Self-Referral Services

General Advice & Support

Access Islington Hubs

If you’re struggling and need general support, the Access Islington Hubs team can help with:

· Money worries

· Benefits

· Gambling

· Loneliness or social isolation

· General advice and support

To book an appointment, email HereToHelp@islington.gov.uk or call 020 7527 8222 and the team will contact you to arrange a date, time and location that works for you. More info about Access Hubs

Muscles, Joints & Feet

Muscle or joint pain?

If you have pain in your back, neck, shoulder, hip, knee, ankle or other joints:

· You can refer yourself for physiotherapy: Physiotherapy Self-Referral

· Or try getUBetter – expert advice for common joint and muscle problems, without needing a clinic appointment.

Foot problems?

For pain when walking, corns, or ingrowing toenails that haven’t improved with pharmacy treatment, refer yourself to podiatry: Podiatry Self-Referral

Mental Health

Feeling low, anxious or depressed?

You can get free NHS support from iCope: Visit iCope

In crisis?

Call:

· Islington Crisis Team: 0800 917 3333 (24/7)

· Samaritans: 116 123 (free)

Other support

· Good Thinking – NHS wellbeing tools for sleep, anxiety and stress

· Kooth – online support for young people

· Brandon Centre – mental health support under age 25

· Mental Health Support in Islington

Work & Health

Looking for work or training?

Islington iWork service offers help to anyone who is out of work in Islington to find a job, apprenticeship, training or education.

Need help staying in work with a health condition?

WorkWell is a new service designed to support people with health conditions or disabilities who are looking to start a new job, needing support to stay in their current role, or planning to return to work after an absence.

Mental health support at work

Mind has resources available to help you take steps to make your workplace mentally healthier.

Money, Housing & isolation

Feeling lonely or isolated?

Help on Your Doorstep aims to improve the health and well-being of people in Islington, especially those who are vulnerable and isolated.

Worried about money?

Visit Worrying about money for help and advice.

Families & Child Health

Visit the Healthier Together website. This includes support with child development, common illnesses, vaccinations, and when to seek help.

Women’s health

Pregnant?

Refer yourself to the hospital as soon as possible:

· UCLH Maternity Self-Referral

· Whittington Maternity Self-Referral

Thinking about ending a pregnancy?

If you are considering a termination of pregnancy, you can now refer yourself to one of the following providers:

·National Unplanned Pregnancy Advisory Centre

· MSI Choices

· British Pregnancy Advisory Service

All services respect and support your choices, whether you decide to continue with the pregnancy or have an abortion. You can also access pre- and post-abortion counselling, sexual health advice, and contraception services through these providers.

Sexual Health

Contraception Help

Submit an eConsult or call 0345 300 2350 for coil or implant fitting/removal. You can also visit Mortimer Market Centre Sexual Health Clinic for free and confidential sexual health services.

Testing & Treatment

· No symptoms? Get a free home test: SHL

· Have symptoms? Book with Archway Centre

Support with Diet, Weight & Medication

It can be hard to manage your weight, but there’s lots of free help available in Islington.

Healthy Eating & Lifestyle Support

· Download our info pack – find local and online services to help you eat well and feel better.

· Self-refer to the Dietetics Service – get one-to-one advice from a specialist.

· MoreLife – 12-week weight loss group (in person or online).

· Why Weight – 6-week programme run by Whittington dietitians.

· NHS Digital Weight Management – free 12-week online programme with a coach.

· NHS Diabetes Prevention – for people at risk of Type 2 diabetes.

To talk about your options, complete an eConsult.

Weight Loss Medication

GPs don’t currently prescribe Ozempic or Mounjaro for weight loss. A new NHS service is coming soon to support people with more complex needs, which may include medication.

More info: Weight management in North Central London

Note: If you’re using private weight loss medication, your private provider is responsible for all prescribing and monitoring.

Stopping Smoking

Get expert support – it’s free: Breathe – Stop Smoking

Domestic Abuse Support

Support is available if you’re experiencing abuse, worried about someone else, or concerned about your own behaviour. Find help and local services on the Islington Council website.

Trouble sleeping?

Sleepstation offers free, NHS-approved online support to help you sleep better.

Support for Carers

Armed Forces Support

If you are or have been a member of the Armed Forces, please tell us so we can help connect you with the right services.

Other support and resources:

· NHS Armed Forces Info

· Veterans can get hearing tests and NHS hearing devices through their GP, with private options available at personal cost for non-standard equipment. Click here for more information on hearing aids.

· The Royal British Legion offers a Veterans’ Mobility Fund providing specialist wheelchairs and equipment to veterans with serious service-related injuries not covered by statutory services. Click here to find out more.

· Veterans’ Gateway connects veterans and their families to the right charities and services for help with health, housing, finances, employment, and more.

· Combat Stress is a UK charity that helps veterans with mental health problems. They offer free specialist treatment and support.

· Cobseo is a group of charities that support the Armed Forces community and helps them work together.

· Cobseo Mental Health Cluster is a group of charities and organisations working together to improve mental health support for the Armed Forces community.

· Help for Heroes gives practical help and medical care to injured service members, veterans, and their families through recovery centres across the UK.

· Blesma supports limbless veterans to lead independent and fulfilling lives.

When Something Goes Wrong – Complaints Support

If you’re unhappy with NHS Services, support is available.

· Healthwatch Islington – how to make a complaint

· Rethink Advocacy – support with complaints