Where to get help
Other NHS services that can help, including when we are closed.
Call 999 now if
someone has chest pain, difficulty breathing, signs of a stroke, severe bleeding, or is unconscious. These are life-threatening emergencies.
NHS 111
Use 111 online or call 111 if you need urgent medical help and are not sure where to go, or when we are closed. It is free and open 24 hours a day. When to use 111
Mental health
If you need help now
New from 28 October 2026
24/7 All Age Crisis Text Support Service
Free, confidential and immediate support from trained responders, by text message, WhatsApp or webchat. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to people of all ages experiencing emotional distress, anxiety, loneliness or overwhelming thoughts, or anyone who needs immediate emotional support.
- Text: text SOS to 80899
- WhatsApp: 0800 884 0655
- Webchat: nxgthrive.co.uk/crisis-text-service
Commissioned by NHS Central East, NHS Norfolk and Suffolk and NHS Essex integrated care boards, and delivered by NXG Thrive. It works alongside existing NHS and community mental health services.
Services you can refer yourself to
You do not need to see a GP first for these services.
Norfolk and Waveney Talking Therapies
Free NHS talking therapies for anxiety, depression, stress, panic, OCD and other common problems. For people aged 16 and over.
Refer yourself online or call 0300 123 1503 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm).
Children and young people (0 to 25)
Just One Norfolk offers emotional health advice and support for children, young people and their parents or carers.
Call Just One Number on 0300 300 0123 or text 07520 631590 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm). Mental health support for 0 to 25s
Norfolk and Waveney Mind
Local mental health charity offering support groups, wellbeing activities and advice on the right service for you.
Call 0300 330 5488 or visit Mind's service directory.
Someone to talk to
- Samaritans: call 116 123, free, any time, day or night. samaritans.org
- Shout: text SHOUT to 85258, free, 24 hours a day. giveusashout.org
For more information, see where to get urgent help for mental health and the NHS mental health pages.
Look after yourself at home
Many minor illnesses, such as colds, coughs and upset stomachs, get better on their own. The NHS health A to Z explains symptoms, treatments and when to get help.
Eye problems
Community Urgent Eyecare Service (CUES)
Free NHS appointments at local opticians for recent eye problems. You can refer yourself, so you do not need to see a GP first. It is for adults and children registered with a GP in Norfolk and Waveney. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Use it for:
- a red or painful eye or eyelid
- flashes or floaters that have started recently
- recent, sudden loss of vision
- something in your eye
How to book: phone one of the opticians taking part. It is not a walk-in service. They will ask about your symptoms and, if it is urgent, see you within 24 hours. Find an optician taking part in CUES
Take your glasses and a list of your medicines. You may be given eye drops that affect your vision, so do not drive until they have worn off, which may take a few hours.
CUES is not a sight test, and it does not cover eye conditions already being monitored, such as cataracts, glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy. Provided by Primary Eyecare for NHS Norfolk and Waveney. More about CUES in Norfolk and Waveney
For a serious eye injury, or if you think it is an emergency, call 999 or go to A&E. If you are not sure, use 111 online or call 111.
Dental problems
GPs cannot treat dental problems. Contact a dentist, or call 111 for urgent dental care. Find out about NHS dental services
Support for carers
If you look after someone, tell us so we can support you. Carers Matter Norfolk offers free advice and support to unpaid carers: call 0800 083 1148 or visit carersmatternorfolk.org.uk. Support and benefits for carers
Page last reviewed: 28 October 2026