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There are things we can all do to help ourselves and the NHS

Visit your local pharmacy

Pharmacies can offer free advice on a variety of health issues without an appointment. There are more than 300 pharmacies across the county with many open late into the evening and at weekends. They can offer a wealth of health support and should be the first port of call for common illnesses. Pharmacists are highly trained health professionals, qualified to offer health advice and guidance, particularly on common problems, such as headache, coughs and colds, tummy bugs, verruca’s and warts.

Use an Urgent Treatment Centre (UTCs)

There are more than a dozen urgent treatment centres (UTCs) in Kent and Medway that are open every day of the year. These centres are equipped to diagnose and deal with many of the most common ailments people go to A&E for and treat both minor injury and illness.

Find out more about UTCs on the Stop Think Choose website.

Support for your Mental Health

If you are looking for support with mental health and wellbeing for you or someone you care for, visit our mental wellbeing information hub. The hub is an online one-stop place to help signpost you to support and services. Whether you are feeling anxious or stressed, down or low or are just interested in finding out what help is available, the information hub is there for you.

The hub includes sections specifically for:

• Parents, Carers and Families
• Children and Young People
• Students and Young Adults
• Adults with Memory Problems

Safe Havens offers face-to-face mental health support which is available 365-days-a-year in Canterbury, Folkestone, Maidstone, Medway and Thanet. Havens are open to anyone aged 16-plus. No appointment or referral is necessary. Details of where the havens are located, opening times and how to get in touch, can be found on the mental wellbeing information hub.

If you need Urgent Medical Help

Get in touch with NHS 111 Online or Call NHS 111.

NHS 111 is open 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week, offering support on a wide range of conditions, covering both illnesses and injuries. Help is at hand from a team of highly trained experts. The team will tell you if you need a pharmacy or if you can manage your concern at home. If needed, an appointment can be booked at an urgent treatment centre (UTC) or even an A&E department.

Published: Mar 30, 2023