Self Help & Signposting

What is Self Care?

(Click on Image Below for Leaflet)

South East London Area Prescribing Committee (SEL APC) self-care patient information leaflets have been made available to support patients manage short term illnesses and/or minor conditions through the recommendation of over the counter medicines in line with NHS SE London and NHS England guidance.

Self-care patient information leaflets are available for various short-term illnesses/minor conditions including:

What is the Pharmacy First scheme?

Pharmacy First Scheme launched on 1 April 2015 to help reduce pressure on GP appointments and avoidable A&E Attendances

Pharmacists are highly trained experts in medicines. The Pharmacy First scheme gives you quick and local access to advice and treatment from the pharmacist at your local pharmacy about common illnesses. You don’t need to wait to see your doctor and you don’t need an appointment.

If you don’t pay for your prescriptions the pharmacist will be able to give you medicines to treat the conditions listed below and they will be free.

What treatments are available on the scheme?

The Pharmacy First scheme covers advice and treatment for the conditions as shown above.

Who can use this service?

Everyone can get free advice from any pharmacist but to be able to get free medicines you must be registered with a Southwark GP and entitled to free prescriptions.

If you normally pay for your prescriptions you can still get free advice from any pharmacy but you will still be charged the retail price of any medicines provided.

Can I go to any pharmacy?

Most pharmacies in Southwark offer the Pharmacy First scheme. Look out for posters in the pharmacy or obtain a leaflet from the surgery (Copy also available below to print)

Print a Leaflet with details of your local participating pharmacies:

Pharmacy First Practice Leaflet

For Further Information on the Pharmacy First Scheme:

Your Guide to Coughs, Colds, Earache & Sore Throats for Children

When Should I Worry Booklet

Self Care Leaflet: Are You Aware What You Can Do at Home to Self Care

Self Care and Over The Counter Medicines – ‘NHS Southwark CCG no longer supports the routine prescribing on the NHS of medications for short term illnesses and minor conditions and health supplements’: Over The Counter Medicines, Malaria Prophylaxis and Travel Vaccinations Information

Social Prescribing

Our Social Prescribing Link Workers work with you to explore areas in your life you feel you need support. Over several sessions we help identify ‘what matters to you’ and develop a plan with you to support you to make positive life changes. We will connect you to activities, services, social groups, and advice in and around Southwark.
It is free and confidential. Available for anyone aged 18+ registered in Southwark GP Practices. Click Here

Southwark Wellbeing Hub

When you’re worried about your mental wellbeing, it can be hard to know where to start. Sometimes it can feel like there are too many options to choose from, at others, like there aren’t enough. It can be difficult to know exactly what kind of support you might need, where to find it, and how to go about accessing it.

Service providing information and support to anyone living in Southwark who is worried about their wellbeing, or that of someone close to them.

Finding the right support can seem complicated and overwhelming. Southwark Wellbeing Hub make the process simpler.

To find out more about the Southwark Wellbeing Hub, have a read about them and get in touch so that we can get to know you and see how we can help.

Department of Work and Pensions Advisor (DWP)

A DWP advisor will be available at Extended Primary Care Service (EPCS), located in Tessa Jowell Health Centre *Fridays Only initially, starting on 18 August 2023*

DWP at the EPCS can offer help , advice and information in a more relaxed and friendly atmosphere on the following services:

Awareness of DWP services and how to access them
Help to make a claim for vulnerable claimants
Access to work and retention services
Support available for Claimants with health conditions / disabilities
Support with writing CV via National Career Service
Employability Skills/ Career Screening
Work and health programme which is an organisation that support our claimant with their health and supporting them with jobs.
Tailored 1-2-1 advice regarding work capability assessment/PIP.
Signposting to stakeholders / providers / job-fairs which could lead to employment.
Supporting with work experience / volunteering by signposting
Working with colleges / providers to train/re-train
Looking at barriers that could be the main factor of not taking little steps in moving forward.
Complex needs advice and signposting to local / national organisations that offer holistic support.

Ask Receptionist Team to book an appointment for you.

OLDER PEOPLE OVER 50 years old

Southwark S.A.I.L.™ (Safe and Independent Living) provide a quick and simple way to access a wide range of local services to support older people in maintaining their independence, safety and wellbeing.

Anyone can make a S.A.I.L. referral by simply answering the yes/no questions on the checklist below. Age UK Lewisham and Southwark, working in partnership with local S.A.I.L. agencies, will coordinate and monitor the response.

The checklist enables access to a wide range of support services which improve:

Health and well-being
Mental resilience
Isolation and social exclusion
Financial inclusion
Fire safety and wider home security issues
Safeguarding concerns
Personal safety and security

Southwark S.A.I.L.™ is available to Southwark residents over the age of 50.

Better Health Outcomes for Children with Asthma, Constipation, Eczema or Epilepsy

For support and better health outcomes get: Free Health Support Pack

Musculoskeletal Services – Southwark MSK App

The Southwark MSK app (powered by getUBetter) is provided free of charge by Southwark ICS for patients registered in Southwark. It can be accessed on a Smartphone or on the Web and guides you day-by-day through a sequence of exercises and tips to help you get better from a range of new or recurrent musculoskeletal conditions:

Lower back pain
Back and leg pain
Neck Pain
Shoulder Pain
Ankle Pain
Knee Pain
Soft Tissue Lower Limb Pain
Hip Pain

You will be referred to the app by one of our GPs or Physio, or you can self-register. Use this link to connect: Southwark MSK

Please use an email address that is unique to you and select the condition you need help to manage. You will then be sent an email with all the information you need to get started.

You can download the getUBetter App to your Smartphone for easiest access or use the Webapp.

If you develop another condition select your new condition from within the app and it will be added to your account.

The app will also connect you to your local; treatment, healthcare providers or support services, if needed, such as physiotherapy.

Pain Management Programme

Click Here

A 12 module digital programme, designed with patients, for you.

Tips and tricks to manage your pain at home.

Access expert knowledge whenever suits you with the support of our dedicated health coach.

SIGNPOSTING RESOURCES

Signposting Leaflet (Click on link to download)

Digital Leaflets – NHS screening digital information leaflets: short urls and QR codes

Please refer to the leaflet below, for various well being resources.

This information may change from time to time but we hope this guide will help to point you in the right direction to seek any support.

Citizens Advice: Service for People applying for Universal Credit

Citizens Advice Southwark has launched a new service called “Help to Claim” for those who need help to apply for Universal Credit in Southwark. Help will be tailored to the individual and will be available face-to-face, over the phone on freephone 0800 144 8 444, online through Citizens Advice Southwark’s:

Help to Claim enquiry form , by webchat and advice content.