For some, Christmas can be lonely and isolating, or a time filled with worry and anxiety.
You might have forgotten to order your repeat prescription or feel unsure on who to contact if you need medical advice or help in an emergency.
Support is available over the festive season. Whether you’re struggling with your mental health, looking for advice on minor illnesses such as coughs, colds and tummy troubles or need medical help in an emergency – there are local services that can help.
It’s also important to look out for others at this time of year. Whether that’s checking in on a friend, having a chat with a neighbour or picking up some essentials for a family member. These small actions can make a big difference to someone who’s struggling at the moment.
Below you will find information on different services in the city who can support you this Christmas. If you’re not sure where to go, call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk
Pharmacists can help you and your family with minor health concerns. They can offer expert advice and over-the-counter medication to help treat conditions such as colds, coughs, headaches, aches and pains or an upset stomach.
Many pharmacies will be open over the festive season, but they may have different opening hours. You can find the opening times of local pharmacies online. If you’re not sure where your local pharmacy is, use the NHS pharmacy finder.
Please note that the times are subject to change, and you are advised to contact the pharmacy before attending to ensure they are open and have the medication you need.
GPs can still provide advice and support over the festive period. Most practices are closed on Bank Holidays, and their opening hours may be different from usual.
If you need advice whilst your practice is closed, visit your local pharmacy or call 111. In an emergency, dial 999.
We have received opening hours from the following GP practices. If your GP practice is not listed below, we recommend you check their website or phone the practice for more information.
Tips for supporting primary care this winter:
Although opening hours may differ from usual over the festive season, there’s always someone to talk to if you’re struggling.
PositiveMinds offer informal support for anyone who feels low, worried or hopeless in Portsmouth.
You can get support from PositiveMinds if you’re aged 18 or over, live in Portsmouth and are registered with a GP practice in the city.
You can book an appointment, pop in for a chat or contact the team by phone or email.
📞 023 9282 4795
📧 positiveminds@solentmind.org.uk
🖥️ www.solentmind.org.uk/support-for-you/our-services/positiveminds/
Opening times over Christmas:
Talking Change can help with common mental health problems, such as anxiety or low mood. They can also help if you’re struggling with a physical condition such as chronic pain or fatigue.
You can get support from Talking Change if you’re aged 16 or over, live in Portsmouth and are registered with a GP practice in the city.
You can contact the team by phone or fill out an online form.
📞 0300 123 3934
Opening times over Christmas:
Kooth offer anonymous mental health support online.
You can get support from Kooth if you’re aged between 11 and 25 and live in Portsmouth, Hampshire or the Isle of Wight.
The website is available at any time, and you can also access counselling through live chat at the following times:
NHS 111 has a dedicated team who can provide mental health support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The team will chat to you and offer advice on the best support for your needs.
NHS 111 offer support to people of all ages.
📞 111
🖥️ 111.nhs.uk
Shout offer anonymous mental health support by text. Trained volunteers can help with anything you’re struggling with, including anxiety, stress, loneliness or depression.
The service is available at any time, to people of all ages. It won’t show up on your phone bill.
📞 Text HANTS to 85258
If you’re feeling lonely and want to learn more about different ways to get involved in our community, we recommend reaching out to HIVE Portsmouth. The team has lots of information on different community groups, activities and organisations to help you meet new people and get involved.
📞 023 9400 7124
🖥️ www.hiveportsmouth.org.uk/hive-directory
Opening times over Christmas:
The Silver Line helpline is a free service just for older people. They provide friendship, conversation and support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Anyone aged 55 or over can use the service.
📞 0800 4 70 80 90
111 can help you to get an appointment at an Urgent Treatment Centre or the Emergency Department. Trained staff can offer advice on your symptoms and direct you to the right service. Call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk.
Urgent Treatment Centres offer treatment for a range of minor illnesses and injuries – including cuts and grazes, minor head and eye wounds, sprains and strains, bites and stings, and breaks to arms, lower legs and feet.
UTCs are open every day, including bank holidays.
Our local UTCs are:
Our nearest Emergency Department is at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham.
It should only be used for life-threatening emergencies, such as loss of consciousness, persistent or severe chest pain, breathing difficulties, or severe bleeding that cannot be stopped.
If you are in a life-threatening situation, call 999 immediately.