People are being encouraged by health and care partners across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent to take the right steps to look after their health as part of a new campaign.

As it gets closer to winter, the Think campaign urges locals to stay well, act early and get the right help, right time, first time.

It aims to help people understand the range of health and care support available to them, take simple steps to protect their health and make informed choices about where to go when they need advice, treatment or support.

By thinking ahead and being aware of where to go for support, people can often get help more quickly and avoid unnecessary stress if they are unwell.

The campaign promotes the support available through self-care, NHS 111, community pharmacy, GP practice teams, urgent care services and mental health support meaning individuals can make the right decisions for them about their health and wellbeing.

The main messages of the campaign are as follows:

Think Self-Care – Keep vaccinations up to date if eligible, stay active, eat well, keep warm and be prepared to manage common illnesses at home.

Think NHS 111 First – If you're not sure what to do, contact NHS 111 online or by phone for advice and support 24 hours a day.

Think Pharmacy – Community pharmacists can provide expert advice and treatment for many common illnesses and minor health concerns, often without an appointment.

Think GP Practice Team – GP practices include a range of healthcare professionals, including nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists and mental health practitioners, who can provide the right support for patients' needs.

Think Urgent Care – the Walk-in Centre at Haywood, Minor Injury Units and Urgent Treatment Centres can provide treatment for many urgent but non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries.

Think Mental Health – Anyone experiencing urgent mental health distress can access support through NHS 111 by selecting the mental health option.

Think Emergency Care – Emergency Departments and 999 services should be used for serious and life-threatening illnesses and injuries.

Dr Salma Reehana, GP and chief medical officer at NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent and NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, said: "As we approach the winter months, it is important that everyone knows where they can go for help when they need it.

"Taking a moment to understand the support available can help you get the right help more quickly and with less stress when you need it.

"Whether that is looking after yourself at home, speaking to your local pharmacist, contacting your GP practice team or using NHS 111, there are a range of services available to support you.

"Every small choice can make a difference and helps ensure our urgent and emergency services are available for those who need them most.

"Our local health and care teams continue to work together to prepare for the challenges that winter can bring.

"However, there is also an important role for all of us in helping to protect ourselves, our families and our communities.

"By taking simple steps to stay well, acting early when they need support and getting the right help, right time, first time, people can help themselves while helping local health and care services support those who need them most."

Click here for more information about services in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.

Header image via Gordon Griffiths on Geograph