Winter weather can worsen existing health conditions, especially for older people or those with heart or kidney disease, COPD, asthma or diabetes. Being cold
increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes – so if you start to feel unwell, seek help early.

You can get quick health advice from:
• Pharmacists – can give treatment advice for a range of minor illnesses.
• Your GP – you may be able to speak to a GP online or over the phone, or go in for an appointment if they think you need to.
• NHS 111 – call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk for urgent concerns or if you are not sure what to do.

The sooner you get advice, the sooner you’re likely to recover – and early action can prevent problems getting worse. Staying well this winter means knowing help is always close by.

Visit the 111 website to get help with your symptoms

With GP practices and pharmacies closing or offering reduced hours over the
festive period, make sure you have all your medication in advance. Find out which pharmacies are open in Sussex over Christmas and New Year.

If you take regular prescriptions, order them early – and if you’ve been prescribed antibiotics or other medicines this winter, please take them exactly as advised by your clinician. 

You can order repeat prescriptions online through your GP or pharmacy
website, by phone, or through the NHS App, where you can also manage
appointments. If you have COVID-19 symptoms or need to isolate, please don’t go to the pharmacy – ask a friend, neighbour or volunteer to collect your medicines for you to keep everyone safe.

Order your prescriptions online

We know the festive season can bring extra financial pressures – on top of bills, shopping, heating and travel costs that many of us are already finding challenging. It can be difficult to know where to find help, especially during winter.

If you’re looking for support, the East Sussex Cost of Living webpages bring
together national and local help all in one place. You can find advice and links
to services that can help with:
• Household bills and energy costs
• Benefits and financial support
• Food support and essentials
• Transport and local services

If things feel tougher this Christmas – you’re not alone.
Free, confidential help is available whenever you are ready to reach out.

Find information and advice on the cost of living

As the weather turns colder, a warm home is essential for your health. Keep living spaces heated to at least 18°C and wrap up in several light layers to keep warm; any excuse for a Christmas jumper. Hot drinks such as a seasonal
peppermint tea can help you stay comfortable, and gentle movement helps too, even a quick wiggle to a festive tune.

If temperatures drop, please check on neighbours or relatives who may need support; a Christmas card, a chat, or a little treat like a mince pie will most certainly brighten their day.

If you or someone you know needs help staying warm, the Warm Home Check can help: Call 0800 464 7307, text ‘WARM’ to 88440

Visit the warm home website

To support people who need urgent help with dental problems, NHS Sussex Integrated Care Board (ICB) has worked with local dental practices to
increase the number of urgent care appointments available across the county.

If you don’t have a regular dentist – or your dentist can’t see you – the Sussex Dental Helpline can help put you in touch with NHS dentists in Sussex who have urgent appointments available.

The service is for urgent problems and does not cover routine check-ups. It can help with:
• Toothache that isn’t relieved by over-the-counter painkillers
• Dental abscesses causing swelling and pain
• Knocked-out or fractured teeth
• Broken teeth, lost fillings, or loose / lost crowns

Call the Sussex Dental Helpline
0300 123 1663 (Monday–Friday, 8am–4pm)

If the Helpline is closed and you have an urgent dental problem, call NHS 111 for advice and help to access care.

Prefer email?
kcht.dentalhelpdesk@nhs.net

Find out where the urgent dental care is available in your area

If you’re working with children and families and have concerns about how to help, you can now call the Consultation Advice Line for guidance.

The new phone line is part of our Family First programme which is changing the way services are delivered to children and families across the county.

The new approach is designed to ensure families get help earlier, before difficulties become baked in. If the conversation reveals that more help is needed from other professionals, you can be referred to the Team Around the Family Coordinator.  

Don’t forget, if a child is at immediate risk or in danger you should continue to call SPoA.

Call the Consultation Advice line on 01323 464655: Monday to Thursday: 8:30am – 5:00pm. Friday: 8:30am – 4:30pm. The advice line is also available to families.

Find out more about the consultation advice line

Did you know you can get free contraception and STI tests posted to you?
There’s nothing to be ashamed of, but many people feel embarrassed and anxious seeking out sexual health services in person. This can mean they avoid testing for sexually transmitted infections, ignore symptoms and have sex without using protection.

This Christmas and New Year, we’re urging people to stock up on free contraception and STI tests. Don’t forget, the most common month for babies to be born is September, nine months after Christmas!

Order online from the comfort of your home and have the discreet parcel delivered to your front door. You can also collect condoms locally if you prefer.

Take control of your sexual health. There are 15 contraception options.

Order FREE contraception, condoms, or a STI test kit today

Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community, learn new skills and meet people. It can even be a stepping stone to a new career – and it’s good for your wellbeing too.

With the festive season approaching, volunteering can be a meaningful way to give back and spread a little kindness in your community.

Gabby is a young volunteer at St Michael’s Hospice in St Leonards and shared: “The things you will gain are exponential. It will improve your self-esteem and be extremely beneficial for your career goals and ambitions.”

Across East Sussex there are lots of different organisations and services looking to recruit new volunteers. There is often flexibility in the hours, location, length and frequency of positions, and industry.

Whether you want to work with animals, adults, children or computers, there’s a role for you! Become a volunteer and help make East Sussex a great place to live!

Find a volunteering role that suits you on Tribe

Free winter resilience training

Citizens Advice 1066 free winter resilience training is available again.

In an hour’s online webinar you’ll cover:

• The health risks of cold weather, and how to stay healthy, including avoiding damp and mould formation
• Support for energy bills and staying warm
• How to safely reduce energy use
• Help people avoid scams
• Identifying ways to boost household income

When: 4, 10 and 15 December. The training lasts an hour, including a 45-minute presentation and 15 minutes for questions.

Book your free winter session now

Have you used the Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service (NEPTS) in Sussex? Healthwatch in Sussex wants to hear from you.

The service helps eligible people travel safely to and from medical appointments. Your feedback will help improve how the service works – from applying and
booking, to whether it meets your needs on the day.

All responses are anonymous, and you could win one of five £25 gift vouchers for taking part.

Take part in the survey before 30 Nov