Self Help & Support

When your baby is 6 to 8 weeks old you will be invited to attend a developmental review with a GP and then to see a practice nurse for your child to receive their first vaccinations. They will require vaccinations at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks, 1 year and 3 years 4 months. To read more about what vaccinations they will receive please click on the following link
NHS vaccinations and when to have them - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
If you are concerned that your child has missed any vaccines or may not be up to date, please contact the surgery.

Paediatric developmental checks are performed at 8 weeks, 8 months and 3 1/2 years by the health visitors and GPs. You will be contacted automatically by post to invite you for these developmental assessments. If you have any queries, please contact us on 01803 298441.

This service is provided for women between the ages of 24 years and 6 months to 64 years. A routine smear is every three years between the ages of 24 years and 6 months to 49 and every five years between the ages of 50 and 64. Cervical smears are done by our practice nurse and you will be contacted when your smear is due. You will be informed of the results of your smear test in writing however please be aware that it may take three weeks until you receive your letter.

All of the local Torbay surgeries have joined together to create a user friendly video about what to expect during your smear. Please follow the link to see this video.https://youtu.be/I8rcufzRzjc

In the UK, each year over 7,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Unfortunately, most patients with ovarian cancer will receive their diagnosis at late stage. Like all cancers, the earlier ovarian cancer is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat, and the greater the chances of survival.

Watch a short video on YouTube about ovarian cancer.

This clinic is held at Castle Circus Health Centre. To book an appointment please call 01803 656500.https://www.devonsexualhealth.nhs.uk/

Devon and Cornwall Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) provides help and support after rape or sexual assault for people in Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. We do this through our sexual assault referral centres in Exeter, Plymouth and Truro.
We offer medical assistance, forensic assessment, guidance, support and access to an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) through a single point of contact.

To contact the SARC please call 0300 303 4626 or follow the link below.

https://sarchelp.co.uk/

Torbay’s Pregnancy Advisory Service (ToPAS) offers free, confidential support and counselling to women with an unplanned pregnancy. Our team of experienced doctors and nurses will help you, in a caring and non-judgemental way, to reach a decision that’s right for you. They will help you explore all the options available to you; including continuing with the pregnancy, adoption or termination (abortion).

Clinic sessions are offered at Castle Circus Health Centre.
To make an appointment call: 01803 656500

TDAS

TDAS are a domestic abuse service with a vision to eradicate all forms of domestic abuse, creating a society where it is not tolerated and families can live safely.

TDAS staff are available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. To speak to one of their dedicated Domestic Abuse Advisors you can call on 0161 872 7368.

For more information please visit their website https://www.tdas.org.uk/abouttdas

Bright Sky

Bright Sky is a mobile app and website for anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or who is worried about someone else. The app can be downloaded for free via the app stores.

Cleverly disguised as a weather app you can use this to store records and information relate to your abuse such as notes, pictures and videos.

For more information please visit their website https://www.hestia.org/brightsky

Rising Moments

Rising Moment provide practical support, essentials, signposting, community support and friendship for women and families affected by abuse crimes, past or present.

For more information please call 07773257633 or email risingmoments@outlook.com.

In the UK, about 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime.

Prostate cancer mainly affects men over 50, and your risk increases with age. The risk is even higher for black men and men with a family history of prostate cancer.

Visit Prostate Cancer UK for more information and watch their information video on Youtube.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK. The chances of developing prostate cancer increase as you get older. Most cases develop in men aged 50 or older. Symptoms may not occur for a number of years, so it is important understand what these early symptoms are. They should not be ignored, but they do not mean you have prostate cancer.
For more information visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostate-cancer/

Testicular cancer is one of the less common forms of cancer and tends to affect mostly men between the ages of 15 and 49. It is important to know what feels normal to you so you are aware of any changes to the testicles and possible symptoms. Typical symptoms are a painless swelling or lump in the testicles, or any changes in the shape or texture of the testicles.
For more information visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/testicular-cancer/

This clinic is held at Castle Circus Health Centre. To book an appointment please call 01803 656500.https://www.devonsexualhealth.nhs.uk/

Devon and Cornwall Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) provides help and support after rape or sexual assault for people in Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. We do this through our sexual assault referral centres in Exeter, Plymouth and Truro.
We offer medical assistance, forensic assessment, guidance, support and access to an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) through a single point of contact.

To contact the SARC please call 0300 303 4626 or follow the link below.

https://sarchelp.co.uk/

TDAS

TDAS are a domestic abuse service with a vision to eradicate all forms of domestic abuse, creating a society where it is not tolerated and families can live safely.
TDAS staff are available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.  To speak to one of their dedicated Domestic Abuse Advisors you can call on 0161 872 7368.
For more information please visit their website https://www.tdas.org.uk/abouttdas

Bright Sky

Bright Sky is a mobile app and website for anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or who is worried about someone else. The app can be downloaded for free via the app stores.
Cleverly disguised as a weather app you can use this to store records and information relate to your abuse such as notes, pictures and videos.
For more information please visit their website https://www.hestia.org/brightsky

Are you ok?

This service provides advice, support and local directory of services. For more information please visit their website http://www.areyouok.co.uk/
This website offers a ‘Cover your Tracks’ and ‘Exit now’ section.

Chime are an NHS Audiology Service available at Croft Hall. Chime take referrals for hearing tests with adults and children of any age, discuss the results and agree a way forward with our clients. If hearing aid amplification is an option then they can provide this as an NHS service.

To contact the team please call 01392 402223 or email cse.audiology@nhs.net.

For more information please visit their website https://www.chimehealth.co.uk/contact?location=5

For advice and information on all aspects of social care. 3rd Floor, Union House, Union Street, Torquay, TQ1 3YA. You can also contact them on 01803 219700.

For non-urgent matters, the community nurses who visit housebound patients can be contacted Monday to Friday, by phoning 01803 219838 and leaving a message.

Appointments for the midwife are available on Monday and Thursday mornings at the surgery. To make an appointment please call them on 018030 654615

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We do offer a small range of travel vaccinations which can be given by our nursing team. If you are travelling abroad please fill out one of our travel assessment forms and email it back to enquiries.crofthall@nhs.net or drop into reception. You will then be contacted by telephone by one of our practice nurses to discuss your trip and if you require any vaccinations. If your trip is complex or you require malaria cover you will be directed to the travel clinic at boots or Exeter Travel clinic.

Download the Travel Risk Assessment Form (DOCX, 21KB)

If you have a new or existing wound, one of our practice nurse team will be able to see and assess your needs. You will have an initial wound care assessment done by one of our practice nurses; she will then implement a wound care plan.

If you have a long standing leg ulcer you will be referred to the lower limb therapy service who is a team dedicated to the treatment of ulcers on lower limbs. They have clinics in Torbay, Newton Abbot and Totnes.

HIV Screening

It has been highlighted that there are more people with HIV in Torbay than in other areas of the UK.

If you are 16 or over and would like to be screened for HIV, please ask at reception to book an appointment for a blood test.

AAA Screening Programme

AAA Screening is for men aged 65+ and is free on the NHS. Castle Circus Health Centre offer appointments for screening. Please ring 01803 655441 to book an appointment.

What is AAA screening?

The aorta is the main blood vessel that supplies blood to the body. It runs from the heart down through the chest and abdomen.

In some people, as they get older, the wall of the aorta in the abdomen can become weak. It can then start to expand and form what is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm, also known as an AAA or 'triple A'. The condition is most common among men aged 65 and over.

Large aneurysms are rare but can be very serious. As the wall of the aorta stretches it becomes weaker and can give way. This is known as aneurysm rupture and is usually fatal.

The condition is particularly serious because it does not have any symptoms. However, treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysms detected through screening is highly effective. We are trying to encourage men over 65 to attend screening with the aim of reducing the death rate from this condition.

Patients with long term conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, diabetes, hypertension and kidney disease, will be invited annually for a review with one of our specially trained practice nurse team. Should you need to speak with a clinician sooner, please do not hesitate to call the surgery before your review is due.

All adults aged between 40 and 74 are eligible to have a NHS health check. This will involve a blood test, blood pressure, pulse, height, weight and BMI readings and is designed to give an estimated risk score of developing heart disease, diabetes, stoke or kidney disease.

If you believe you are eligible and have not been contacted, please ring the surgery to book an appointment.

If you are eligible for a flu jab, pneumonia jab or a shingles jab you will be invited to either a dedicated clinic or for an appointment with one of our practice nurse team.
Influenza immunisations are offered every winter to all adults over the age of 50, to all children aged 2 to 15 years and to all adults or children in certain risk groups. To find out more about this seasons flu programme please follow the link: Flu vaccine - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Pneumonia Vaccines are a one off vaccine offered to people over the age of 65, you may also be offered a booster 5 years later if you have a certain health condition. You can find out more by clicking the link: Who should have the pneumococcal vaccine? - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Shingles vaccines are offered to all adults age 70 to 79 years. This is a one off vaccine and does not require any boosters. To find out more follow the link: Shingles vaccine overview - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

If one of the GP’s or a specialist has prescribed a certain medication for you that needs injecting, you can book an appointment with one of our practice nurse team to administer this for you.

LGBTQIA – Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual and/or Ally.

Intercom Trust

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans+ people in the South West
Call our confidential helpline supporting LGBT+ people living in the South West on 0800 612 3010 or email us at helpline@intercomtrust.org.uk

Galop

Galop is a charity that supports LGBTQIA+ people who have experienced hate rime, domestic abuse or sexual violence - peer to peer support forum, helpline, referrals. For more information, please visit https://galop.org.uk/

Proud 2 Be

Proud 2 Be are an organisation that support LGBTQ+ people in Devon to lead empowered, fulfilled and authentic lives. Email hello@proud2be.org.uk or call 01803 362083. For more information, please visit https://www.proud2be.org.uk/

The MSK physiotherapy service provided by Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust will be delivering a new style service from mid April 2023. This is to reduce waits for patients who are registered with a local GP practice. Increasing waits are due to high patient demand and workforce limitations nationally. The changes will begin in Torquay from mid April and will follow the digital first model already used in many health care settings . Patients will still be able to refer themselves – without the need to see another healthcare professional first - by using the booking line 0300 456 9987 or visiting www.torbayandsouthdevon.nhs.uk/physiopkb

It is expected that other sites will start to use this style of service during summer 2023. 

Most people experience grief when they lose someone important to them. Support is available if you’re finding it hard to cope with stress, anxiety or depression.

Please follow this link for information and support available to you https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/feelings-and-symptoms/grief-bereavement-loss/

We also understand it is difficult to cope with bereavement whilst in the COVID-19 pandemic. NHS England and NHS Improvement have put together a suite of resources that aim to help you access support during what will be a difficult time.

Please follow this link for more information https://www.england.nhs.uk/supporting-our-nhs-people/how-to-guides/bereavement-support-covid-19/

Are you an unpaid Carer?

Across the UK, 6.5 million people support a loved one who may be older, disabled, seriously ill or have mental health needs or addiction issues. That’s 1 in 8 adults (over 25) / young adult carers (18 to 25) / young carers (under 18) who care, unpaid, for family and friends. There are over 17,000 Carers in Torbay.

These Carers may or may not receive Carers Allowance and they can be any age, but there is a huge range of support for all them.

We are keen to identify Carers, especially those who may be caring without help or support.  Once we have identified the Carer, we can support them to ensure the best outcomes, both for them and the people they care for.  It is so important that Carers look after their own physical and mental wellbeing properly, so they are able to support the person they care for to the best of their ability.

If you are a Carer for someone who lives in Torbay, first contact you doctor’s surgery’s Carer Support Worker.  Please call the main practice telephone number, or email the surgery on enquiries.crofthall@nhs.net so the Carer Support Worker can contact you directly.

Meet our Carer Support Worker:

Lynne Healey

 

Tue: 8am to 5pm

Telephone: 07900 173 052
Email: lyn.healey@nhs.net

We are all here to help you, please contact us to see how we can support you in your caring role. We offer:

• Free Health and Wellbeing Checks
• A free flu jab each year
• Someone to talk to
• Discounts, finance and benefits advice
• Free Hospital Parking*

*Conditions apply

For more details, ask your Carer Support Worker, call 01803 66 66 20, or email signposts@nhs.net

We also offer:

• Links to Carer Support Groups
• Links to other Specialist Carers Support (e.g. Mental Health, Learning Disability, drug/alcohol, young adults)
• Support with maintaining or returning to work

Ask us about a free Carer’s Passport:

 

Free Emergency Card + back-up plan

If the person you care for lives in Teignbridge or South Hams your Carer’s Passport will be issued by Devon Carers

Please contact on 03456 434435 or at https://devoncarers.org.uk

Our Practice offers

GP Quality Markers   Our surgery has signed up to the GP Quality Markers and the Devon-wide Commitment to Carers

There are lots of local resources that Carers can access for help and support.

Some of these are:

Torbay Carers Service

Devon Carers Service

Devon County Council – Care and Health (supporting your independence)

Torbay Young Adult Carers

Young Carers- Torbay Youth Trust

NHS: Caring for Carers- Social care and support guide

Carers Trust

Carers UK- We’re here to make life better for carers                            

Support available in Torbay - Hiblio TV (You Tube)

Signpost for Carers Information Line - Telephone: (01803) 66 66 20

Email: signposts@nhs.net

Follow Torbay Carers on Facebook

Torbay Healthy Lifestyles Team for help with diet, weight loss, exercise, stopping smoking, drinking less alcohol, relaxing and improving your mood.  Phone 0300 456 1006 or visit the website at tsdft.uk/lifestyles 

Carers Aid Torbay providing a range of practical and emotional support services to ease the stresses of unpaid Carers across the Bay.

Benefits Advice for Carers

For help with completing benefit forms please contact the following;

• Bay Benefits at Carers Aid Torbay on 07530 790354.
• John Dudley at The Windmill Centre 01803 314876

Funding for care - Further information regarding how your care is funded is available from NHS Choices. Click to see more.

Citizens Advice Torbay

• Citizens Advice Bureau - 29, Palace Avenue, Paignton TQ3 3EQ - Phone 0300 3309026

Brixham Does Care who will befriend and try to combat loneliness for any age. Phone 01803 857727 or email admin@brixhamdoescare.co.uk

Yes! Brixham who help with information and advice and offer various services. Phone 01803 851414 or email info@yesbrixham.org.uk

Community Builders who bring people together and encourage people of all ages to get involved in their neighbourhood.

For your local community builder see their website www.torbaycdt.org.uk or call 01803 212638 

TalkWorks - Torbay is a free confidential talking therapy service to help you feel better and improve your mental well-being. Phone 0300 555 3344 or self-refer online.

Torbay Community Helpline  Call if you need non-medical assistance and live in Torbay.

Available 6 days a week: Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm Sat, 11:30am to 12:30pm on 01803 446022

Dial 1 for Paignton & Torquay, Dial 2 for Brixham

Frequently Asked Questions

How can a carer access support?

Contact the Practice Carer Support Worker by calling the surgery or Signposts for Carers on 01803 666620. They can arrange for you to have a carer’s assessment and access support.

What does it mean to be an unpaid carer?

It means you are not employed to be a carer but are looking after a family member/friend/neighbour and not receiving a wage. You may be getting Carers Allowance but are still an unpaid carer.

How can I get practical help to care for someone?

If you are having to provide care that you feel unable to do or you are struggling with providing necessary care you can contact Health and Social Care on 01803 219700. They will do an assessment of needs, make recommendations and help to put care in place.

Will I have to pay for care workers?

Care workers are not provided free. When the Health and Social Care team have done an assessment, they will assess your finances (FAB assessment).  You may be funded, part funded or you may have to fund the care yourself depending on the result of the FAB test.

The person you care for may be able to claim Attendance Allowance if they are above pension age and have needed care for at least 6 months, for more info go to https://www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance.

I feel very isolated as a carer, is it possible to have contact with someone who understands how it feels to be a carer?

There is a carer’s phone line, manned by volunteers who have experience of being an unpaid carer. You can refer yourself or ask your Carer Support Worker to refer you. Contact Caroline Saunders on 07531 947687

I have had to give up work to care for someone, how do I get financial advice?

You may be able to claim Carers Allowance. For more info go to https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance

The person you care for may be able to claim Attendance Allowance if they are over pension age and have needed care for at least 6 months. For more info go to https://www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance

For financial advice contact:

Bay Benefits is a service that offers advice and assistance with benefits and entitlements. Phone 07530790354 Tuesday and Thursday, or leave a message.

Or contact Yes! On 01803 851414 or email info@yesbrixham.org.uk. They are able to book appointments with the Citizens Advice Bureau for more complex queries.

If you need help to fill in forms BDC, AgeUK and Yes! Are all able to help

I am a young person and give a lot of help and support to a family member/neighbour/friend is there any support for me?

If you are a young carer there are support groups especially for you.

If you are age 18 or below please contact Torbay Young Carers on 01803 895299 or email info@torbayyouthtrust.org.uk.

More info at https://www.torbay.gov.uk/youngcarers

If you are aged between 16 and 25 please contact Torbay Young Adult Carers on 01803 208455 or email torbayyac@nhs.net.

If you are aged between 25 and 35 contact Takota via Signposts for Carers 01803 666620 or visit the webpage http://tsdft.uk/takota to find a referral form.

I could do with having a holiday, how do I go about organising respite care for the person I’m caring for?

If the person you care for needs residential care you can contact individual care homes to enquire about respite care. If they are able to stay at home you can contact care agencies to arrange for carers to come in daily. For lists of these contact Signposts for Carers on 01803 666620.

Alternatively, you can contact HSCT on 01803 219700 and ask advice.

For further advice contact Project Co-ordinator Debi on 01803 881334 or 07880 136859. She may be able to offer advice about discounted hotels for you and the person you care for, or for you alone.

Please note - the discount scheme can be used during out of season months as hotels generally can’t offer discounts during peak seasons.  

What is a Carer’s Card and how do I get one?

A Carer’s Card will be sent to you when you apply to go on Torbay Carers register. You can get an application form from your surgery carer support worker or from Signposts for Carers on 01803 666620. The benefits of having the card include having a backup plan in case of emergency, if you take your cared for person to hospital you can get free parking, some chemists/shops offer a discount, you will get a quarterly newsletter with lots of useful information for carers.

What if I don’t want to be a carer anymore? Does that make me a bad person?

Everyone can reach a point when they can’t cope with caring any more, which does not make you a bad person.

If you cannot continue with care contact Health and Social Care on 01803 219700

If this is something you want to talk about contact our carer support worker or a doctor or nurse who may be able to refer you for counselling.

TalkWorks a free confidential talking therapy service to help you feel better and improve your mental well-being. Phone 0300 555 3344 or self-refer online to TALKWORKS.dpt.nhs.uk

You may want to talk to other family members to see if they can help more?

If you cannot continue with care contact Health and Social Care on 01803 219700.

www.torbayandsouthdevon.nhs.uk/services/carers-service

www.facebook.com/TorbayCarers