Community Navigators

Community Navigators are local volunteers who help people find their way to activities, services or organisations which they would enjoy, find useful or benefit from within the local community. The service is for any age within the Wokingham Borough and people can access the service through a referral – either from a GP, social worker, family member or a self-referral. 

Call: 01344 304404

Please see the self-referral form here.

Find out more

Contact The Elderly

Do you know any older people in Wokingham who are dealing with loneliness and social isolation? There is a group of wonderful, committed volunteers in Wokingham who, once a month on a Sunday afternoon, arrange for volunteer drivers to take their older guests to a volunteer host’s home where they join a small group for tea, talk and companionship.

Call: 0800 716543

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Thames Water Priority Services For Vulnerable Patients

Thames Water offer help and assistance to vulnerable customers during a water supply interruption. Not sure if you qualify as vulnerable customer?

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Bereavement Advice

There are many practical issues to manage when someone dies.

Call: 0800 634 9494.

Find out more.

Cancer Help & Advice

For information about cancer types, symptoms and coping after treatment, follow the link below.

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Macmillan Cancer Information Centre

This centre is based at The Royal Berkshire Hospital and offers support and information to anyone who has concerns about cancer, their relatives, friends and carers. No appointment is necessary, you can just drop in.

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Prostate Cancer

Should I have a PSA test? Information for well men considering a PSA test can be found on the NHS UK website.

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Wokingham Outreach Carers Service

Access to information, emotional support, financial support, advocacy and opportunities to take a break can help manage the impact of caring on the lives of carers.

Find out more

Register a Carer

It is important that we know if you are a carer so that we can make sure you receive information, services and the help that is available.

Complete our online form

ARC Information and Counselling Service

ARC Information and Counselling Service is a free and confidential counselling service supporting children, young people and adults when they are struggling to cope with a life changing situation or emotional problem.

For an ARC-funded set of counselling sessions located at Brookside Group Practice, please contact the ARC office on office@arcweb.org

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Blood Tests

Children under 16-years-old, and those with special needs, can be seen at The Royal Berkshire Hospital Kempton Day Bed Unit (Level 3 Centre Block) and the Children’s Clinic (Level 1 South Block). Neither offer a walk-in service so appointments will need to be made in advance.

Children’s blood tests are also available at The West Berkshire Community Hospital in Thatcham or the Royal Berkshire Bracknell Healthspace which also offers a walk-in service.

Children aged over 12 can also attend the walk-in clinic held at Chalfont Surgery most Wednesday mornings, 7-10:30am, or you can book an appointment with one of our nurses. The blood test form must have been issued in advance by a doctor.

We recommend that children up to the age of 16 use EMLA cream, applied to both arms before their blood test. This can be purchase over the counter at most chemists.

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Berkshire Child Health app

Get tips on how to manage common ailments, such as coughs, sore throats and teething and advice on when and where to seek help from a healthcare professional.

Download for Apple

Download for Android

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Chicken Pox

Chickenpox is a mild and common childhood illness that most children catch at some point.

Find out more

Children and Young people with additional needs

Children and young people with special needs and disabilities are now able to access a range of help and support available locally.

The following links provide more information and support.

Wokingham – Find out more

Reading – Find out more

West Berkshire – Find out more

Children and Young People’s Integrated Therapies

Find out more

Fever in Children

A fever is a high temperature. As a general rule, in children, a temperature of over 37.5C (99.5F) is a fever.

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Hand Foot and Mouth Disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a viral infection that can affect young children.

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Headlice

Head lice are tiny insects that live in human hair. They’re particularly common in children.

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Health Visitors

NHS Berkshire works with parents and carers offering professional support and advice about the health and development of young children.

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New Baby Guide

Being a new parent can be a daunting time and you are bound to have lots of questions. There is lots of useful information and resources available that cover everything from soothing a crying baby to feeding advice.

Visit the Start for Life website: www.nhs.uk/start4life/baby

Contact your Health Visitors: cypf.berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk

Find out more

Find out more (Breastfeeding Advice)

Middle Ear Infection

This information will help you understand what to expect from acute otitis media (ear infection) and what to do if you become concerned.

Find out more here

NHS Vaccination Schedule

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Slapped Cheek Syndrome

Slapped cheek syndrome is a viral infection that’s most common in children, It usually causes a bright red rash to develop on the cheeks.

Find out more

Further information

From warts and measles to chickenpox and tonsillitis, find out how to recognise some of the most common childhood conditions

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Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

If you have problems with bladder or bowl control, we can provide you with a variety of specialist continence treatments and advice.

Download our leaflet

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Cardiovascular Disease Health Checks

We no longer conduct CVD (Cardiovascular Disease) health checks at the practice. If you are between 40-74yrs and would like a health check please email sport@wokingham.gov.uk and put ‘Health Check Request’ in the subject line. They will get back to you with information about an appointment.

Call: 01189 743728

Diabetes Advice

Living with Diabetes is difficult. There are so many factors to consider and this can be stressful, but you shouldn’t need to put your life on hold.

Find out more

For non-medical support and advice you can call the Diabetes help line

Call: 07736 833 978

Talking Therapies also offer support specifically for diabetics through their online programme called Silver Cloud.

Find out more

Start your journey to a healthier you

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Diabetes Eat4Health

Offers advice and support for prediabetics and how to prevent type 2 diabetes.

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Alzheimer’s Society

Alzheimer’s Society is a membership organisation, which works to improve the quality of life of people affected by dementia in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Find out more

There is also a free guide for people caring for and supporting those with dementia.

Find out more

How to apply for a blue badge for a person with dementia:

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Reading Well schemes to improve health

This scheme uses reading to help people who suffer from conditions such as dementia. ‘Forget Me Not’ boxes contain items from social history to help trigger memories and spark discussions.

Find out more.

Dementia Friends

Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends programme is the biggest ever initiative to change people’s perceptions of dementia. It aims to transform the way the nation thinks, acts and talks about the condition. There are training opportunities available online or in a face-to-face Information Session for those wanting to learn more.

Find out more

Dementia Care Advisory Service

This is an excellent local service providing advice, support and social activities all year long for people diagnosed with dementia, their carers, families and friends.

Call: 01189 495 101

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Younger People with Dementia

Younger People with Dementia (Berkshire) charity was set up in 2012 to assist in filling this gap in provision for those with young onset dementia and their family and carers. Our aim is to provide meaningful respite that works with current provision over the working week.

Find out more

Toothache

Toothache refers to pain in and around the teeth and jaws that’s usually caused by tooth decay.

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Alcoholics Anonymous

AA is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength and hope with each other with the aim of solving their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. If you need help with a drinking problem either phone the free national helpline or contact them via email.

Call: 0800 9177 650

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Al-Anon

Support for family members of people affected by alcohol addiction, they hold local meetings.

Find out more

Breaking Free from Substance Use

Breaking Free Online provide comprehensive treatment and recovery support based on robust behavioural science which has been developed in the UK by clinical psychologists. It is personalised to each individual service user and accessible online 24/7 on any device.

Find out more

Drinkaware

We are an independent charity working to reduce alcohol misuse and harm in the UK. We’re here to help people make better choices about drinking. Get in touch to see how we can help you or someone you care about today.

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Drinkline

If you’re worried about your own or someone else’s drinking, you can call this free helpline, in complete confidence.

Call: 0300 123 1110

Drink Spiking and Date Rape Drugs

Every year in the UK, hundreds of people are thought to be victims of drink spiking, where alcohol or drugs are added to someone’s drink without them knowing. Please review the NHS guide for more information.

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One You Drinks Tracker - Mobile App

Drinking a bit too much can sneak up on you. Our free drinks tracker app makes it easy to keep an eye on the booze and take control with daily tips and feedback.

Download on the Apple App Store

Download on the Android App Store

SMART

Drug and Alcohol Recovery Service based in the centre of Wokingham.

Find out more

Talk to Frank

If you have a problem with drugs Talk to Frank for friendly, confidential drugs advice.

Call: 0300 123 6600

Find out more

Further information

For more information about the benefits of drinking less, top tips and more visit the link below.

Find out more

Alternatively, for more information on how drug misuse can be harmful to your health visit the NHS website.

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Enhanced Recovery Programme

Enhanced Recovery Programme Following Surgery (Royal Berkshire Hospital)

The Enhanced Recovery Programme has been in place since 2010 and aims to return patients to normal fitness as quickly as possible after the following surgery:

• Primary Hip or Knee replacement
• Colorectal surgery
• Hysterectomy
• Cystectomy
• Nephrectomy
• Prostatectomy

The programme involves active patient preparation for surgery and participation in post operative recovery; until now, information has been given to patients at the time that they attend clinic and there is also an information leaflet available for information and awareness prior to coming in.

Find out more

Free Health Walks

If you prefer being outdoors, why not take part in one of the many free health walks that are held throughout Berkshire?

Find out more

One You Campaign - Mobile App

The Couch to 5K app has been designed to get you off the couch and running in just 9 weeks. Grab your trainers, download the app and follow the step-by-step instructions.

Download on the Apple App Store

Download on the Android App Store

Further information

For more information about the benefits of exercise, quick workouts and more visit

Find out more

Book your Flu jab

You must check that you are eligible for a flu vaccine before completing the form. It is very important that you book the correct clinic for your age as there are different vaccines this year for under 65s and over 65s.

Find out more

Action on Hearing Loss

As people get older, hearing loss becomes a lot more common. Hearing loss can lead to difficulties with communication and social isolation. It increases the risk of developing dementia and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

Action Hearing Loss know that support and helpful information is really important tool for helping people to feel confident in understanding and supporting hearing loss.

Find out more

Antenatal Care

Calculate your due date

Your antenatal appointments explained

Find maternity services near you

BabyCentre

Get advice, up-to-date information and parent-to-parent support.

Find out more

Free Postnatal Care Course

A new free four-week postnatal course covering sleep, baby massage taster, minor ailments, the importance of play and much more takes place at  Wokingham Borough Children’s Centre

It is suitable for babies aged eight to 16 weeks and is open to Wokingham Borough residents only.

Find out more

NCT

First 1000 days new parent support. Get accurate, impartial information so that you can decide what’s best for your family.

Visit the website

Planning your Pregnancy

If you’re planning on getting pregnant, you can improve your chances of conceiving and having a successful pregnancy.

Find out more

Postnatal Care

Your six week postnatal check

Further information

Whatever you want to know about getting pregnant, being pregnant or caring for your new baby, you should find it here:

Find out more

ARC Information and Counselling Service

ARC Information and Counselling Service is a free and confidential counselling service supporting children, young people and adults when they are struggling to cope with a life changing situation or emotional problem.

For an ARC-funded set of counselling sessions located at Brookside Group Practice, please contact the ARC office on office@arcweb.org

Find out more

Living Life To The Full

Free online courses covering low mood and stress and all of the common linked problems this causes. Work out why you feel as you do, how to tackle problems, build confidence, get going again, feel happier, stay calm, tackle upsetting thinking and more. Try one of the below sample sessions now.

Find out more

MindEd for Families

This service supports parents and those caring for children, young people or older people, who are worried about their mental health and wellbeing. It offers safe and reliable advice and offers hope to those who are affected by or living with those suffering with depression.

Find out more

Mental Health Support Self Help Leaflets

The NHS have produced a whole range of helpful resources for people who suffer from mental and emotional health issues including anger, anxiety, bereavement, low mood, obsessions and compulsions and post natal depression, plus more.

Find out more

Loddon Counselling & Psychology Service

Counselling offers an opportunity to explore and make sense of your thoughts and feelings in a space that is non threatening and non judgemental.

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Mental Health Crisis Service

The team will try to prevent you being admitted to a mental health ward by providing you with intensive support if you have a mental health crisis in your own home.

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Mind

Information and Support for all mental health issues.

Call: 0300 123 3393

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MoodGYM

Learn cognitive behaviour therapy skills for preventing and coping with depression.

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Rethink

Help, information and support for all those affected by mental illness.

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Samaritans

If something is troubling you, call Samaritans free, 24 hours a day 365 days a year.

Call: 116 123

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South Central Veterans Service

We offer help and support to all former members of all ranks of the British Armed Forces who have received one day’s pay in one or more of the following:

• Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army and Royal Air Force
• Volunteer Reserve Forces, including Royal Navy Reserves, Royal Marine Reserves, Army Reserves and Royal Air Force Reserves

Find out more

Self-Harm - A Guide For Parents & Carers

A guide has been developed from talking to parents and carers of young people and is aimed at helping them cope when a young person is self-harming. It includes information on the nature and causes of self-harm, how to support a young person and what help is available.

Find out more

Talking Therapies

Talking Therapies is a friendly and approachable service that helps people with depression, stress and anxiety problems.

They are here to help adults aged 17+ living in Berkshire and we have a team of advisors and therapists who c an help you to overcome life’s difficulties and problems and manage them better.

Refer yourself now

Find out more

Further information

For more information about mental health, ways to cope with it and more visit the links below

One You – Feeling Stressed?

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Berkshire Healthcare

If you’re suffering with physical problems caused by an illness, accident or ageing, there are lots of useful leaflets available to download.

If a problem is not resolving after 6 weeks of self-directed exercises like these, your GP may consider that NHS physiotherapy is appropriate and may refer you. If you have private medical cover you can self refer after discussion with your health provider at any stage.

Find out more

3 Way Healthcare

Although 3 Way Healthcare is a local private practice, they are also able to provide NHS treatments. They are one of the preferred providers of MSK (Musculo Skeletal) Physiotherapy for Brookside Group Practice and other practices in the area.

Find out more

Self Care Leaflet

Get immediate help with minor illnesses and injuries.

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Self Care Forum Fact Sheets

The Self Care Forum Fact Sheets for common ailments aim to help clinicians and patients discuss issues around self care within the practice consultation and especially how to handle the symptoms in the future.

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The Self Care Toolkit

The NHS has created a self-care toolkit for those living with persistent health conditions. This self-management toolkit is a simple information booklet that provides some handy tips and skills to support people along the way to managing their health and conditions.

Find out more

Bowel Cancer Screening

When diagnosed at the earliest stage, more than 9 in 10 people will survive bowel cancer for more than 5 years and screening is an effective way to detect bowel cancer at an early stage, before symptoms show.

The introduction of the NEW FIT screening in 2019 for 60-74 year olds is a key step forward. It’s easier and it’s more accurate than the test that preceded it.

The test is intended for people without any signs or symptoms suggestive of bowel cancer therefore capturing cancer at its earliest stages.

Find out more

Cervical Screening

Cervical screening reduces the number of deaths from cervical cancer by finding potentially harmful cells before they become cancerous, ensuring women get the right treatment as soon as possible. It is not a test for cancer, it is a test to help prevent cancer.

All women and people with a cervix aged between 25-64 should be invited by letter for a screening.

Find out more

Easy Guide to Cervical Screening

This information leaflet aims to help make sure cervical screening is equally accessible to women who have a learning disability or who struggle with written English.

Find out more

Mammograms

Women aged 50-70 will be offered breast screening every 3 years, women aged over 70 can request one directly (they do not need to have symptoms).

In our area women may be offered a screening from aged 47-73 as part of an extended age roll-out.

Call: 0118 322 8282

NHS Breast Screening Programme Incident

Public Health England (PHE) and NHS England (NHSE) have become aware of an issue with the NHS Breast Screening Programme, which has led to some women not being invited for their final screen between their 68th and 71st birthday.

Any women who have missed their final screen, who are aged 70-79 on 1 April 2018 will be written to. You will be invited for a catch-up breast screen and do not need to do anything now. Invitations to women who are registered with a GP practice in England will be sent by the end of May 2018, and all women affected who wish to have a breast screen will receive an appointment to take place before the end of October 2018.

Call: 0800 169 2692

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Brook

Brook provides free and confidential sexual health and wellbeing services for nearly 250,000 young people UK-wide, each year.

Find out more

Victims of Sexual Assault

Solace Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) provide local communities with a safe, discreet and caring environment to support victims of rape and sexual assault.

SARCs are free and accessible to any person needing their services and who live within the Thames Valley area.

Find out more

Family Planning Association

They are a sexual health charity. They give straightforward information and support on sexual health, sex and relationships to everyone in the UK.

Find out more

Safe Sex Berkshire

Find out more

Sexual Health Help Line

The Family Planning Association Sexual health help line can give you confidential information and advice.

Call: 0845 122 8690

Further information

For more information about Sexual Health topics including a contraception guide visit

Find out more

Sleeping Problems

Sleeping problems can be very distressing, but are very common. This resource can help you understand your sleep problem and to learn some simple ways to sleep better.

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Get a Plan

Everyone has a different reason for quitting, get a personalised Quit Smoking Plan.

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Get Support Now

Choose from an app, Quit Kit, email, SMS and face-to-face guidance.

Find out more

NHS Smokefree - Mobile App

The Smokefree app can help you stop smoking by providing daily support and motivation. If you stay smokefree for the 4-week programme you’re up to five times more likely to stay quit for good.

Download on the Apple App Store

Download on the Android App Store

Stop Smoking

We offer Stop smoking appointments with our in-house Smoking cessation advisor. Ideally you will need to commit to a course of 6 once-a-week appointments and we will try to book them at the time that suits you.

Call: 0118 966 9333

Further information

For more information about the benefits of stopping smoking, top tips and more visit

NHS Choices – Stop Smoking

One You – Thinking of quitting?

Stress and Anxiety Self Help Leaflets

Recognising whether or not you may be suffering from symptoms of stress or anxiety, understanding what they are, what can cause them and how to overcome them can be difficult. These resources cover all these questions and more, plus offer other help and advice that may be available.

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Am I a Healthy Weight

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Eat 4 Health

If you feel your weight is an issue and you are unsure what to do about it, the Eat 4 Health team can offer a Free 10-week self-referral weight management programme to support you in achieving your weight loss.

Find out more

Get started on the nhs 12 Week Weight Loss Plan

The plan is designed to help you lose weight and keep it off.

Find out more

One You Couch to 5K - Mobile App

The Couch to 5K app has been designed to get you off the couch and running in just 9 weeks. Grab your trainers, download the app and follow the step-by-step instructions.

Download on the Apple App Store

Download on the Android App Store

One You Easy Meals - Mobile App

The free Easy Meals app is a great way to eat foods that are healthier for you. You’ll find delicious, easy meal ideas to help get you going if you’re ever short of inspiration.

Download on the Apple App Store

Download on the Android App Store

Slimming World

You’ll find delicious recipe and menu ideas at your local group, along with all the help you need to get started and reach your target weight.

Find out more

Want to get more active

Get help and advice from NHS Choices including 10 Minute workouts, 12 week fitness plan, running & cycling for beginners and much more.

Get help now

Weight Watchers

Meetings, Online or a little bit of both. We’ve got options and support, whatever your lifestyle.

Find out more

Further information

For more information about the benefits of losing weight, top tips and more visit

NHS Choices – Weight Loss

One You – How healthy is your food?

One You – How much have you moved today?

Reading’s Health & Wellbeing Leaflet

ARC Information and Counselling Service

ARC Information and Counselling Service is a free and confidential counselling service supporting children, young people and adults when they are struggling to cope with a life changing situation or emotional problem.

For an ARC-funded set of counselling sessions located at Brookside Group Practice, please contact the ARC office on office@arcweb.org

Find out more

Parenting Teenagers Course

A course is running at Brookside Practice every Thursday in June for parents of teenagers. Run by one of the ARC counsellors, the course will cover areas such as Meeting teenagers’ needs, setting boundaries, parenting styles and much more. The course is £45 and includes a manual. For more information contact lucythomas41@gmail.com

Mermaids

If you are a young person that feels at odds with their birth gender, or you are a parent with a child who feels this way, Mermaids can help.

Find out more

Self-Harm - A Guide For Parents & Carers

A guide has been developed from talking to parents and carers of young people and is aimed at helping them cope when a young person is self-harming. It includes information on the nature and causes of self-harm, how to support a young person and what help is available.

Find out more

Time To Talk

Time To Talk Reading is a free confidential counselling service available to all young people in Reading aged 13-19, up to 25years for young people with additional needs.

Call: 0118 903 5151

Find out more

Children and Young people with additional needs

Children and young people with special needs and disabilities are now able to access a range of help and support available locally.

The following links provide more information and support.

Wokingham – Find out more

Reading – Find out more

West Berkshire – Find out more