Colchester City of Sanctuary

Registering with a GP or dentist

You can register with a GP or dentist. You DO NOT need proof of address, an ID or immigration status to register.

Information can be found here on how to register with a GP.

You can find your nearest GP here: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-gp

You can find your nearest dentist here: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-dentist

It is unlikely you will be able to register with your near dentist as many are not taking on new NHS clients.

Some healthcare services might need to be paid for, and you may be able to help with the costs.

In case of emergencies, you should contact NHS by calling 111 or visiting https://111.nhs.uk/ if you need medical help right away but not sure what to do.

If urgent, call 999 or go to your nearest accident and emergency hospital. In Colchester this is at the General Hospital on Turner Rd, CO4 5JL

When to go to A&E
Colchester General Hospital

Mental health support

It is common for people to experience mental health difficulties when they have just been granted refugee status. Please do reach out to these organisations if you need support with your mental health and always remember to speak with your GP.

The local child and adolescent mental health service

The service can help any child or young person with things like low mood, anxiety, sleep problems, trauma and loss. The service may help directly or point towards more appropriate support.

You can contact them on 0800 953 0222 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday - or 0800 995 1000 outside of these hours.

You can also email them at SET-CAMHS.referrals@nelft.nhs.uk.

Adult mental health and wellbeing team

This service provides practical advice for those experiencing mental health concerns like anxiety and depression.

You can contact them on 0333 032 2958 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday - outside of these hours, call 111 and select option 2 for mental health crisis support.

You can also email them at MH.wellbeingteam@essex.gov.uk.

Samaritans

Emotional Support: 116 123

Mid and North East Essex Mind

Mental health support service.

Papyrus, HOPELINE UK

Confidential support and advice service for people under the age of 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide, or anyone concerned that a young person could be thinking about suicide.

0800 068 4141, pat@papyrus-u

Mindline trans+

A confidential support helpline for people who identify as Transgender, agender, gender fluid and non-binary.

0300 330 5468

Mon & Fri 8pm-12pm

Mind Out

Mental health support service for LGBTQ+ people.

01273 234839, info@mindout.org.uk

RAMA

RAMA offer counselling services, translation support, community support, befrienders, online groups and can refer to Together We Grow and iCARP

Together We Grow

• Talking therapy group
• 1-to-1 case work opportunities
• Preparation and cooking of a nutritious meal
• A range of horticultural activities
• A group activity/game to end each session

ICARP

• Psychometric scale-led assessments for those that require and signpost them to appropriate mental health services.
• Access to the fishing lakes.
• Interaction with our onsite bee hives.
• Access to our extensive collection of rare breed chickens.
• Each week a cooked meal will be provided for all that attend. Cooking cultural meals to help reconnect to cultural roots through authentic recipes and shared eating with others.