Things to consider :

using Sports Premium funding to support the needs of all pupils to decrease inactivity levels

WAMHS focuses on supporting education communities to build academic, social and emotional resilience and coping skills in students and staff to help them to identify and access additional support if needed. The service is also based on further developing knowledge and skills in education staff so that they are more confident and feel more able to support students/their families and school colleagues who may be experiencing mental health difficulties.

Working with a senior member of school staff a skilled education professional from Hackney Education (Wellbeing Framework Partner) supports each school and education setting to review their current wellbeing and mental health provision and develop an action plan across a number of areas to improve the support systems for mental health and wellbeing in school. A mental health professional (CAMHS worker) is embedded to work in the school setting supporting the action plan for a number of days a month.

The Dental Outreach Team in Hackney is an NHS service focused on prevention and education. The team aims to reduce the tooth decay rate in Hackney - 27% of five year olds have tooth decay in Hackney and this figure is higher than the national average of 25%. 

The good news is tooth decay is preventable. 

The team offers the following services across the borough:

• The NEW Tooth Friendly Nursery Scheme 2023 - Fast Track to Gold

• The fluoride varnish programme (school-based)

• The Supervised Toothbrushing Programme for SEND schools (school-based)

• Train the Trainer Sessions

• Oral Health Champion Training

• Engagement and information sessions

Every day can be a fresh start. Yes, "today" can be the perfect day to make a change in your life by stopping smoking, for yourself and your family. Yesterday’s struggles or past quit attempts don’t matter—what matters is today.

Gloji | Smokefree City & Hackney is the local stop smoking service for adults and children (12+ years) who live, work, study or have a GP in Hackney or in the City of London.

You can choose to be supported over the phone or in person at a range of key community locations, primary care practices, and a wide range of local pharmacies.

We offer

• 12 weeks of support to help you quit, with your own dedicated stop smoking advisor;

• FREE direct supply NRT (combination) or Vapes for the first 12 weeks of quitting;

• Unlimited online gym pass.

You have the power to decide when to make changes in your life. When you're ready to quit smoking, come and talk to us.

• To access the service You can contact Smokefree City & Hackney by calling 0800 054 1190 or emailing cityandhackney@gloji.co.uk or tt1.smokefreecityandhackney@nhs.net to find out more and book an appointment;

• or speak to your GP practice for more details and a referral.

• Visit our website for more info https://www.smokefreecityandhackney.org

• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)

• Whooping cough

• Polio

• Flu

Hackney has a lower uptake compared to other parts of London and England. This makes the risk of an outbreak more likely. Vaccination is the safest and most effective way to protect children.

This includes the adoption of government policy on emergency inhalers and early years settings, such as:

• Children’s centres having access to education programmes for children that wheeze

• Children and young people have an individual healthcare/action plan in place.

It also means that schools should have the following:

1. Register of all children and young people with asthma

2. Management plan for each child

3. Named individual responsible for asthma in each school

4. Policy for inhaler techniques and care of the children and young people with asthma

5. Policy regarding emergency treatment

6. System for identifying children who are missing school because of their asthma or who are not joining in sports or other activities due to poor control.

If you, a friend or a family member is thinking of quitting or cutting down we would like to help.

GET IN TOUCH

We aim to give you the facts about drugs and alcohol – the highs as well as the lows, which means you can make your own choices.

If you’re under 25 and live or study in Hackney or the City of London, you can get free condoms and lubricant through our Condom Distribution Scheme.
Once you sign up, you can collect from different places such as pharmacies, youth hubs, and community centres. You can come and collect as often as you need.

Sign up to the scheme to access free condoms at pharmacies, youth hubs and community centres. 

• National Child Management Programme (NCMP) Coordinator

• Qualified school nurses

• Public Health Nurse Assistants

• Team administrator

• Health assessments

• Supporting children with disabilities or additional health needs whether in a special or a mainstream school environment

• Safeguarding children

Confidentiality
No information in your child’s school health record will be disclosed without your permission. Where necessary, consent will be sought from parents and carers before any referrals are made.

The Young Hackney Substance Misuse Service is open to anyone aged under 25. It’s free and completely confidential. We can give you advice and support if you’re worried about your own substance use, or if you’re worried that a friend or family member has a problem with drugs or alcohol.

If you, a friend or a family member is thinking of quitting or cutting down we would like to help.

• Vapes are generally not permitted within school – ensure that you are aware of school policy surrounding vaping.

• Vapes are recommended for people who wish to stop smoking, not for young people.

The law

• These products are intended for adults only.

• Vapes are not recommended for non-smokers.

• The legal age to buy vapes in the UK is 18 years old. The law which made it illegal to sell e-cigarettes or vape juice to anyone under 18 came into force on 1 October 2015. Anyone under the age of 18 cannot legally purchase any vaping equipment, including liquids and devices, therefore should not be able to vape before this age.

Health implications

• What we do not know is just as important as what we do know… Vaping contains unregulated chemicals whose long term effects are unknown.

• Breathing in anything may have side effects.

• Vaping contains nicotine which can have some negative effects on brain development in young people.

• Nicotine is addictive as it affects the “rewarding part of the brain,” and can cause negative implications such as financial and health issues.

Side effects

• It can make you feel irritable, restless and lose concentration

• Coughing

• Dry mouth

• Shortness of breath

• Mouth and throat irritation

• Headaches

If you would like support with cutting down or quitting vaping, we would like to help. The Young Hackney Substance Misuse Service is open to anyone aged under 25. It’s free and confidential. We can give you advice and support if you’re worried about your own usage of vapes, or if you’re worried that a friend or family member has a problem with vaping.

Racism is where someone treats another person differently because their skin colour is not the same as theirs, they speak a different language or have different religious beliefs, for example.

In this guide, you're going to find out what racism is, where it comes from and what you can do if you see or suffer from racism.

Every child has the right to grow up healthy, educated and safe – regardless of race, gender or socioeconomic status. Systemic change to end racism is essential to achieving this vision.

Save the Children was founded over 100 years ago to fight for universal values and children’s rights. However, we also live in a society that still suffers from a legacy of institutional racism. The past year has been an especially difficult one for America, and for anyone who believes in and is fighting for a more just world.

Save the Children was founded over 100 years ago to fight for universal values and children’s rights. However, we also live in a society that still suffers from a legacy of institutional racism. The past year has been an especially difficult one for America, and for anyone who believes in and is fighting for a more just world.

Save the Children remains committed to fighting for what is right and against injustices. We proudly stand in solidarity with the Black communities, the Asian American and Pacific Islander community and all communities targeted by racism, sexism, ableism, xenophobia, homophobia and other forms of discrimination..

As you seek ways to navigate conversations with children in your life about recent events, including violence, and race in America, we are here for you. We know that talking to kids about racism and social justice are not always easy conversations to have, nor are they a one-time occurrence. There is also no unique individual or organization that holds all the answers to every question that may arise. But we encourage you to use the following tips to start a conversation or as a continuation, aimed at helping children to better understand what is happening around them.

Disabled children and young people face barriers in many areas of life. These barriers could be:

• Physical, like not having enough accessible toilets or changing rooms.

• Environmental, like places that are too noisy or have bright lights.

How people treat disabled people can also be a problem. Some people make unfair assumptions (something that they accepted as true without question or proof) about what disabled children and young people can and cannot do, which can hold them back.

This short video made by Shape Arts explains more about The Social Model of Disability. 

Advice page content

In Hackney, we want all students and staff in our schools and settings to understand disability history and rights. This helps every child and young person feel that they belong. While we can reflect on this all year-round, UK Disability History Month (UKDHM) offers us all a good annual opportunity to focus our ongoing efforts.

In 2023, we offered FREE training to Hackney's schools to help them learn about and celebrate disability history and rights. This was to support the planning and delivery of activities for staff and students during UKDHM or other efforts to work towards disability equality. 

A general practitioner, or GP, is a local doctor who can help with all kinds of health related questions. They’re usually based at health centres in the community called practices. Most practices have more than one doctor.

GPs are not usually specialists in specific areas of medicine. Rather, they are available to help you look after your general health and wellbeing. A GP can give you advice, prescribe medicines and treatments and refer you to specialists for more specific care. It’s their job to help you get the care you need to be as healthy as you can be.

GPs are here to help you look out for your whole health, both physical and mental health. Feeling sad, confused, angry, anxious or having disruptive thoughts can affect your health just as much as physical injury.

When you see a GP, they’ll ask you questions about any health problem that is troubling you. After asking questions, having a discussion with you, and perhaps looking at any physically affected areas, they will then be able to explain what they think might be causing your health problems. They will suggest treatments and a course of action to help you get better.

You’ll find that you work best with your GP when you’ve begun to build a relationship together, so they understand you and you feel comfortable talking about your concerns. It’s better to go and see a GP before any problems get more serious.

In this podcast episode, Danielle Harris, the NSPCC's Childline Team Manager, discusses the financially motivated online sexual extortion of boys with Marie Smith, who oversees the CEOP education programme based within the National Crime Agency.

The discussion covered:

• what online financial sexual extortion is

• how to spot the signs

• how to support boys who are experiencing online sexual extortion

• how to report real and AI generated images.

We’re helping schools on their journey to zero carbon by 2030. Let’s Go Zero supports schools, colleges and nurseries in cutting their carbon, becoming better places to work, learn and play.

Our support is free, friendly and tailored to the needs of individual schools. There’s help to develop a climate action plan – now a must for all schools – and support to access funding for green projects, from solar panels to uniform swap-shops. And our Climate Action Advisors are on-hand with practical solutions and ideas.  

Do you want your school to enjoy lower energy bills, better buildings, thriving outdoor spaces and planet-friendly food? Then join Let’s Go Zero.

Senior staff can register their school for support today. Other teachers and parents can get help inspiring their school leaders to join, and discover engaging climate resources and activities. Your sign-up has a wider impact too – amplifying our call for politicians to transform schools.

At The Resilience Project, we’ve made and collected resources that will help with navigating difficult climate emotions.

Whether you’re looking for yourself, or for conversation aids in the workplace or at school—we’ve got materials for you.

A confession: climate anxiety or its sister, climate doom, hits me roughly once a fortnight. It starts with a jittery sense that knots my stomach. Then it winds upwards, wrapping my heart tight, curdling my throat and setting my mind racing. After enough times, knotty sensations and thinking wear you down, no matter what sets it off. I can chalk up this year’s anguish to working in environmental campaigning. But fear and frustration about the climate crisis were visitors before then – and not only for me.

Most of us feel some worry about the climate crisis. 84% of young people worldwide say they feel worried about climate change. The 2021 census reports that 75% of adults in Britain are worried about the impact of climate change.

It’s not surprising that we’re feeling distressed. The climate crisis poses a huge threat to life and those with power seem slow to act. For people facing the impacts already, the climate crisis is here and now. Fear, sadness and anger are natural emotional responses. But they can make you feel isolated and powerless. Climate anxiety may overwhelm us and stop us from doing something that can help: taking action together.

Releasing the grip of climate anxiety isn’t always easy. Finding what works for you might take some trial and error. To get us going, I asked Greenpeace staff for tips and resources for managing climate anxiety.

​

​We are running catch up clinics in your area. See below for the dates and locations of the clinics.

Achieving high levels of immunity against vaccine preventable diseases is vital to reduce the spread of infection and prevent outbreaks. High levels of immunity can result in herd immunity, whereby the protection from immunisation programmes extends to individuals who cannot be vaccinated for a number of reasons.

Evidence shows that delivering immunisations in schools reduces health disparities by making access to vaccines easier for all, for example parents don’t need to take time off work to book immunisation appointments and children who are not registered with a GP are included.

The offer of the adolescent vaccines in school is an important opportunity to check that children are up to date with all their routine immunisations and to ensure they are caught up.

You can contact Smokefree City & Hackney by calling 0800 046 9946 or emailing cityandhackney@gloji.co.uk.

This might be through organised after school activities or a programme organised by a local sporting club or association. Sometimes sporting activity is used as a means to encourage young people to engage in additional learning activities, such as football training at a local football club combined with study skills, ICT, literacy, or mathematics lessons.

Physical activity has important benefits in terms of health, wellbeing and physical development. These benefits have important value in themselves, however, this Toolkit entry focuses on the benefits of physical activity for core academic attainment particularly literacy and mathematics.

From our fun 10 Minute Shake Up games to information about active hobbies and sports, here's everything you need to get your family moving!

Even just 1 or 2 everyday swaps can really make a difference and go a long way to making each day healthier – but the more you make, the better!

We offer free, confidential bereavement support for individuals, couples, children, young people, and families, by telephone, video or instant messenger, wherever you live in the UK. We also offer face-to-face support from a number of locations.

This short video won't take that pain away, but it does have some ideas based on what other young people have said, that might help you through it.

Below the video we've included links to some charities who offer a range of support for young people who may be grieving.  You can look at each organisation, read their advice and contact them direct if you would like someone to talk to or need support.

Educational Psychologists (also called EPs or Ed Psychs) have professional qualifications in psychology and educational psychology – the study of how children develop, learn and behave.

What do we do?

Educational Psychologists work collaboratively with school staff, parents and children themselves to help ensure that young people with additional educational needs who are having difficulties at school receive the right sort of help.

Each of the maintained schools in Hackney has an allocated Educational Psychologists or EP who visits regularly to help with strategic planning.

Many of Hackney’s maintained schools also buy in additional EP time. How this is used is often agreed during termly multi-agency planning meetings.

The Family Coach Service is a team of 2 (Rachel and Emily). Together we work under the Educational Psychologist Service within Hackney's Integrated SEND Services to provide coaching opportunities for families of SEN.

We are a needs-based service which means families do not need an official diagnosis or EHC Plan to access our services. Just an identified need or difference in any of the 4 areas of SEND:

• Communication and Interaction

• Cognition and Learning

• Social, Emotional and Health Difficulties

• Sensory or Physical Needs.

If you are unsure whether we are a service for you, please contact us at familycoach@hackney.gov.uk and we will be happy to address any concerns or answer any questions

Families requiring support can be referred to the children’s centre multi-disciplinary team. This team will help with any problems. The team includes Family Support Workers, Health Visitors, Nursery Nurses, Portage Workers and Social Workers. If you would like to find out more about the support available, you can ask your Midwife, Health visitor or drop into your local children's centre. Professionals wishing to refer a family to the Multi Agency Team (MAT) should complete the Early Help Request for Support Form and email it to MASH@hackney.gov.uk

In addition, the Hackney Family Information Service (FIS) offers free, impartial advice and information on childcare, paying for childcare, funded places for 2-4 year olds as well as information and advice on local services and activities for children and families. 

Hackney's SEND Parent Carer Forum is a new forum being set up with support from the City and Hackney Carers Centre who are the host providers of the parent-carer forum in Hackney.

The forum meets once every two months to come together, find out about services and support, and how to work with services to influence their development for the greater good of children and young people with SEND aged 0-25. 

We would love to welcome new members so please do sign up, get in touch, or come to a meeting to find out more. 

Everyone can feel stressed, worried or down from time to time but if this is happening to you and it goes on too long, or you feel like you can’t cope, The City and Hackney NHS Talking Therapies service can help you find ways to manage the thoughts and feelings you have and make changes, so you can live life to the full.

We are a confidential NHS service for adults registered with a GP in City and Hackney or who live in City and Hackney.

Hackney Here to Help has supported many local households increase their incomes. They can also work with you to make a longer-term plan to manage the rising cost of living, particularly around housing costs.

The Here to Help friendly and non-judgemental staff have decades of experience supporting people who are; struggling with finances, looking for extra help or advice with the benefits system, or even facing homelessness. 

Within the Here to Help team, there are advisors with specialist knowledge of disability benefits. 

The team will look at your situation and do a holistic financial assessment of your entitlements to ensure your income is maximized.

Screen time limits? What age is right for a smartphone? If you’re worried about your child and the digital world, we can help.

The aim of the service is to enable all children to be happy and to achieve well in school.

• Feeling more confident as a parent

• Physical activities for the little ones

• What children and the whole family eats

• Family lifestyle habits

• Healthy Teeth

• Enjoying life as a family

• Feeling more confident as a parent

• Physical activities for the little ones

• What children and the whole family eats

• Family lifestyle habits

• Healthy Teeth

• Enjoying life as a family

Usually delivered free in participating schools and children centres, this virtual OPEN PROGRAMME is offered to all parents – wherever they are based.

The Parent Gym programme has been designed by leading psychologists, drwaing on parenting research. All sessions are designed to be highly interactive an dparticipative.

To secure your place, please email info@parentgym.com .

These in-person workshops are designed to help parents prioritise their well-being through mindfulness and self-kindness.

This 6- week course is run by Psychologist, Dr Su Batuwitage. 

Discover strategies to manage stress, cultivate self-compassion, and enhance your overall wellness.

Don't miss this opportunity to invest in yourself and connect with other parents on the same journey.

Register now to secure your spot!

If you’re under 25 and live or study in Hackney or the City of London, you can get free condoms and lubricant through our Condom Distribution Scheme.
Once you sign up, you can collect from different places such as pharmacies, youth hubs, and community centres. You can come and collect as often as you need.

REGISTER FOR THE SCHEME

After you sign up we need one working day to process your information. When you go to collect, just give us your name and date of birth you registered with. Below is a map where you can see all the places you can go to.

Condoms are still the best way to not get sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea. They can also prevent unplanned pregnancies. Using condoms correctly and consistently is a great way to protect your sexual health.

If you need to update any information or have any questions, please email us at freecondoms@hackney.gov.uk.

What can you expect?

RegistrationHow to collectRepeatWe won’t send you a confirmation email, and we don’t share your information with anyone. The next day after signing up you can collect from any of the places you can see on the map.Talk to a staff member and let them know that you are there to pick up condoms. This may feel like the hardest part. Just remember they have had the request many times before and they are there to help you.Please feel free to use the service as many times as you need.

The map below shows where you can access free condoms and lube in Hackney and the City of London.

Free NHS sexual health services online

SHL.UK is a discreet sexual health service for Londoners. Our STI testing service is for people who have mild or no STI symptoms, and would like to get themselves checked. You can also request free regular and emergency contraception (effective up to 5 days after unprotected sex) by completing a simple, secure online consultation.

• increase the number of students choosing to continue their 16-19 education within Hackney

• create a more inclusive and comprehensive 16-19 offer in Hackney

• establish close links between the local authority, Hackney based schools, colleges, work-based learning providers, employers and other agencies

It is a collaborative project including schools, colleges and providers and is coordinated by Hackney Education.

Studying in Hackney

All our secondary schools, special schools, colleges and where appropriate providers, are rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted. However, almost 2000 students choose to study outside Hackney each year for their 16-19 education, while similar courses are often offered in the borough. Research also shows that students travelling long distances to study are more likely to drop out.

Young people who study in Hackney 16-19 do well and progress through a range of routes including top universities and apprenticeships to a huge range of careers. Students in special schools are increasingly taking up Supported Internships as a route into employment. We plan to make more young people aware of this.

Students who study in Hackney have a good range of A Levels and vocational courses on offer but we will work together to create a more inclusive offer to help those from a lower starting point to do well and progress. 

We provide information about Hackney school sixth forms and colleges with links to their websites and prospectuses. As part of a new Project Hackney initiative, we are particularly encouraging young people living in or at school in Hackney to consider the local 16-19 courses and providers before looking further afield. All secondary schools and colleges in Hackney have been rated good or outstanding by Ofsted.

Applications for places at Hackney's school sixth forms and colleges should be made directly to the school or college. Applications for places at special schools should go via the Special Educational Needs Team on 020 8820 7326. Applications generally open in the autumn term for courses starting the following September.

Although you are required to participate in education or training until you are 18 you do not have to remain in school. Find out more about raising the participation age.

Most of our school sixth forms have high entry requirements. Colleges may have lower requirements or offer courses that will prepare you for A level study. If you are unlikely to achieve 5 or more GCSEs at grades A* to C you may like to see our directory of alternative pathways which has information about a range of courses and apprenticeships at local colleges and providers.

The page provides information on our programmes of work and the different ways we can provide support.

Welcome Hackney is our dedicated refugee, migrant and asylum seeker service, launched in May 2023. This service responds to the needs of displaced people living in the borough. We have also pledged to become a Borough of Sanctuary, a place of safety and inclusion for refugees, migrants and people seeking asylum.

The page provides information on our programmes of work and the different ways we can provide support.

Do you need the language translated?

You can translate the website to another language using the Translate button in the menu, this will show languages available.

Five to Thrive is a national initiative to promote positive mental health and general wellbeing.

Bilingual advocacy/interpretation service is for patients who do not speak English and need support when they have a health appointment, providing advice, information and support to help people access and use health services. Further, it educates health services about cultural norms so they can provide care and treatment in a culturally sensitive way.  

Bilingual health advocates or interpreters are provided where possible. 

Telephone interpreting is available in the hospital and at GP practices to help with communication with health care professionals.

What is the difference between advocates and interpreters?
An interpreter will interpret for the patient and the health professional to ensure that they can both understand and communicate with each other using a common language.
An advocate will also interpret, and in addition, will support patients ensuring they have the knowledge, understanding and confidence needed to make informed decisions and to get the care and services they need. They will also refer them to other organisations that can assist them. 
There is an open referral system which means patients, carers and health workers can refer to the service.

Please make referrals using the contact details for the service. 

Will I have to pay for this service?
Individuals do not have to pay for the service. However, the hospital pays for bilingual health advocates' and an interpreter's time, so cancellations must be notified at least 48 hours in advance.

We are commissioned by the London Borough of Hackney and the City of London to provide school-based health services to children and young people attending state-maintained schools from reception to leaving school in the area. We offer the following:

• Health assessments

• Supporting children with disabilities or additional health needs whether in a special or a mainstream school environment

• Safeguarding children

Confidentiality
No information in your child’s school health record will be disclosed without your permission. Where necessary, consent will be sought from parents and carers before any referrals are made.

SBHS school referral form

First set up in 2007, our first 5,000 clubs were created in schools and – supported with Big Lottery funding – reached more than three million people.

We support all of these Let’s Get Cooking clubs by offering recipes, advice, expert training and practical resources.

Growing healthily and maintaining a healthy weight throughout childhood is important for physical, social and mental wellbeing and readiness to learn. It also lays a foundation for future wellbeing, learning and employment.^, Oral health is also an important part of a child’s general health and wellbeing and contributes to the development of a healthy child as well as school readiness. Children who have tooth decay may have pain, infections, difficulties with eating, sleeping and socialising and may require time off school for dental treatment. Diets lower in sugar can prevent both tooth decay and obesity. Children and young people may themselves recognise the benefits of being a healthy weight and having healthy teeth with some already identifying that they need help to make healthier choices to stay healthy, happy and well.

Schools teach pupils about the importance of good nutrition and being physically fit and healthy to maintain their mental health and wellbeing as well as the benefits of having healthy teeth and gums, this is a statutory requirement through relationships education, relationships and sex education (RSE) and health education. The Ofsted Inspection Framework (2023) includes a judgement on the personal development of learners which includes evaluating the extent to which the curriculum and the provider’s wider network helps learners to know how to keep physically and mentally healthy.^,

It is aimed at health and social care professionals and any with a role in reducing the harm extended periods of hot weather can have on health. The service covers England only.

categories of physical climate change

adaptation and resilience measures

relevant to schools in London, which

can help to address the three main

climate change impacts and risks of

overheating, flooding and water

scarcity.

Well, great news – you can. All through our School Plates Programme.

Join over 1,500 schools in London today and be part of the solution.

We exist to challenge the deep inequities around access to swimming, safety, and nature, particularly for communities historically excluded from aquatic and outdoor spaces. Drowning is a global issue that disproportionately affects these communities, and for too long, many have felt excluded from aquatic and outdoor spaces.

Bold Waters is changing that.

Our work is multi-layered and cross generational, combining swim safety and water confidence with wellness, employability, and leadership. We create practical pathways that remove barriers and empower people not just to participate but to lead.

At the heart of Bold Waters is a belief:

Nature is for everyone. Water is for everyone. Leadership is for everyone.

Through four core programmes, we support individuals at every stage:

• Fear to Flow (All ages 14+): we run under and over 18 sessions a supportive entry point for those facing fear or uncertainty around water, designed to build comfort, awareness, and open water confidence

• WaveMakers (14–21): an introduction to water safety, nature, and wellbeing

• Ripple Effect Retreats (Adults): immersive experiences for rest, reconnection, and water confidence

• Global Flow (16-25): an international leadership and employability programme with real world qualifications and global teaching placements.

  
  

Whether it’s your first time in open water or the start of a new career, Bold Waters opens the door to possibility, purpose, and global impact.

Find your pathway to better emotional health

Follow a step-by-step learning journey to build emotional health, resilience and confidence. The evidence-based Solihull Approach model that underpins the bitesize topics has been tested by researchers as well as hundreds of thousands of parents to give you confidence it will make a positive difference in your relationships.

the team about anything.

You can get support with:

• STI (sexually transmitted infection) tests

• Pregnancy tests

• Sexual health and relationship advice

• Contraception (including condoms)

• Emergency contraception

No appointment needed

Building on our U18’s Menstrual Health Toolkit, our Complete Menstrual Health Guide features important topics such as spotting the signs of the five – yes, five – main gynaecological cancers, pelvic floor dysfunction, and menopause. Find out everything you should have been taught at school about menstrual health.

A movement for equity, wellbeing, and water justice.

Bold Waters is a social impact movement using nature and open water to build confidence, connection, and long-term change.

We exist to challenge the deep inequities around access to swimming, safety, and nature, particularly for communities historically excluded from aquatic and outdoor spaces. Drowning is a global issue that disproportionately affects these communities, and for too long, many have felt excluded from aquatic and outdoor spaces.

Bold Waters is changing that.

Our work is multi-layered and cross generational, combining swim safety and water confidence with wellness, employability, and leadership. We create practical pathways that remove barriers and empower people not just to participate but to lead.

At the heart of Bold Waters is a belief:

Nature is for everyone. Water is for everyone. Leadership is for everyone.

Through four core programmes, we support individuals at every stage:

• Fear to Flow (All ages 14+): we run under and over 18 sessions a supportive entry point for those facing fear or uncertainty around water, designed to build comfort, awareness, and open water confidence

• WaveMakers (14–21): an introduction to water safety, nature, and wellbeing

• Ripple Effect Retreats (Adults): immersive experiences for rest, reconnection, and water confidence

• Global Flow (16-25): an international leadership and employability programme with real world qualifications and global teaching placements.

  
  

Whether it’s your first time in open water or the start of a new career, Bold Waters opens the door to possibility, purpose, and global impact.

• Improve eating behaviours and relationship with food

• Build positive body image

• Identify concerns around body image and disordered eating

You are invited to join the network, request and/or share information, ask questions and discuss issues that are important to the health of people with learning disabilities. Here you’ll find lots of mutual support, experience and lots of knowledge.

You can find out more about the UK Health and Learning Disabilities Network here: www.learningdisabilitieshealthnetwork.org.uk

Sexual Health Services in City and Hackney

We have clinics and services throughout the City and Hackney.

You might want to visit a Sexual Health Service if:

• You have or you have not had sex yet

• You have any questions about sex, relationships or your body

All of our services are free and confidential. You can access sexual health services in a number of ways. Click the following headings to find out more:

1. Visit your nearest young person’s walk-in clinic (no appointment needed)

When you visit a sexual health service you can talk to the team about anything. This might be things like:

• You want free condoms

• You would like contraception to prevent pregnancy

• You have had sex and you want emergency contraception

• You have noticed something on your penis or vagina and you would like us to check whether it’s normal

• You have noticed symptoms which suggest a sexually transmitted infection

• You would just like a check-up

Sexual Health Clinics in City and Hackney with a dedicated young people’s service are:

At these two sites you can get: STI Tests, Emergency Contraception, Advice, Condoms, the Pill, Implant and Treatment.

If you’ve never been to a sexual health clinic before, here is a video that shows you what it’s like.

2. Book an appointment 

Some people prefer to book an appointment rather than walk-in. If you prefer to book an appointment click on the links below:

Click here for appointments at Health Spot City & Hackney

Click here for appointments at the Clifden Centre

You can also call Homerton Sexual Health Service on 0207 683 4103 to book an appointment.

3. Free condoms and lube

If you’re under 25 and live, work or study in Hackney or the City of London, you can get free condoms and lubricant through our Condom Distribution Scheme.

Register here for the scheme and pick up condoms from your local pharmacy.

Visit our webpage to find out more including a list of participating pharmacies.

4. Order an online STI test here

More information about:

Contraception

STIs

Testing

If you’re worried you have a sexually transmitted disease, you can always book an appointment at Health Spot City and Hackney here. 

Additionally, free chlamydia treatment is available in community pharmacies across Hackney, so you can pick up your medication at a time and place that suits you.

If you’ve tested positive for chlamydia, getting treatment is now quicker and easier than ever. All you need to do is show the pharmacist your positive test result (e.g. a text message or email), and they’ll provide your treatment without an appointment.

Use this link to find a pharmacy that suits you: https://bit.ly/CHpharmacy 

Confidentiality

Feeling ready for sex

Choosing my doctor

Cost of treatment (it’s free!)

STI Tests

Feeling embarrassed 

Pregnancy (or potential pregnancy)

Consent and the law

LGBTQIA+ services and support

Emotional wellbeing and mental health support

There is lots of different types of support for emotional wellbeing and mental health available across City and Hackney. You can visit the CAMHS Alliance website for more information about the different services available across the borough.

You can also get free, safe and anonymous support from Kooth.com or by calling Childine at 0800 1111.

Remember, we all have mental health and it’s important to look after your wellbeing. You can get ideas on how others are looking after their wellbeing by visit the ‘Five to Thrive’ website.

Mythbusting

Other sources of information

• The NHS Sexual Health Hub has lots more answers to questions you might have on their website.

• Brook, a national charity for young people’s sexual health, also has lots of great information on their website.

• Or come in and speak to one of our friendly sexual health nurses at a clinic near you who will be happy to answer any questions you might have.

GoHenry app and debit card, kids aged 6-18 learn to save, invest, earn and spend – building skills and confidence for life.

On their mission to make every kid smart with money, they’ve been campaigning for 5 years to make financial education part of the curriculum from primary school age. In 2025, they reached their goal. But their hard work doesn’t stop there!

Money lessons won’t reach schools until 2028. That’s years of missed learning for kids. So GoHenry made their award-winning Money Missions completely free on YouTube – over 80 short lessons to help children build real money skills now. Simple, practical learning that fits into busy family life. Try them today.

Raise money-smart kids and money for your school

And big news! GoHenry is now supporting schools too. Every time a parent joins GoHenry through the school's PTA, they will donate £25. Just imagine all the trips, tech and clubs that could fund!

City Advice advisors offer a confidential and impartial service for residents of the City of London, and are qualified to advise on:

• Consumer and employment rights

• Welfare benefits

• Debt

• Housing and legal issues

• Relationships

• Health and wellbeing

The level of help will depend on your enquiry and the type of advice and help you need. A detailed assessment of the problem will give City Advisors a better understanding of the situation and will be able to offer tailor made advice. You can then decide if you prefer to take action yourself or let City Advice act on your behalf.

Our free Budget planner helps you keep track of your spending.

Budget planner

• Benefits

• Everyday money

• Family & care

• Homes

• Money troubles

• Pensions & retirement

• Savings

• Work

• Blog

• Tools & calculators

MECC Link is a simple but flexible Very Brief Intervention (VBI) and signposting tool that has been carefully designed to support an approach to positive behaviour change called 'Making Every Contact Count' (MECC).

How does MECC Link work?

MECC Link helps you to raise awareness, motivate and signpost people to help them to improve their health and wellbeing. At the touch of a button you can access information on full range of self-care, national and local support services.

Giant food companies flood our world with their products, then manipulate us using cute, colourful, clever marketing. They deceive us with packaging, and pump millions into making sure their junk-filled products are always in the spotlight. It’s constantly being forced down our throats. It’s the cultural wallpaper. It’s hidden in the small print.

Now, it’s endangering the health of a generation. The good news? It’s totally preventable. And we’re biting back.

All schools are expected to promote British values and talking about these values can help build your students’ resilience to extremist narratives. However, it’s not always easy to start the discussion.

This resource pack contains teacher guidance, a short video and PowerPoint slides. The video can act as a starting point, as it aims to introduce students to key ideas and vocabulary. Teachers can show the full video and pause at key points for discussion, or use the shorter snippets to focus on particular themes.

Separate resources are also available explaining Islamic extremism, extreme right-wing and left-wing, anarchist and single-issue extremism.

Discreetly intercepting flagged search terms and signposting to free, 24/7 mental health support

To help schools raise awareness, we have made available a set of clear, accessible posters designed for classrooms and staffrooms. These resources can help you start those important conversations and include a memorable SAFE mnemonic to support safer online behaviour.

Download the posters below and start the conversation today.

To help schools raise awareness, we have made available a set of clear, accessible posters designed for classrooms and staffrooms. These resources can help you start those important conversations and include a memorable SAFE mnemonic to support safer online behaviour.

Download the posters below and start the conversation today.

We would always prefer children to have a school lunch which complies with the nutritional standards. However, it’s not always that easy particularly for children who are neurodiverse or more cautious with their food. Our research shows that 62% of children have a packed lunch at least once per week.

So we have created a free resource pack for schools to support parents and carers to succeed with healthier lunchboxes.

This toolkit simply helps schools to direct parents & carers to the expert tips, advice and tools we have created to support them (see below). We do not expect any direct intervention by schools, but if schools wish this toolkit could be used at a parent engagement event. 

The toolkit includes a  guide for schools plus a flyer you can send to your families.

100% anonymous

Expert advice and help

We understand that being online is important for children and young people.

It’s also important to feel in control of what happens in the digital world. Being online can be confusing, and you can encounter conflicting advice and information on sexual relationships through pornography, social media or other online sources.

Our website offers upfront and clear information on sex and the law to make sure you:

• are well informed

• feel supported

• know where you can go for help if you have any concerns or questions

Our topic library, “What to do if…” advice pages and anonymous email service provide a confidential and safe space to help you learn about a range of topics, at your own pace, and get answers to questions that you might not feel comfortable asking friends, family or teachers.

Our aim is for all children and young people to feel informed about all aspects of sex and relationships, to prevent harm from happening to them or others.

Below you’ll find our first five harm reduction booklets focused on common club drugs (with more on the way!).

Each booklet contains practical, evidence-informed guidance to help you stay safer when using drugs, whether you’re partying, connecting, exploring, or supporting a friend.

Sex, Drugs & Care 4 All (SDC4ALL) is a collaborative programme between The Love Tank and Antidote. It brings together everything we do to support safer, more informed, and more compassionate approaches to chems use within queer and trans communities. 

SDC4ALL was created in direct response to insights from community-led research, and years of lived-experience knowledge from people who use drugs, frontline workers, and harm reduction activists. You can read more about this programme and the training we offer within it here.

You can talk about anything. Whether it’s something big or small, our trained counsellors are here to support you.

Childline is free, confidential and available any time, day or night. You can talk to us:

• by calling 0800 1111

• by email

• through 1-2-1 counsellor chat

Whatever feels best for you. 

• providing support early, spotting mental health problems before they develop and helping children and young people cope with challenges throughout their lives

• using an effective therapeutic approach backed by research that combines several ways of working

• offering a range of mental health support services, including advice and support for families and school staff, to build resilience and raise awareness of mental health across the whole school community.

Samaritans is the charity that prevents suicide through the power of human connection.

Connecting people in crisis with trained volunteers who will always listen.​ People calling for change with those who need to listen.​ People who’ve been there before, with those struggling now.​

We are the leading national patient charity for people living with all types of allergy. We work with government, professional bodies, healthcare professionals and corporates towards our vision and to help improve the lives of the millions of people with allergic disease.

We are working towards the changes that will make a difference to people’s lives. That is why our mission is for everyone in the UK to take allergy seriously. We believe that people with allergy deserve better.

Our Vision: No one should die of allergy

Our Mission: For everyone in the UK to take allergy seriously

We believe BAMER women’s needs are multi-faceted and intersectional. We therefore adopt a holistic approach to service delivery where we aim to achieve the most positive impact possible by responding to women’s practical, social, emotional, intellectual, financial, and aspirational needs simultaneously.

For more than 35 years, LAWA has worked tirelessly to make this world a place where women and children are free from violence and oppression and can achieve their right to self-determination. We offer holistic and intersectional services ranging from emergency refuge homes, advice and support, crèche, English classes, counselling, a Change Maker empowerment programme, a housing policy project (WAHA) and children and young people’s services.

Galop works directly with thousands of LGBT+ people who have experienced abuse and violence every year. We specialise in supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence, hate crime, honour-based abuse, forced marriage, so-called conversion therapies, and other forms of interpersonal abuse. We are a service run by LGBT+ people, for LGBT+ people, and the needs of our community are at the centre of what we do.

We run four national support helplines for LGBT+ victims and survivors of: domestic abuse; hate crime; rape and sexual abuse; and so-called “conversion therapy”. We provide longer-term support to thousands of LGBT+ victims and survivors of abuse through our advocacy services. We are person-centred, empowerment-based, and trauma-informed – meaning our focus is always on helping our clients decide what is best for them, and then supporting them through their journey.

We were set up specifically to provide free and specialist counselling for women; to help them address the complex psychological trauma caused by domestic abuse, on their mental health and emotional wellbeing.

Our independent, confidential services are exclusively for women who have experienced domestic abuse including but not limited to:

• domestic violence

• coercive control

• emotional abuse

• sexual abuse

• financial abuse

• controlling behaviour

We provide a safe environment where women can discuss their experiences openly and without fear of being judged; to process their thoughts; and to understand, express and learn to manage their feelings with the help of our specially trained therapists.

Most importantly, we recognise that domestic abuse is about more than violent behaviour; coercive, controlling relationships can also cause lasting emotional and psychological harm.

We are a women-led service supporting women, and all of our staff and volunteers are women.

Whatever form abuse comes in – from rape and trafficking to relationships based on psychological or financial control – we support women to be safe. We know escaping abuse can be the hardest thing a woman ever does. That’s why we’re here.

We find creative and innovative ways to support thousands of women and children in London each year.

Stand with us to end violence and abuse now.

Service details

What is domestic abuse?

When a family member, partner or ex-partner is abusive and the people involved are aged 16 or over.

Behaviour is “abusive” if it consists of any of the following:

• physical or sexual abuse

• violent or threatening behaviour

• controlling or coercive behaviour

• economic abuse

• psychological, emotional or other abuse

It does not matter whether the behaviour consists of a single incident or a course of conduct.

Domestic abuse is a crime. Domestic abuse comes in many forms.

Who does the Domestic Abuse Intervention Service (DAIS) help?

The service works with anyone:

• Aged 16 or over

• Living in Hackney or City of London

• Of any sex and/or gender

• Of any sexuality

• Experiencing domestic abuse or hurting others through domestic abuse

What does the Domestic Abuse Intervention Service do?

If you or a loved one is experiencing domestic abuse we will:

• Listen to you

• Assess how safe you are

• Help you with your legal and housing rights

• Help you if you go to court 

• Help you to get legal protection

• Work with you and other professionals to help make you safer.

Making you safer might involve:

• Helping you separate from the person who is hurting you

• Involving extra services to help you with your needs

• Trying to reduce your risks if you want to remain with the person who is hurting you

If you are hurting someone, we can support you to change your behaviour. We offer:

• A 26-week group domestic abuse perpetrator programme (DAPP) for people in heterosexual relationships

• One-to-one help for people in LGBT relationships

• One-to-one help for people using violence towards a family member

• One-to-one help for women using violence

Feeling lonely is not something to be embarrassed about. We can all feel lonely, regardless of life experiences, age, or background. 

Everyone will have a different experience of loneliness and different reasons for why they are feeling this way. There is no one way to effectively deal with loneliness but lots of different things that can and do help.

We do not provide direct services or have a helpline, but lots of support is available from charities. Visit our helpful links page for more information on the support available. Your are not alone.

We empower young people with the confidence, skills and networks needed to launch their careers, while working with employers to make the systems change needed for underrepresented young people to thrive.

We empower young people with the confidence, skills and networks needed to launch their careers, while working with employers to make the systems change needed for underrepresented young people to thrive.

You are invited to join the network, request and/or share information, ask questions and discuss issues that are important to the health of people with learning disabilities. Here you’ll find lots of mutual support, experience and lots of knowledge.

You can find out more about the UK Health and Learning Disabilities Network here: www.learningdisabilitieshealthnetwork.org.uk