Physical and mental health
Looking after yourself
Caring for your health as you grow up is about knowing how best to look after yourself and knowing that the people you see may change. It is also about knowing who can help you to look after yourself.
Your local doctor (GP surgery) will usually be 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.
You can register for free with a Doctor/GP usually your most local one which gives access to NHS services.
You do not need proof of address or immigration status, identification (ID) or an NHS number.
If you are feeling ill or have a health worry, you might not need to see a doctor and your local chemist or pharmacy can help.
Pharmacists are experts in medicines who can help you with minor health concerns, such as:
- coughs
- colds
- sore throats
- tummy trouble
- aches and pains
Many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends. You do not need an appointment.
It is important to have regular check-ups with a dentist. Detecting problems with your teeth and gums early can mean they are easier to treat.
You can find a dental surgery that's convenient for you.
Some people may not be able to get to their local dental practice because of a disability or medical condition. In this case, the dentist should refer you to a more specialised dental service. Ask your dentist or GP what is needed for a referral and if it is suitable in your case.
Thames Valley Community Dental Service
Thames Valley Community Dental Service provide specialist dental support to children and adults in Buckinghamshire.
They can offer dental treatment for adult and child patients who may have:
- a learning disability
- a physical disability
- a dental phobia
- are medically compromised
If you are under 18 you can have a free NHS sight test. As an adult, you may be able to access a free test and an optical voucher towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses. This depends on your age and/or any benefits you or your family receive.
When you visit an optician for an eye test, they will look at your eyes and ask you what you can see to check whether you need glasses. They also can see other issues with your eyes which may need treatment to stop the loss of sight such as cataracts or glaucoma.
Ophthalmic practitioners and optometrists prescribe and fit glasses and contact lenses. If necessary, they'll refer you to a GP or a hospital eye clinic for further investigations. In Buckinghamshire, the hospital service is Buckinghamshire Healthcare Trust Ophthalmology.
You can get a free hearing test on the NHS. A GP may refer you to a hearing specialist (audiologist) who can do the test.
It could take a few weeks to see a specialist so it might be quicker to get tested somewhere else, like at a large chemist/pharmacy or opticians. This is often free.
You should see your GP first if:
- you also have other symptoms, like earache or discharge – this could be something treatable like an earwax build-up or ear infection
- you have sudden hearing loss in one ear
- you are worried about your hearing
- sensory disabilities (or sensory impairment) affect one or more of the senses: sight, hearing, smell, touch, taste or spatial awareness.
Buckinghamshire Integrated Sensory Service (BISS) provides free advice and support to adults and children with sensory disabilities across Buckinghamshire.
The Sexual Health service in Buckinghamshire is an all-age service. They can provide contraception and support in relation to sexual health and have clinics in Aylesbury, High Wycombe.
They run drop-in clinics for Under 21s. These run on:
Here4YOUth, Buckinghamshire offers advice, support and guidance on drug and alcohol use. They can also signpost to other support services for other wellbeing needs. Their focus is on improving your well-being and keeping you healthy, happy and safe.
They run drop-in sessions:
- Aylesbury: The Uptown Coffee Bar, Whitehill Lane, Aylesbury HP19 8FL Tuesdays 3pm to 5pm. Partners: Youth Concern
- High Wycombe: The Junction at the Library, 5 Eden Place, High Wycombe HP11 2DH. Tuesdays 4pm to 6.30pm. Partners: Action4Youth
You can also call to arrange to meet a worker at a location of your choice. Our workers will focus on you, improving your well-being and keeping you healthy, happy and safe.
If you are over 18 One Recovery Bucks provide a confidential, free and easy-to-access service to anyone living in Buckinghamshire affected by their own or someone else’s use of alcohol and drugs.
Be Healthy Bucks
Be Healthy Bucks is a free health and well-being service to help you make simple changes, to start feeling the benefits of a healthy life today. You just have to be a Buckinghamshire resident and/or registered with a GP practice in the county.
They can help with health and well-being such as stopping smoking, being a healthier weight, and cutting down on alcohol.
Prevention Matters
Prevention Matters can support you to regain your confidence and independence and help you to get out and about.
Please note that if you have a care package in place, you are not eligible for this service.
GP/Doctor
Your GP/Doctor may suggest that you speak to a social prescriber. A social prescriber works with GPs and health professionals in your local surgery. They help to:
- connect people with a range of non-medical services and activities
- find support, services and activities such as classes or support groups that are tailored to your needs
Further information on health and wellbeing is available on Care and Advice Bucks.