Community Services
There is a vast range of support in many forms provided for residents of Buckinghamshire by the NHS, Buckinghamshire Council and a large number of charities.
Most of these services are free, some ask for a contribution, some are means tested, and some charge a fee.
Please review the content, as there is a wealth of support for patients and their carers available across Buckinghamshire...
Buckinghamshire - guide to support, services and care
Buckinghamshire Care Services directory 2023/24 (search services using your postcode)
Prevention Matters
https://www.connectionsupport.org.uk/buckinghamshire/projects/prevention-matters/
Buckinghamshire Council - A guide to support, services and direct payments
https://careadvicebuckinghamshire.org/identifying-your-care-and-support-needs/carers-assessments/
The Autism Toolbox - brings together advice, local support, services, activities and resources relating to autism.
www.bucksfamilyinfo.org/autismtoolbox
My Autistic Self
Many autistic people who have been recently diagnosed are struggling with understanding and thinking through their diagnosis.
At Talkback, we want to help.
My Autistic Self is a series of 8-week groups for 18- to 40 - year-olds, that meets every week, for 2 hours.
We provide discussion, activity, and creative ways to better understand your own diversity.
Refreshments will be available as will the opportunity to meet other people, who may find themselves in a similar situation.
All done in an environment that is completely judgement-free. Individuals can self-refer, or they can be referred via other NHS services.
The next group starts in September, venue and timings TBC.
If you are interested in this new group, please contact Simon at Talkback by using the email address talkback@talkback-uk.com or call 01494 434448. Visit our website: talkback@talkback-uk.com
Registered charity: Talkback-UK Ltd. Amersham Community Centre, Chiltern Avenue, Amersham, Bucks. HP6 5AH.
Alcoholics Anonymous 24/7 Support Available Tel: 0800 917 7650.
Alcoholics Anonymous AA) is available to patients 24/7.
- Calls to the AA national telephone helpline are routed to local helplines, answered by AA members.
- National Helpline 0800 917 7650
- There are also over 160 AA meetings a week across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West.
- to find a meeting close to you, visit: https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/find-a-meeting/
- “Chat now” online option at alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk, as well as an email address help@aamail.org.
- The only requirement for membership of AA is a desire to stop drinking.
- Further information on AA for health professionals is available here:
Headway - Improve Life After Brain Injury
Headway is a charitable organisation based in Buckinghamshire that supports patients and their family/carers to improve life after brain injury.
They run a day centre in Bourne End, South Bucks for people with Acquired Brain Injury to attend.
To find out more about Headway click on the link: https://www.headway.org.uk/
From their home page you can also sign up to their mailing list.
You can also apply for a Brain Injury Identity Card, more information about the Brain Injury ID Card is on You Tube: https://youtu.be/Hb3dnlE0cYI
Healthy Living For People With Type 2 Diabetes
Healthy Living for people with type 2 diabetes is a free, web-based structured education programme, evidence based and accredited by QISMIT and ORCHA.
For more information about the scheme, visit: https://youtu.be/mQMpQWVLyfo
If you wish to enrol in this education programme, visit: https://www.healthyliving.nhs.uk/
It is suitable for patients, along with their families and carers who wish to support them, it is free to join.
South Bucks Day Hospice
The South Bucks Day Hospice offers Palliative Care and Support to patients and their families from the point of diagnosis of a life threatening or life limiting illness, and we also care for patients suffering from these conditions who may be on a curative pathway .
They are also a hub for specialist Lymphoedema Care for patients in South Bucks.
Attached is a leaflet which describes the Services they provide and some of the many Support Groups they run, simply contact the practice if you wish to be referred to the service.
More information can be found on their website: www.sbh.org.uk
Leap - Move together
Can Move Program
The NHS and community providers have partnered to support the wellbeing of patients living with a cancer diagnosis by helping them become or stay active, which will improve outcomes.
to find out more, sign up for the newsletter, complete a referral, please visit: https://leapwithus.org.uk/health/move-together/canmove/?utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery
We are happy to complete a referral form on your behalf.
Weight Management Services in Buckinghamshire
Research suggests that people with obesity tended to suffer a more severe reaction to COVID-19. Here is an update on the weight management services in Buckinghamshire:
Tier 1 and Tier 2 Weight Management
Live Well Stay Well are the single point of access for any patients who would like to live a heathier lifestyle. They will support patients through a lifestyle assessment and support them with their choices to change their behaviours. They share useful online resources, information and advice to help patients to reach their healthy eating and activity goals. Support includes free access to Slimming World and the Live Well Stay Well weight management programme (subject to eligibility). All patients will be offered the appropriate level of support. Patients can self-referral at the website or by phoning: 01628 857 311
Tier 3 Specialist Weight Management- Weigh Forward Bucks (WFB)
This service is for patients who have tried a tier 2 programme such as Live Well Stay Well and need more intensive, specialist support. WFB is delivered by a team of specialist Dietitians, Psychologists and a Physiotherapist. These year-long groups run with an accepting and non-judgemental approach, to help each individual find the best means of weight loss for them.
The WFB service rose to the challenge of working remotely during the pandemic and by the end of April 2020 they are running all sessions via MS Teams. Feedback about the service is overwhelmingly positive. Recently they were described on evaluation as ‘a first class service’ with ‘all the staff being kind, considerate and helpful. Being positive and non-judgmental at all sessions’. The service is now open to people over 18 with a BMI of >30 and co-morbidities (over 28 in Asian adults) or over 40 with or without co-morbidities (over 38 in Asian adults). Patients cannot self-refer to WFB, so please contact your GP surgery to arrange referral, subject to meet the referral criteria.
Tier 4 Weight Management – Complex and Specialised Obesity Surgery
To access tier 4 bariatric surgery all patients must have completed a 12 month tier 3 programme such as that offered by Weigh Forward Bucks and then apply via their GP surgery for an Individual Funding request (IFR).
A tier 4 service is not yet available but is planned at BHT, our closet closest centres are Luton and Dunstable, Royal Berkshire and Oxford .
Eligbility criteria includes adults with BMI ≥40 or between 35 and 40 with presence of other significant diseases. .For patients with a BMI ≥50 patients can be fast tracked and apply for IFR at a specialist centre where a 6 month tier 3 programme is included in the stabilisation and assessment period prior to bariatric surgery.
Find out more and access resources for World Obesity Day here
Activities and Wellbeing
Simply Walk
Simply Walk is part of a countywide programme of free, volunteer - led walks, which aims to help people get outdoors and be more active. We organise over 75 led walks to suit most abilities.The walks are all sociable and you don't need any special equipment to join in, just comfortable shoes.
The programme runs year round and offers a choice of different walk grades, ranging from 30-90 minutes, start points and times, including weekdays and weekends.
For more information go to - www.buckscc.gov.uk/simplywalk
We meet outside the library in Cokes Lane each Monday at 10.15am for 10.30 start.
Active Bucks (search services using your postcode)
For more information click on the link - http://activebucks.co.uk/
Lindengate – working with nature
Lindengate Mental Health Charity is located at a stunning five-acre site in Buckinghamshire, where nature breathes new life into anyone who is struggling with their wellbeing. The garden lends itself to supporting people in recovering from a range of common mental health needs. The natural beauty and richness of the site help to restore and heal, whilst specialised gardening, conservation, construction, cooking, and nature based art and crafts activities provide focus and purpose.
For more information - www.lindengate.org.uk
Live Well Stay Well - lifestyle services free of charge
A free service which offers advice and support for those wishing to lose weight, quit smoking, get more active, feel happier or manage their diabetes- even throughout lockdown! All services are currently offered safely via remote interventions (either on the phone or online). The service is available to patients living in Buckinghamshire or registered with a Bucks GP.
Self refer on www.livewellstaywellbucks.co.uk
Or telehpne: 01628 857311
Text 'QUIT' to 85222 to Stop Smoking'
Social Activities
Films shown at the Little Chalfont library
Good Companions meet at Little Chalfont Village Hall (next to the library) alternate Thursday afternoons.
Women’s Institute meet afternoons/evenings on the second Tuesday in each month.
Amersham National Trust provides newsletters and organises outings https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/features/the-amersham-centre
Chiltern and District Hard of Hearing Club - Meets every 2nd Tuesday at Halifax House. Tel: 01494 773359
University of the Third Age (U3A) - Classes in different subjects, outings https://www.chiltern-u3a.org.uk/
Silverline confidential telephone line - Provides information and advice to older people. Tel: 0800 4 70 80 90
St George’s Church, White Lion Road. Every Thursday Holy Communion followed by a light lunch. £2.50 includes coffee and a sweet treat. www.cheniesbenefice.org/home/EVENTS
Little Chalfont Methodist Church, Chalfont Avenue - Lunch club second Friday of every month 12.45pm for 1.00pm. £5 for a two course lunch with coffee/tea and chocolates. Booking through church office 01494 766067, Gill McAllister 01923 282258 or Ann Aylesbury 01494 763772.
www.littlechalfontmethodistchurch.co.uk/
There is more information available at the Little Chalfont Community Library, Cokes Lane, Little Chalfont HP7 9QA, including reading groups and computer classes. Tel: 01494 764602
Transport
Chiltern and South Bucks Dial-a-ride
A non-profit making charity providing door to door social transport for those who are unable to use public transport.
Operates Monday to Friday 09.00 to 17.00. Tel: 01494 766123 (operates between 08:00 - 13:00 Monday to Friday).
www.chiltern-dial-a-ride.net
Community Transport Hub (Chiltern District)
For more information - www.communityimpactbucks.org.uk
Telephone: 0800 085 8480
Little Chalfont Parish Council Taxi Concessionary Scheme
Please click on - www.littlechalfont-pc.gov.uk/
Telephone: 01494 766655
Email: clerk@littlechalfont-pc.gov.uk
Bus Pass Renewal
A number of older and disabled Buckinghamshire bus passes have expired during the last year but haven’t been renewed, as the holders haven’t been travelling.
As such, we’re encouraging pass holders to check their expiry date (displayed on the front of their pass) and renew before travelling again.
The easiest way to renew an Older Person pass is via the online portal at www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/public-transport or telephone - 01296 873 011.
If their pass expired more than 180 days ago or they have moved home, then they will need to contact the bus pass team at buspasses@buckinghamshire.gov.uk or telephone - 01296 674747.
Disabled pass holders will need to contact the bus pass team to renew theirs at buspasses@buckinghamshire.gov.uk or telephone - 01296 674747.
Buckinghamshire Age UK
www.ageukbucks.org.uk Tel: 01296 431911
Carers Bucks - Support for carers
www.carersbucks.org/ Tel: 0300 777 2722
Dementia Connect Support Line Tel: 0333 150 3456
FREE ID Document
The need for photo ID is growing in everyday life, the latest being the need to have photo ID when you vote in both local and general elections.
If you do not have ID, Buckinghamshire council is now offering a free service to provide a 'Voter Authority Certificate', to use when voting, but this will also be regarded as acceptable photo ID for a wide range of purpose.
To apply online: https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate
OR For more information visit: elections@buckinghamshire.gov.uk or phone 01296 798141.