Health, wellbeing and safety

When a loved one passes away, there can be much to consider. Grief affects everyone differently, and you may ask questions like ‘is this normal?’. Shock, numbness, anger, and guilt are all common experiences. These feelings may come and go and vary in severity. The charities in this section will provide a range of information on the experience of grief, coping with the circumstances surrounding a loved one’s death, and managing the physical and psychological impacts of bereavement. There are options to guide you through practical issues like funeral costs, estate management, and returning to work.

Step by Step: What to do when someone dies – GOV.UK

Cruse Bereavement Support

The Good Grief Trust

Together we can – Terrence Higgins Trust

Samaritans

The Compassionate Friends

Grief Encounter

Sibling Support

Losing someone to suicide MIND

Help with funeral costs – GOV.UK

Local Support Map

Grief after loss NHS  

If you are suffering from chronic pain, you have pain ongoing for at least twelve weeks despite medical interventions. There are many reasons a person may suffer from chronic pain. Due to the large variety of conditions that may cause it, anyone of any age, gender, or ethnicity may deal with it at some point in their lives. Our research into the science behind pain is still ongoing and very complicated. It's important to remember that pain does not always indicate that a person is very sick. Pain is how our bodies protect us from harm and can have various causes and meanings. If you suffer from chronic pain, you may need access to support services that can help improve your quality of life. The resources below include helpful information, podcasts, helplines, and support groups.

Domestic abuse is when a person exerts power over another person and controls their life. This behaviour seriously impacts the victim’s mental well-being and physical safety. There are multiple dynamics where domestic abuse may occur. Still, it is commonly understood as something that happens between immediate family members and romantic partners. It can occur from a parent onto a child or stepchild, or it can happen between partners. Sometimes abuse takes the form of mental abuse, such as degrading, threatening, and coercing. Other times abuse may be physical and include violent acts like punching, slapping, or unwanted sexual contact. Other forms of domestic abuse include things like stalking and harassment. Domestic abuse is common and serious.

This section contains various resources for anyone experiencing domestic abuse. 

The recreational use of drugs and alcohol may sometimes lead to health problems and addiction. It is also possible to become addicted to several prescription medications. The consequences of drug and alcohol abuse may be severe or even fatal, so it is crucial to get reliable help and information if you are struggling. This section offers support services for anyone fighting alcohol addiction or drug abuse.

If you have a body mass index of 30 or above, you are considered obese. Obesity is not a disease, but it may make you vulnerable to diseases that can seriously impact your health. There are plenty of misconceptions about people who are obese or overweight, and these prejudices over-simplify the complex topic of obesity. A large variety of factors can contribute to becoming obese. Genetics, chronic illness, and environment often play a more significant role in weight gain than lifestyle choices.

Therefore, it is crucial to understand that the responsibility for public health lies in our health and food services just as much as it does in individuals. The resources below will support anyone struggling with obesity or weight loss and provide high-quality information on healthy eating. If you have hormonal imbalances, a bowel disease, or diabetes, you will need catered advice.

You should always check with a healthcare provider before making any drastic changes to your diet.

Smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your health. It is a leading cause of cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung disease, and COPD and has adverse effects on long-term health conditions like diabetes. It can also contribute to diseases of the eyes, issues with your immune system, arthritis, and tuberculosis. If you are a smoker and want to stop, plenty of services can help. According to The British Lung Foundation, you are more likely to quit successfully with NHS support. You can access advice and services to help you quit smoking in the resource list below.

Vapes – Talk to Frank

Effects of Tobacco – Talk to Frank

Better Health - Quit Smoking NHS

Stop Smoking NHS inform

How to stop smoking – The British Lung Foundation  

Rape and other forms of sexual violence are statistically significant crimes that can affect people of any age, gender, or ethnicity. Unfortunately, crimes of this nature are very difficult to prove, and victims may be left physically and psychologically impacted. The process of seeking justice for this type of crime can be distressing, and if you choose to seek justice, you should feel supported throughout the process. Any form of non-consensual sexual contact is unacceptable. You should never be ashamed of how you react or cope with these experiences. If you have experienced any form of sexual violence, there is help and support out there for you.

What is Consent? RAINN

Rape Crisis England and Wales

The Survivors Trust

Safe Line  

SARSAS

Help after Rape or Sexual Assault NHS