The NHS in Sussex is expanding access to urgent dental care appointments following the success of a pilot programme last year. More appointments are being made available across Sussex, including in Eastbourne, Hastings, Lewes, Rother, and Wealden.

The initiative will provide same-day urgent care appointments and also offers courses of treatment, reducing the need for recurring visits.

People in need of urgent dental care who don’t have a regular dentist can access the service by calling the Sussex Dental Helpline on 0300 123 1663 or emailing [email protected].

The local NHS has shared advice on keeping well, when you may need to seek medical help for respiratory infections, and how to get advice.

Find out who is at higher risk of respiratory infections and get tips on staying warm and well this winter.

Penny shared her story during Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, as she wants it to be a powerful reminder of the importance of regular screening. Early detection saves lives.

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, yet two women die every day from it. It’s most common in women aged between 30 and 35, but it can happen at any age, and anyone with a cervix can get it. If you missed your last cervical screening appointment, contact your GP practice or visit your local sexual health clinic.

This is a list of people who, because of their age, illness, disability, or personal circumstances, may need extra support if there are issues with their water, electricity, or gas supply. This could be during planned work or an emergency. It’s also a way for the company to know about any particular communication needs you might have.

It’s a good idea to register before emergencies come along to make sure you’re prepared. Find out who can sign up and how to register:

These sessions are ideal for:

• outreach workers
• people using opiate based medications or heroin
• carers, friends or relatives of drug users
• hostel managers
• local business owners
• someone working in an environment where there is a risk of opiate overdose, and Nyxoid may be useful.

However anyone can attend, whether it’s helpful for your professional role or you simply want to be prepared to help in an emergency.

Sessions are running during February and March. Take this opportunity to equip yourself with vital first-aid skills that could help save a life.

People with a severe mental illness are at greater risk of physical ill health, and an annual physical health check can help to identify any potential issues or conditions that might need investigation or treatment. For example, heart disease, breathing conditions and some cancers.

If you have a diagnosis of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and/or experience psychosis and you’re 18 or over, you can benefit from the free annual health check. You, your family or carer can contact your GP practice to request one.

When temperatures plummet, conditions for people sleeping on the streets can be harsher than ever. From arranging for outreach to offering a hot drink, here are some ways you can help people experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping in East Sussex:

Over 260 people attended a series of five events to make sure they have the latest information on what services and support are available over the colder months, and beyond. This will help staff and volunteers give information and advice to people who need it.

Attendees had the opportunity to hear from a range of local services. Presentations covered topics including Pharmacy First, support to stay warm and well at home, getting money advice, One You East Sussex (our local, free health and wellbeing service), tackling loneliness, and the NHS app.

The events were funded through Citizens Advice locally and organised as part of the Integrated Community Team programme.

If you’d like to learn more about the range of winter advice and support available in East Sussex, take a look at our recent winter advice article.