Please click on the tiles below for more information on support groups and services outside of the practice.
Most referrals to other specialists will require you seeing or speaking with a GP. However, there are a number of local services, listed below, that you are able to make self referrals to.
Autism and ADHD
Children and young people who feel they have symptoms consistent with ADHD or Autism can self refer to Calderdale Children’s and Adolescents Mental Health Services (CAMHS) for an appropriate assessment. A parent or teacher can also make this referral on their behalf. Please see this link below:
Alcohol and Drug Support
If you have concerns about drug use, the amount of alcohol or the frequency of your drinking, the leaflet below contains useful advice and 6 steps to cutting down.
You can also self refer to the Calderdale Basement Project or Recovery Steps please see links below:
Bereavement and support
If you or someone close to you have been bereaved of someone important there are a few options of support and self referral available;
- Calderdale Help in Bereavement Service, find details at:
- West Yorkshire and Harrogate HCP Grief and Loss Support Service offers practical and emotional support and advice for anyone suffering any form of grief and loss, or those worried about losing someone, whether this relates to a family member, friend or member of their community. The service is available 8.00am – 8.00pm, 7 days a week, via the website or by calling their freephone number 0808 1963833.
- For children that need support with bereavement help can be found at Open Minds;
Bowel Cancer – Screening & Support
Bowel cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the UK. Most people diagnosed with bowel cancer are over 60 years old. Screening aims to detect bowel cancer at an early stage, in people with no symptoms, when treatment is more likely to be effective.
As a Practice, we strongly recommend you complete the screening kit when it arrives. If you have any questions, or would like more information about screening for bowel cancer you can contact the screening programme Freephone 0800 707 60 60. However, if you have any specific concerns, or are worried about bowel symptoms, and would prefer to speak to someone at this Practice in confidence, please feel free to contact us.
It is also very important that you are aware of the symptoms of bowel cancer. The most common symptoms to look out for are:
- a persistent change in bowel habit, especially going to the toilet more often or diarrhoea
- bleeding from the back passage without any obvious reason or blood in your bowel motions
- abdominal pain, especially if it is severe
- a lump in your abdomen
Most of these symptoms will not be cancer. However, if you have experienced one or more of these symptoms for more than four weeks you should contact us as soon as possible.
The screening test for bowel cancer is offered in England to people aged between 60-74 years. (People aged over 74 can request a screening kit by contacting the bowel cancer screening programme on 0800 707 6060).
The test is carried out at home, using a kit that arrives in the post. The kit is a simple way for you to collect small samples of your poo. You wipe the sample on a special card, which you then send for testing in a hygienically, sealed, prepaid envelope. There are detailed instructions with the kit. You may think that the tests sound a bit embarrassing, or unpleasant, but collecting the samples doesn’t take long.
A short video has been made by Cancer UK to show how you can carry out the test. More detail is available via the Cancer Uk webpage about the bowel screening programme.
If you did not use the kit when it arrived but would like to participate, please call the bowel screening helpline on 0800 707 60 60.
Leaflets and further information (including translated versions) are also available here about the screening programme and CT scans & colonoscopies.
Bowel & Bladder Service
The Calderdale Bladder & Bowel Service is a confidential specialist nurse led team that cares for both adults and children in Calderdale with bladder and bowel problems. Our aim is to provide professional advice, support and information to all, on the promotion of continence and the management of incontinence. The service offers proactive care in a sensitive and dignified manner.
You can contact the team to self refer on 01484 343815
Calderdale’s “Better Living” service
Better Living currently provider Tier 1 & 2 weight management services in calderdale.
All their friendly staff are fully trained. They know how hard it can be to make changes to the habits of a lifetime. Many of them have made these changes themselves.
They can also help you to…
- Stop smoking – Take the first steps to stop smoking.
- Expecting and new mums – Safe ante and post-natal programmes.
- Alcohol awareness – Is what you’re drinking effecting your health?
- Lose weight and eat well – Discover a healthier, happier you.
- Get active and get fit.- Helping you to become more active.
You can self refer to this Better Living team on 01422 230230.
There are also private services (that you would need to pay for) such as Weight Watchers and Slimming World who both provide classes locally.
Cancer Support Services
There are a wide range of cancer support services available. Some are for specific cancers and others for cancer in general. These services are available locally.
Community Cancer Support Service – available to patients of the practice aged 25 or over. You can be referred at any point after diagnosis. The team will work closely with health and care colleagues to find information and support that will help you. It could be an activity class, healthy eating advice, dealing with fatigue, rebuilding relationships, trying new hobbies, volunteering with a charity.
At the Kirkwood and Overgate hospices support teams offer a comprehensive range of support services. These range from information and advice to health and wellbeing therapies. The team also offer outreach support to cancer patients.
Coronavirus – Useful Links and Local Support
Although things have changed significantly since this page was published at the end of 2020, the information below is still valid.
Testing:
The most up-to-date guidance to testing and local test locations can be found on this webpage.
Mental Health Support:
In such times of uncertainty, we may all be feeling the impact to our mental well-being. We can offer appointments with our Healthy Mind Practitioner but there is other local support available as well as online resources.
Mindwell has a coronavirus mental health information hub.
Post Covid-19 Recovery:
If you are recovering from Covid-19, you may find that you are still having to come to terms with the impact on your body and on your mind. Some of the impact can take a long time to change. Your Covid Recovery helps you to understand what has happened and what you might expect as part of your recovery. Our GPs are also able to help support you further if your symptoms do not improve.
This Leeds Covid 19 Patient Rehabilitation Booklet may also be helpful.
Debt & Money help
You can contact The Citizens Advice Bureau in Halifax for help and support with debt and money problems.
Dental Problems
Please note we do not see or treat dental problems at Keighley Road Surgery. If you have a dental problem you must contact/seek advice from your registered dentist. If you are not currently registered with a dentist or your dentist is closed you can seek urgent / emergency dental care via 111.
Every Mind Matters
Every Mind Matters has lots of information to support people struggling with their mental health. This includes a dedicated Coronavirus and mental wellbeing section due to the pandemic.
Mental Health Support for Young People
Here are links to a number of sources of support for young people and their parents who may experiencing mental health difficulties.
Young Minds A national charity with a Parent Helpline. Call (for free) Mon-Fri from 9:30am to 4pm: 0808 802 5544
The Noah’s Ark Centre: Rainbows is a structured programme for children aged 5-11 to help them talk through their feelings with other children who are experiencing loss such as death or divorce in their family. The Rainbows programme helps by providing a safe setting with adult facilitators and materials, journals, storybooks, games and creative activities to help lead them gently through the grieving process. Phone: 01422 300 457.
The Samaritans: whatever you’re going through, a Samaritan will talk through it with you. The service is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can ring them on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.
Kooth: a free, safe anonymous mental health community for children and young people aged 10 to 25. It’s open until 10pm every evening, 365 days a year. Young people can access Kooth’s counselling service, self help resources, peer to peer forums and interesting articles written by young people for young people.
Open Minds (CAMHS): If you feel you need help and support around your mental health you can contact Open Minds in Calderdale who provide specialist emotional support for children and young people. Phone: 01422 300 001.
West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership grief and loss support service: The WY&H HCP Grief and Loss Service offers information and advice to anyone struggling with feelings of loss, whether as a result of bereavement or other loss such as loss of a way of life, normal contact opportunities, social and work interactions. Phone: 0808 096 3833.
Mental Health Support for Adults
If you are suffering from depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, excessive worry or low mood, then counselling through Vita minds and Vita Health Group can help. Vita Health Group works in partnership with the NHS to provide talking therapy services, known as IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) and can provide advice and guidance on the best options for you. Please contact them on 0333 0153 494 or using the link below:
Minor and Urgent Eye Care Services
A number of accredited local opticians (optometrists) offer NHS advice and treatment for anyone who is registered with a GP and experiencing eye problems under the PEARS scheme. A referral from the GP is not needed.
The PEARS service provides urgent assessment, treatment or referral for sudden onset eye problems such as:
- Red eye or eyelids
- Dry, gritty or uncomfortable eyes
- Eye irritation and inflammation
- A lot of recent discharge from the eye or watery eye
- Recently occurring flashes or floaters
- Painful eye
- Ingrowing lashes
- Recent and sudden loss of vision
- Foreign body in the eye
Please contact your local optician to arrange an assessment.
Podiatry
You can self refer to the Calderdale Podiatrists who are a team of Podiatrists and Podiatry assistants who specialise in Wound Care, musculoskeletal (MSK) problems of the lower limb, and other aspects of foot health. They are based in health centres in Calderdale and also have a team at CRH and HRI.
Podiatry is an area of specialist healthcare that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of abnormal conditions of the feet and lower limbs. Podiatry is also involved in the prevention and correction of deformity, keeping people mobile and active, relieving pain, and preventing the complications caused by conditions which put the foot at risk of ulceration and amputation.
They also treat people suffering from the high-risk complications of diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, and all forms of arthritis.
They can help people suffering with nail problems, such as in-growing nails, nail deformities, corns, and callus. We also help those with foot and toe deformities, such as bunions and hammer toes, biomechanical problems, and heel pain. Our service accepts referrals for patients who have been triaged as having a high risk need or complex medical condition which puts the lower limb at risk of complications.
Please note they do not offer routine nail care for patients in the absence of other symptoms or risk factors.
Patient Self-referral form requests and general enquiries- contact details: 01422 261313. (only for patients registered with a Calderdale GP)
Sexual Abuse and/or Domestic Violence and Abuse
Domestic Violence and Abuse – support in confidence: Behind Closed Doors – 0113 222 4562
The National Domestic Violence 24 hour helpline number – 0808 2000 247
An information course that can be taken online or attended in person. It help victims and survivors of domestic abuse to make sense of and understand what has happened to them, instead of the whole experience just feeling like a horrible mess.
Freedom Programme help line: 01942 262 270
Multi-agency risk assessment conference (MARAC)
In the event that you are identified as being at high risk of domestic violence, you may be referred to a MARAC. If this happens, you should already know about it and have spoken with an agency worker. However, if you or your children are at very high risk, it is possible that you may be referred without your agreement. The aim of a MARAC is to get a clearer picture of the situation and make a plan to reduce further harm or risk. More information is available in this leaflet:
Memory & Dementia support
There are several ways to get support for people with memory problems or dementia as well as talking to the doctor. These include Memory Support Workers and the Alzheimer’s Society which provides information and support for people experiencing memory problems or dementia and their family, friends and carers. There also an increasing number of regular memory cafes and other dementia friendly groups running in Halifax. Details of these can be found on the Alzheimer’s Society website and information about those local to the Practice can be found by following the link below.
Social Support and Carers
If you need additional support/carers in the home or adaptations to help yourself or someone you live with you can contact Gate Way To Care on 01422 393000.
Support for Carers
Do you look after or care for a family member or friend?
There are many helpful charities who can support you, whether with practical queries about funding, assessments and financial support or offer you emotional support.
Carers UK has a helpline open from Mon-Fri (10am-4pm) by dialling 0808 808 7777 but even more information is available on their website.
Carers Trust is also a national charity offering detailed support.
Unplanned Pregnancy and Advice Services
There are several local services offering free pregnancy advice, and termination if appropriate. Clients do not need a GP referral to access treatment at any of these providers and can make contact directly using the contact details on the site below “pregnancy choices”:
Weight management services
For general advice about weight management for adults:
NHS Choices weight loss guide is an excellent guide with suggestions on a 12 week plan. It also has email support.
Advice for children: NHS Choices excellent guide on what to do if my child is overweight.
‘West Yorkshire Healthier Together’ – a new website for families
The West Yorkshire Healthier Together website gives accurate and trustworthy healthcare advice to parents, carers, young people, and professionals. Links and information are also provided about local services and resources.
Information on the site was developed by parents/carers, young people are professionals working in collaboration. All content has been reviewed by local paediatricians, GPs, Community Pharmacists, 0-19 years’ service and professionals across the region to make sure it aligns with current practices and procedures. You can visit the website at: www.wyhealthiertogether.nhs.uk.
The site is regularly updated and there are plans to develop a section for young people. The site also provides guidance and information for health professionals working across hospital and primary care settings on managing common paediatric problems.