1. Start with Your Healthcare Team
Your GP, specialist nurse, or consultant is often the first point of contact. They can:
- Explain your condition and treatment options
- Refer you to community services or specialist clinics
- Provide sick notes and care plans
- Review medication and side-effect management
Don’t hesitate to ask questions or request clarification – you’re entitled to fully understand your care and where possible have it adapted to suit your needs.
2. Emotional and Mental Health Support
A new or ongoing illness can affect mood, confidence and relationships. The NHS encourages people to access support early rather than wait.
Options include:
- Talking Therapies (IAPT/Improving Access to Psychological Therapies)
You can self-refer in most areas via the NHS website - GP referral to counselling or psychology services
- NHS Mental Health Helplines (24/7 in many regions) for urgent emotional support
3. Support Groups & Peer Communities
Shared experience can make a huge difference.
- Local NHS or charity-run support groups: e.g. for cancer, diabetes, MS, chronic pain, heart disease
- Online forums and helplines offered by national charities (e.g. Macmillan, Mind, Arthritis UK)
- Condition-specific nurses or navigators linked with hospitals or community trusts
These can offer practical advice, reassurance and reduce feelings of isolation.
4. Social Care & Daily Living Support
If your illness affects mobility, work, or daily routines, help is available through your local council and NHS referrals.
You may be entitled to:
- A care needs assessment
- Occupational therapy input (equipment, home adaptations)
- Carer support for family members
- Social prescribing (linking you to local activities, financial advice, befriending services)
Ask your GP or local council social services if you’re unsure where to begin.
5. Financial and Work-Related Advice
The NHS recognises that finances and employment can be major stressors during illness. Help may include:
- Sick pay advice, fit notes and phased return to work plans
- Access to benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Help from Citizens Advice, Macmillan Welfare Rights Advisors, or local carers’ centres
You can also discuss adjustments with your employer under the Equality Act 2010.
6. Caring for Family & Carers
If someone looks after you, they can have their own support needs. The NHS highlights:
- Carer’s assessments via local councils
- Access to respite care, emotional support and financial advice
- Helplines from charities such as Carers UK
7. Looking After Your Overall Wellbeing
Self-care isn’t trivial – it’s part of your healthcare plan. NHS guidance encourages:
- Keeping active where able (e.g. physiotherapy, gentle walking)
- Healthy eating and hydration
- Managing sleep and stress
- Using patient portals or apps to track your health
Ask your GP about tailored programmes like NHS Healthy Living, pulmonary rehab, or exercise referral schemes.
8. When Urgent Help Is Needed
You should seek immediate support if:
- Symptoms suddenly worsen
- You feel unable to cope emotionally
- You’re concerned about your safety or someone else’s
Options include:
- NHS 111 (non-emergency medical advice 24/7)
- 999 in emergencies
- Local urgent mental health crisis lines
Key Message: You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
The NHS suggests a holistic approach—your emotional, practical and social needs matter just as much as your physical health. Reaching out is a strength, not a burden.
