Don’t let the recession affect your health
Help with the costs of prescriptions, dental treatment, sight tests, glasses, wigs and fabric support as well as travel costs to hospital for NHS treatment is available.
Look for leaflet HC11 Help with Health Care Costs which can be found on the Department of Health website and is available on request from NHS Bath and North East Somerset. Don’t forget that many NHS dentists in the area continue to take on new patients. Please ask at your local dental surgery for more details. In addition patients suffering from cancer can, from 1 April, apply for free drugs prescriptions.
Patients are entitled to a five year exception certificate that will give them free access to all NHS prescription costs, not just those relating to cancer.
Psychological Therapy Services are available and set to expand over the next two years as part of a national initiative to improve services for people with depression and anxiety disorders. Information on these services and how to access them are available from NHS Bath and North East Somerset.
Useful contacts
- NHS Bath & North East Somerset - 01225 831800, www.banes-pct.nhs.uk
- Department of Health - www.dh.gov.uk
- NHS Choices – information and advice on healthcare conditions and telephone numbers and addresses and information on health services near to you, www.nhs.uk
Keeping fit and active Leisure centre discounts
Together with Aquaterra Leisure, the Council offers a wide range of good value sports and leisure facilities.There are big discounts to people who are over 60, students, people on lower incomes and their children. Details at www.aquaterra.org/concessionary-status.aspx or by calling 01225 486 914.
Badminton sessions for all abilities are available for £2 at Keynsham and Bath
Open to adult players of all standards with free coaching/advice for the first few weeks. Sessions run from 5pm to 7pm on Saturdays at Keynsham Sports Centre. More details: 01225 395164. They run from 4.30pm to 6.30pm on Sundays at Bath Sports Centre. More details: 01225 486905.
Somer Valley Wheels
Based in Radstock near to the start of the Colliers Way this community cycling scheme offers people the chance to take part in led-rides and receive cycle skills training from a qualified instructor. The traffic free sections of the route provide a safe and relaxing environment to cycle in. The rides are open to anyone over the age of 15.
A variety of the latest bikes are available for loan through the scheme. Cost per session with own cycle £1.50 - subject to a safety check from the cycle leader. Session cost with hired cycle £3.
The scheme operates from the St Nicholas Church hall site and bookings can be made at the Tea & Trade tearooms.
Contact Eugene Kertzman, Cycling Coordinator, on 0797 201 4448 or eugene_kertzman@bathnes.gov.uk.