Improve your health and wellbeing in 2024
Stop smoking
If you want help to stop smoking, you can contact our stop smoking service - Smokefree Lewisham - for free advice, support and encouragement to help you quit for good.
They offer free, friendly, practical support and advice on medications to support you while you stop smoking. The support is free and all medications are available on prescription. You can also access free e-cig starter packs alongside other stop smoking medication.
To book into a clinic you can contact the service on 0800 0820 388 or email quit@smokefreelewisham.co.uk and they’ll arrange an appointment for you.
Clinics are held in GP practices, Lewisham Hospital, and in community venues. You do not need to be a registered patient at the practice to attend the stop smoking clinic.
Be more physically active
No matter how much you do, physical activity is good for your body and mind. Adults should aim to be active every day. Some is good – more is better still.
Why not give your local leisure centre a go? Our leisure centres are more than just gyms – some have swimming pools and offer range of fitness classes for all ages and abilities too! Full list of leisure centres across the borough.
If the gym isn’t for you, there are lots of other ways to get moving and stay active across the borough. From large areas of ancient woodlands to outdoor gyms, our parks offer plenty to see, explore and do. Parks in Lewisham and their opening times and facilities.
Reduce your alcohol intake
Cutting back on alcohol can quickly have a positive impact on your energy levels, mood and your wallet within just a few days.
The Drink Coach alcohol test is an online two-minute survey with ten questions that will tell you how risky your drinking is and signpost you to additional support if needed.
You can also download The Drink Coach app which lets you track your drinking, set goals and see how much money you can save.
If you are worried about your drinking or using other substances and need more support, we commission local services that can provide you with free non-judgmental and confidential support. Find out more about the drug and alcohol recovery services, including information about how to contact them and request support.
Look after your mental health
If you want to improve your mental health, there are little things you can do that might help – and further support is there for those who need it.
The Every Mind Matters NHS website and Good Thinking website have lots of expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental wellbeing.
To make it easier for people to access health and wellbeing support, we’ve partnered with Together for Mental Wellbeing – a national mental health charity – and other local partners to open the new Lewisham Wellbeing Hub. Located on Lewisham High Street, the hub is open to anyone in our borough who is over 18 and has experienced challenges with their mental health and who wants to improve their wellbeing.
The service offers lots of different types of support, including 1-2-1 and group sessions and wellbeing workshops. There's no need to wait to be referred by a professional, as you can self-refer by self-refer to Together for Mental Wellbeing by filling in their online form or by calling 0208 609 6747.
Support for mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression or low mood is available from Lewisham Talking Therapies. They offer a range of psychological therapies to adults 18 years and over, who live or are registered with a GP in the borough – their services are free and confidential. Visit Lewisham Talking Therapies to find out more about how they can help and you can refer yourself.
Don’t forget about volunteering opportunities. Volunteering is proven to improve people’s wellbeing and there are lots of really interesting and valuable volunteering opportunities across the borough. Our friends at Lewisham Local have pulled together a helpful list of volunteering opportunities.
Boost your immunity
Both COVID-19 and flu are likely to be circulating at high levels during the winter. There are things you can do to help stay well, including getting your flu and COVID-19 vaccinations if you’re eligible before 31 January 2024. This is the last date that the NHS will offer the COVID-19 vaccination.
The NHS website has more information about vaccinations, who is eligible, and where you can get it.
If you’re pregnant or thinking about having a baby, don’t forget that you have free access to important vaccinations that will keep you and your baby safe.
You should also make sure that your children are up-to-date with their routine vaccinations, which protect against illnesses such as Polio and Measles that can unpleasant – even serious. Speak to your GP if you think you or your child have missed any vaccinations, or if you or your child have a vaccination appointment that has been missed or that you cannot attend. The NHS website has more information.
And while we’re on the subject of your little ones, remember that you may be eligible to receive free Vitamin D supplements if you have children under four or are pregnant. If you receive certain income-related benefits, such as Jobseeker’s Allowance, you also qualify for our Healthy Start scheme, which will give you help to buy basic foods such as milk (fresh and formula) and fruit and vegetables. Apply for our Healthy Start scheme.