Health and wellbeing

Worrying about money can really impact your mental health and sense of wellbeing. This page has information about ways you can improve your well-being, where to find the right support if you are finding it hard to cope and more.

Our Live Well in Portsmouth drop-in events aim to connect city residents to local organisations offering cost of living and health support and advice. Find upcoming dates for Live Well events.

The Portsmouth Wellbeing Service helps local people stop smoking, drink less alcohol and get to a healthy weight.

If you are concerned about your or a loved one’s use of drugs or other substances, there are local services that can provide advice and support.

Find information about bereavement support available locally, including free practical and emotional support, for both adults and children.

If you’re not sure where to get support visit Portsmouth Mental Health Hub or call 0300 123 6621 (Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm), to talk to the team.

Find Adult mental health support in Portsmouth. Drop-in sessions, psychotherapy counselling, and contacts for information about mental health problems and treatments.

Find Children and young persons mental health support

Find local mental health and wellbeing groups offering sports activities, learning experiences, music and arts-based events and talk-based support around Portsmouth.

Visit NHS Mental Health resources for guides, tools and activities that support your mental health.

Five Ways To Wellbeing gives five practical ways to keep yourself mentally well.

Research* shows that the cost of living crisis is preventing victims from fleeing domestic abuse. If you are experiencing domestic violence or abuse, and feel trapped because of your financial situation, you’re not alone. Find out what help and support is available.

*Source: The cost of living – Women’s Aid (womensaid.org.uk)

Keeping active and socialising can help improve mental health and wellbeing. If you or someone you know would you like to get out and about and make friends, but lack the confidence to do so our Community Connectors can help.

Find low cost or free activities to do in Portsmouth.

If you get a means-tested benefit and live in Portsmouth you can apply for Portsmouth leisure card which entitles you to discounts at Portsmouth City Council facilities and sports centres, swimming pools, golf, museums and other services.

Portsmouth City of Sanctuary has a number of groups providing free activities for people who are seeking asylum, or refugees, including English classes, football, dance, a women’s group and allotment use.  To take part, just drop in to their weekly Hub, every Monday, any time between 10am-1pm.

Walking for wellbeing. If you’re looking to improve your fitness, enjoy the outdoors and make new friends, try one of our free guided wellbeing walks Find out more and sign up Ramblers Wellbeing Walks

Social activities and groups for adults – are you looking to join a new activity, make friends and explore your area? The council runs a variety of social activities and groups for adults across the city. There’s something for everyone – including walking, reading, knitting, gardening cookery, and culture and faith groups. As well as taking part, there are also opportunities to volunteer and help run the sessions.

If you have a low income, you may be able to get help with NHS costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS). This could include help with prescription, dental and eyecare costs.

Pharmacy First is a scheme that allows people who receive certain benefits to go straight to their pharmacist for the treatment of selected minor ailments, without needing to visit a GP.

If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk, if you’re on certain benefits. If you’re eligible for the healthy start scheme, you’ll be sent a Healthy Start card with money on it that you can use in some UK shops, you can also get free vitamins.