Did you realise there are alternative routes to access support without seeing your GP?
Gwent Health Guide Online Tool
The Gwent Health Guide is a new online tool designed to assist the residents of Gwent in navigating the complexities of our local healthcare system. The online resource offers advice on where to go for a wide range of health and well-being concerns in the Gwent area, from life-threatening illnesses and injuries, to mental health difficulties and minor ailments. This aims to empower patients in finding the right health and well-being services for themselves, their family members, and loved ones.
The web tool is accessible through the Health Board’s website at: https://abuhb.nhs.wales/hospitals/gwent-health-guide/
Direct Access Physiotherapy
You can now self refer to Direct Access Physiotherapy, please complete the Self-Referral Form below:
Physiotherapy Self-Referral Form
Free NHS advice and treatment from your local pharmacist – Choose Pharmacy – Treatment for Common Ailments
Psychological Health Practitioners
Panteg Health Centre has a Psychological Health Practitioner based in the surgery most Thursday afternoons.
Psychological Health Practitioners (PHPs) are experienced mental health practitioners. They are a good first point of contact for people with mild- to moderate mental health problems. They understand a wide range of mental health conditions and the things that can help. Some PHPs offer appointments in the GP surgery and some work remotely (by computer or telephone). PHP appointments can be up to 45 minutes long and aim to help people to make sense of their worries, and difficult or confusing experiences. A PHP will give you information about the problem and show you how to manage these experiences in a helpful way. The PHP can direct you to learn on your own, or with support from another service. PHPs cannot offer any advice about medication. They are also not able to offer diagnosis and counselling. They will help you think through what you need, what you need to do and help you make a plan to meet those needs. If you try something and it doesn’t work out, you can talk to them again and make a new plan.
You do not need to be referred by a GP to see a PHP, ask about an appointment at your GP surgery.
Self Help Referral
Please find below a list of contact numbers for groups who service the Torfaen area. You do not need a GP appointment / referral to access these groups, please feel free to contact them direct if needed:
Disabilities and Long Term Health Conditions
Disability Advice Project – 01633 485865
Domestic Abuse
Women’s Aid – 01495 742052
Help for Men – 0808 80 10 800
Family Support
Families First – 01495 766403 or 766972
Financial Help
Citizens Advice Bureau – 03444 772020
Financial Inclusion Team – 01495 742443 or 742582
Housing Support
Telephone – 01495 766949
Drop in Centres
Cwmbran Job centre – Monday and Thursday 9am – 4pm
Blaenavon Heritage Centre – Tuesday between 10am – 12:30pm
Job centre, Park Road, Pontypool – Tuesday between 1:30pm – 4:00pm
Torfaen Voluntary Alliance, Pontypool – Wednesday between 9am – 4pm
Civic Centre, Pontypool – Friday between 9am – 4pm
Loneliness and Isolation
Community Connectors – 01495 742397
Mental Health
Gwent Mental Health Consortium – 01633 810718
Mind – 01495 757393
Road to Well Being (Inc Stress Control) – 0330 053 5596….select option 2