Do you know which service you should use to get the right support and quickest medical help? 

As temperatures drop and nights draw in, it is important to remember that winter conditions can seriously affect your health. The NHS is here for you and our local health and care professionals are ready and waiting to help you this winter.  

Think which service is right for you: 

  • For less urgent health needs, contact your GP or local pharmacy or visit www.nhs.uk for advice  

  • If you need urgent medical help but it’s not an emergency, contact NHS 111 online (111.nhs.uk) or by dialling 111 for clinical advice, assessment and signposting to the right service  

  • Call 999 for life-threatening emergencies.

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You can speak to your local pharmacist in confidence, without the need for an appointment, about: 

  • Coughs, colds and the flu 
  • Aches, pains and minor injuries 
  • Dry skin and skin allergies 
  • Ear and eye care, such as dry eyes 
  • Stomach aches, constipation or diarrhoea 
  • Oral contraception 
  • Urinary tract infections (UTI) 
  • Help with medication and repeat prescriptions 
  • Advice on healthy living – how to eat better, lose weight and stop smoking  
  • Advice on vitamins and minerals 
  • Pain relief (paracetamol and ibuprofen). 

If you need urgent medical help, advice or if you are not sure what to do, ring 111 or visit NHS 111 online. 

Ring 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk

  • If you or someone you’re with has a medical problem or issue that isn’t life-threatening, but you need advice on where to go 
  • If you think you may require an emergency face-to-face appointment with a relevant healthcare professional 
  • If you need help with getting a repeat prescription or an emergency supply 
  • If you require emergency dental or mental health assistance.  

Fully trained advisors are available 24/7, 365 days a year, for fast and simple access to a range of health advice. 

If you call NHS 111, interpreters are available in your language. 

Worried about your child’s rash, cough, sickness, injury or mental wellbeing? Visit the new Black Country 0-18 years website dedicated to health advice for children developed by local health professionals. Visit the website at blackcountry0-18.nhs.uk.  

Further advice and information to support you during the winter

Flu
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Black Country warm spaces and Place of Welcome

Across the Black Country there are warm spaces in community venues where people can go to meet others and get a warm drink. Select your local area to find out more.

Warm welcomes in Dudley

Welcoming space in Sandwell

Warm Walsall

Warm spaces in Wolverhampton

A Place of Welcome offers your neighbourhood a place where everyone can go for a friendly conversation and free refreshments, if and when they need it. Select your local area to find out more.

Dudley 

Sandwell 1 / Sandwell 2

Walsall 1 / Walsall 2

Wolverhampton 

Help with heating costs

You may be able to claim financial and practical help with heating your home. Grants available include the GOV.UK Winter Fuel Payment and the Cold Weather Payment.

For more information on how to reduce your bills and make your home more energy efficient, go to GOV.UK Find ways to save energy in your home, or call the government helpline on 0800 444 202.

You can also find out about benefits and financial support if you're on a low income at GOV.UK.

Local councils across the Black Country are offering practical help, support, information and advice to keep people protected over the cold winter months.

Find out what support is available in your area:

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