Advice and Information

The cost of living crisis has put many people under financial strain, and NHS prescriptions costs are more than some can afford. Find out what help is out there to help you cover the cost of your medication.

Find out what support is available to help you when travelling to your GP, hospital or other NHS services.

The new Pharmacy First scheme enables your local pharmacy to treat some common conditions with prescription-only medicines, without you visiting your GP. Find out everything you need to know.

Find out how weight management and exercise programmes could be improved for the residents of Southwark.

Do you struggle to speak to your doctor about your medical concerns? You’re not alone. Take a look at our top tips to make the most of your GP appointment.

Information about mental wellbeing services in Spanish/Portuguese.

People are often in need of out-of-hours medical assistance. Using NHS guidelines, we have provided some advice and information on where you can go for help when your GP is closed.

Integrated care systems (ICSs) are partnerships that bring together NHS organisations, local authorities and others to share responsibility for how services are run, what policies and guidance is needed for them to be of high quality and effective and how they are funded across the UK.

Healthwatch Southwark requirements for promoting external content on our website, in our newsletters and on our social media channels

Access to affordable healthcare is a fundamental need, yet many low-income individuals struggle to cover medical expenses.

Providing support for healthcare costs to low-income individuals is crucial for ensuring access to medical services, especially for those who may not have the same access to support than others.

If you or someone you know is struggling with healthcare costs, exploring these options can make a significant difference.

Remember, help is available, and no one should have to avoid necessary medical care due to financial constraints.

The NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS) can be a useful resource to help alleviate the financial burden and improve health outcomes for those in need.

You may be able to get help with NHS costs such as:

- prescription costs
- dental costs
- eyecare costs
- healthcare travel costs
- wigs and fabric supports

Important numbers

NHS Low Income Scheme helpline – 0300 330 1343.

Prescription services helpline – 0300 330 1349.

Queries about medical exemption certificates – 0300 330 1341.

Queries about prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs) – 0300 330 1341.

Queries about tax credit certificates – 0300 330 1347.

Call 0300 330 1343 for all other queries.

We have put together a list of resources for emotional support during periods of public disorder.

Get advice from Southwark Council’s cost of living crisis booklet that can be downloaded and printed.