Advice and Information

Confidential sexual health services are available across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, offering everything from testing and contraception to advice and ongoing support. But knowing where to go, what to expect, and your rights when accessing care can make all the difference. This guide brings together key information on local clinics, services, and support options, helping you feel informed, prepared, and in control of your choices.

A new NHS initiative, Jess’s Rule, aims to improve patient safety by encouraging clinicians to take a fresh look when symptoms persist or go unexplained. Find out what this means for you, why it’s been introduced, and how it could help ensure earlier diagnosis and better care.

The NHS App can save you time and put you in control of your healthcare, but where do you start? Our step-by-step guide walks you through everything you need to know.

From your first appointment to postnatal support, find out how NHS maternity services in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough can support you every step of the way.

Using a mobility scooter or power wheelchair in Cambridgeshire or Peterborough? Staying safe doesn’t have to be complicated. From tips on speed, navigating uneven pavements, and training options, to insurance advice and local support, our guide brings everything together in one place. Discover how to stay confident, in control, and connected and find out where to buy or hire the right equipment locally.

Looking after mental health is important for everyone, but men can face extra barriers when seeking support. This guide highlights local services, groups, and charities across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough that provide safe spaces for men to talk, connect, and improve wellbeing. From peer support groups, to creative sessions and parenting-focused support, there are opportunities for men to find community and care. The guide also includes local mental health charities, online resources, and practical tips for getting started, helping men take the first step towards better mental health.

At Healthwatch, we know how important it is for people to have clear, accessible information when making decisions about care and support. That’s why we’re sharing the Peterborough Guide to Independent Living, a useful resource created by Peterborough City Council to help residents stay independent, safe and well.

Winter bugs and viruses are usually mild, but can sometimes become more serious, particularly in younger children or if an infection spreads to a vulnerable family member. It can be hard to know what to do when your baby/child is ill and when you can manage this at home or need to see a doctor or nurse for more help. These pages give you information about some common childhood illnesses and how to look after your child when they feel poorly with a common illness.

Do you or a loved one need help with everyday tasks, support at home, or care after illness or injury? Adult social care may be able to help.

Social care is different from the treatment you receive from the NHS. While it can include some medical support, social care focuses on practical help so people can live as independently as possible. This care is usually delivered at home, in a care home, or in the community rather than at a GP practice or hospital.

Understanding what support is available – and how to pay for it – can feel overwhelming. Here are the key things you need to know.

✅ How do I get help through adult social care?

The first step is to contact your local council’s adult social care team and request an assessment.

Depending on your situation, you may receive:

A Care/Needs Assessment – if you need support yourself

A Carers Assessment – if you provide unpaid care for someone else

Discharge to Assess / Home First – if you have just left hospital and need support at home

NHS Continuing Healthcare (NHS CHC) – for people with very complex medical needs and ongoing care requirements (this involves a separate assessment)

Assessments are free, and all adults aged 18 or over are entitled to one.

✅ Who can access adult social care?

You may be able to receive support if you are:

An older person

Living with a disability or long-term condition

Recovering from illness, surgery or hospital treatment

Struggling with daily activities at home

If you have family or friends helping with your care, you may not need to pay for all services. Unpaid carers can also receive support with training, wellbeing and respite breaks.

If you qualify, your council will work with you to create a personalised care plan tailored to your needs.

✅ How do I pay for social care?

The council will carry out a financial assessment (often called a “means test”) to decide whether:

Your care will be free

You will contribute towards the cost

You will pay the full cost

This assessment looks at your income, savings, property and other financial assets.

If you qualify for financial support, your council will give you a personal budget that can be used to pay for local services.

Some people with very complex health needs may receive free NHS Continuing Healthcare. If not eligible, you may still qualify for NHS-funded nursing care, where the NHS pays for nursing support in a care home.

✅ What support can social care provide?

Local authorities are responsible for arranging care services. These may be delivered directly by the council, or by local care providers.

Support can include:

Reablement / short-term support to help people regain skills after illness or injury

Personal care – washing, dressing, getting up, using the toilet

Help with household tasks – cleaning, cooking, shopping, eating

Day services – social activities, meals, health support, meeting others

Respite care / carers breaks – short-term care so unpaid carers can take time off

Support with housing for people who are homeless and have care needs

✅ Where can I get more information?

All local authorities have an information and advice service to help you understand:

Care assessments

Eligibility and financial support

Choosing care providers

Personal budgets

Advocacy

Safeguarding concern

If you or a loved one are struggling to get the social care you need, we want to hear from you. Your experiences help us challenge local services and improve support for everyone.

📞 Contact Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
📧 information service@healthwatchcambspboro.co.uk



✅ What’s your experience?

Is getting the support you need too complicated?
Have you been refused care or struggled after hospital discharge?

Click on the link below to tell us your story or to contact Peterborough City Council
Your feedback helps services improve.

Not sure about a diagnosis or treatment plan? You can ask for a second opinion — and now, with Martha’s Rule, patients, families and carers can raise urgent concerns if someone in hospital is deteriorating. Learn how these rights work, how to request reviews safely, and get clear guidance on what support is available.

Many people across Peterborough are facing long waits for planned treatment or investigations. This can feel frustrating, worrying and uncertain. But you still have rights while you wait — and local services should keep you informed and involved in decisions about your care.

Healthwatch England has published new advice to help you understand what you should expect if you’re waiting for NHS treatment.

What you should expect from your care provider:

Even if you are waiting for a long time, NHS staff must:

Keep you updated about what will happen next and when

Explain clearly and in plain language, without medical jargon

Tell you why delays or cancellations happen, and what your options are

Involve you in shared decision-making about your care

Provide advice on how to manage your health while waiting

Tell you who to contact if your condition changes or gets worse

These are not “nice-to-haves” — they are part of providing safe, respectful care.

Support for your mental wellbeing

Waiting for treatment can affect your mental health. Feeling anxious, low, or worried is very common:

Talk to someone you trust

Ask your GP about local mental health support

In urgent distress, contact Samaritans on 116 123

If someone is in immediate danger, call 999

Many people looking after family members or friends are reaching breaking point due to not getting the support or recognition they need. Our advice article signposts you to local and national support to help you in your caring role.