Healthy living and local support
Small changes can make a big difference to your health. This page has free NHS tools, local services in Havering, and support if you care for someone.
Stop smoking
Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health. You are much more likely to succeed with support and medicines than on your own. The benefits start within days.
Free help is available at many pharmacies in Havering. It includes up to 12 weeks of support and free nicotine patches, gum or medicine. You can also use the free NHS Quit Smoking app, or ask our practice nurse for advice.
- Get free tools and the NHS Quit Smoking app (NHS Better Health) (opens in a new tab)
- Find a Havering pharmacy that offers stop smoking support (opens in a new tab)
- Find out about stop smoking support in Havering (Havering Council) (opens in a new tab)
Drink less alcohol
The NHS advises no more than 14 units of alcohol a week, spread over 3 or more days. That is about 6 pints of average-strength beer, or 6 medium glasses of wine.
- Get tips to drink less (NHS Better Health) (opens in a new tab)
- Find support if you are worried about your drinking (NHS website) (opens in a new tab)
- Refer yourself to Aspire Havering, the local drug and alcohol service
Healthy weight and eating
The NHS Weight Loss Plan is a free 12-week plan in an app. Our healthcare assistant or practice nurse can also help with healthy eating and weight. Ask for an appointment.
- Start the free NHS Weight Loss Plan (NHS Better Health) (opens in a new tab)
- Find out about a healthy weight (NHS website) (opens in a new tab)
Get active
Being active does not need to cost anything. Walking, cycling, dancing and gardening all count. The NHS Couch to 5K app can take you from no running to 5km in 9 weeks.
- Find ways to get active (NHS Better Health) (opens in a new tab)
- Start running with Couch to 5K (NHS Better Health) (opens in a new tab)
Mental wellbeing
Every Mind Matters has free NHS advice and a short quiz that gives you a personal plan. If you are struggling, you are not alone.
- Get your free Mind Plan (Every Mind Matters) (opens in a new tab)
- Find tips for feeling lonely (Every Mind Matters) (opens in a new tab)
- Find help for your mental health, including urgent help
NHS Health Check
If you are aged 40 to 74, you can have a free NHS Health Check every 5 years. It is for people who do not already have a long-term condition. It spots early signs of heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease and stroke.
Find out about the NHS Health Check and how to book
Winter and summer health
In winter, keep warm, keep your home heated, and have your winter vaccines. In summer, use sunscreen, drink plenty of water and stay out of the midday sun.
- Get advice on seasonal health (NHS website) (opens in a new tab)
- Find out about sunscreen and sun safety (NHS website) (opens in a new tab)
- Find out about insect bites and stings (NHS website) (opens in a new tab)
- Find out about vaccinations
Contraception and sexual health
Contraception is free and confidential, including if you are under 16. You can get it from us, from a sexual health clinic, or, for emergency contraception, from many pharmacies.
- Find out about the different types of contraception (NHS website) (opens in a new tab)
- Find out about sexual health services in Barking, Havering and Redbridge
- Find a sexual health clinic near you (NHS website) (opens in a new tab)
Pregnancy, babies and young children
The NHS has trusted advice on pregnancy, birth, feeding your baby and the early years. If you are pregnant, you can refer yourself straight to the maternity team.
- Get advice on pregnancy (NHS website) (opens in a new tab)
- Get advice on babies and toddlers (NHS Best Start in Life) (opens in a new tab)
- Refer yourself to maternity services
Carers
A carer is anyone who looks after a family member, partner or friend who could not manage without them. This might be because of illness, disability, a mental health problem or addiction. Carers are not paid for this, and many do not think of themselves as carers.
Tell us if you are a carer
Tell reception, or send us a request online (opens in a new tab). We will add a carer flag to your record.
As a carer, you can have longer or more flexible appointments, and a free flu jab every year. You can also ask us for proxy access. This lets you order repeat prescriptions for the person you care for.
Your rights as a carer
You have the right to a carer's assessment from Havering Council. It looks at what would make your life easier, such as breaks or help at home. Ask for one online, or call 01708 432000.
Carers Rights Day takes place every November. It is run by Carers UK to help carers know their rights and get the support they are entitled to.
- Ask Havering Council for a carer's assessment (opens in a new tab)
- Find out about carer's assessments (NHS website) (opens in a new tab)
- Find out about Carers Rights Day (Carers UK) (opens in a new tab)
Local support for carers
Havering Carers Hub gives free information, advice and support to carers in Havering. Call 01708 961111 or email info@haveringcarershub.org.uk.
- Find more support for carers in Havering (Live Well Havering) (opens in a new tab)
- Call the Carers UK helpline on 0808 808 7777, Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm (opens in a new tab)
- Find out about support and benefits for carers (NHS website) (opens in a new tab)
Find more local support
Live Well Havering is a guide to local health and wellbeing services, groups and activities. It is run by Havering Council, the NHS and local voluntary groups.