Services and support over the festive period 2024/2025
Healthwatch Kingston will be closed from 5pm on Friday 20 December 2024 - 9am on Monday 6 January 2025.
We understand this time of year can be difficult. There are a wide range of services available to residents of Kingston, to help during this time.
In a Medical Emergency
111 - Urgent medical help (but not life threatening)
NHS 111 can help if you need urgent medical help or you're not sure what to do. They will ask questions about your symptoms so you get the help you need.
If you need to go to A&E, NHS 111 will book an arrival time. This might mean you spend less time in A&E. This also helps with social distancing.
You can get help from 111 online, please visit: 111.nhs.uk
111 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
999 - Life-threatening emergencies
Call 999 in a medical emergency. This is when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.
For more information on when to call 999, please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/urgent-and-emergency-care-services/when-to-call-999/
999 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
24/7 Mental Health Crisis Line
St Georges' Mental Health Trust, have a Mental Health Crisis Line open throughout the festive period, offering mental health support and advice to people in south west London.
If you live in Kingston, Merton, Richmond, Sutton or Wandsworth, you can call the 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Line on 0800 028 8000
Pharmacy First
Please remember that you may be able to get non-urgent medical help from your local pharmacy, and that the new 'Pharmacy First' scheme enables your local pharmacy to treat some common conditions with prescription-only medicines, without you visiting your GP. These include:
- Sinusitis (for patients aged 12 years and over only)
- Sore throat (aged 5+)
- Earache (aged 1 year to 17)
- Infected insect bite (aged 1+ years)
- Impetigo (aged 18+ years)
- Shingles (aged 18+ years)
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (women aged 16 to 64)
For more information please visit What can the Pharmacy First scheme do for me? | Healthwatch Kingston
Hospital and Community Services
Mental Health and Support Services
Beat
Offers information and advice on eating disorders, and runs a supportive online community. Also provides a directory of support services at HelpFinder.
0808 801 0677 (adult helpline)
0808 801 0711 (youthline)
0808 801 0811 (studentline)
The Compassionate Friends
Provides support to bereaved families after the death of a child.
For support coping during the christmas peirod: https://www.tcf.org.uk/copingwithchristmas
Alzheimer's Society
Alzheimer's Society is the UK's leading dementia charity. They provide information and support, improve care, fund research, and create lasting change for people affected by dementia.
Here are their helpful tips to help anyone living with dementia over the festive period: Tips for Christmas
kingstonoffice@alzheimers.org.uk
LGBT Foundation
Advice, support and information for people identifying as LGBTQ+
Men's Advice Line
Confidential advice and support for men who have experienced domestic violence and abuse by a current or ex-partner or family member.
Mind in Kingston
Mind in Kingston is a user-led registered charity that supports people with mental health issues with a wide range of services in and around Kingston Upon Thames.
https://www.mindinkingston.org.uk/
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
Free 24-hour helpline for women who have experienced domestic abuse and violence, with all female advisors. Also offers a live chat and can help to find refuge accommodation. Run by the domestic violence charity Refuge.
Relate
Provides help and support with relationships, including counselling and telephone support.
Samaritans
Samaritans are open 24/7 for anyone who needs to talk. You can visit some Samaritans branches in person. Samaritans also have a Welsh Language Line on 0808 164 0123 (7pm–11pm every day).
116 123 (freephone)
Shout
Confidential 24/7 text service offering support if you are in crisis and need immediate help.
85258 (text SHOUT)
The Silver Line
Provides support, information, friendship and advice for older people (over 55) who may feel lonely or isolated.
Stand Alone
Charity supporting adults who are estranged (not in contact) from their family.
Connected Kingston can help you find support and activities in your local community which may help improve your health and wellbeing.
The online directory lists a number of voluntary and community groups around the borough of Kingston where you could meet new people and become more involved your local community.
Find out more about the work of Kingston Voluntary Action
Cost of Living Support
We know this is a challenging time with increasing costs for everyone. This page has lots of advice and support that might help.
- Kingston Citizens Advice Bureau toolkit - Information and advice to help local people cope with the cost of living increases. Find out more by calling 020 3166 0953.
- Connected Kingston - Connected Kingston is a site dedicated to helping Kingston residents find local activities and navigate local services. It is run by the council and Kingston Voluntary Action in conjunction with local charities and statutory organisations.
Safeguarding Support
If you or someone you know is being abused or neglected, you can contact Kingston Council.
In an emergency always call 999. If you want to report any other type of crime call 101.
For more information on how to report a safeguarding concern in Kingston, please visit the the Kingston Council website where you can fill in a form online.
Or, you can call the Kingston Access and Safeguarding Team during office hours on 020 8547 5005 and after 5pm please call 020 8770 5000.
For the Festive Bank Holidays (Wed 25 Dec, Thurs 26 Dec and New Years Day - 1 Jan 2025) please call 020 8770 5000.
