HEALTH

GP (General Practitioner)

You can register with a GP in the area in which you live.
In Lancaster you can either go to any GP surgery and pick up a new patient registration pack or download it from:
www.lancastermedicalpractice.co.uk/new-patients
In addition to this as an asylum seeker you will need to get a HC1 certificate, this entitles you to access free prescriptions. nhsbsa.nhs.uk/sites/default/files/2019-11/HC1%20December%202019.pdf
If you have a medical emergency you can go to the Accident & Emergency Department at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary Hospital (but do not go if you have coronavirus symptoms).
You can also call the phone number 111 if you need some advice about symptoms and whether you need to go to hospital.

DENTAL

It is difficult to get registered with a dentist, however if you have an urgent dental issue you can contact the emergency dentist on:
0300 123 4010
You can request an interpreter and you will be asked to talk about your symptoms. If you are given an appointment you will need to go:
Queen Victoria Hospital, Thornton Rd, Morecambe LA4 5NN

Mental Health

This is an animated presentation about the 5 Ways to Wellbeing. The 5 ways to feeling better emotionally and physically are:

1. Connect (for example, communicate with friends, family, learners, teachers, Global Link)
2. Be active (walk, run, cycle, play football, go to Claver Hill farm etc)
3. Take notice (for example, observe the flowers and birds of spring)
4. Learn (English, or other online courses)
5. Give (Helping others, volunteering, go to Claver Hill farm).
This is a link to a clip which explains them through animation.

Feeling low? Having suicidal thoughts? Having flashbacks? Wanting to isolate? Self harming?

It is very common for asylum seekers and refugees to suffer from anxiety and depression linked to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. However, there is help out there.
Most people will be able to access some for of help, aside medication, in the form of ‘talking therapies’. Examples of therapy most commonly available on the NHS are counselling and CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy). You will meet with a qualified practitioner (either a counsellor or psychotherapist) to talk about what is affecting you and your daily life. They might just offer a listening space, or suggest ways in which you might change how you think and behave.
In Lancaster (and throughout Lancashire) non urgent, short term support is available via MindsMatter, Lancashire Care NHS trust. Mindsmatter offers a variety of brief psychological treatments for depression and anxiety disorders. They have a range of services that are free of charge and aimed to suit people’s needs and increase wellbeing. Mindsmatter accepts self referrals, or referrals via the GP. For online self referral see:www.lancashirecare.nhs.uk/mindsmatter or call 01524 550552. If however you need urgent help:

• contact their local GP Practice or NHS 111 for advice.
• If you, or someone else, is in immediate risk of serious harm or injury you should contact the Emergency Services by dialling 999 and stating which service you require (ambulance or police)
• If you, or someone else, is requiring urgent support and you/they are struggling with thoughts of harming themselves, you/they should call the Assessment & Treatment Team 01524 550550 (9am to 430pm) or the Out of Hours Crisis Team 01524 550199

Other useful contacts:

NHS Wellbeing and Mental Health Helpline 0800 915 4640 Available Monday to Friday 7pm - 11pm, Saturday & Sunday 12am to 12pm. Offers ‘out of hours’ telephone support to anyone concerned about a mental health issue, or that of someone they know. This is a Freephone number and will not appear on the telephone bill
The Samaritans – listening service Free Phone 116 123 Texting Service 07725 909090 Email jo@samaritans.org 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Crisis Text Helpline
If you’re experiencing a personal crisis, are unable to cope and need support, text Shout to 85258. Shout can help with urgent issues such as:

• Suicidal thoughts
• Abuse or assault
• Self-harm
• Bullying
• Relationship challenges

Here you will find more information on how to get help, and what is available to support you www.mentalhealth.org.uk/your-mental-health/getting-help

Here you will find a document with both local and national support Click here

This is a very useful presentation from Lancashire Mind, on helping us cope with change in our lives.


This very useful guidance uses tried and tested breathing,and other, techniques to help you cope with anxiety and stress in:
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