Signposting
The Community Pharmacy England website includes details for the Signposting Essential Service and can be accessed here. The NHS website, https://www.nhs.uk/, contains information that can be used to signpost people to further support for condition specific support groups (see of Health A-Z), information on How to Live Well, Looking After Mental Health, Social Care and Support Guide (Care and Support), Pregnancy and NHS Services.
The Making Every Contact Count (MECC) page mecclink.co.uk includes signposting information. For further details about MECC see here.
General signposting information relevant to each Local Authority area is included below to assist pharmacies find information to assist with signposting patients.
Click on the links below to go to the relevant area.
West Yorkshire
Diabetes Support
The West Yorkshire Partnership has developed a poster for patients here summarising the national programmes available to help prevent and manage diabetes.
You can also find these resources on the diabetes communication resource centre https://www.wypartnership.co.uk/our-priorities/population-health-management/diabetes-network/diabetes-communication-resources.
West Yorkshire Healthier Together – Website for Families 
The West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership (WY HCP) website provides consistent, accurate and trustworthy healthcare advice to parents, carers, young people, and professionals. West Yorkshire Healthier Together is a free website developed by local healthcare professionals to help parents and carers keep their children safe and healthy. It has a wide range of information and is available by visiting www.wyhealthiertogether.nhs.uk
The website can be used to send information by text (free of charge) to parents / carers / young people. The website also has a function to translate information into a range of languages, with a read allowed option.
There is a 2 min YouTube video which explains the site and the accessibility features, including how to use the text and translate functions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZ-3Mws_XK4
Healthwatch – Supporting Patients in the Care They Receive
CPWY knows that patients do not always receive the care that they expect. Patients can be reluctant to formally complain to the NHS about their care. Patients can be directed to Healthwatch as their health and social care champion. Healthwatch wants to hear people’s experiences using GPs, hospitals, dentists, pharmacies, care homes and other support services.
As an independent statutory body, Healthwatch has the power to make sure NHS leaders and other decision makers listen to patients’ feedback and improve standards of care. Last year they helped nearly a million people to have their say and get the information and advice you need. Contact details for the West Yorkshire local Healthwatch are below:
https://www.healthwatchbradford.co.uk/
https://www.healthwatchcalderdale.co.uk/
https://healthwatchkirklees.co.uk/
https://healthwatchleeds.co.uk/
https://www.healthwatchwakefield.co.uk/
Bradford and Airedale
Connect to Support
Connect to Support has been developed by Bradford Council and stakeholders. This website provides information for adults with care and support needs with a focus on empowering people to live happy, healthy lives, where they are in control. The website can be used to find signposting information to share with patients and can be accessed here: https://bradford.connecttosupport.org/s4s/WhereILive/Council?pageId=392&lockLA=True.
For advice for under 18s, visit the Family information and services hub here: https://localoffer.bradford.gov.uk/.
Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Directories
The VCSE sector, is sometimes referred to as ‘the Third Sector’, ‘Social Purpose Sector or ‘Civil Society’. They exist for the good of the community, to promote social, economic, environmental or cultural objectives to benefit society as a whole, or particular groups within it.
This ranges from small community based groups/schemes (Good Neighbour Schemes, ‘Stitch & Knit’ or Cubs & Brownies etc.), through to larger registered Charities that operate locally, regionally & nationally.
Diva Bradford (Directory of 1,500 community groups active in Bradford district) –https://www.divabradford.org.uk/
VCSE Directories enables pharmacy teams to search for groups by postcode or keyword (eg carer, dementia, stroke) to find relevant signposting information and support organisations / groups.
Staying Put / Ask for ANI – Bradford
Staying Put is a domestic abuse and sexual violence charity based in Bradford helping all those who need it regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. Staying Put provide access to support through a helpline on 0808 2800 999. The helpline is open weekdays, from 9.30am until 4.30pm (closed for half an hour’s lunch at 1pm). Staying Put also have a web-chat function their our website which is open from 5pm-8pm weekdays, and from 11am-2pm at the weekends, just visit www.stayingput.uk.net.
If you are part of the Ask for ANI scheme or just want to stay informed and would like some resources for this local service please mail Isabelle Salter isabelle@stayingput.uk.net.
If you are a victim of crime and need support, please contact Victim Support West Yorkshire. Support is available 24/7 365 days of the year. https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/help-and-support/get-help/support-near-you/yorkshire-and-humber/west-yorkshire.
Bradford Community Connectors – Social Prescribing
Social prescribing helps people to improve their health, wellbeing and social welfare by connecting them to services and activities in their local community.
Health Action Local Engagement (HALE) is working in partnership with Bradford and Craven CCG to deliver this service across Bradford via HALE’s Community Connector Programme. The service will visit anyone who is isolated, feeling low or lacking in confidence and, they will find out what people are interested in, what services and activities are available locally and help people access them. They even go along with people until they are confident enough to go on their own. Referral is currently via the patients GP.
https://haleproject.org.uk/reducing-isolation/social-prescribing/
Tier 2 Weight Management Services
Bradford – https://mylivingwell.co.uk/. The Living Well Weight Management Programmes provide practical advice, recipes and tools both online and at weekly meetings.
NHS Digital Weight Management Programme Page
The NHS Digital Weight Management programme offers online access to weight management services to those living with obesity who also have a diagnosis of either diabetes or hypertension. Patients must meet the following criteria:
- Over the age of 18.
- Have a BMI of 30+ (adjusted to ≥27.5 for people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds).
- Have a diagnosis of diabetes (type 1 or type 2), hypertension or both.
NHS Digital Weight Pharmacy Management Referral Site: https://pharmacy.wmp.nhs.uk/.
Bradford, Airedale and Craven Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECS)
MECS uses the skills of optometrists in the community to see and treat patients presenting with a minor eye condition. Management will be maintained within the primary care setting for as many patients as possible – avoiding unnecessary referrals to hospital services. Patients can be signposted to a MEC opticians for conjunctivitis or providing advice on (for example) dry eye conditions.
Participating Opticians are listed here: https://bradfordloc.co.uk/mecs/
Where treatment is needed patients will be signposted to community pharmacy to buy the product over-the-counter or referred on for specialist assessment where needed.
Calderdale
Calderdale Healthy Early Years Website – A parents guide from birth to 5
The Healthy Early Years website is a useful resource both for pharmacy teams to promote to families and for pharmacy teams to use to provide up-to-date messages about health to the families of children aged 0-5 years: www.healthyearlyyears.co.uk.
Calderdale – Physical Activity
Calderdale have created an online activity finder website, to showcase all of the great ways to be active in the borough from clubs and sessions of all sizes, and of all different levels of physical activity. This website makes it as easy as possible for everyone in Calderdale to find out about the opportunities to be active on their doorstep.
Calderdale: Staying Well – Social Prescribing
Social prescribing helps people to improve their health, wellbeing and social welfare by connecting them to services and activities in their local community.
The Staying Well team works with people to access the hundreds of social and physical activities available in the community as a way to address loneliness and isolation. People with active social lives tend to be happier and healthier and may even see health improvements.
Any adult in Calderdale can benefit from the service which is client-led. The Staying Well worker will spend time with a client to identify the support they need and help them to navigate a range of services. Support can range between providing information about local activities and organisations to accompanying a client to an activity to help them to settle in. The Staying Well service also works with community groups to develop social activities and interventions that meet the needs of the clients including volunteering opportunities.
Pharmacy teams can refer directly to the service or encourage the client to self-refer to the Staying Well service. More information about the service can be found here: stayingwellhub.com including how to make a referral.
Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Directories
The VCSE sector, is sometimes referred to as ‘the Third Sector’, ‘Social Purpose Sector or ‘Civil Society’. They exist for the good of the community, to promote social, economic, environmental or cultural objectives to benefit society as a whole, or particular groups within it.
This ranges from small community based groups/schemes (Good Neighbour Schemes, ‘Stitch & Knit’ or Cubs & Brownies etc.), through to larger registered Charities that operate locally, regionally & nationally.
VSI Alliance – https://www.vsialliance.org.uk/grouplisting
VCSE Directories enable pharmacy teams to search for groups by postcode or keyword (eg carer, dementia, stroke) to find relevant signposting information and support organisations / groups.
Tier 2 Weight Management Services
Calderdale – www.calderdale.gov.uk/betterliving.
The service offers 12 weeks fully funded Slimming World vouchers or 1-2-1 support from a Better Living Trainer depending on the individual’s needs and preferences.
NHS Digital Weight Management Programme Page
The NHS Digital Weight Management programme offers online access to weight management services to those living with obesity who also have a diagnosis of either diabetes or hypertension. Patients must meet the following criteria:
- Over the age of 18
- Have a BMI of 30+ (adjusted to ≥27.5 for people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds)
- Have a diagnosis of diabetes (type 1 or type 2), hypertension or both.
NHS Digital Weight Pharmacy Management Referral Site: https://pharmacy.wmp.nhs.uk/.
Calderdale Primary Eye-Care Acute Referral Scheme (PEARS)
Participating optometrists can see patients of all ages free of charge for an assessment of recent onset eye problems not relating to spectacle prescriptions. Conditions included are sudden loss of vision, recent flashers and floaters, foreign body in the eye, dry eye and conjunctivitis.
More information and a list of participating optometrists is available here: https://www.ckloc.org/public-landing-page-and-les.
Where treatment is needed patients will be signposted to community pharmacy to buy the product over-the-counter or referred on for specialist assessment where needed.
Kirklees
Kirklees – Social Prescribing
Social prescribing helps people to improve their health, wellbeing and social welfare by connecting them to services and activities in their local community. . Community Plus offers tailored one to one, short term support to people that would like to have a more connected, happy, independent and healthier life. Locally based community co-ordinators work alongside people to connect them to groups, activities and support in local communities. The service is provided by Kirklees Council.
Complete the online introduction form available here.
Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Directories
The VCSE sector, is sometimes referred to as ‘the Third Sector’, ‘Social Purpose Sector or ‘Civil Society’. They exist for the good of the community, to promote social, economic, environmental or cultural objectives to benefit society as a whole, or particular groups within it.
This ranges from small community based groups/schemes (Good Neighbour Schemes, ‘Stitch & Knit’ or Cubs & Brownies etc.), through to larger registered Charities that operate locally, regionally & nationally.
Kirklees community directory: https://communitydirectory.kirklees.gov.uk/communitydirectory/localOrganisations.aspx.
VCSE Directories enable pharmacy teams to search for groups by postcode or keyword (eg carer, dementia, stroke) to find relevant signposting information and support organisations / groups.
Tier 2 Weight Management Services
Kirklees – Referrals can be made via : www.kirkleeswellnessservice.co.uk. Accepting referrals for clients with a BMI up to 50kg/m2.
NHS Digital Weight Management Programme Page
The NHS Digital Weight Management programme offers online access to weight management services to those living with obesity who also have a diagnosis of either diabetes or hypertension. Patients must meet the following criteria:
- Over the age of 18.
- Has a BMI of 30+ (adjusted to ≥27.5 for people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds).
- Has a diagnosis of diabetes (type 1 or type 2), hypertension or both.
NHS Digital Weight Pharmacy Management Referral Site: https://pharmacy.wmp.nhs.uk/.
Kirklees Primary Eye-Care Acute Referral Scheme (PEARS)
Participating optometrists can see patients of all ages free of charge for an assessment of recent onset eye problems not relating to spectacle prescriptions. Conditions included are sudden loss of vision, recent flashers and floaters, foreign body in the eye, dry eye and conjunctivitis.
More information and a list of participating optometrists is available here: https://www.ckloc.org/public-landing-page-and-les
Where treatment is needed patients will be signposted to community pharmacy to buy the product over-the-counter or referred on for specialist assessment where needed.
Leeds
The Leeds Directory
Leeds Directory is a council funded source of information on a wide range of services and organisations which can accessed online. http://leedsdirectory.org/
There are over 1800 organisations and services to assist and support people to live independently. The directory includes information on wellbeing services (stop smoking, weight) and support groups for patients (carers, cancer) information and could be used by pharmacy teams to support signposting of patients.
Live Well Leeds – Mental Health Support
Live Well Leeds delivers a range of services that include one to one support, group support, peer support, befriending and volunteering opportunities. All services are based around a recovery, maintaining wellbeing and social inclusion. Live Well Leeds works with adults aged 18+ (17+ if they are transitioning from children’s mental health services), who have mild to moderate mental health support needs, throughout the Leeds Metropolitan District or registered with a Leeds GP. The service will accept self and professional referrals by phone, online, post and in person.
The website can be accessed here: https://livewellleeds.org.uk/.
New Start Recovery – Leeds
New Start Recovery is an organisation in Leeds that offers guidance and support for people experiencing problems with substance misuse and co-occurring mental health problems. Please see the website here for further information.
Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Directories
The VCSE sector, is sometimes referred to as ‘the Third Sector’, ‘Social Purpose Sector or ‘Civil Society’. They exist for the good of the community, to promote social, economic, environmental or cultural objectives to benefit society as a whole, or particular groups within it.
This ranges from small community based groups/schemes (Good Neighbour Schemes, ‘Stitch & Knit’ or Cubs & Brownies etc.), through to larger registered Charities that operate locally, regionally & nationally.
- Forum Central – https://forumcentral.org.uk/members/
- Doing Good Leeds – https://doinggoodleeds.org.uk/networks-forums/
- Leeds Directory – www.leedsdirectory.org
- Helm – https://myhelm.org/
- Care and Repair – https://care-repair-leeds.org.uk/
- Carers Leeds – https://www.carersleeds.org.uk/
- Mind Well – https://www.mindwell-leeds.org.uk/services-directory/
VCSE Directories enable pharmacy teams to search for groups by postcode or keyword (eg carer, dementia, stroke) to find relevant signposting information and support organisations / groups.
Linking Leeds – Social Prescribing
Social prescribing helps people to improve their health, wellbeing and social welfare by connecting them to services and activities in their local community.
Linking Leeds is an integrated, free city-wide service for people in Leeds.
Social Prescribing is a short term-intervention service that works with people to identify their needs and to help them to access existing community-based support services. This can be through providing information, signposting to relevant services, creating action plans and goals setting. Community pharmacy can refer people to the Social Prescribing service for support if the person presenting with needs outside of the remit of the community pharmacy role or is asking for support you cannot provide or you don’t know where else to signposting them for further support.
For more information or to make a referral visit: https://linkingleeds.com/.
Telephone introductions should be made to the Linking Leeds Hub on 0113 336 7612.
Email: linking.leeds@nhs.net.
Ask for ANI – Leeds
Leeds Domestic Violence Service (LDVS) is available for all residents of the Leeds District who may be experiencing domestic violence or abuse. This local front-line service can help make you and your family safe and support you with many of the issues you may be facing. You are not alone, and help is available. The service can be contacted on the 24 hour helpline on 0113 2460401 or by email administration@leedswomensaid.org.uk. There is also an online chat facility and more information is available at www.ldvs.uk.
If you are part of the Ask for ANI scheme or just want to stay informed and would like some resources for this local service, please email Julie Peyton at Julie.Peyton@leeds.gov.uk.
If you are a victim of crime and need support, please contact Victim Support West Yorkshire. Support is available 24/7 365 days of the year. https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/help-and-support/get-help/support-near-you/yorkshire-and-humber/west-yorkshire.
Tier 2 Weight Management Services
The Manage Your Weight Service previously offered by One You Leeds stopped accepting new referrals on 28th of October 2022. Contractors should signpost patients to the:
NHS Digital Weight Management Programme Page
The NHS Digital Weight Management Programme offers online access to weight management services to those living with obesity who also have a diagnosis of either diabetes or hypertension. Patients must meet the following criteria:
- Over the age of 18.
- Has a BMI of 30+ (adjusted to ≥27.5 for people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds).
- Has a diagnosis of diabetes (type 1 or type 2), hypertension or both.
NHS Digital Weight Pharmacy Management Referral Site: https://pharmacy.wmp.nhs.uk/.
Leeds Urgent Eyecare Service
A COVID-19 Urgent Eyecare Service (CUES service) is available in Leeds. This service is commissioned by NHS Leeds CCG and the primary aim of this service is to ensure people can access urgent eyecare within primary care. More information including a service summary, practice list and patient information can be found below.
Leeds CCG COVID-19 Urgent Eyecare Service (CUES)
The service is available from these practices: https://primaryeyecare.co.uk/find-a-practice/.
NB: medication is not provided as part of the scheme and patients are directed to community pharmacy to buy any medications required. The CUES service does not include the use of an NHS Written Order form. If a pharmacy receives a CUES NHS Written Order form (issued in error by the optometrist), the patient should be sold the medication OTC.
Wakefield
Wakefield Pharmacy Health and Wellbeing Service Information
Please see the document below from Wakefield Council for community pharmacies to assist them in knowing where they can signpost patients to for physical activity, stop smoking, diabetes etc.
Wakefield Council – Signposting Information – August 2023
Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Directories
The VCSE sector, is sometimes referred to as ‘the Third Sector’, ‘Social Purpose Sector or ‘Civil Society’. They exist for the good of the community, to promote social, economic, environmental or cultural objectives to benefit society as a whole, or particular groups within it.
This ranges from small community based groups/schemes (Good Neighbour Schemes, ‘Stitch & Knit’ or Cubs & Brownies etc.), through to larger registered Charities that operate locally, regionally & nationally.
- Nova Wakefield: https://www.nova-wd.org.uk/the-directory.html
- Connect to Support Wakefield: Connect to Support Wakefield
- WMDC Health, Care and Advice Page: https://www.wakefield.gov.uk/health-care-and-advice
- WMDC A-Z of Services: wakefield.gov.uk (a-to-z-of-services)
- Young Lives: http://www.ylc.org.uk/
- Wakefield Community Book: Live Well Wakefield | South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
VCSE Directories enable pharmacy teams to search for groups by postcode or keyword (eg carer, dementia, stroke) to find relevant signposting information and support organisations / groups.
Live Well Wakefield – Social Prescribing
Social prescribing helps people to improve their health, wellbeing and social welfare by connecting them to services and activities in their local community
The Live Well Wakefield team provides a range of support and advice to professionals and local people to help maintain their wellbeing. The team understands that there are many things that can affect our ability to feel healthy and remain independent and are able to offer individual support to help people address any needs. The team consists of Live Well advisors who promote health and wellbeing in adults 18+ in the Wakefield District, by offering a referral-based service.
Referrals can be made online using the form at: https://www.livewellwakefield.nhs.uk/referrals/new
Self-referrals can be made online using the form at: https://www.livewellwakefield.nhs.uk/contacts/new
Live Well Wakefield 01924 255363
email: swy-tr.livewellwakefield.nhs.uk
http://www.livewellwakefield.nhs.uk/
Wakefield District Domestic Abuse Service / Ask for ANI
The Wakefield District Domestic Abuse Service (WDDAS) is available for all residents of the Wakefield District who may be experiencing domestic abuse. This local front-line service can help make you and your family safe and support you with many of the issues you may be facing. You are not alone – help is available. The service can be contacted on 0800 915 1561 or email domesticabuse@wakefield.gov.uk. There is more information available here.
If you are part of the Ask for ANI scheme or just want to stay informed and would like some resources for this local service please mail Anna atomlinsonsimpson@wakefield.gov.uk. Resources can be mailed or sent to you so you have local information to hand as you work to help your customers access the right support.
Further details regards the Ask for ANI scheme is available from Community Pharmacy England here.
If you are a victim of crime and need support, please contact Victim Support West Yorkshire. Support is available 24/7 365 days of the year. https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/help-and-support/get-help/support-near-you/yorkshire-and-humber/west-yorkshire.
Tier 2 Weight Management Services
Wakefield –Customers can either self-refer or a member of the pharmacy team can make the referral for them. See https://www.wakefield.gov.uk/sport-health-and-leisure/healthy-living/aspire-health-referral (alternatively, the Aspire Health Referral team can be contacted on 01924 307811 or by email, aspirereferral@wakefield.gov.uk).
NHS Digital Weight Management Programme Page
The NHS Digital Weight Management programme offers online access to weight management services to those living with obesity who also have a diagnosis of either diabetes or hypertension. Patients must meet the following criteria:
- Over the age of 18.
- Has a BMI of 30+ (adjusted to ≥27.5 for people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds).
- Has a diagnosis of diabetes (type 1 or type 2), hypertension or both.
NHS Digital Weight Pharmacy Management Referral Site: https://pharmacy.wmp.nhs.uk/.
Wakefield Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECS)
Participating optometrists can see patients of all ages free of charge for an assessment of recent onset eye problems not relating to spectacle prescriptions. Conditions included are sudden loss of vision, recent flashers and floaters, foreign body in the eye, dry eye and conjunctivitis.
More information and a list of participating optometrists is available here: https://www.wakefieldccg.nhs.uk/home/patient-in-wakefield/local-services/minor-eye-conditions-service/
Where treatment is needed patients will be signposted to community pharmacy to buy the product over-the-counter or referred on for specialist assessment where needed.
If you have a sudden or recent problem with your eyes such as sore eyes, red eyes or visual disturbance you can be assessed and treated by the NHS Minor Eye Conditions (MEC) Service.
Last Updated: 19th September 2023
