NHS Greater Manchester’s ‘Get To Know Where To Go’ campaign is back – aiming to support people to find the right treatment and care throughout the colder months.

Winter can be challenging, but for some this time of year can be difficult, especially for those most at risk such as elderly people, people with long-term conditions and children. That’s why the campaign is signposting to a wide range of the services the NHS offers for both you, your family, and your loved ones.

It’s important not only to focus on your physical health and well-being, but also your mental health. Dropping temperatures and darker days, along with the run up to the festive season, may mean some people feel they need extra help and support. Therefore, there is also advice and support for those who may be living with loneliness or experiencing social isolation or dealing with a bereavement.

It’s important to look after yourself and others. Remember that support is available to those who may need it. Don’t let things snowball this winter – help us to help you and your family stay healthy and well, whilst enjoying all the festive seasonal celebrations winter has to offer!

Your local pharmacy can offer advice and treatment for lots of minor illnesses and ailments – without the need for an appointment!

Dental support can be accessed via the Greater Manchester dental helpline (0333 332 3800), available from 8am to 10pm every day, including weekends and bank holidays for those who need help urgently when their practice is closed, or do not have a regular dentist.

Greater Manchester’s Urgent Eye Care Service can provide assessments and treatment quickly if a sudden change in vision, red or painful eyes or new flashes or floaters are seen. This is a free NHS service, made up of local optician teams. Available to anyone registered with a Greater Manchester GP. To find out more, visit www.primaryeyecare.co.uk

Foodbanks – There are lots of foodbanks across Greater Manchester. Many of these services offer more than just food, some may offer support around mental health and wellbeing, food parcels, financial advice and support, community ran groups and much more. For support in your local area, visit www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/helping-hand/food.

Mental health crisis support – Free, 24/7 mental health crisis support is available across Greater Manchester. If you feel you need mental health support, please contact one of these 24/7 helplines – they’re available to anyone of any age:

• For Bolton, Manchester, Salford, Trafford and Wigan residents, call 0800 953 0285.
• For Bury, Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale, Oldham, Stockport, Tameside and Glossop the number is 0800 014 9995.

Bereavement support – If you have been bereaved and need support or advice, call the Greater Manchester Bereavement Service on 0161 983 0902 or visit www.greater-manchester-bereavement-service.org.uk. This service is available for anyone living or working in Greater Manchester who has been bereaved or affected by a death by whatever cause, no matter how long ago.

Loneliness and social isolation support (Chatty Cafes) – The Chatty Café Scheme is a non-profit organisation tackling loneliness and offers three services designed to reduce loneliness and/or social isolation. They include face to face meet ups at venues offering ‘Chatter and Natter’ tables where customers can get together and have a chat, virtual sessions, and a telephone service. For more information or to find your local Chatty Café visit www.thechattycafescheme.co.uk.

Support for older people (Winterwise Guide) – Greater Manchester is supporting older people to stay warm, safe and well this winter. The guide brings together key information for older people on cost-of-living support. Visit greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/what-we-do/ageing/winterwise-guide

Free digital mental wellbeing support – Access free, safe, and anonymous professional support online. There are no waiting lists for support and no referral needed. Access to these platforms is available instantly 24/7. Support available includes: Live chat or messaging with qualified mental health professionals; self-help tools and activities; Visit Kooth (for ages 10 to 25) www.kooth.com or Qwell (for ages 26+) and  www.qwell.io/.

You can also access SilverCloud, an online therapy programme for adults proven to help with stress, anxiety, low-mood and depression –gm.silvercloudhealth.com/signup.

• SilverCloud for adults 16yrs +
• Supporting an Anxious Child (for parents and carers of children aged 5 to 11)
• Supporting and Anxious Teen (for parents and carers of teenagers aged 12 to 18)

As always the first port of call for non-emergency health needs should be  NHS 111 Online or call 111.

For more information, please visit www.gmintegratedcare.org.uk/GTKWTG