Public Health advice

Breastfeeding contributes to the health of mother and child in both the long and short term by providing the baby with all the nutrients they need. 

Currently in Suffolk 73.1% of mothers breastfeed at birth.

Suffolk's breastfeeding service is provided by East Coast Community Healthcare (ECCH). The service offers breastfeeding advice and support 7 days a week including out of hours over the phone, text service, and home visits where necessary. The breastfeeding service has peer supporters to help mums and are UNICEF accredited. 

You can contact the Breastfeeding team on 01284 794119 or via email on ecch.breastfeeding@nhs.net. 

We provide information about breastfeeding friendly venues in Ipswich.

Read more information about breastfeeding on the Healthy Suffolk website.

It is recognised that alcohol, when used in moderation, is an important part of our social interaction, responsibly enjoyed by the majority of all people.

In Suffolk:

• almost a quarter of people aged 16+ were estimated to be drinking at increasing or higher levels in 2008/9
• an estimated 94,395 adults binge drink
• 852 adults attended treatment for alcohol misuse in 2012/13
• there were 16,515 hospital stays for alcohol related harm in 2011/12

Read more information about drinking wisely on the Healthy Suffolk website.

Whatever your age, being smart about the choices you make around what you eat can help you to lead a healthier, happier life.

OneLife Suffolk provide free tips and practical advice on eating smart. They run weight management programmes for adults and children.

For more information read about eating healthily on the Healthy Suffolk website.

Getting active and moving reduces your risk of major illnesses by up to 50%, and lowers your risk of death by up to 30%.

The following services provide information and guidance on getting active:

• OneLife Suffolk offer physical activity support for those with long term conditions who would like to become more active and their Stepping Out in Suffolk health walks programme offers over 200 free health walks each month across the county.
• Active Suffolk
• NHS: Couch to 5K
• Change4Life: Activities
• Start4Life: Exercising in pregnancy
• Suffolk: Most Active County

Read more information about exercise on the Healthy Suffolk website.

Good mental health and wellbeing is important in order to feel good about yourself, to get the most out of your life and to feel connected to others.

Wellbeing Norfolk & Waveney and Wellbeing Suffolk offer a range of free support services, including:

• stress control and wellbeing workshops
• telephone support
• short term therapy
• one to one counselling

Read more information about mental health and wellbeing on the Healthy Suffolk website.

Health checks help to prepare you for the future and identify ways to improve your health.

You are eligible for a health check if you:

• are aged between 40 and 74
• have not been diagnosed with high blood pressure, kidney disease, diabetes or had a stroke 

How to arrange your free NHS health check 

If you meet our eligibility criteria you will be sent a letter from your GP inviting you to book your health check.

For more information visit www.healthcheck.nhs.uk or NHS checks on the Healthy Suffolk website.

Voluntary and community groups within Suffolk can play a vital part in assisting an individual's recovery journey.

We offer grants of up to £10,000 to voluntary or community groups (and partnerships) to help fund a new project or expand activities for people in recovery.  

Find out more about the recovery grant scheme, including how to apply, on the Healthy Suffolk website.

In Suffolk there are a range of services to support your sexual health needs.

Specialist sexual health services

Specialist sexual health services offer a free, confidential service providing contraception, sexual health advice, testing and treatment and HIV care and treatment.

iCaSH Suffolk provides contraception and sexual health services in a number of clinics in Suffolk.

Book an appointment with iCaSH Suffolk on 0300 123 3650.

Read more information about sexual health on the Healthy Suffolk website.

GP practices

All GPs provide contraceptive services, such as:

• Long Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) (e.g. the coil or implant)
• Emergency Hormone Contraception (EHC)

GPs also screen for chlamydia, a common sexually transmitted disease for those aged under 25.

Pharmacies

Most pharmacies provide free Emergency Hormone Contraception, as well as screening for chlamydia.

Nearly 1 in 5 adults in Suffolk smoke. Approximately half will die from the habit.

Onelife Suffolk can help you kick the habit for good. In fact, you are 4 times more likely to quit with their support. They provide:

• One to one and group sessions
• Tips and advice
• Nicotine replacement products
• Other prescription medication
• Free weight management and physical activity courses if you are worried quitting could cause weight gain

Contact OneLife Suffolk online or phone 01473 719193.

Your GP surgery or pharmacy can also help you to quit smoking. Contact your registered practice or local pharmacy for more information.

Smoking in pregnancy

We welcome referrals from pregnant women. You can self-refer by contacting OneLife Suffolk.

Read more information about smoking during pregnancy on the Healthy Suffolk website.

We commission treatment services for drug and alcohol misuse for adults and young people.

Dealing with the personal and social consequences of substance misuse requires all the agencies in Suffolk to work together.

If you or a family member or friend need advice about substance misuse or would like to make a referral into treatment:

• email suffolk@turning-point.co.uk
• phone 0300 123 0872

For information about alcohol misuse see our Drink wisely section.

Services that can help you: 

• Talk to Frank
• DrugWise
• Iceni Project

Read more information about drug and alcohol misuse on the Healthy Suffolk website.