If you need urgent care over the upcoming long weekend, local health services are here to help and can be accessed via 111 online or on the phone.

But if you have a minor ailment such as coughs and colds, rashes or a fever have you thought about self-care and how it can you save time, leaving you to enjoy more of the weekend with your friends and families?

The bank holiday take place on 27 of the month and some services will either remain closed or change their opening hours.

You can help keep yourself well by:

  • Making sure your medicine cabinet is stocked up
  • Order the medication that you need from your repeat prescriptions in advance, so you don’t run out
  • Knowing where your local pharmacy is and the opening times
  • Eating healthy and if you are cooking outdoors make sure food is cooked properly
  • Moderating your alcohol intake
  • Taking time out and thinking about your mental health

If you need support with your mental health, help is available.

If you are experiencing something that makes you feel unsafe, distressed, or worried about your mental health, you can now contact your local crisis service in Dorset by calling NHS 111 and selecting the mental health option.

You can call for yourself, or someone else. NHS 111 is for all ages, including children and young people and those with neurodevelopmental needs.

If you’re deaf or have hearing loss, please use the following link to be connected to local crisis service

https://signvideo.co.uk/nhs111/.

If you aren’t able to make the call yourself, then anyone can call on your behalf – for example a friend, carer, loved one or even your GP. You can also access NHS 111 online via 111.nhs.uk.

Dorset’s Connection helpline is open 24/7 for mental health support, advice and signposting for anyone across the county. Direct dial 0800 652 0190 or call NHS 111 and select the mental health option.

If you or someone you are with has an emergency or is in a life-threatening situation, don’t hesitate call 999

For more information on local services visit www.staywelldorset.nhs.uk.