More Help

We all deserve to thrive rather than just survive.  But sometimes it hard to know where to start. Having a conversation with someone you trust can really help.  There are lots of professionals you can speak to start having conversations about your health and wellbeing. 

Pharmacists

Across Sunderland, there are more than 60 community pharmacies located within the heart of communities.  They provide a wide range of services, over and above the dispensing of medication. They can be accessed usually without the need for an appointment and consultations with highly trained members of staff can take place in private consultation rooms. You are are advised to contact the pharmacy before you travel to check when it is open and that it can provide you with the service you need. Find a pharmacy convenient for you. 

They may also be able to offer treatment and some prescription medicine for some conditions, without you needing to see a GP. Find out more about how pharmacies can help and ‘Pharmacy First’ in the following video:

GP Surgeries

GP surgeries are usually the first contact if you have a health problem. They can treat many conditions and give health advice. They can also refer you to other NHS services.

Social Prescribing Service

Getting support from a Social Prescribing Link Worker can help you to work out ‘what matters to you’, and take control of your health and wellbeing. 

Working alongside you, they can help to connect you with the services and support you need whether that be debt, housing or physical activity of other things that are impacting your health and wellbeing. 

When you visit the GP, staff there may recommend working with the Social Prescribers and refer you into the service.  But you can also refer yourself using this link Sunderland Social Prescribing Self Referral Form

Champions or Ambassadors in your community

There are a number of great ‘champion’ or ambassador programmes running across Sunderland ( such as Health Champions / Ageing well Ambassadors). The programmes provides a network of  people, who are passionate about people’s health and wellbeing, across our communities and workplaces.  They have  information and knowledge to help support other people so if you know a Champion or Ambassador they could provide you with some information or help to signpost you to the right place.