Healthy Lifestyle Services in Bath and North
East Somerset (Updated April 2015)
We endeavour to keep this list as complete and accurate as possible. However if you have any
suggested additions or changes please contact Louise Lees, Healthy Workplaces Coordinator on
01225 831852 or email louise.lees@sirona-cic.org.uk. All listings are subject to a disclaimer (details
below) Thank you.
Stop Smoking Services
Stop Smoking Service: Free local support is provided through a number of drop-in sessions in various
community venues across Bath and North East Somerset; where smokers can access a trained advisor
who will support them through a stop smoking programme including advice, support and stop smoking
medications which are available on prescription (e.g. Patches, Champix). One to one appointments,
telephone consultations and group sessions are also provided where appropriate. Smokers aged 12
years and over can access the service. Referral through your GP or the Healthy Lifestyle Service on
01225 831852 http://www.sirona-cic.org.uk/health-care-services/health-improvement/stop-smokingservice/
Workplaces. The Stop smoking service offer briefings in smoking cessation and tobacco control for
workplaces in addition to advice on developing a smoking policy. They will also offer on-site support
where possible for staff wanting to quit smoking. Contact the Stop Smoking Service on 01225 831852
http://www.sirona-cic.org.uk/health-care-services/health-improvement/stop-smoking-service/
Tobacco Control: ASSIST is a peer influence programme which identifies and trains influential year 8
pupils (12 – 13 year olds) to act as peer supporters during informal interactions outside the classroom
to encourage their peers not to smoke. The Second Hand Smoking initiatives programme supports
people to make behaviour changes to protect their families from the dangers of second hand smoke. It
is available in many secondary schools in B&NES. For participating schools please contact the Healthy
Lifestyle Service on 01225 831852 or speak to your school
Weight Management Services
Lifestyle Advisors help people manage their weight and eat more healthily by giving one-to-one
support for up to 12 sessions (based on the NHS Choices model) whilst working through a weight
management programme. This service is available for anyone over 16 years of age living or working in
B&NES with a BMI of over 27 (Note this criteria is due to change) Referral through the Sirona Care and
Health Healthy Lifestyle Service 01225 831852 http://www.sirona-cic.org.uk/health-careservices/health-improvement/lifestyle-advisors/
Slimming on Referral: Anyone 18 years old and over can be referred by their GP or a health or social
care professional subject to eligibility. The Healthy Lifestyle Service offers free vouchers to either
Slimming World or Weight Watchers for a twelve week programme with the aim of a 5% – 10% weight
loss over the period. This service is available for anyone over 16 years of age registered with a B&NES
Disclaimer
Sirona Care and Health makes every effort to maintain the accuracy of the information on this list but cannot accept
responsibility for personal security, any loss or damage which may occur from use of the information. Sirona Care and Health
does not provide quality control of external links; the inclusion of any company's name within the pages should not be
construed as a recommendation of that organisation’s products and / or services. Sirona Care and Health reserves the right to
remove, refuse to moderate or amend any record without notice. If you find anything that causes concern, please email us at
healthylifestyleservices@sirona-cic.org.uk, Telephone 0117 9862106 or write to us at Sirona Care and Health, Healthy Lifestyle
Service, 11 Park Road, Keynsham, Bristol Bs31 1BX
GP with a BMI of over 30. http://www.sirona-cic.org.uk/health-care-services/healthimprovement/slimming-on-referral/
Workplace slimming on referral with Weight Watchers or Slimming World can be arranged via the
Healthy Lifestyle Service. A minimum of 15-20 people would be needed and standard fees apply. For
further advice contact the Sirona Care and Health Healthy Lifestyle Service 01225 831852
http://www.sirona-cic.org.uk/health-care-services/health-improvement/slimming-on-referral/
Counterweight An education based weight management course offered in some GP practices in Bath
and North East Somerset. For details of participating surgeries contact your GP or the Sirona Care and
Health Healthy Lifestyle Service 01225 831852
Weight management for young people: SHINE (Self Help Independence Nutrition and Exercise) is a
detailed 12 week weight management programme for young people aged 10 – 17 incorporating
nutritional knowledge, physical activity and behaviour change. Must be registered with a B&NES GP.
Referral through a health professional or contact the Sirona Care and Health Healthy Lifestyle Service
01225 831852
Food and Health Programme: A team of Food and Health Coordinators deliver healthy eating ‘Cook It’
courses across Bath and North East Somerset. The programme works with parents and carers to
improve the diet of children and young people up to the age of 17 years. The programme aims to
improve cooking skills and confidence in the kitchen by running free five week cooking courses called
“Cook It”. At these courses, parents cook healthy and affordable foods together and have the
opportunity to gain an accredited qualification. There is also a “Family Cook It” where parents and
children cook healthy recipes together. Other projects include Grow it, Cook it where families learn to
grow and cook seasonal produce and the ‘HENRY Healthy Families Programme’. Must be registered
with a B&NES GP and a parent or guardian of a child under 17. Referral through a health professional
or contact the Sirona Care and Health Healthy Lifestyle Service 01225 831852 for eligibility
http://www.sirona-cic.org.uk/health-care-services/health-improvement/cook-it-healthy-eating-cookingskills/
Diabetes nurses run two courses - Walking away from Diabetes and DESMOND, which are both
National programmes with training for peers, and Education for newly diagnosed Type 2s and
‘Conversation Map’ which is supported by a peer tutor. There are two or three places on each course
for self-referrals. (see main listing later)
Eat Out Eat Well An award scheme for food providers in Bath and North East Somerset who offer
healthier options. Delivered in partnership with B&NES Council. For more information contact the
Sirona Care and Health Healthy Lifestyle Service 01225 831852
http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/services/environment/food-safety/eat-out-eat-well
Disclaimer
Sirona Care and Health makes every effort to maintain the accuracy of the information on this list but cannot accept
responsibility for personal security, any loss or damage which may occur from use of the information. Sirona Care and Health
does not provide quality control of external links; the inclusion of any company's name within the pages should not be
construed as a recommendation of that organisation’s products and / or services. Sirona Care and Health reserves the right to
remove, refuse to moderate or amend any record without notice. If you find anything that causes concern, please email us at
healthylifestyleservices@sirona-cic.org.uk, Telephone 0117 9862106 or write to us at Sirona Care and Health, Healthy Lifestyle
Service, 11 Park Road, Keynsham, Bristol Bs31 1BX
Physical Activity Services
Doing More Exercise Visit your local leisure centre to find out about swimming, classes and using the
gym.
01225 486905 Bath Sports & Leisure Centre
01225 395164 Keynsham Leisure Centre
01761 415522 South Wansdyke Sports Centre
01275 333375 Chew Valley leisure Centre
01225 480882 Culverhay Sports Centre
01761 438559 Writhlington Sports Centre
Passport to Health is an exercise referral scheme for people with a set of identified cardio vascular
disease risk factors and/or mild/moderate depression. Assessment and activity programmes are
tailored to the individual. Action plans are developed that have clear goals and measures of goals in
order to help people become more physically active through a range of activities. There are currently
three pathways through the service including:
1. Community Activator Programme - Community Activators are exercise professionals who
work one-to-one with inactive service users who have an assessment and an action plan to
encourage them to do activities with achievable goals over a 6-12 week period.
2. Facility-based Programme - 12 weeks of subsidised access to a leisure centre with support
from a member of the Passport to Health Team.
3. Community Exercise Group-based Programme - 12 weeks free access to community group
exercise sessions. These sessions are offered indoors and outdoors as walking, cycling and
simple, fun circuit-based exercise.
Participants must be registered with a B&NES GP. Referral through the Sirona Care and Health
Healthy Lifestyle Service 01225 831852 http://www.sirona-cic.org.uk/health-care-services/healthimprovement/passport-to-health/ or through your GP, Nurse, Physiotherapist or Health Visitor.
TryActive is a brand new initiative for Bath & North East Somerset. This collaborative project with
Bath Rugby Foundation uses cycling, running and rugby/out-door fitness to get people active and
healthier. For session times and more information please visit www.bathnes.gov.uk/getactive or
call the Active Lifestyles & Health Improvement Team on 01225 396429.
Wellbeing walks are led by Age UK volunteers across Bath and North East Somerset. The walks are
open to people of all ages, and are split into different levels of ability. For further advice contact the
Sirona Care and Health Healthy Lifestyle Service 01225 831852
Travel Planning For local journey planning visit TravelWest http://www.travelwest.info/
Mental Health and Wellbeing Services
Lift Talking Therapies has 1:1 support for people with common mental health problems such as
depression, anxiety and stress. Open to anyone registered with a GP Surgery in Bath and North East
Somerset. http://lift.awp.nhs.uk/banes/ Psychological education materials & courses in Bath,
Paulton, Twerton, Keynsham, Chew Magna. Lift Psychology Services: Open to anyone registered with
Disclaimer
Sirona Care and Health makes every effort to maintain the accuracy of the information on this list but cannot accept
responsibility for personal security, any loss or damage which may occur from use of the information. Sirona Care and Health
does not provide quality control of external links; the inclusion of any company's name within the pages should not be
construed as a recommendation of that organisation’s products and / or services. Sirona Care and Health reserves the right to
remove, refuse to moderate or amend any record without notice. If you find anything that causes concern, please email us at
healthylifestyleservices@sirona-cic.org.uk, Telephone 0117 9862106 or write to us at Sirona Care and Health, Healthy Lifestyle
Service, 11 Park Road, Keynsham, Bristol Bs31 1BX
a GP Surgery in Bath and North East Somerset. Courses are self referral. http://lift.awp.nhs.uk/banes/
Telephone 01225 675150
Mindfulness: This skill is being able to pay close attention to what is happening in the present moment
giving our minds a rest from complex thinking. Spending time consciously focusing on the senses for
example the taste of the food you eat, the rhythm of your breathing or just on routine actions like
cleaning or gardening. Maintaining a mindful approach in the face of modern workplace stressors can
be hard but with training and perseverance this is a useful skill and will make employees less stressed
at work and more productive. Tasters are provided by Brighter Futures www.brighter-futures.uk.net, a
Social Enterprise based in Bath. They also provide a 8 week mindfulness evening course. They also
provide regular courses during daytime and evenings at Three Ways School. Courses can be delivered
in the workplace for groups of 8-16 people. Tel 01225 834035
Mental Health First Aid. Bath Mind provide Mental health training and development including MHFA
(Mental Health First Aid) They will provide a 2 hour or ½ day version of the 2 day course.
http://www.bathmind.org.uk Tel 01225 31619 Developing mental health aware workplaces within the
corporate/business sector. Bath Mind also provide peer mentoring and advocacy training.
Passport to Health Exercise Referral is a service for people with mild to moderate depression.
Following a telephone assessment and an initial consultation with an exercise professional an action
plan is drawn up that is agreed by the service user. This includes a structured activity such as gymbased activity, walking groups, cycling courses, swimming or one to one sessions as well as exercise
the service user will do outside of the formal setting. Participants must be registered through a B&NES
GP. Referral through the Sirona Care and Health Healthy Lifestyle Service 01225 831852 or through
your GP.
Understanding Mental Illness AWP run courses on Understanding Mental Illness: Understanding
Schizophrenia, Understanding Bipolar Affective Disorder and Understanding Depression.
Books on prescription You can pick up a form to get self help books from your GP or Mental Health
Practitioner. You can see a list of the available books by viewing the Bath and North East Somerset
library catalogues: – www.bathnes.gov.uk/services/libraries-and-archives
http://lift.awp.nhs.uk/banes/why-choose-us/types-of-help/bop/
Alcohol and Drug Misuse Services
The Adult Recovery Service at DHI ensures clients have the support they need to give up alcohol
and/or drugs and get back to an independent life. They also offer a family Service - helps families and
friends of people with alcohol or drug issues. Based in Bath and Midsomer Norton - Contact Details:
Telephone: 01225 329411 http://www.dhi-online.org.uk/do/bath/
Support for young people – Project 28: 11-17 years, The project’s team seek to provide holistic
packages of care to young people in the BANES area with problematic substance misuse support
needs. The overall ethos behind the project is to provide a physical space in which young people want
to spend time and can then access a range of services. Bath: 01225 463344 http://www.dhionline.org.uk/do/bath/project-28/
Alcohol and drug addiction Southside runs 1-1 sessions and groups for people who suffer from
alcohol and drug addiction. They use goal/target based methods including a motivational
Disclaimer
Sirona Care and Health makes every effort to maintain the accuracy of the information on this list but cannot accept
responsibility for personal security, any loss or damage which may occur from use of the information. Sirona Care and Health
does not provide quality control of external links; the inclusion of any company's name within the pages should not be
construed as a recommendation of that organisation’s products and / or services. Sirona Care and Health reserves the right to
remove, refuse to moderate or amend any record without notice. If you find anything that causes concern, please email us at
healthylifestyleservices@sirona-cic.org.uk, Telephone 0117 9862106 or write to us at Sirona Care and Health, Healthy Lifestyle
Service, 11 Park Road, Keynsham, Bristol Bs31 1BX
interviewing/solution focussed approach. This includes mentoring to support clients to facilitate groups
or to offer 1-1 support to peers. They also use a brief enhanced intervention which might just be 1 or 2
sessions for advice and information and could be on the phone. Clients have six month and annual
check-ins when the support is completed.
Long term conditions
Dementia: If you are concerned that you or a family member may be showing symptoms of dementia
then consult your GP. Also Alzheimers Society provide information and local support in B&NES
including a Dementia Support Service, home support service and day services. For those registered
with a B&NES GP contact the Bath office at Hazelmeir Day Centre, Cleeve Court, Bath Tel 01225
396678. Alternatively contact the national helpline on 0300 222 1122 or visit their website
www.alzheimers.org.uk. Information is also available via NHS Choices
www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia-guide and for other local areas contact Wellaware (main listing below)
http://www.wellaware.org.uk/pages/info-and-resources/dementia/support-groups The dementia
information prescription is a list of key local support services for dementia
http://www.dementiaweb.org.uk/pdfs/dementia_web_bandnes_ip_fourth_v3.pdf
Books on prescription for dementia at local libraries in Bath. They offer information and advice
about dementia and normal ageing, support with living well after diagnosis, practical advice for
carers, personal accounts, and suggestions for shared therapeutic activities. You can see a list of the
available books by viewing the Bath and North East Somerset library catalogues: –
www.bathnes.gov.uk/services/libraries-and-archives
Respiratory Diseases: If you are concerned that you or a family member may have a respiratory
disease please consult your GP. Support available locally includes.
Asthma: Support is offered at many of the main pharmacists in B&NES including Boots, Hawes
Whiston and Lloyds. Nationally support is available from Asthma UK www.asthma.org.uk and NHS
Choices www.nhs.uk/conditions/asthma/pages/introduction Lung disease: The British Lung
Foundation run Breathe Easy groups in Bath for people with mild asthma to lung cancer. Contact 03000
030 555 or visit www.blf.org.uk for groups in other areas.
Cancer: If you are concerned that you or a family member may have cancer please consult your GP.
Bath Cancer Information and Support Centre offers support if you have cancer or if you are affected by
someone who has. It is for anyone living in B&NES, Bristol, Wiltshire or North Somerset?. Drop in’s are
daily at the RUH 10-4 and 10-12 on Fridays. Tel 01225 824069 or email cancerinformationcentre@ruhbath.swest.nhs.uk. Information is also available via NHS Choices
www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer/pages/introduction Macmillan also offer support for employers including
free on line courses. Visit http://learnzone.org.uk/employer/
Diabetes nurses run two courses - Walking away from Diabetes and DESMOND, which are both
National programmes with training for peers, and Education for newly diagnosed Type 2s and
‘Conversation Map’ which is supported by a peer tutor. There are two or three places on each course
for self-referrals. (see main listing above)
Type 2 Training DESMOND” (Diabetes, Education and Self Management for Ongoing and Newly
Diagnosed and up to 9 months). Can ring direct on 01225 831640 to book onto a course but will need a
form from your GP. Alternatively you can ask your GP or practise nurse to make a booking for you.
Disclaimer
Sirona Care and Health makes every effort to maintain the accuracy of the information on this list but cannot accept
responsibility for personal security, any loss or damage which may occur from use of the information. Sirona Care and Health
does not provide quality control of external links; the inclusion of any company's name within the pages should not be
construed as a recommendation of that organisation’s products and / or services. Sirona Care and Health reserves the right to
remove, refuse to moderate or amend any record without notice. If you find anything that causes concern, please email us at
healthylifestyleservices@sirona-cic.org.uk, Telephone 0117 9862106 or write to us at Sirona Care and Health, Healthy Lifestyle
Service, 11 Park Road, Keynsham, Bristol Bs31 1BX
http://www.sirona-cic.org.uk/health-care-services/health-improvement/diabetes-education-type-2/
Conversion map training is a 3 hour course for those that have had type 2 diabetes for more than a
year. Walking Away From Diabetes (3 hr course) for people at high risk of diabetes e.g. strong family
history of type 2 diabetes, glucose intolerance, obesity etc. Referral http://www.sirona-cic.org.uk/healthcare-services/health-improvement/diabetes-education-type-2/walking-away-from-diabetes/ Type 1
diabetes training (over 1 year) Freedom4Life and Carbohydrate counting. Referral is through the
diabetes specialist nurse only. For information phone 01225 831 640 http://www.sironacic.org.uk/health-care-services/health-improvement/diabetes-education-type-1/
Heart Care: The best protection for your heart is to follow a healthy lifestyle (see earlier services). If
you are concerned that you or a family member may have heart disease please consult your GP.
Information is also available via the British Heart Foundation www.bhf.org.uk Tel 0300 330 3322.
Information is also available via NHS Choices
www.nhs.uk/livewell/healthyhearts/pages/healthyheartshome.aspx
IBS: If you are concerned that you or a family member may have IBS please consult your GP. The IBS
network provides information and advice for people who have irritable bowel syndrome. Telephone
0114 272 3253 Mon to Fri 10-3 or visit their website www.theibsnetwork.org. Information is also
available via NHS Choices http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Irritable-bowelsyndrome/Pages/Introduction.aspx
Depression or Anxiety: (see earlier services)
Multiple Sclerosis Sirona has have been involved in developing training for staff working with people
with MS which is supported by service users. They have also been involved in supporting the MS
Society in delivering a course for the newly diagnosed.
Allergies: Information is available via NHS Choices
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Allergies/Pages/Introduction.aspx
Stroke Consult your GP or call 999 immediately if a stroke is suspected and the person fails on any of
the FAST test below.
You can recognise a stroke using the FAST test:
Facial weakness (can the person smile, has their mouth or eye dropped?
Arm weakness. Can the person raise both arms
Speech problems. Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say
Time to call 99
The Stroke Association Community and Communication Support Services offers practical advice,
essential information and emotional support to those touched by stroke, their families and their carers.
They offer hospital or home visits, as well as Communication Support Groups for people registered with
a B&NES GP. For further information please contact either:
Amanda Thomas - Community Stroke Coordinator Tel: 01225 831 544. Mobile: 07515 596 736
amanda.thomas@stroke.org.uk
Liz Jeggo - Communication Support Coordinator Tel: 01225 783 613. Mobile: 07717 275 792
liz.jeggo@stroke.org.uk
Alternatively you can telephone the national helpline on 0303 3033 100 or visit the Stroke Association's
website: www.stroke.org.uk for further information and support.
Information is also available via NHS Choices www.nhs.uk/conditions/stroke/pages/introduction/aspx
Disclaimer
Sirona Care and Health makes every effort to maintain the accuracy of the information on this list but cannot accept
responsibility for personal security, any loss or damage which may occur from use of the information. Sirona Care and Health
does not provide quality control of external links; the inclusion of any company's name within the pages should not be
construed as a recommendation of that organisation’s products and / or services. Sirona Care and Health reserves the right to
remove, refuse to moderate or amend any record without notice. If you find anything that causes concern, please email us at
healthylifestyleservices@sirona-cic.org.uk, Telephone 0117 9862106 or write to us at Sirona Care and Health, Healthy Lifestyle
Service, 11 Park Road, Keynsham, Bristol Bs31 1BX
Other Local Services
Well Aware is a free online and telephone information and signposting service for everyone in
Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire and is also the signposting service for
Healthwatch in these areas and Somerset. Well Aware has details on more than 5,000 health,
wellbeing and community groups, organisations, activities and services.
Go online at www.wellaware.org.uk People who do not have internet access can telephone Freephone
0808 808 5252 and our team can do the searching. If you use Well Aware on a regular basis, register
on the site and compile your own favourite listings.
FeelGoodBath: is a guide to health, fitness and wellbeing classes and events in the B&NES area
http://www.feelgoodbath.co.uk/
Volunteering: Search for local opportunities in Bath using these national databases of volunteering
opportunities http://www.volunteering.org.uk/iwanttovolunteer Volunteering search engine
http://www.do-it.org.uk/
Domestic Abuse Southside’s Independent Domestic Violence Service offers expert support to both
men and women; their professionally qualified Independent Domestic Violence Advisers (IDVAs)
provide immediate crisis support. The service can be requested directly by individuals, or by other
agencies. The Service can be contacted on (01225) 331243.
CaSH (Contraception and Sexual Health Service) A free confidential service for men and women
Local clinics provide free confidential help and advice with sexual health including contraception. For
information about clinic times and appointments call the number below. 01225 831593
http://www.sirona-cic.org.uk/health-care-services/health-improvement/sexual-health-improvementservices/
Sexual Health. The Sexual Health Clinic offers friendly, non judgemental and confidential testing,
treatment and advice for sexually transmitted infections. Royal United Hospital (RUH) Bath 01225
824617
Disclaimer
Sirona Care and Health makes every effort to maintain the accuracy of the information on this list but cannot accept
responsibility for personal security, any loss or damage which may occur from use of the information. Sirona Care and Health
does not provide quality control of external links; the inclusion of any company's name within the pages should not be
construed as a recommendation of that organisation’s products and / or services. Sirona Care and Health reserves the right to
remove, refuse to moderate or amend any record without notice. If you find anything that causes concern, please email us at
healthylifestyleservices@sirona-cic.org.uk, Telephone 0117 9862106 or write to us at Sirona Care and Health, Healthy Lifestyle
Service, 11 Park Road, Keynsham, Bristol Bs31 1BX