Advice and Information

World Suicide Prevention Day takes place on 10th September each year. It is an opportunity for people, communities and organisations around the world to come together to raise awareness of suicide prevention and encourage conversations that could help save lives. The 2026 theme is ‘Changing the narrative on suicide’, with a call to action to ‘Start the Conversation’.

With the recent news of an Amber Heat Health Alert for North East England and more serious red alerts for southern England, how can you take steps to cope and protect others in periods of very hot and humid weather?

We're sharing some tips from the NHS, the Met Office and the UK Health Security Agency to help our communities.

People have contacted Healthwatch County Durham with concerns about recent changes to their medications, including reductions in long‑term prescriptions. Common themes include; Why has my medication been reduced? Why has my medication been changed? Why does my medication look different? Why can I no longer get my usual medication?

Since 2019 demand across NHS England for ADHD and Autism assessments has increased. NHS services have not been able to expand at the same pace as the demand which means more people are on the waiting list and expected to wait longer for an assessment. To help reduce waiting times in the North East and North Cumbria, there are additional providers commissioned by the Integrated Care Board (ICB) to carry out ADHD assessments.

Feeling nervous about visiting the dentist is very common. In fact, around 4 in 10 adults feel nervous about visiting the dentist.

You've told us that you've experienced problems registering with a GP. This article explains more about how to register with a gp, what your rights are and what to do if you're refused the right to register.

Are you a refugee or seeking asylum in England? Learn about how to access NHS care and what services you’re entitled to.

We've published new research showing that there are significant gaps between the choices patients want when booking a GP appointment and the ones they are offered. But what choices should you get at your GP practice?

Waiting for an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) assessment can take a long time. What support is available for people while they wait?

Does signing up with your dentist work the same way as registering with your GP? If you think the answer is yes, you're not alone.

Learn what NHS 111 is and how you can use the service to book an A&E appointment

A second opinion is when you choose to request the expertise of another healthcare professional after you've been given a diagnosis or treatment plan. What are the new rules about second opinions and and how can you request one?