Support from the NHS | Stay Healthy | Wakefield Connect to Support

NHS Health Checks is for adults in England aged between 40 and 74. It can help to spot early signs of some health conditions, for example, stroke, diabetes and dementia. Getting older increases the risk of developing one of these health conditions. NHS Health Checks aims to find ways to lower this risk.

You do not have to wait for a health check to learn more about looking after your health. You can find information on health conditions and how to live healthier on the NHS website.

The NHS is introducing virtual wards to support people at home. It provides an alternative option for those who could become unwell and spend time in hospital.

Virtual wards prevent avoidable admission into hospital. It supports early discharge from hospitals too. You can find more about virtual wards here.

NHS and Care Volunteer Responders is a volunteering programme. It supports the NHS, patients and people who use social care services.

Volunteers can support you with many activities including:

Check-in and Chat: volunteers are available to provide you with a friendly phone call. This will be a call from a different volunteer each time for up to 18 weeks. This service is available to anyone who would benefit from a friendly phone call.
Check-in and Chat Plus: volunteers provide regular friendly phone calls and a listening ear. This up to three times a week for six weeks. This service is available to those who would prefer to speak to the same volunteer.
Community Response: volunteers can help you collect prescriptions, shop and get other essential supplies. If eligible, this service is available as a one-off or for a maximum of six weeks. This is available for those who have a current health need or receive a care package.
Pick Up and Deliver: if you need medication or medical equipment, you can get this delivered to your home, usually before or after a hospital stay. This service requires a health or care professional to refer you.

You can find out more about what support is available here.

There are different ways you can access support:

Self-referral: you can call the self-referral phone line to make a referral on 0808 196 3646 between 8am and 8pm, seven days a week.
Referral through a health or care professional: a professional referrer is someone who can request a referral for you. This could be your GP or a health professional. Pick Up and Deliver is only available through a professional referral.
Local Healthwatch: your local Healthwatch is a professional referrer and can refer you to a volunteer responder. You can find your local Healthwatch and contact them for a referral.

The services provided by the NHS and Care Volunteer Responders are not meant to be a treatment service. The service would not be appropriate for:

People with complex mental health needs.
People who are known to be suicidal.
People with severe cognitive impairment.
Referrals for those with drug addiction or alcohol dependency.

You can take a look at the frequently asked questions (FAQs) about this scheme. They should hopefully answer any questions. But if they don’t, you can call 0808 196 3646.