Wellbeing Centre

Lister Hospital Prostate Cancer Support Group

We aim to provide non-professional mutual support, by inviting anybody who is or has been affected by this devastating illness, to join us at our meetings.

Website: listerprostatecancersupportgrp.jimdo.com

MacMillan Cancer Support

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with cancer, we can help. Find out what to expect, get information, practical advice and support, hear from experts and read about other people’s experiences.

Telephone: 0808 808 00 00

Website: www.macmillan.org.uk

Carers in Hertfordshire

Carers in Hertfordshire staff and volunteers work with and for carers, 1-1 and in groups.

We provide information, problem solving and support. We also arrange a variety of ways for carers to have a voice and influence service improvements.

Telephone: 01992 586969

Twitter: @carersinherts

Website: www.carersinherts.org.uk

Email: [email protected]

Carers UK

They’re here to make sure that no matter how complicated your query or your experience, you don’t have to care alone.

Telephone: 020 7378 4999

Website: www.carersuk.org

Young Carers in Hertfordshire

The main focus of the service is to work with children, young people and their families to help them find support locally to reduce the amount of caring young carers have to do.

Twitter: @ycherts

Website: ycih.org

If you are a child or young person in a mental health crisis

The NHS and our local hospitals are really busy at the moment, so if you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, the quickest way to get help at any time of the day or night is to call our freephone number: 0800 6444 101, or call NHS 111 and select option 2 for mental health services.

In the case of serious illness or injury, dial 999 for emergency services.

If you are already using our service

If you are already receiving support from the Mental Health Services and need help please contact:

• Your care co-ordinator on the number provided to you or if you need help in the evening, weekend or bank holiday call 0800 6444 101.
• Email: [email protected] for non-urgent enquiries
• For a range of self-help information please visit www.hpft.nhs.uk/services/community-services/wellbeing-service/self-help/

Live webchat service

If you’d prefer to speak online, visit the Hertfordshire Partnership University. This service is available Monday-Friday, 07:00-19:00.

Alternative Contacts

Samaritans: Tel: 116 123, 24 hours a day, every day

Childline: Tel: 0800 1111 via 1-2-1 chat between 07:30 and 15:30 every day.

HOPELINEUK (papyrus):Tel: 0800 0684141 Text: 07786209697 Email: [email protected], 110:00-22:00 weekdays, 14:00-22:00 weekends and bank holidays.

Most referrals to our services are made by GPsIf you are experiencing mental health problems and need help please speak to your GP (family doctor). They will discuss the issues you are facing and refer you to our services, if appropriate. To register with a GP in your area go to www.nhs.uk.

Childhood illness visual guide

Use this visual guide to help you identify common conditions and illnesses that may affect your child. Includes conditions such as measles, slapped cheek syndrome, chicken pox and warts.

Website: NHS: Visual Guide for Childhood illnesses

MOGO Listings

Local activities and events for young people.

Website: www.mogolistings.org

Vaccination planner

Download a personalised vaccination calendar, which highlights the dates your child needs to have their vaccinations by.

Download from: NHS: Vaccination Schedule

Hertfordshire Health Walks

Walking is a really positive thing for your health and wellbeing. It has been shown that walking can prevent, help manage and also rehabilitate from illness. Hertfordshire Health Walks are an ideal way of taking regular exercise. There are local walks to suit all ages and abilities and it’s completely free.

Walks take place weekly in Hertford, Bengeo, Ware, Stanstead Abbotts and Watton. They range from a 20-30 minute comfortable pace walk with plenty of stopping places, up to a more brisk 90-minute walk. Health Walks are the ideal opportunity to meet new people and explore your local area in a safe and supported way.

All you need to do get started is to turn up! No referral or pre-booking is required.

For more information and to sign up as a new walker visit the Health Walks website: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk

East Herts Community Transport

East Herts Community Transport is a project of the CVS for Broxbourne and East Herts, aiming to facilitate community transport in the district. This includes a Community Car Scheme, run by the CVS as well as initiatives and options of other providers: door-to-door services, car schemes, minibuses for hire as well as other services that make life easier if you are struggling to get out and about.

Telephone: 0300 123 1677

Twitter: @EastHertsCT

Website: drivenbythecommunity.org.uk

Email: [email protected]

Meetups in Hertford

Meetup brings people together in thousands of cities to do more of what they want to do in life.

Website: www.meetup.com

Family Lives

Family Lives work closely with local communities through their services for families, and a local network of volunteers. Find out what they’re doing near you and how you can get involved.

Telephone: 01163 666087

Website: www.familylives.org.uk

Activities held at Benington Village Hall

3 Walkern Road, Benington SG2 7LN

More details can be found in the Benington parish magazine.

• Mondays Art Club: 10am – 2pm
• Chair Exercises: 2:30pm – 4pm
• Tuesdays Tuesday Club for over 60’s: 2pm – 4pm on alternate weeks
• Whist Club: 2pm – 4pm on alternate weeks
• Badminton: 7:30am – 9:30am
• Wednesday Yoga/Pilates: 10am – 11am
• Thursday Coffee morning: 9am – 11:30am
• Friday Badminton: 10am – 12pm

Jenny Cobb: 01438 869348

Herts Help

HertsHelp are a network of community organisations in Hertfordshire working together to listen and help you find independent support, guidance and information you need to get the most out of life.

Telephone: 0300 123 4044

Website: www.hertshelp.net

Email: [email protected]

MOGO Listings

Local activities and events for young people.

Website: www.mogolistings.org

Waterford Women’s Institute

We have fun, enjoying outings, coffee mornings and eating out as well as our monthly meetings.

Visitors and new members are welcomed.

Telephone: 01920 426569

Website: directory.hertfordshire.gov.uk

Watton-at-Stone Sports Facilities

Most of the sports activities are centred on the village Sports Field (often referred to as the Meadow) which is located just off the High Street, opposite the Bull public house.

Website: www.watton-pc.org.uk

Kooth

Free anonymous online chat for young people to discuss your mental health issues.

Website: kooth.com

Change, Grow, Live (CGL)

We provide help and support to adults, children, young people and families. Our services cover a wide variety of areas including health and wellbeing, substance use, mental health, criminal justice, domestic abuse and homelessness.

Facebook: changegrowlive

Twitter: @changegrowlive

Website: www.changegrowlive.org

Rethink

Rethink provide expert, accredited advice and information to everyone affected by mental health problems.

Telephone: 0300 5000 927

Website: www.rethink.org

Email: [email protected]

Hertfordshire MIND

Hertfordshire Mind Network is an independent charitable provider of mental health services. We work across Hertfordshire, offering support to anyone in the county who is over the age of 18 and facing a mental health problem, or caring for those who are.

Telephone: 0203 727 3600

Twitter: @HertsMind

Website: www.hertsmindnetwork.org

Email: [email protected]

Hertfordshire Partnership Wellbeing Service

The Wellbeing Service offers free and confidential talking therapy and practical support for Hertfordshire residents experiencing a wide range of mental health problems such as: worry, low mood, insomnia and stress.

We also provide support for carers, people who are struggling with the reality of living with long term physical health conditions or who are experiencing low mood and anxiety during or after pregnancy.

Facebook: HPFTWellbeing

Twitter: @HPFT_Wellbeing

Website: www.hpft.nhs.uk

Samaritans

Samaritans offer a safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way – about whatever’s getting to you. You don’t have to be suicidal. Call Samaritans free, 24 hours a day 365 days a year.

Telephone: 116 123

Website: www.samaritans.org

Email: [email protected]

Drinkaware Online Tools & Apps

Online trackers and apps from Drinkaware to help you avoid harm from alcohol.

Download from: www.drinkaware.co.uk

One You Drinks Tracker – Mobile App

Drinking a bit too much can sneak up on you. Our free drinks tracker app makes it easy to keep an eye on the booze and take control with daily tips and feedback.

Download from: Google Play: One You Drinks Tracker

Download from: iTunes: One You Drinks Tracker

One You Days Off – Mobile App

The One You Days Off app is a simple and easy way to track the days you drink alcohol and the days you don’t.

Download from: Google Play: One You Days Off

Download from: iTunes: One You Days Off

Talk to Frank

If you have a problem with drugs Talk to Frank for friendly, confidential drugs advice.

Telephone: 0300 123 6600

Text: 82111

Website: www.talktofrank.com

Email: [email protected]

Drinkline

If you’re worried about your own or someone else’s drinking, you can call this free helpline, in complete confidence.

Telephone: 0300 123 1110

Spectrum – Hertford Drug & Alcohol Services

Spectrum – Hertford is a free and confidential drug and alcohol service for adults. Our Hertford service is also open to people living in Waltham Cross, Ware, Cheshunt and Bishops Stortford.

We will help you to make and sustain the changes you need to make to reduce and, ultimately, stop your drug and/or alcohol use. We aim to empower you to identify and realise your goals throughout your recovery journey, in order to live a healthier, safer life.

Telephone: 01992 500161

Website: www.changegrowlive.org

Email: [email protected]

Change, Grow, Live (CGL)

We provide help and support to adults, children, young people and families. Our services cover a wide variety of areas including health and wellbeing, substance use, mental health, criminal justice, domestic abuse and homelessness.

Facebook: changegrowlive

Twitter: @changegrowlive

Website: www.changegrowlive.org

The Living Room Hertfordshire

Our treatment centres in Stevenage and St Albans provides free intensive structured, abstinence-based, day treatment for adults with substance addictions: alcohol and illicit and non-illicit drugs and behavioural addictions such as: eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, self-harm, gambling, shopping/spending, relationships, love and sex); free crèche childcare (Stevenage based); and free therapy and support for family and friends. in addition we have a variety of outreach projects in areas of need.

Telephone: 01438 355649

Facebook: LivingRoomHerts

Twitter: @livingroomherts

Website: livingroomherts.org

Email: [email protected]

Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.

Telephone: 0800 917 7650

Website: www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Email: [email protected]

Useful Contact Numbers

National Domestic Abuse helpline: 0808 2000 247

Your local DVA numbers: 08 088 088 088

Refuge 24-hour helpline: 0808 2000 247

Men’s Advice Line: 0808 801 0327

Scotland: Domestic Abuse & Forced Marriage Helpline (freephone 24/7): 0800 027 123

Wales: Live Fear Free Helpline (freephone 24/7): 0808 801 0800

Northern Ireland: Domestic & Sexual Abuse: 0808 802 141

Pathfinder toolkit: www.pathfindertoolkit.org

The Silent Solution – silent calls to mobiles that can be made by anyone in acute danger where speaking may increase the risk. Find out more

SMS 999 service (need to register beforehand): www.emergencysms.net

Safer Places

Safer Places is an independent charity which provides a comprehensive range of services to adults and children affected by domestic and sexual abuse who live in west Essex, mid Essex, east Hertfordshire and Southend.

Telephone: 03301 025811

Twitter: @saferplacesuk

Website: www.saferplaces.co.uk

Email: [email protected]

Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse Helpline

Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline is a confidential, free, support and signposting service for anyone affected by domestic abuse.

Telephone: 08 088 088 088 (calling this line will not show up on your phone bill)

Website: www.hertsdomesticabusehelpline.org

Dementia Friendly Hub

Information / Advice / Support from local professionals for people with memory difficulties and/or friends family and carers.

Poster: Dementia Friendly Hub

Hertswise – the dementia support service

The Hertswise dementia service is there to support people with dementia, low-level memory loss or mild cognitive impairment as well as their friends, family and carers.

The service is provided by Age UK Hertfordshire, the Hertfordshire Independent Living Service, Herts Mind Network, Carers in Herts and other community and voluntary groups.

Telephone: 0300 123 4044 

Website: www.ageuk.org.uk/hertfordshire

Transport for Older People and Disabled People

There are a number of options for transportation within Hertfordshire, for more information and access to services please visit the Hertfordshire County Council website.

East Herts Community Transport

East Herts Community Transport is a project of the CVS for Broxbourne and East Herts, aiming to facilitate community transport in the district. This includes a Community Car Scheme, run by the CVS as well as initiatives and options of other providers: door-to-door services, car schemes, minibuses for hire as well as other services that make life easier if you are struggling to get out and about.

Telephone: 0300 123 1677

Twitter: @EastHertsCT

Website: drivenbythecommunity.org.uk

Email: [email protected]

Silver Line

Free phone support for older people, 24 hours a day.

Telephone: 0800 4708 090

Website: www.thesilverline.org.uk

Age UK

Age UK is the country’s largest charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life. We believe in a world where everyone can love later life and we work every day to achieve this.

Telephone: 0800 169 2081

Website: www.ageuk.org.uk

• Age UK – Our Services
• Help – How to Refer

Herts Help

HertsHelp are a network of community organisations in Hertfordshire working together to listen and help you find independent support, guidance and information you need to get the most out of life.

Telephone: 0300 123 4044

Website: www.hertshelp.net

Email: [email protected]

Hertfordshire Adult Social Services

There are a number of Social services available to adults across Hertfordshire, for more information and who to contact please visit the Hertfordshire County Council Website.

Red Cross – Mobility aids

The British Red Cross mobility aids service provide short-term loans of wheelchairs and toilet aids in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Essex.

Telephone: 01992 585974

Website: www.redcross.org.uk

Hearing Advisory Service (a service run by an outside organisation)

As the Hertfordshire Hearing Advisory Service is experiencing increasing demand on its services it has been necessary for them to review many clinics/visits to GP Surgeries to manage their service more effectively.

It is with regret that with effect from January 2020 they ceased visiting Hanscombe House Surgery and therefore no longer provide the monthly on-site Tuesday afternoon Hearing Advisory Service Clinic.

Patients are able to go the following places:

• The Herford Hospital every Thursday between 9am to 12 noon, no appointment necessary – this is for retubing and batteries
• Hoddesdon Health Centre, High Street, EN11 9AN between 10am to 12 noon on 2^nd Tuesday of each month
• Ware, Bowling Road Clinic, Bowling Road, SG12 7EF between 13:30 to 15:00 hours on 2^nd Tuesday of each month

All the dates of their clinics where hearing aids can be retubed can be found on the following website www.hhas.org.uk   If patients need batteries they can be obtained by sending a stamped addressed envelope to either Audiology or to Hertfordshire Hearing Advisory Service (at the above address), with a large postage stamp or two standard stamps, giving the information of size of battery.

Woodside Centre, The Commons, Welwyn Garden City, AL7 4SE

Telephone: 01707 324 582

Fax: 01707 390 644

Text: 01707 375 486

Email: [email protected]

Dementia

Dementia UK offers specialist one-to-one support and expert advice for people living with dementia.

Telephone: 0800 888 6678

Website: www.dementiauk.org

Isabel Hospice

Isabel Hospice provides free palliative care and support for patients and their families living with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses such as MND, end stage renal conditions, end stage heart conditions, respiratory conditions or other neurological conditions, throughout eastern Hertfordshire.

Telephone: 01707 382575

Facebook: isabelhospice

Twitter: @isabelhospice

Website: www.isabelhospice.org.uk

Lister Hospital End-of-Life Care Services

The Lister Hospital Palliative and end-of-life care services work solely with patients who have life-limiting illnesses and offer; advice, information to patients and families including financial matters, emotional and psychological support, referrals to community services and bereavement support. For full details please visit the website link below.

Telephone: 01438 284035

Website: www.enherts-tr.nhs.uk

Early Bird Self-Referral for Pregnancy/Maternity

You can self-refer to the Early Bird service from as early as five weeks pregnant. You will be sent a letter offering you an appointment within 10 working days, please read the information contained within the screening leaflet before you come to your appointment.

Self-refer: www.enherts-tr.nhs.uk

Postnatal Depression – Pregnancy/Maternity Wellbeing Service

Hertfordshire Partnership Foundatio Trust provides support for carers, people who are struggling with the reality of living with long term physical health conditions or who are experiencing low mood and anxiety during or after pregnancy.

For Urgent Support Telephone: 0300 777 0707

Facebook: HPFTWellbeing

Twitter: @HPFT_Wellbeing

Website: www.hpft.nhs.uk

East and North Hertfordshire Maternity Unit (Pregnancy)

The Lister’s Diamond Jubilee Maternity Unit opened in October 2011 and sees over 5,500 babies born every year. Their aim is to assist you to have a safe pregnancy and a healthy, happy baby.

Website: www.enherts-tr.nhs.uk

Baby Buddy App – Pregnancy/Maternity

Baby Buddy is an award winning mobile phone app for new parents and parents-to-be, created by mums, doctors and midwives.

Download from: Google Play: Baby Buddy

Download from: iTunes: Baby Buddy

Sexual Health Hertfordshire

All our services are free and confidential to everyone regardless of age or gender. We have clinics across Hertfordshire.

Telephone: 0300 008 5522

Website: www.sexualhealthhertfordshire.clch.nhs.uk

National Sexual Health Helpline

If you would like to talk to someone about a sexual health issue, you can call the national sexual health helpline. Your call will be treated with sensitivity and in strict confidence. The Sexual Health Helpline is open from 9am-8pm, Monday-Friday.

Telephone: 0300 123 7123

Website: www.nhs.uk/oneyou

Brook

Brook provides free and confidential sexual health and wellbeing services for nearly 250,000 young people UK-wide, each year.

Website: www.brook.org.uk

Health For Teens: Sexual Health

Health for Teens introduces a new and different way for young people aged 11-19 to learn about their health.

Website: www.healthforteens.co.uk

Family Planning Association

They are a sexual health charity. They give straightforward information and support on sexual health, sex and relationships to everyone in the UK.

Telephone: 0300 123 7123

Website: www.fpa.org.uk

Smokefree Hertfordshire

The Hertfordshire Stop Smoking Service offers free professional specialist advice and support to smokers. This increases your chance of stopping smoking by up to four times.

Telephone: 0800 389 3998 or 01442 453071

Text: SMOKEFREE to 80818

Website: www.enhertsccg.nhs.uk

Email: [email protected]

NHS Smokefree – Mobile App

The Smokefree app can help you stop smoking by providing daily support and motivation. If you stay smokefree for the 4-week programme you’re up to five times more likely to stay quit for good.

Download from: Google Play: NHS Smokefree

Download from: iTunes: NHS Smokefree

Quit with help

Everyone has a different reason for quitting, get a personalised Quit Smoking Plan.

Website: www.quitwithhelp.co.uk

Am I a Healthy Weight?

Calculation your BMI using this NHS Tool

Website: NHS: BMI Calculator

One You Couch to 5K – Mobile App

The Couch to 5K app has been designed to get you off the couch and running in just 9 weeks. Grab your trainers, download the app and follow the step-by-step instructions.

Download from: Google Play: One You Couch to

Download from: iTunes: One You Couch to

NHS Weight Loss Guide

Our new 12 week weight loss guide combines advice on healthier eating and physical activity.

You get a brilliant information pack for each week of the plan, which is full of advice and tips, plus a brilliant stick-it-on-the-fridge planner to help you track your weekly progress.

Website: www.nhs.uk/livewell

Weight Watchers

Meetings, Online or a little bit of both. We’ve got options and support, whatever your lifestyle.

Website: www.weightwatchers.com

Hertfordshire Health Walks

Do you want to include more walking in your day? If so, join one of our free Health Walks.

Walking is an easy and safe way to improve your health and wellbeing. It is recommended for people with various types of long term conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and arthritis as well as people who are not currently very active.

Walking is low impact and:

• helps to keep the joints flexible
• strengthens bones and the heart and
• boosts your mood

A regular, brisk walk even helps you sleep and will help you maintain a healthy weight.

There are local walks to suit all ages and abilities. These are led by a friendly team of volunteers who will welcome you with a smile and ensure you walk at a comfortable pace.

There are two short walks in Hertford:

• Starting by the shops at Sele on Thursday 26th January 2023 at 10:00 and then every Thursday afterwards, there’s a First Steps walk of 20-30 minutes at a gentle pace.
• The other short walk starts in the middle of Hertford in Salisbury Square every Wednesday at 10:15. This 1.5 mile circular walk goes to Hartham and along Port Vale and the River Beane.

Walk leader Anne says “Come with a friend or by yourself – a walk leader in a yellow jacket, like me, will give you a warm welcome!”

Walks take place weekly in Sele, Hertford, Bengeo and Stanstead Abbotts

They range from a 20 to 30 minute walk on flat ground with plenty of stopping places, up to a more brisk 90-minute walk. Health Walks are the ideal opportunity to meet new people and explore green spaces on your doorstep in a safe and supported way.

Here’s what some of our walkers have to say:

“The walks help me to stay young – I am so much fitter now that I can walk faster than my son and even my grandchildren struggle to keep up! At first, I was always getting out of breath, but I don’t now. I feel better than I have in years.”

“We have a great group of leaders and walkers at Sele and all feel the benefit of our health walks. Another bonus are the little invisible support groups who offer help or sympathy where needed.”

All you need to do to get started is turn up! Find out more: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk

One You Easy Meals – Mobile App

The free Easy Meals app is a great way to eat foods that are healthier for you. You’ll find delicious, easy meal ideas to help get you going if you’re ever short of inspiration.

Download from: Google Play: One You Easy Meals

Download from: iTunes: One You Easy Meals

Be Smart Food – Mobile App

Simply scan the barcode of your food and drink to find out what’s inside.

You’ll also get loads of simple hints and tips to help you make healthier choices, plus food detective activities for the kids and fun mini-mission ideas for the whole family.

Download from: Google Play: Be Smart Food

Download from: iTunes: Be Smart Food