Staying well over the festive season

If you are struggling over the festive season, please reach out for help.

Staying well over the festive season

We’re working with our health and social care system partners to support your physical and mental health over the festive period.

The latest Government guidance and rules for Christmas see loved ones separated and a different Christmas for many. If you are unwell and need help or someone to talk to – we are here for you.

Find the latest Government guidance here – including meeting family and friends, visiting public places, New Years Eve and more. Further information on COVID-19 can be found on our website here.

The useful information you need can be found below.

  • Visit your local pharmacist for advice on coughs, headaches, upset stomachs and indigestion. Find your nearest local pharmacies and the opening times here. More information here.
  • If your GP practice is closed you can contact the NHS 111 which has call handlers who will help you choose the right health service for your needs – you can also get NHS 111 advice online here.  NHS 111 can put you in touch with a clinician, a GP, book you an appointment at your nearest minor injuries unit or even call an ambulance for you. Further information on NHS 111 here.
  • Top tips for keeping warm and well this winter can be found on the Public Health England website. Information for those in Oxfordshire on the Oxfordshire County Council website here.
  • Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust’s minor injuries units (MIUs) can treat deep cuts, small burns, sprains, sports injuries, infected wounds and eye injuries. There are three MIUs in at Witney and Abingdon community hospitals and at Townlands Hospital in Henley. More information, including directions and festive opening times here.
  • There are three first aid units at community hospitals in Bicester and Chipping Norton. The quickest way to be seen is to go through NHS 111 but you can also turn up and be seen but may have to wait longer. More information, including directions and festive opening times here. Please note, Wallingford Community Hospital is currently closed.

Mental Health support

  • Our 24/7 mental health helplines are there to help adults and children in all our regions. Anyone concerned about their mental health or that of a loved one can ring the helpline at any time, day or night. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week for people who need mental health care when their situation is not life threatening. If anyone’s life is in immediate danger always call 999. Those in Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire should call NHS 111 for support. Those in the areas of Bath and North East Somerset, Wiltshire and Swindon can see details including phone numbers here.
  • Access useful tips and guidance on Every Mind Matters.
  • When people do not need immediate support – adults experiencing low mood, anxiety or stress contact Healthy Minds in Buckinghamshireor TalkingSpace Plus in Oxfordshire. Children and young people can contact Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.
  • Banbury and Oxford Safe Havens are open as normal over the Christmas/New Year period, from 6pm to 10pm Friday through to Monday (phonelines open from 5pm). Anyone, struggling with their mental health and requiring timely support, can call during opening hours to self-refer for the same night. Alternatively, professionals working with someone whose risk increases during the Christmas period, could refer them to Safe Haven for a call back on a specific date by emailing osh@oxfordshiremind.org.uk or banburysafehaven@oxfordshiremind.org.uk
  • Find out how to get help if you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, here. The household isolation instruction as a result of Coronavirus does not apply if you need to leave your home to escape domestic abuse.
  • Advice for carers here.

COVID-19 guidance

Please note, when visiting our sites, you must wear a face mask (unless exempt) and stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live with where possible, or 1 metre. Please ensure you wash your hands for 20 seconds or use sanitiser when necessary. Further information here.

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Published: 24 December 2020