Get help with minor illness and injury
A cough will usually clear up on its own within 3 to 4 weeks. Click above for more detailed information and advice on coughs.
Back pain is very common and usually improves within a few weeks or months. Click above for more detailed information and advice on back pain.
Most cuts and grazes are minor and can be easily treated at home. Click above for information.
You can often treat a cold without seeing a GP. You should begin to feel better in about 1 to 2 weeks. Click above for information and advice common colds.
Sprains and strains are common injuries affecting the muscles and ligaments. Most can be treated at home without seeing a GP. Click above for more advice.
Most head injuries are not serious. You do not usually need to go to hospital and should make a full recovery within 2 weeks. There are red flags to be vigilant for so please click above for details.
Most headaches go away on their own and are not a sign of something more serious. Click above for information and advice headaches.
Burns and scalds are damage to the skin usually caused by heat. Both are treated in the same way. Click above for more information.
Norovirus, also called the “winter vomiting bug”, is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. It can be very unpleasant, but usually goes away in about 2 days. Click above for more information.
Hay fever is usually worse between late March and September, especially when it’s warm, humid and windy. This is when the pollen count is at its highest.
Serious animal and human bites can get infected if they’re not checked and treated quickly. Click above for more information and advice.
Cold sores are common and usually clear up on their own within 10 days. But there are things you can do to help ease the pain. Click above for more information and advice.
Pharmacists and minor injuries units can provide advice and guidance.
Find out what pharmacists can help with here.
Find a pharmacy local to you here.
Find your local minor injuries unit using here.
You may have need to see a nurse or doctor instead. This link will help you with your appointment options.
National Support Helplines
Sometimes you might need to speak to someone about specific issues.
We’ve compiled a list of charities you can contact. See the boxes below to see the contact details:
British Heart Foundation Heart Helpline
They have cardiac nurses and heart health advisors on hand to help with any questions or concerns you have about heart health and heart conditions.
Telephone: 0300 330 3311 – open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Email: [email protected] and a cardiac nurse will get back to you as soon as possible.
You can also chat online with a cardiac nurse on their website. Click here for more information on their website.
Diabetes UK Care Line
A support helpline for anyone with diabetes, their friends, family and carers.
Telephone: 0345 123 2399 – open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm
Email: [email protected]
Diabetes UK can help with queries about a range of topics. You find out more on their website here.
Parkinson’s UK Helpline
A free and confidential service providing support to anyone affected by Parkinson’s.
Telephone: 0808 800 0303 – open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm and Saturday: 10am to 2pm. It is closed on Sundays and bank holidays.
Support is also available for people in the UK whose first language is not English. You can call the helpline directly and request an interpreter.
Email: [email protected]
Stroke Association Helpline and Information Service
For anyone affected by stroke (stroke survivor, family or friend).
Telephone: 0303 3033 100
Email: [email protected]
You can also direct message them on social media – Facebook or Twitter
Macmillan Cancer Support Helpline
Offers confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones.
Telephone: 0808 808 0000 – open 7 days a week, 8am to 8pm.
Email: To email them. fill the enquiry form here on their website.
Chat online: Visit their website using this link to use the service.