.

In this library you can find out more about your condition, medication and any procedures you might have to treat your ailment.

Action on Hearing Loss

Patients who are hard of hearing or deaf can now book for a communication professional to attend their appointments.

Further information is available from the Action on Hearing Loss Leaflet.

Bluebell Care

Bluebell is a charity providing innovative services to help mums and dads manage their emotional wellbeing during pregnancy and after birth.

Telephone: 0117 922 0746

Facebook: @Bluebellsupportingfamilies

Twitter: @BluebellCare

Website: bluebellcare.org

Maternity Services

Maternity Services at North Bristol NHS Trust provide a full range of maternity care.

More than 6,000 babies are born each year and dedicated midwives, doctors, maternity healthcare assistants (MCAs) and support staff are committed to giving personalised care of the highest standard.

Website: North Bristol NHS Trust

Mothers for Mothers

Mothers for Mothers is group of mums, most of who have suffered postnatal depression or distress after the birth of one or more baby. They offer support, advice, information and, most of all, a listening ear for any worries or concerns you may have.

Telephone: 0117 935 9366

Website: www.mothersformothers.co.uk

Mental Health During Pregnancy and When You Have a New Baby

Most expect to feel happy, excited and positive during pregnancy, and when their baby is born. But it is natural to feel stressed or anxious at times during pregnancy, or when you have a new baby, with up to one in five women having mental health problems in pregnancy or after birth.

Website: www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mental-health

Pregnancy and Baby Guide

Here’s an NHS guide to everything you need to know about caring for your new baby during those exhausting but wonderful early weeks.

Website: www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/being-a-parent/

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

South Glos Talking Therapies

South Glos Talking Therapies are the gateway for the NHS talking therapy services within South Gloucestershire. They provide access to a range of therapeutic interventions in line with people’s differing emotional needs

Telephone: 0117 3784270

Email: awp.southglostalkingtherapies@nhs.net

Website: www.iapt-sglos.awp.nhs.uk

NHS Self-help Leaflets

Mental health self-help website with an excellent range of leaflets which can be viewed or downloaded and is also available in audio.

Website: www.web.ntw.nhs.uk/selfhelp/

XenZone

Free online counselling, support and Apps (Kooth for 11-18yrs, QWell for adults and Minds For Life for mobile apps).

Website: www.xenzone.com

Every Mind Matters

How are you taking care of your mental health? Get expert advice, practical tips and a personalised action plan with Every Mind Matters.

Website: www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters

LGBTQ Mental Health

Information about mental health support for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer or questioning (LGBTQ).

Telephone: 0300 123 3393

Website: www.mind.org.uk/information-support

Mental Health During Pregnancy and When You Have a New Baby

Most expect to feel happy, excited and positive during pregnancy, and when their baby is born. But it is natural to feel stressed or anxious at times during pregnancy, or when you have a new baby, with up to 1 in 5 women having mental health problems in pregnancy or after birth.

Website: www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mental-health

Parenting with a Mental Health Problem

Information about difficulties you may face as a parent with a mental health problem, support available and suggestions on how to help yourself and your children.

Telephone: 0300 123 3393

Website: www.mind.org.uk/information-support

Cossham Sexual Health Clinic

The clinic at Cossham Hospital, Lodge Road, Kingswood, BS15 1LF, provides a variety of services.

These include: contraception advice and provision; sexual health advice and basic testing; treatment for common STIs including initial treatment of genital warts; pregnancy test; help with issues such as sexual difficulties, reproductive health, period or menopause problems; and referral to other services when appropriate.

Telephone: 0117 342 6900

Brook

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

Website: www.brook.org.uk

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.

Telephone: 020 7608 5240

Website: www.fpa.org.uk

Sexual Health Helpline

The National Sexual Health Helpline provided by Public Health England is open Monday to Friday, 9:00-20:00.

Telephone: 0300 123 7123

Get Local Help to Quit for Good

With your free local service on your side you are up to four times more likely to quit for good. Trained advisers are based at GP surgeries, pharmacies and community venues across South Gloucestershire.

Staying Healthy – smokefree

LiveWell Bristol

Quit with help

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

Website: www.quitwithhelp.co.uk

Myths and Misunderstandings

There are many myths and misunderstandings about whether it’s safe to have a vaccination. Here are the facts:

www.nhs.uk/myths about children’s vaccines

www.euro.who.int/myths-and-facts.pdf

www.publichealth.org/vaccine-myths-debunked

LifeShape

You can get support from your local council and other local organisations to improve health and wellbeing through low or no-cost exercise, healthy eating and support programmes, including South Gloucestershire Council’s LifeShape.

NHS advice on weight management is available here

Reach

Reach is a free and fun programme for families, children and young people who are above a healthy weight. Group programmes for children aged four to 16 and their families starts at the end of April 2019.

Telephone: 01454 864005

Website: www.southglos.gov.uk/reach

WW UK

Meetings, online or a little bit of both. WW UK, formerly Weightwatchers, offers options and support, whatever your lifestyle.

Facebook: @WW.UK

Twitter: @ww_uk

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