Choosing the right service for you
Choosing which service is right for you at a given time may not always be easy – often you have more than one option.
Click here for guidance on where to start.
Self help for non-emergency ailments
There are many good sources of advice on the internet. Below are a few of our recommendations:
The Little Orange Book: Click here to view or download a booklet of expert advice on helping babies and young children when they are poorly.
Below is a series of videos produced by the NHS about the management of minor illnesses, and when you should contact your GP for advice.
Useful telephone numbers
NHS 111 Service – 111
A free NHS service to provide guidance and assessment when your GP is closed.
NHS COVID-19 service – 119
A free NHS service for booking COVID-19 vaccinations.
Northumbria Healthcare Trust – 0344 811 8111
(Wansbeck, North Tyneside, Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care and Hexham Hospitals)
RVI and Freeman Hospitals – 0191 233 6161
Registrar of Births & Deaths – 0345 600 6400
A service for registering births and deaths.
Citizens Advice – 08082 787944
A service providing free and confidential advice and support for a range of social or financial issues.
Carers Northumberland – 01670 320025
A service supporting unpaid carers to access help for themselves and the people they care for.
Onecall – 01670 536400
A service for all adult social care, children’s services and community health enquiries in Northumberland.
Age UK – 0800 055 6112
A service providing a range of free support for older people, including support with domestic tasks, using technology, and social activities.
CRUSE (Bereavement Counselling) – 0808 808 1677
A service offering free and confidential support for anyone affected by grief.
Relate (Relationship Counselling) – 01325 461 500
A service offering counselling for relationships and intimate topics.
Samaritans – 116 123
A 24/7 service for emotional support for mental health and crisis response.
R.E.A.C.H (Rape Crisis Centre) – 0191 221 9222
A service for women and girls offering free, specialist support and services for victims of sexual violence.
Crisis Team – 0800 652 2861
A service offering assessment and home treatment for people over 16 experiencing a mental health crisis.
Talking Matters Northumberland – 0300 303 0700
A service offering free psychological treatment for people aged 16 and over who have a GP in Northumberland
JMAPS – 03301 244 652
A service offering free assessment and treatment for a range of musculoskeletal conditions.
Family Planning/GUM clinic – 01670 515151
A service offering free advice and support for sexual health.
Escape Family Support – 07702 833944
A service offering support for carers and family members of those struggling with substance and alcohol misuse.
Community pharmacy
Your local pharmacist will be able to give you clinical advice and treatment for a range of minor ailments. You do not need an appointment, and if your condition is more serious, the pharmacist will direct you to the right route of care. Click here to find your nearest pharmacy.
Accident & emergency
Whatever the time of day, if you or someone else experiences severe chest pain, symptoms of a stroke, loss of blood or suspected broken bones, go to your nearest emergency department or call 999. Accident and emergency departments are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and can assess serious injuries and provide emergency assistance.
Resources for other languages
Please click on the link below to access NHS resources that have been translated into other languages.
