Hertfordshire Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening is being offered free of charge by the NHS to all men in our area and a screening clinic is conveniently located in Cheshunt.

This is being offered to all men during the year of their 65th birthday. Men aged over 65 years who have not been screened can self refer by phoning:

01727 897719

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening – FAQs – NHS Choices Website

NHS Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) programme – GOV.UK Websit

Bowel Screening

Men and women aged between 60–74yrs are invited every 2 years and if you over 74 you can request a kit.

Find out more about bowel screening

Cervical Screening

Women aged between 25-49yrs are invited every 3 years and women aged 50-64 are invited every 5 years.

Find out more about cervical screening

Breast Screening

Breast screening is available for women aged 50 – 70 years (if registered with a GP) and women over 70 can self-refer.

Find out more about breast screening

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

Useful Contacts

If you support someone who could not manage without you, you are a carer. As a carer, you need to look after your own health and wellbeing too. Carers in Hertfordshire is a local charity providing free help and support to any carer living or working in the county.

Am I a carer?

If you give unpaid help and support to a family member, friend or neighbour who would not be able to manage without you, then you are a carer.

The person you look after might have a physical or learning difficulty, be ill or frail, have mental health problems or misuse drugs or alcohol. They may be your child, partner or parent, or a friend or neighbour, and they might live with you or live elsewhere.

Whatever your situation, make sure your GP knows you are a carer and contact Carers in Hertfordshire for information and support.

Caring with Confidence

Carers in Hertfordshire runs free Caring with Confidence training courses for carers, covering all aspects of caring, including dealing with stress and emotions, balancing caring with a life of your own and maximising your income whilst caring. There are special courses for those caring for people with dementia.

Not only are these courses practical and informative, they are a great place to meet others in the same situation as you and to share experiences.

Make a Difference

Caring takes its toll. Make a Difference is a Carers in Hertfordshire initiative to provide funded breaks for carers. Grants are available for all sorts of things such as gym membership, massage, a weekend away or a new hobby – whatever will have the greatest benefits for your health.

As a carer, Make a Difference can give you a break and help you stay well. Talk to your GP about a referral or contact Carers in Hertfordshire for more information.

Information and advice

Whether you need some help understanding benefits or accessing services, or longer term advice to support you in your caring role, Carer Support Advisors are just a phonecall away. They can help you understand what services are available nearby and how to access them, and help you to have a break from caring. Call today on 01992 58 69 69.

Carers in Hertfordshire also provides specific support for people caring for those with dementia, drug or alcohol issues, mental health problems or learning disabilities, as well as parent carers.

Learning and leisure

Carers in Hertfordshire runs a variety of free courses, workshops and local trips, to give carers a break and some time for themselves. Learn a new skill, like creative writing or digital photography; try a course to help you in your caring, like managing a personal budget or manual handling; or join one of their day trips to local attractions. Whatever you do, it’s a great way to get out and meet new people.

Support groups

Carers in Hertfordshire supports lots of carers groups across the county, and can put you in touch with your local group. Having the time and space to talk to other people who look after someone and understand what you are going through can help you feel less isolated, find out useful information, and have some time to yourself to relax and chat.

Having a voice

Carers in Hertfordshire runs events and forums where you can have your say on local services, what’s working and what needs improving, and give your views to decision makers. Coming together makes the voice of carers stronger and helps make real changes to services.

Young carers

Young carers are young people who help look after someone in their family and take on responsibilities normally handled by an adult. Carers in Hertfordshire’s Young Carers Service supports carers aged 8-18 and their families to make sure their caring responsibilities don’t stop them from having the same opportunities, and social life, that other young people enjoy.

Contact Carers in Hertfordshire

Carers in Hertfordshire exists to support people in their caring role. All their services are free.

Tel: 01992 58 69 69

Email: contact@carersinherts.org.uk

Visit: www.carersinherts.org.uk

Crossroads Care Hertfordshire North

Crossroads Care Hertfordshire North is a registered charity providing both practical and emotional support to Carers and the people they care for.

020 8905 1158

Find out more

Carers in Hertfordshire

Are you caring for a relative or friend who: has a physical or learning disability, dementia, mental health problems, misuses drug or alcohol, is ill or frail?

01992 586969

Find out more

Carers in Hertfordshire. Young Carers Service

Carers in Hertfordshire has a Young Carers Service which works with carers aged 18 and under.

01992 586969

Find out more

Musical Herts, Hoddesdon - Community Music Group

For people with dementia and their carers.

The weekly sessions offer an opportunity for people to make music in a friendly and welcoming environment and explore their creativity.

07521 248 091

Fever in Children

A fever is a high temperature. As a general rule, in children, a temperature of over 37.5C (99.5F) is a fever. Find out more

Chickenpox

Chickenpox is a mild and common childhood illness that most children catch at some point. Find out more

Hand Foot and Mouth Disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a viral infection that can affect young children. Find out more

Headlice

Head lice are tiny insects that live in human hair. They’re particularly common in children. Find out more

Further information

From warts and measles to chickenpox and tonsillitis, find out how to recognise some of the most common childhood conditions NHS Choices – Childhood Illness

When do I keep my child off school?

It can be tricky deciding whether or not to keep your child off school, nursery or playgroup when they’re unwell.

But there are government guidelines for schools and nurseries that say when children should be kept off school and when they shouldn’t.

If you do keep your child at home, it’s important to phone the school or nursery on the first day. Let them know that they won’t be in and give them the reason.

If your child is well enough to go to school but has an infection that could be passed on, such as a cold sore or head lice, let their teacher know.

Chickenpox

If your child has chickenpox, keep them off school until all the spots have crusted over.

This is usually about 5 days after the spots first appeared.

Cold sores

There’s no need to keep your child off school if they have a cold sore.

Encourage them not to touch the blister or kiss anyone while they have the cold sore, or to share things like cups and towels.

Conjunctivitis

You don’t need to keep your child away from school if they have conjunctivitis.

Do get advice from your pharmacist. Encourage your child not to rub their eyes and to wash their hands regularly.

Coughs and colds

It’s fine to send your child to school with a minor cough or cold. But if they have a fever, keep them off school until the fever goes.

Encourage your child to throw away any used tissues and to wash their hands regularly.

Ear infection

If your child has an ear infection and a fever or severe earache, keep them off school until they’re feeling better or their fever goes away.

Fever

If your child has a fever, keep them off school until the fever goes away.

Hand, foot and mouth disease

If your child has hand, foot and mouth disease but seems well enough to go to school, there’s no need to keep them off.

Encourage your child to throw away any used tissues straight away and to wash their hands regularly.

Head lice and nits

There’s no need to keep your child off school if they have head lice.

See how to get rid of them.

Impetigo

If your child has impetigo, they’ll need antibiotic treatment from the GP.

Keep them off school until all the sores have crusted over and healed, or for 48 hours after they start antibiotic treatment.

Encourage your child to wash their hands regularly and not to share towels, cups and so on with other children at school.

Ringworm

If your child has ringworm, see your pharmacist unless it’s on their scalp, in which case you should see the GP.

It’s fine for your child to go to school once they have started treatment.

Scarlet fever

If your child has scarlet fever, they’ll need treatment with antibiotics from the GP. Otherwise they’ll be infectious for 2 to 3 weeks.

Your child can go back to school 24 hours after starting antibiotics.

Slapped cheek syndrome (fifth disease)

You don’t need to keep your child off school if they have slapped cheek syndrome because once the rash appears, they’re no longer infectious.

If you suspect your child has slapped cheek syndrome, take them to the GP and let their school know if they’re diagnosed with it.

Sore throat

You can still send your child to school if they have a sore throat. But if they also have a fever, they should stay at home until it goes away.

Threadworms

You don’t need to keep your child off school if they have threadworms.

Speak to your pharmacist, who can recommend a treatment.

Vomiting and diarrhoea

Children with diarrhoea or vomiting should stay away from school for 2 days after their symptoms have gone.

Spectrum - Hertfordshire Drug and Alcohol Recovery Service

Spectrum – Hatfield is a free and confidential drug and alcohol service for adults.

The Hatfield service is also open to people living in the Welwyn Garden City and St Albans areas.

They will help you to make and sustain the changes you need to make to reduce and, ultimately, stop your drug and/or alcohol use.

0800 652 3169

Refer yourself

Parental Drug Awareness Service

Free, confidential service offering information, support and advice to parents and carers who may be concerned about their children and drug, alcohol and solvent use or misuse.

01707 393934

Find out more

Spectrum Families and Young People's Service (FYP) - Hertfordshire

Spectrum FYP is a free and confidential drug and alcohol service for young people aged under 18, young adults up to the age of 25 and their families in Hertfordshire. They offer a range of services including one-to-one sessions with a recovery worker, group work and access to counselling.

0800 652 3169
or
Herts@cgl.org.uk

Find out more

Resolve (Hertfordshire)

Resolve is a free to access, adult, drug and alcohol structured day service, delivering a range of therapies aimed at helping people cease the cycle of alcohol / substance misuse.

01707 690739

Find out more

Hertfordshire Alcohol Problems Advisory Service

HAPAS is an independent agency promoting the prevention of alcohol misuse and concerned with helping those harmed directly or indirectly by alcohol throughout Hertfordshire.

01438 718374

Find out more

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 on the Apple App Store

Download on the Android App Store

Talk to Frank

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

Telephone: 0300 123 6600

Talk online

Drinkline

If you’re worried about your own or someone else’s drinking, you can call this free helpline, in complete confidence.0300 123 1110

Further information

For more information about the benefits of drinking less, top tips and more visit NHS Choices – Drinking and Alcohol
Alternatively, for more information on how drug misuse can be harmful to your health visit NHS Choices – The Effects of Drugs

Age UK Hertfordshire

Age UK Hertfordshire provides vital services which focus on the needs of older people in Hertfordshire.

Find out more

Healthy Memory Cafe

If you, or someone you know, are concerned about memory problems, or you are caring for someone who is, please pop along to the new Healthy Memory Cafe being launched on Friday 27th May 2022 at The Beaumont from 10:30-12noon.

Information, advice and support will be offered and it will be a welcoming place to have a chat. This Café Will continue on the last Friday of every month.

Contact the practice for further information and see the event poster.

Lea Valley Support Group

The support group offers information, friendship and support to local people with Parkinson’s, their families and carers. Regular events and social activities are also organised.

Find out more

Positive Movement

Improve your mobility, reduce aches and pains and increase your self-confidence with a new wellbeing programme for older people, anyone with mobility problems, carers and more.

These friendly sessions combine gentle exercise and movement with time to socialise over tea. Sessions held in Hoddesdon, Wormley and Waltham Cross.

Find out more

Active Herts - Your first step towards leading a healthier lifestyle

Are you a resident living in the Borough of Broxbourne looking to become more active but don’t know where to look or who to talk to? If the answer is yes then why not try Active Herts.

Active Herts has a variety of low impact exercise sessions which have been set up in the local area including swimming, exercise classes, health walks and many more. All these sessions have been designed to cater for people who are new to exercise and are looking to become more active to self-manage a medical condition. The great thing about Active Herts is that all participants who sign up can receive 12 weeks of free exercise sessions and 12 months of continued support from the local Get Active Specialist.

To get started:

Contact Andrew to self refer to Active Herts

or Telephone: 07506 503316
andrew.rix@broxbourne.gov.uk
www.activeherts.org.uk
Active Herts in Broxbourne Video (YouTube)
Active Herts Leaflet

Living with high cholesterol levels

High levels of cholesterol can cause heart and circulatory diseases including heart attack and stroke. But, there are simple things you can do to help bring your cholesterol down to a healthy level like eating better and taking medication.

This leaflet is for people with high cholesterol levels

Walking for Health

2018 has been designated The Year Of Physical Activity for Hertfordshire. Driven by Hertfordshire County Council and Herts Sports Partnership, the campaign aims to introduce and develop more physical activity for all of the family with lots of events and activities throughout the year. Over the next 12 months we will help to promote through your surgery website and also through our Facebook and Twitter pages @leavalleyhealth.

Broxbourne Health Walks (Walking for Health)

Bencroft Wood walk details

Sculpture Trail walk details

Breathe Easy Hertford Group

Breathe Easy Hertford are the local support group of the British Lung Foundation, the only UK charity dedicated to helping people with any form of lung condition.

View details of local group meetings

Breathe Easy Week – Free Lung Function Tests on 20th June 2018

Living Well With Isabel

Living Well with Isabel can offer a range of courses and activities to support you if you are living with a long term condition, these educate, support and help with your physical and psychological wellbeing, see the website for more information, or why not get out and volunteer, you will make friends and help the organisation offer more services to more people, details also on the website.

Living Well with Isabel

Living Well with Isabel Timetable

Living Well with Isabel Volunteering

National Childbirth Trust (NCT)

NCT Branches are your local parent support network, helping you become the parent you want to be. Find out more

Antenatal Care

Calculate your Due DateYour Antenatal Appointments ExplainedFind Maternity Services Near you

Planning your Pregnancy

If you’re planning on getting pregnant, you can improve your chances of conceiving and having a successful pregnancy. Follow these steps

Postnatal Care

Your six week post natal check

Further information

Whatever you want to know about getting pregnant, being pregnant or caring for your new baby, you should find it here – NHS – Your Pregnancy and Baby Care

Living Well Course

Please see details for Mind in Mid Herts’ Living Well Course in this brochure (PDF)

Places can be booked on the Mind in Mid Herts website

For further information telephone 03303 208100 or email: training@mindinmidherts.org.uk

Community Mental Health Services

The Community Mental Health Services are a community based assessment and treatment service for people suffering mental health problems aged between 18 – 65 years.

You can self refer to this service.

Find out more

Stay Alive App

The Stay Alive App is a suicide prevention App for everyday life with essential suicide prevention features. It has tools to help keep people safe in times of crisis, details of the emergency or support services to contact in Hertfordshire; a self-care section and a LifeBox for storing special memories including photos and inspirational quotes.

For mobile devices: Bit.ly/getstayalive .

For computers: www.prevent-suicide.org.uk

Holly Lodge Cheshunt Community Mental Health Team

Cheshunt/Waltham Cross Community Mental Health Team provides care to people aged 18-65 who are currently experiencing mental health problems within the community.

01992 624600

Find out more

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services

Specialist Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) are delivered across the whole of Hertfordshire. The service treats emotional and behavioural problems in children and adolescents.

Find out more

Hertfordshire Mind Network

Working 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.

02037 273600

Find out more

PANDAS - Pre and postnatal depression advice and support

PANDAS support people, families and carers affected by pre and postnatal mental illness. Our PANDAS Support Group is here to listen and can make all the difference, come and visit us every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month for some support, advice and to meet some friendly faces. No Need to book, just come along.

Broxbourne West Children’s Centre PANDAS Support Group
Allsorts Children’s Centre, St Marys CE High School,
Lieutenant Ellis Way
Cheshunt, EN7 5FB

01992 633761

Find out more

Mental Health Services for Older People

Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (HPFT) provides a range of services for older people with mental health needs across most of the county.

Find out more

Musical Herts, Hoddesdon - Community Music Group

For People with Dementia & their Carers. The weekly sessions will offer an opportunity for people to make music in a friendly and welcoming environment and explore their creativity.

07521 248 091

Find out more

Kooth - Support for children and adolescents

An online counselling and emotional well-being platform for children and young people, accessible through mobile, tablet and desktop and free at the point of use.

Find out more

Samaritans

If something is troubling you, call Samaritans free, 24 hours a day 365 days a year.116 123 Find out more

Rethink

Help, information and support for all those affected by mental illness. Find out more

Further information

For more information about mental health, ways to cope with it and more visit

NHS Choices – Mental Health

One You – Feeling Stressed?

#CoverUpMate

Sunburn increases your risk of cancer.

Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin, don’t forget your neck and ears and your head if you have thinning or no hair.

#CoverUpMate

Fell Well This Summer

Youth Connexions Under 25s Outreach Clinic

Youth Connexions offer Walk-in and Appointment Clinics for the under 25s.

The clinics include testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, HIV testing, contraception, pregnancy testing, free condoms, emergency contraception and confidential contraception, and sexual health support and advice.

For details on future clinic dates or wanting to make an appointment:

Telephone: 01727 897330

View the information leaflet

Sexual Health Hertfordshire

All clinics offer a free and confidential service to everyone regardless of age or gender. Find out more

Harlow Sexual Health Service

Services available clinic include Screening and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases, contraceptive advice and supplies (during Family Planning clinics), emergency contraception (during contraception clinics), sexual health information and safer sex advice, Hepatitis B vaccinations

0300 003 1212

Find out more

Herts Aid (HIV & Sexual Health)

Herts Aid is an HIV and sexual health charity providing support, educational and clinical services across Hertfordshire. Commissioned by Hertfordshire County Council, we provide a range of services to support people living with HIV and their families, as well as Rapid HIV testing, Chlamydia screening, and education and awareness sessions in HIV and Sexual health to schools, colleges, universities, other professionals and the general public.

01920 484784

Find out more

Hertfordshire Area Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Centre

Hertfordshire Area Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Centre: This is a free and confidential telephone and face to face counselling and information service for women who have experienced rape, sexual assault or sexual abuse at any time in their lives.

01707 276539

Find out more

SH:24

Working in partnership with the NHS, SH:24 provides STI testing, diagnosis and treatment, oral contraception, the morning after pill and specialist remote clinical support.

Website: sh24.org.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. Find out more

Further information

For more information about Sexual Health topics including a contraception guide visit NHS Choices – Sexual Health

Sexual Health Helpline

The National Sexual Health Helpline provided by Public Health England is open Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm.

Telephone: 0300 123 7123

Can Social Prescribing help you?

Many things in life can make us feel unwell and a medical prescription is not always the answer. Social prescribing can help you to take control of your own health and wellbeing by giving you time to think about what matters most to you and how the service can work with you to improve your health and happiness.

Find out more on our patient information leaflet (PDF) and to discuss a referral to the Social Prescribing service, please contact the reception team

Hertfordshire Stop Smoking Service

Hertfordshire Stop Smoking Service can help you ‘quit for good’. In Hertfordshire there are over 300 local stop smoking services across the county offering professional specialist advice to support to you with your quit attempt. Their stop smoking specialists offer friendly and non-judgemental 1-1 support weekly for up to 12 weeks (or group support at workplaces).

0800 389 3 998

Find out more

Get Support Now

Choose from an app, Quit Kit, email, SMS and face-to-face guidance. Sign up now

Get a Plan

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

Further information

For more information about the benefits of stopping smoking, top tips and more visit

NHS Choices – Stop Smoking

One You – Thinking of quitting?

Termination of Pregnancy

If you are pregnant and considering an abortion, you probably have many questions and worries going through your mind right now. Unplanned pregnancies are very common and one in three women will decide to have an abortion in their lifetime. So you are not alone. For treatment options please visit the Marie Stopes Website.

• Find out more

Patient Transport Services

The East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST), the new care taker provider of non-urgent patient transport services, is putting in place new arrangements to provide transport services in Hertfordshire.

NHS transport to an appointment: 0345 605 1208  (Monday – Sunday: 8am- 6pm)

CVS Community Vehicle Service: 01992 534269

Find out more

Weight Watchers - 12 weeks free support

Self-referrals are now available for 12 weeks free support, with no need to visit your GP.

WW – Weightwatchers reimagined – is working with Hertfordshire County Council, East & North Herts and Herts Valleys CCGs to make joining WW much easier.

Website: www.weightwatchers.com/uk/hertfordshire

Shape Up Herts

Men only free 12 week weight management course. To qualify you must be aged 28-60, be a Hertfordshire resident, and have a BMI of 28+. For more information please contact Rhys Ratcliffe:

Telephone: 01438 222222 (Option 3)

Email: rhys.ratcliffe@watfordfc.com

Want to get more active

Get help and advice from the NHS including 10 Minute workouts, 12 week fitness plan, running & cycling for beginners and much more. Get help now

Slimming World

You’ll find delicious recipe and menu ideas at your local group, along with all the help you need to get started and reach your target weight. Find out more

Get started on the NHS 12 Week Weight Loss Plan

The plan is designed to help you lose weight and keep it off. Get started now

Am I a Healthy Weight

Calculate your BMI using this NHS Tools

Further information

For more information about the benefits of losing weight, top tips and more visit

NHS Choices – Weight Loss

One You – How healthy is your food?

One You – How much have you moved today?