Find out where to get help and support from health services over the festive period.
Need help right now but don’t know where to go?
Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111. They will tell you the best place to get help.
Feeling very upset or having a mental health crisis?
- If you are 18 or older, call 111 and choose the mental health option.
- If you are under 18, call 0800 995 1000.
- If it’s an emergency or life-threatening, call 999.
Need to see a doctor in the evening or on Saturday?
GP practices are closed on bank holidays, but you can still see a doctor on Saturdays and weekday evenings.
- Call your usual doctor during normal hours.
- If it’s outside normal hours, call 111.
Need advice? Ask your pharmacy.
Pharmacies can help with things like colds, coughs, aches, and pains. They can sometimes give you medicine without an appointment. Check local opening times.
Think NHS 111 for urgent help.
Visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111 (open all day, every day). They can:
- Tell you which local service can help
- Arrange a call back from a nurse or doctor
- Book an appointment if needed
- Tell you how to get medicine
- Give self-care tips
- Send an ambulance if needed
- Book an A&E appointment
Mental health support
- For adults (18+): Call 111 and choose mental health.
- For under 18s: Call 0800 995 1000.
- If it’s very serious or life-threatening, call 999.
Urgent dentist help
Call your dentist. If you can’t reach them or don’t have one, call 111.
Pharmacy services
Pharmacies can help with many problems without an appointment. They can give advice and sometimes medicine for things like:
- Earache
- Impetigo
- Infected insect bites
- Shingles
- Sinusitis
- Sore throat
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) for women aged 16–64
Order your medicine early
Doctors and pharmacies may close on bank holidays. Order your repeat prescription at least 7 days before you run out.
If you’re going away, take your medicine with you.
Opening times
Your pharmacy might have different hours on bank holidays. Check local pharmacy times.
Keep these at home:
- Pain and fever medicine (paracetamol, ibuprofen)
- Cold and flu medicine (decongestants, cough syrup, lozenges, vapour rub)
- Stomach medicine (antacids, anti-diarrhoea, rehydration salts)
- First aid (plasters, bandages, antiseptic cream, tweezers)
- Other items (thermometer, hand sanitiser, nasal spray, lip balm, moisturiser)