Richmond Drug & Alcohol Service December bulletin 2024

Think Pharmacy First

Advice and treatment

Pharmacists can give you advice on a range of conditions and suggest medicines that can help.

They may also be able to offer treatment and some prescription medicine for some conditions, without you needing to see a GP (this is called Pharmacy First).

Conditions they can treat as part of Pharmacy First are:

• earache (aged 1 to 17 years)

• impetigo (aged 1 year and over)- a contagious skin infection

• infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)

• shingles (aged 18 years and over)- infection that causes a painful rash

• sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)- infection of the sinuses (behind the forehead, cheeks and nose)

• sore throat (aged 5 years and over)

• urinary tract infections or UTIs (women aged 16 to 64 years)

Click here   https://www.patienttriage.co.uk/jubilee-surgery?serviceId=000f06ba-57da-4889-ba5a-cf361bcd9131 to fill in an assessment and self refer online if you have one of these conditions or you can walk into your local pharmacy.

The pharmacist will offer you advice, treatment or refer you to a GP or another healthcare professional if needed. Pharmacies will update your GP health record.

If you are not within these age ranges, a pharmacist can still offer advice, but you may need to see a GP for treatment.

Please note on weekends online self-referral may take longer as the practice is closed and will not look at your assessment till we are open, for quicker response please walk into your local pharmacy.

Find a Pharmacy: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy

Getting the contraceptive pill without a prescription

You may be able to get the contraceptive pill from a pharmacy if you need to:

• start the contraceptive pill for the first time

• take the contraceptive pill again after a break from using it If you already have a prescription for the contraceptive pill, you can use the prescription as usual. Or you can get the pill from a pharmacy without a prescription if you prefer.

Click here to Find a pharmacy that offers the contraceptive pill without a prescription – NHS

Get a free blood pressure check

You can get a free blood pressure checked at a pharmacy without seeing a GP, if you:

• are aged 40 or over

• live in England You cannot get a free blood pressure check if you:

• already have high blood pressure

• have had your blood pressure checked by a healthcare professional in the past 6 months

Some pharmacies offer a free blood pressure check.

Click here to Find a pharmacy that offers free blood pressure checks – NHS

Emergency Prescriptions – NHS 111

Use this service to request a limited emergency supply of a medicine you’ve completely run out of. This must be a medicine you are prescribed regularly, through a repeat prescription.

Click here: Emergency prescriptions – NHS 111

Most referrals to other specialists will require you seeing or speaking with a GP, however, there are a number of services locally, listed below, that you are able to make self-referrals to:

GetuBetter is a self-referral app for a wide range of Musculoskeletal Injuries and Conditions and Women’s Pelvic Health, click link to begin your self-referral https://app.getubetter.com/go-to-app?url=request-access/request-access/1/73278a4a86960eeb576a8fd4c9ec6997

Self refer to NHS Physiotherapy – https://hrch.jotform.com/213222527065044

Mental Health Support: see separate tile on home page for links to crisis line, self referrals, useful websites and helplines.

Eye Tests for Housebound Patients. Some opticians offer this service for eligible patient. Go to Home eye tests | Specsavers UK  , Nhs Free Eye Test Home | A1optician Ltd | England or Home Eye Care & Optician Services | Homehealth Opticians

Self refer to Kingston Hospital Royal Eye Unit Emergency Clinic for urgent eye problems. Go to https://www.kingstonandrichmond.nhs.uk/patients-and-families/patient-leaflets/urgent-eye-problems

Urgent Eye Care Service is run by participating local opticians and open to anyone registered with a GP in Southwest London. To find an optician offering this service ask your local optician or go to the Eyecare website at https://primaryeyecare.co.uk/ Specsavers Opticians in Twickenham (020 8831 7520) and at Sainsburys St Clares (020 8941 0852) offer this service.

Carers – Looking after someone – London Borough of Richmond upon Thames

Young Carers – Services for Young Carers – Richmond Carers Centre

Contraceptive Services– We do not fit or remove implants and coils (IUCD or IUS) at Jubilee Surgery. For further information about these services, please go to https://www.shswl.nhs.uk/

Maternity Care– You can self-refer for maternity care to West Middlesex University Hospital at https://www.chelwest.nhs.uk/services/maternity or Kingston Hospital  at https://kingstonhospital.nhs.uk/kingston-maternity/

Sexual Health –Sexual Health Hounslow — Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (chelwest.nhs.uk) or Home :: Sexual Health South West London (shswl.nhs.uk)

Seen (formerly Crossway)– provide a safe space to support those facing unplanned pregnancy and baby loss and deliver healthy relationship and sex education to empower and nurture the community. 306 Richmond Rd, Twickenham TW1 2PD. Call 0208892 8483 or go to Home – Seen

Termination of Pregnancy– To self-refer for termination of pregnancy, please call Southwest London Termination of Pregnancy Services on 0345 872 5503

Drugs and Alcohol – Richmond Community Drug & Alcohol Service (RCDAS) – About Us  

How to access support : Walk-in for an assessment
Mon, Tue, Fri 9.30am -11:30am, Thurs 9.30am – 10.30am
Opening times: 9am – 4.30pm Mon, Tue, Fri; Wed
1.30pm-4.30pm (closed am for staff training) and Thurs
closed between 11:00am – 1:00pm for staff meeting.
Tuesday women only until 1pm.
Address: Unit 2 Ilex House, 94 Holly Road, TW1 4HF
Tel: 020 3228 3020
Recovery Hub: Tel: 0207 501 2615
Day Programme: 0207 498 6149

Richmond Drug and Alcohol Service December 2024 Bulletin

ASCA (Addiction Support Care Agency) offer support in understanding more about your mental health and wellbeing, empowering you to make any changes you want or need to make. Through a variety of confidential services, they aim to help you gain clarity, increase confidence and identify changes you may wish to make: Addiction Counselling, General Counselling, Carers Support and Carers Group. Welcome to ASCA – Addiction Support Care Agency

Opening hours: Monday 8am-6.30pm, Tuesday 8am-3.30pm and Wednesday 11am-2pm. You can find ASCA at: 233 Lower Mortlake Road, Richmond TW9 2LL. Tel: 020 8940 1160.

Smoking Cessation – Help to stop smoking – London Borough of Richmond upon Thames

Domestic Abuse Support: Domestic abuse – London Borough of Richmond upon Thames

Aanchal 0845 451 2547
(24 hour crisis line for Asian women experiencing domestic abuse) Aanchal.org.uk

Hestia Domestic Violence Advisors in Richmond – (020) 3879 3544
Monday-Friday 9am to 5pm
For details of out-of-hours and on-call service please visit: Hestia Life Beyond Crisis

One Stop Shop is a drop-in service for residents of the borough who are experiencing domestic abuse and would like to see an Independent Domestic Abuse Advisor (IDVA) for advice in person. No appointment needed. Location: Hampton Hill Citizens Advice, 1st Floor, 94-102 High Street, Hampton Hill, TW12 1NY. Opening hours: Every Friday between 10am and 12pm (excluding bank holidays).

WHAT TO DO IN A CRISIS:

You can call 111 (option 2 for Mental Health) if you need help fast but it’s not a 999 emergency.

24/7 Mental Health Crisis Line: If you need mental health support in a crisis you can call the 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Line on 0800 028 8000.

The Mental Health Crisis Line provided by South West London and St Georges Mental Health NHS Trust offers emotional support and advice to people who are affected by urgent mental health issues, at any time of the day or night. It is open to everyone: both children and adults of all ages, and to people who haven’t previously accessed mental health services.

Both services are available 24/7 for adults and children of all ages, and to people who haven’t previously accessed mental health services. You can call for yourself or someone else.

Call 999 or go to A&E if someone’s life is at risk – for example they have seriously injured themselves or taken an overdose, or you do not feel you can keep yourself or someone else safe.

Kingston Hospital
Galsworthy Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT2 7QB
Tel: 020 8546 7711
OR
West Middlesex University Hospital
Twickenham Road, Isleworth, Middlesex TW7 6AF
Tel: 020 8560 2121

NHS AND OTHER SERVICES:

If you need to, you can contact your GP on our usual number, during surgery hours.

Richmond Wellbeing Service. You can self refer to this service which offers a range of free and confidential talking therapies and specialist support to help mange stress, anxiety or depression. Contact The Richmond Wellbeing Service Monday to Thursday 8:15am–8pm, and Friday 8:15am–5:00pm on 020 3513 4455 or via their website Richmond Wellbeing Service.

Adults Emergency Duty Social Work Team
Telephone: 020 8744 2442
Type Talk: 1800 1 020 8744 9414
A trained Social Worker will speak to you over the phone to assess the situation and decide the best course of action.

FOR FAMILIES AND YOUNG PEOPLE:

Family Lives provides targeted early intervention and crisis support to families who are struggling.
The issues they support families with include family breakdown, challenging relationships and behaviour, debt, and emotional and mental wellbeing.
0808 800 2222 https://www.familylives.org.uk/

Young Minds provides young people with tools to look after their mental health. Their website is full of advice and information on what to do if you’re struggling with how you feel. YoungMinds | Mental Health Charity For Children And Young People | YoungMinds

Off The Record Twickenham (OTR) is a registered charity providing drop-in counselling, information and sexual health service for young people aged 11–24. 2 Church Street, Twickenham, TW1 3NJ. Telephone: 020 8744 1644 otrtwickenham.com

The Emotional Health Service (EHS) is a team of therapists that work with young people and their families who have mild to moderate mental health difficulties. This service works with children and young people up to the age of 19 years old who have a Richmond or Kingston home address. The focus of this service is early intervention and prevention, including consultation, training and short term direct therapeutic interventions. Any professional, who has parental consent, can make a referral to CAMHS. Parents/carers can also refer on their children’s behalf. Referrals are made via Single Point of Access – London Borough of Richmond upon Thames

Kooth is a free online counselling and emotional support service for young people aged 11-22 years old in SW London. Home – Kooth

The Mix is the UK’s leading support service for young people. We are here to help you take on any challenge you’re facing – from mental health to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs. Talk to us via our online community, on social, through our free, confidential helpline or our counselling service.” The Mix – Essential support for under 25s

Carers in Mind If you are a carer for someone with a mental health problem and feel you could do with some support:
Telephone: 020 8940 7384 Carers In Mind Project – Richmond Borough Mind (rbmind.org)
Email:carers@rbmind.org

OTHER SOURCES OF SUPPORT:

Richmond Borough Mind offer information, advice and support to young people and adults experiencing mental health issues as well as their carers.

 A mental health resource for residents of Richmond (rbmind.org) 

You can self refer to the Mind Recovery Hub based in Twickenham and Kingston which provides evening and weekend support for people in crisis or nearing crisis. Please contact 020 3137 9755 for more details (Opening hours: Mon to Fri 6pm – 10pm, Weekends 2pm – 8pm/10pm)

Every Mind Matters Every Mind Matters – NHS

Relate Relationship Counselling | Relate

Phoenix Counselling:  https://www.phoenixcounselling.org/

Kingston Women’s Centre Offers low cost counselling service for women. Kingston Women’s Centre (kingstonwomenscentre.org.uk)

Counselling Initiatives Offers counselling for those on low income or benefits.  Counselling Initiatives – Twickenham & London – Counselling Directory (counselling-directory.org.uk)

Richmond aid: http://www.richmondaid.org.uk/free-or-donation-based-telephone-and-web-counselling/

ACCCREDITED ORGANISATIONS where you can find London-wide listings for private therapists:

British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapists. CBT Search Results (babcp.com)

British Psychological Society Find a psychologist | BPS

British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy  | BACP

United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy  Home | UKCP | Find a therapist (psychotherapy.org.uk)

Supportline offers confidential emotional support to children, young adults and adults by telephone, email and post. They work with callers to develop healthy, positive coping strategies, an inner feeling of strength and increased self esteem to encourage healing, recovery and moving forward with life. They also keep details of counsellors, agencies and support groups throughout the UK. SupportLine – Confidential Emotional Support for Children, Young Adults and Adults

HELPLINES

You might not want to talk to a family member or close friend about things that are so very difficult and/or personal. If this is the case and you are struggling, you could try one of the following help lines:

Shout. Text “Shout” to 85258
Shout is the UK’s first free 24/7 text service for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. Supported by a nationwide team of Crisis Volunteers, it takes people from crisis to calm every day of the week.  Shout: the UK’s free, confidential and 24/7 mental health text service for crisis support | Shout 85258 (giveusashout.org)

Samaritans 116 123 
The helpline offers emotional support at any time throughout the year. Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen   

Saneline 0300 304 7000
1600 to 2200 every day (Practical information, crisis care and emotional support)  Home – SANE

CALM 0800585858 5pm to midnight. thecalmzone.net

No Panic 0300 772 9844
10am – 10pm every day (For people experiencing panic or anxiety problems)

Domestic Abuse Support: Domestic abuse – London Borough of Richmond upon Thames

Aanchal 0845 451 2547
(24 hour crisis line for Asian women experiencing domestic abuse) Aanchal.org.uk

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT

Space2grieve offers free, personal, confidential, one-to-one bereavement support to anyone living in Richmond Borough. Call  on 0751 937 6363 or email on support@space2grieve.org.uk. Specialist bereavement support for Richmond Borough (space2grieve.org.uk). 

The Good Grief Trust offers useful information, helplines, advice. Home – The Good Grief Trust  

Cruse Bereavement Support: Offers and confidential support to anyone who has been bereaved. Find out how to get tailored advice, information, counselling, or join a local group near you. Call  0808 808 1677  Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 9.30am-5pm or Tuesday: 1pm – 8pm Home – Cruse Bereavement Support

Seen (formerly Crossway)– provide a safe space to support those facing unplanned pregnancy and baby loss, and we deliver healthy relationship and sex education to empower and nurture our community. 306 Richmond Rd, Twickenham TW1 2PD 020 8892 8483  Home – Seen

Cervical Cancer screening

Who: Women and people with a cervix (e.g., trans and non-binary) age 25 – 64

Screening test: involves using a soft brush to take a small sample of cells from the surface of your cervix. The sample is put into a small plastic container and sent to a laboratory. It is tested for the types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer.

Frequency:
• Age 25-49 – 3 yearly
• Age 50-64 – 5 yearly

Where: general practice (95%), sexual health services

Benefits: NHS cervical screening helps prevent cervical cancer. It saves thousands of lives from cervical cancer each year in the UK. In England cervical screening currently prevents 70% of cervical cancer deaths. If everyone attended screening regularly, 83% could be prevented

Cervical screening: what to expect | NHS – YouTube

Breast Cancer screening 

About 1 in 7 women in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. Breast cancer treatment is more successful and there’s a better chance of recovery if cancers are detected at an early stage, which is why it’s so important for women aged 50 to 71 to attend their breast screening when invited. Women aged from 50 to 71 are invited for breast cancer screening every three years.
If you’ve received a breast screening invitation, you can book an appointment that suits you on the NHS London breast screening website. If you cannot attend your appointment or missed it, it’s not too late – call the London Breast Screening Hub on 020 3758 2024 to discuss the options available in your local area, which may include evening or weekend appointments.
Breast screening uses an X-ray test called a mammogram that can spot cancers when they are too small to see or feel. The mammographer will always be female. If you have a health condition, disability, or a physical issue which may make having a mammogram difficult, contact the London Breast Screening Hub on 020 3758 2024. They will make reasonable adjustments to ensure the breast screening services are accessible to you.

For more information about breast screening, like what happens at your appointment or where you’ll have it, visit the NHS website Breast screening (mammogram) – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Finally, if you notice any changes in your breasts, contact your GP, even if you have recently had a clear breast screening. Do not wait for your next breast screening appointment. Breast cancer in women – Symptoms – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Londoners – if you’ve received a breast screening invitation letter, don’t put your appointment off. Breast screening saves lives. Book your appointment online at Location Selection (london-breastscreening.org.uk)

Breast cancer screening | NHS – YouTube

COPD screening – what is it and what will happen?

COPD | NHS – YouTube

Bowel Cancer Screening 

Who: People aged 54 to 74. By 2025 – people aged 50 to 74

Screening test:
• Home test kit – FIT kit
• Test for microscopic amounts of blood

Frequency: Every 2 years

Where: Home test kit posted to your home

Benefits:
• Prevents cancer at an early stage when it easier to treat
• Detects polyps which, if left untreated, could develop into cancer
• Reduces the risk of dying from cancer by 25%

How to do the FIT bowel cancer screening test | Cancer Research UK – Bing video

Prostate Cancer Screening

There is no national screening programme for prostate cancer in the UK. This is because there isn’t a reliable test that can pick up prostate cancer that needs treatment at an early stage.

Researchers have looked at the PSA test for prostate cancer screening in those without symptoms. But overall studies show that this only leads to a small reduction in the number of men dying from prostate cancer. Studies also show that some men are diagnosed with a prostate cancer that would not have caused problems or needed treatment.

Research continues to look at current tests and new tests as a way to screen for prostate cancer.

Please follow the links below for more information about Prostate cancer and PSA testing.

PSA test – NHS

Screening for prostate cancer | Cancer Research UK

PSA blood test – NHS guidelines and Prostate Cancer UK’s risk checker | Prostate Cancer UK

Concerned about your child’s health?  

Created by local experts in child health, Healthier Together South West London Healthier Together Homepage is a website which provides information on common childhood health concerns such as fever and breathing problems.

On the website you will find information about a range of health concerns, all of which have been created by child health specialists, GPs and clinicians in South-West London.

The handy traffic light system allows you to check symptoms and advises you on whether you should seek further medical help. If extra help is needed, the tool will save you time by pointing you towards the most appropriate service to get the best care for your child.

Healthier Together is designed to support pregnant women and parents and carers of children in South-West London. Young people can also use the website to find information on topics such as mental and sexual health.

“It’s like a mini doctor for you at home, that’s how it is, that’s how I see it. It gives all information, what should I do, in what cases I need to go to hospital or how I can treat my baby at home.” – Parent and user of Healthier Together

https://www.swlondon-healthiertogether.nhs.uk/

Health Visiting Service

The health visiting teams work with mothers and fathers, their families and community groups to promote the health and wellbeing of children and reduce inequalities from the antenatal period until your child starts school.

Health visitors are nurses or midwives who have undertaken additional training in community public health nursing. By helping parents learn and develop the skills required to bring up their children, our health visiting teams help give the new generation the best possible start in life.

The website –Health visiting :: Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust is for parents to find information about the services provided at Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust in your local area.

New baby and parent resources :: Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust

Infant feeding in Richmond :: Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust

Breastfeeding Support

The Breastfeeding Network | Independent Breastfeeding Support provides information and support. Their helpline 0300 100 0212 is available 24 hours a day.

Association of Breastfeeding Mothers: ABM – ABM Breastfeeding Support

Childhood vaccines:

NHS vaccinations and when to have them – NHS

Why you should get your child vaccinated | NHS – YouTube

Types of vaccines for children | NHS – YouTube

Why your child needs more than one vaccine dose | NHS – YouTube

Does my child need the polio vaccine? | NHS – YouTube

MMR: Is the MMR vaccine safe for children? | NHS – YouTube

HPV vaccine: What is the year 8 HPV vaccine? | NHS – YouTube

Pneumonia vaccine: Pneumococcal vaccine – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Shingles vaccine:

Shingles vaccine overview – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Shingles Vaccine NHS | How To Prevent Shingles | Shingles Virus Information Causes & Symptoms (2018) – YouTube

Flu vaccine:

‘Just’ the flu? | NHS – YouTube

The flu jab for people with learning disabilities – YouTube

Covid 19 vaccine:

What is in the vaccine and how does it work? | NHS – YouTube

Do you have, or are you, a Carer?

A Carer is someone who, without payment, or salary, regularly helps a disabled, ill or frail relative, friend or neighbour.

A Carer may look after someone with:

– a learning disability

– a physical disability

– a mental illness

– difficulty seeing or hearing

– drug related problems

– other special needs relating to children & older people

We aim to ensure that all Carers are offered the help and advice they need to support them in their caring role.

If you are a Carer, or think you may be a Carer, please contact our Care Co-ordinator, Alison, at the surgery. She works closely with our Social Prescribing Team who can also provide support that can have a positive impact on your health and wellbeing.

There are a range of services aimed specifically at Carers in Richmond Borough and below are some links to organisations which you may find helpful.

Richmond Carers www.richmondcarers.org/

Carers Direct www.nhs.uk/carersdirect

Carers Hub Service www.richmondchs.org/

Carers UK  www.carersuk.org

Many of our patients will be worried about the increased costs of living, and being able to afford to heat their homes this Winter. We know that our patients with underlying respiratory or cardiovascular diseases, the elderly, people with children under 5 and pregnant women, people who are unable to move around to keep warm (those with frailty, a disability or at risk of falls) and those on low incomes / benefits, will be particularly at risk of poor health outcomes.

Royal Borough of Kingston and Richmond Council have put together a comprehensive range of support for people on everything from budgeting and energy bills to food supplies, warm spaces and health and wellbeing at:

Cost of Living Support

https://www.richmond.gov.uk/services/cost_of_living_hub

Advice about staying healthy in Winter  https://www.richmond.gov.uk/services/wellbeing_and_lifestyle/your_health/winter_health

People who are aged 65 or over, have a long term condition or on a low income (eg in receipt of Universal Credit) can also self-refer themselves to Thinking Works, a not-for-profit organisation who can offer advice, support and home assessments on keeping homes warm and reducing energy costs:

https://www.thinkingworks.co.uk/richmond-winter-warmth

https://www.thinkingworks.co.uk/kingstonwhbh

Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) NHS patient reimbursement scheme – A message from Kingston Hospital

Kingston Hospital is within the expanded Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and they have put plans in place to support patients who have to pay the ULEZ charge to attend their hospital appointment, and may be eligible to have this refunded. NHS patients may be able to claim a reimbursement for the ULEZ charge if they are clinically assessed as unable to travel to and from an appointment on public transport and:

• Have a compromised immune system, or
• Require regular therapy or assessments, or
• Need regular surgical intervention

If patients believe they meet the above criteria, the hospital are asking them to mention this at the reception desk when they book in for their appointment. If they are using an automated check in for their appointment, the hospital are asking them to mention this to the clinician at the start of their appointment, so an assessment can be carried out using the attached form.

Note:

• Patients are responsible for paying their ULEZ charge
• At this time, the Trust is only able to refund payments that have been made through the TfL Auto Pay account (if patients are unable to pay through TfL Auto Pay, they should let us know during their assessment)
• The Trust will request the refund and the money will then be credited to the patient via the Auto Pay system (it is free to set up an Auto Pay account at gov.uk/auto-pay)
• Patients can claim back the charge for up to three months after the date of their appointment
• NHS patients cannot claim for Congestion Charge or Ultra Low Emission Zone fines (Penalty Charge Notices)

If you have any queries about the reimbursement scheme, please go to to the Kingston Hospital website for further details: https://kingstonhospital.nhs.uk/ultra-low-emission-zone-ulez-nhs-patient-reimbursement-scheme/