The Government has confirmed that the day of the Queen’s State Funeral, Monday 19 September, will be a bank holiday to allow the nation to pay their respects and mark the Queen’s remarkable 70 years of service.

NELFT would like to remind people how to access health services over the bank holiday should they need them.

It is important to note that the NHS remains open for you this bank holiday weekend. If you have an urgent care need, please don’t wait. Reach out for help by contacting NHS 111/NHS 111 online for urgent medical help.

Knowing when your GP practice is open and planning ahead for repeat prescriptions will ensure you have everything you need ahead of the bank holiday weekend. You can order your medication using the NHS App, or through your GP practice, which may also have an online service.

Some local Pharmacies may have different opening hours during a bank holiday search “find a pharmacy NHS” to find an open pharmacy near you.

It is normal that some people may experience feelings of grief at this time. Events such as this can remind us of our own personal losses. If you are struggling, please don't suffer in silence. You can find out more about symptoms of bereavement, grief and loss as well as advice and support to deal with them on the NHS website.

There is no ‘right way’ to grieve, no rules about how somebody will feel, and how long it will take. Grief affects us in different ways. When we are bereaved, we are likely to feel waves of emotions as we come to terms with loss. These can include sadness, guilt, shock and anger. All are normal after a death.

The bereavement charity Cruse Bereavement Care has clear guidance on the best ways to help someone bereaved. Although it may be difficult – and it may seem to others that the grieving person doesn’t want to talk – it really is best for them to keep communicating in whatever way they can.

The Good Grief Trust and At A Loss provide support for wherever you live in London. You can also search for bereavement services in your area by finding out what your local council offers.

There are also a range of helpful listening services available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

• The Samaritans are here to listen at any time of the day or night. Call 116 123.
• The helpline team at The Silver Line can offer information, friendship and advice to older people. Call 0800 4 70 80 90.
• Get confidential 24/7 text support from Shout for any time when you need immediate assistance. Just text “SHOUT” to 85258 for free.

London’s digital wellbeing service, Good Thinking, has a helpful bereavement section on its website about loss and grief, including resources to help you cope with loss and support others who are grieving.

You can get further support from NHS-approved online resources. For example, to help build resilience and maintain good wellbeing, there’s a range of resources for everyone at Every Mind Matters.

Whilst grief is a natural response to loss, some people may need additional, specialised support to help them to cope. Anyone who is feeling overwhelmed by their grief can call their local NHS urgent mental health helpline. You can call for 24-hour advice and support for you, your child, your parent, or someone you care for - support is available for all ages.

If you do not require urgent support but are still concerned about your mental health, contacting your GP is a good place to start.

Finally, Thrive LDN has created a space called Help Yourself and Others to help share ideas and resources to help improve our wellbeing or to find out how to support others.

Remember - you are not alone, support is available.