Self Care Directory

Physical activity (indoor or outdoor), health and wellbeing workshop, self-help group, health events and conferences. Free, fun, learning based services and activities to local people to improve their health and wellbeing. Women only or Men only or mixed group sessions are available across culturally diverse Healthworks consortia members.
Where they Work: Kensington & Chelsea
Free CVD prevention service for residents at risk of the condition. The service is for those with a QRisk of 10 or greater, or a LTHC including obesity, diabetes, pre-diabetes etc. The service offers a range of interventions, such as weight management groups, physical activity clubs, cook and eat courses and stop smoking support; alongside additional 1-1 advice to reduce risks of CVD. Referral Form on SystmOne to be sent to [email protected]
Where they Work: Kensington & Chelsea, Westminster, Hammersmith & Fulham
Home care including help at home, medication support, personal care, meal preparation including cooking home-cooked meals based on dietary requirements, hospital discharge, respite, end of life and palliative care.

From as little as 1 hour a week to a live-in care package. We can support for either a short or long term period of time depending on your needs. Our pricing is affordable and flexible and we offer a personalised service.

We also run free community social clubs and educational webinars on a regular basis. Please contact us for more information.
Where they Work: Queen's Park & Paddington, Kensington & Chelsea, Westminster, Hammersmith & Fulham
Who the service is for:
If you find it difficult to get to your local library you may be able to apply to use the Home Library Service and have monthly visits at home.

You are eligible to apply if you live in the borough and are a carer, person with disabilities, older or elderly person who finds getting about difficult

You can also apply on a temporary basis if you live in the borough and are recovering from an accident and are temporarily immobile, looking after someone which makes leaving the house difficult, finding it difficult during the winter months to get out and about

You can borrow:
- any books from our lending library collections including large print
- music
- talking books

You can also make information requests including reference and information enquiries.
If you are a Home Library Service member you don't pay to borrow music or talking books. You won't have to pay fines for any overdue items.

How to apply
You can apply in person or someone can apply on your behalf. To get started:
call 020 7361 3010 or email [email protected]

You'll need to tell us:
- your name
- your address and contact phone number - if you are applying on behalf of someone else we would also like your name and contact details
- your reason for applying
- whether you are you applying for a temporary or permanent service
- your library membership number if known

You will receive an initial fact-finding visit from one of our staff to find out your reading tastes.

Monthly visits
Once you are a member we'll visit you every four weeks. We'll arrange a regular day and time with you during your application.

You can borrow items for four weeks or renew them when we visit.
Where they Work: Kensington & Chelsea
If you are living in Westminster and find it difficult to get to a library because you are elderly, have a disability or long-term illness or are caring for someone, the home library service (HLS) can come to you.

Regular visits to your home every 3 weeks; books including large print and audiobooks, CDs, DVDs and magazines; local information on health and council services; All HLS services are free, except the loan of DVDs
Where they Work: Westminster
Is your home too cold? Does this affect your health? Do you find it hard to pay your energy bills?
Living in a cold home can make a range of health issues worse, including respiratory and circulatory problems.
The Council is working with the community charity Groundwork to provide free telephone consultations to support residents to get on top of energy debt, switch provider, access grant and other support and manage their energy use in the home.
This is available for FREE for all households if they meet the following criteria:
• Residents, who are over 65, or
• Residents, who are on a low income, or
• Residents, who have a long-term health condition or disability
Where they Work: Kensington & Chelsea, Westminster, Hammersmith & Fulham
Stonewall Housing provides housing support for LGBTQ+ people in their own homes, supported housing for young LGBTQ+ people, as well as free, confidential housing advice for LGBTQ+ people of all ages in every London borough.
Telephone advice line (02073595767) is available 11.00am - 5.00pm each weekday , as well as weekly and monthly drop-in sessions. Local appointments and translation services available for people who have access requirements, please call the advice line or fill in a contact form on our website for further information.
Where they Work: Kensington & Chelsea, Westminster, Hammersmith & Fulham
Training of approximately 25 adults each year in ICT skills; there is also a research and reference library at the Centre, which is accessed by the community, researchers and local schools
Where they Work: Kensington & Chelsea
Statutory advocacy service for person’s whom are subject to decision making powers under Mental Capacity Act around:
• Long term change of accommodation
• Serious medical treatment
• Safeguarding adults
• Care/accommodation review
• Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards – pre and post deprivation authorisation
Where they Work: Kensington & Chelsea, Westminster
POhWER advocates can help you to make your complaint and support you through the NHS Complaint process, NHS complaints may be about hospitals, GPS. Pharmacies, Opticians, Community Health and Mental Health Services. The service is for all ages, is free and confidential. We also have access to interpreters. An Advocate can :
• Listen to your concerns
• Help you to write a complaint letter
• Attend resolution meetings
• Answer any questions about the complaints procedure and explain your options
• Provide a step by step guide to the complaints process and some self help tools
• Signpost you to the right organisations outside of the complaint process if you need these
Where they Work: Kensington & Chelsea, Westminster