Patient Information

Here at the practice, we are aware that the rise in cost of living is something that will affect many of our patients, their friends, family and loved ones that is struggling to come and speak with one of the team as we would like to offer support in any which way we can. You may want help be it emotionally, financially, or support accessing the internet to complete forms, or support in completing forms.

We know it can be daunting to try and find out what support is available, and we want to help.  Some of you may find yourself in a position that you never thought you would be in.
Please find below some useful links which may help you, your family and friends.

Energy saving advice
Worried about Energy Costs? Call NEAL now!
Northeast Energy Advice Line
The Advice Service is:

• Independent
• Free
• Confidential
• Impartial
  
• Call us now and we will:
• telephone you back with free and independent advice
• make an appointment for you to see an Energy Adviser if necessary
  Energy costs have gone up a lot this year, and with other prices going up as well, making sure you can stay warm and manage your energy and other bills is more important than ever.
  To Help, Citizens Advice in the North East have set up a new Telephone Advice Service to give you specialist and independent advice. The North east Energy Advice Line can give you free, independent and up-to-date advice on:
• how to minimise your fuel costs
• dealing with problems with your energy supplier
• welfare benefits and grants you may be entitled to
• Warm Home Discount and Cold Weather Payments
• improving energy efficiency in the home
• Priority Services Register and other support
• and much, much more
  Call NEAL now on  01642 626106  
  For further advice https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/get-a-better-energy-deal/choosing-energy-tariff/
  Ask CPAG | Fuel Rights Handbook 20th edition

Food Banks

The practice works with Sunderland Foodbank we are able to issue vouchers if you need support please just give us a ring or call into practice.

For further information regarding foodbanks:
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/using-a-food-bank/

Sunderland Foodbank
Email: [email protected]

Further information regarding food banks and parcels can be found at Sunderland Information Point  Food banks and parcels –  Sunderland Information Point https://www.sunderlandinformationpoint.co.uk/kb5/sunderland/directory/results.page?adultchannel=6_4

Warm Spaces in Sunderland

Public buildings are opened up across Sunderland this winter to provide warm spaces for residents who may, be struggling financially, have had their health and wellbeing affected by Covid-19, or have been impacted by the cost of living crisis.

Sunderland City Council has teamed up with partners in the community and voluntary sector to provide these warm spaces across the city.

Click here to find nearest warm space
Warm spaces – Sunderland City Council
https://www.sunderland.gov.uk/article/24806/Warm-spaces

 Useful links to support/websites:

Energy:

North East Energy Advice Line (NEAL) Telephone 01642 626106

National Energy Action – 0800 304 7159

Simple Energy Advice – 0800 444 202

Energy Saving Trust
Energy advice for your home – Energy Saving Trust

Warm Spaces in Sunderland:
Warm Spaces in Sunderland – Wellbeing Info – provides information and locations of warm spaces across the city.

Finances:

Debt Support:
National DebtLine provides free advice and information factsheets. You can also contact them on 0808 808 4000 or via webchat with an adviser.

Government Money Helper (previously MARS)
Free and impartial help with money, backed by the government | MoneyHelper

Citizens Advice
Debt and money – Citizens Advice

Domestic Abuse:

https://www.wwin.org.uk/
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-abuse-how-to-get-help

Housing:
housing – Wellbeing Info

Mental health:

Sunderland Psychological Wellbeing Service – Telephone: 0191 566 5454 (Monday – Friday between 9-5pm) https://sunderlandiapt.co.uk/about-us/

https://wellbeinginfo.org/services/sunderland-mind/

Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Team Sunderland free phone 08006522867

https://www.cntw.nhs.uk/services/crisis-resolution-home-treatment-team-sunderland/

Dr Tewari (GP Registrar) has developed a website that has a lot of links to not just IAPT/crisis team information but also information around other local and national resources, services for young and older persons, information on work, money and employment, and apps and books our patients can use to help their mental health.   

See link below:

• https://hettonmentalhealth.wordpress.com/

See information leaflet below for parents and carers which has useful information on how to cope with infants crying.

Healthcare professionals in Washington have developed an app aimed at people looking after young children, as well as those about to become parents. It gives easy-to-understand guidance on common ailments affecting children, as well as advice on when and where to seek further treatment. 

Parents and carers can now find advice at their fingertips on common childhood illnesses.

Download app today!

See attached information sheet for local shops selling cheap hayfever medication.

See the two page information leaflet below for details about when you are referred on:

• Please find attached the updated version of the available services log with info on:
  • Training courses
  • General Health Information
  • General Support and Advice
  • Funding Opportunities
  • Activities available

Changes in the way you book your Patient Transport

From 1st October 2021 your GP Practice will no longer book your Patient Transport. This service will now be provided by North East Ambulance NHS Foundation Trust (NEAS). Nothing else about the service will change.

To make or amend a booking with the Patient Transport Service (PTS) please call 0191 215 1515. To cancel an appointment please call 0300 111 0247. Bookings can be made from Monday to Friday 8am-6pm.