Personal health
We do not provide advice on personal health and lifestyle. Please use the links provided for details of relevant services.
- Local healthcare
- General health websites
- Specific health issues
- HIV and AIDS
- Drugs and alcohol
- Smoking
- Eating and eating disorders
Local healthcare
General Practitioners
Your local doctor surgery (or GP practice) provides a wide range of family health services, including:
- advice on health problems
- vaccinations
- examinations and treatment
- prescriptions for medicines
- referrals to other health services and social services
If your condition is non-urgent, you can expect to see a doctor within two working days or a health professional such as a nurse within one working day. If you don't need an appointment within two working days, you can also book in advance if this is more convenient for you.
It is important to attend for appointments, or notify the surgery if you have to cancel or change an appointment.
NHS in England provides a facility to find a local doctor.
Dentists
The British Dental Association's Find a Dentist website may help you look for a dentist near to where you live or work, one who specialises in the care of children, or one who simply offers evening or weekend appointments.
NHS in England provides a facility to search for a local dentist.
Opticians
Generally, opticians will test your sight and examine the health of your eyes. Some types of optician are trained to recognise abnormalities and diseases that are revealed in the eye, such as diabetes and glaucoma.
After testing your eyes, if needed, some opticians will also fit and supply spectacles to a prescription.
NHS in England provides a facility to find a local optician.
General health
Department of Health
Provides health and social care policy, guidance and publications.
DirectGov Health Issues
Information on various health issues including drugs, smoking and alcohol.
Healthy Living
Advice on food hygiene and healthy living.
National electronic Library for Health
A digital library for NHS staff, patients and the public.
NHS Direct
Advice on health, local NHS services and common health questions.
Medic Direct
Interactive website providing comprehensive health information for consumers.
BBC Health
Health information and latest health news from the BBC.
Channel Four Health
Health information from Channel Four.
Specific health issues
Health for Asylum Seekers and Refugees
Health portal for asylum seekers and refugees including local and practical resources, social and cultural information.
Chinese National Healthy Living Centre
To promote healthy living, and to provide access to health services, for the Chinese community in the UK. The Centre takes an holistic approach, tackling both the physical and psychological aspects of health.
Travel Advice
Information from the Department of Health on how to get medical treatment abroad, including information on the European Health Insurance Card, or EHIC - the replacement for the E111.
Immunisation for Life
The most comprehensive, up-to-date and accurate source of information on vaccines, disease and immunisation in the UK.
Department of Health - Health advice for travellers
Information on how to get medical treatment abroad, including information on the European Health Insurance card, or EHIC - the replacement for the E111.
HIV and AIDS
Eddystone Trust
An independent organisation providing information, training, and support for anyone affected by HIV and AIDS in Devon and Cornwall .They also provide services related to Hepatitis C and wider sexual health.
Terrence Higgins Trust
Information, advice and support on HIV and AIDS.
Aidsmap
An award-winning, community-based organisation that works from the UK. They deliver reliable and accurate HIV information across the world to HIV-positive people and to the professionals who treat, support and care for them.
Children With AIDS Charity (CWAC)
A charity that was set up in 1992 to help the youngest of those infected or affected by HIV and AIDS to maintain a good quality of life. It is a national UK charity with the aim of working towards a future without prejudice for these children and their families.
Drugs and alcohol
The Harbour Young People’s Service
The Harbour Young People’s Service is a free confidential service for under 18's. They offer a friendly and individual service dedicated to the lives of young people. They can identify and support you with any drug or alcohol related concerns. They offer one to one support, group work, education and training and advice and information.
Harbour Young People’s Service
1st Floor Hyde Park House
Mutley
Plymouth
PL4 6LF
Telephone: 01752 434295
Plymouth Drug and Alcohol Action Team
Responsible for the local delivery of the National Drug Strategy. The organisation covers the city of Plymouth and works with Service Providers and other key local and regional agencies.
Talk to Frank
Information and advice on drugs.
Tackling Drugs
Cross-government website for drug professionals and anyone interested in the national drug strategy.
Addaction
The UK's leading drugs and alcohol treatment agency.
Alcohol Concern
National agency on alcohol misuse. They work to reduce the incidence and costs of alcohol-related harm and to increase the range and quality of services available to people with alcohol-related problems.
Rehab Online
Rehab Online is an online directory of residential rehabilitation services for adult drug and/or alcohol misusers in England and Wales and includes information about residential rehabilitation.
Smoking
Smokefree
NHS service that helps people who want to quit smoking by providing advice, tips and encouragement.
Giving up smoking
Online resource for all the advice, information and support you need to stop and stay stopped.
Cancer Research UK
Advice on quitting smoking.
Eating and eating disorders
NHS Direct - Healthy Eating
Information and advice on healthy eating.
Healthy Start
Healthy Start gives vouchers for free milk, fresh fruit and vegetables and infant formula milk to pregnant women and children under five from low income families. It is available in Devon and Cornwall and will be available nationally later in 2006.
Eating Disorder Association (EDA)
Information and help on all aspects of eating disorders including Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder and related eating disorders.