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Public Health

Help save lives in your community

The London Ambulance Service has launched the HeartStarters campaign with the aim of increasing access to life-saving defibrillators in the places where they are needed most. Every minute counts in a cardiac arrest and having a defibrillator nearby can significantly improve survival rates.

We want you to identify places in your neighbourhood to install a defibrillator. It could be outside a community building or place of worship, a sheltered spot in a row of shops, or a communal space in a residential area. We are also looking for guardians who will keep an eye on the defibrillators every once in a while to check they are in good working order.

Installation is free and training will be given to you and members of your community to learn how to use a defibrillator and also basic first aid.

If you have a suitable location, or just to find out more details, email BexleyChampions@selondonics.nhs.uk.

St John Ambulance free learning session

Could you save a life? Join St John Ambulance and the London Borough of Bexley for a free, hands-on session to learn essential lifesaving skills and build your confidence in an emergency. St John Ambulance free learning session

Could you save a life? Join St John Ambulance and the London Borough of Bexley for a free, hands-on session to learn essential lifesaving skills and build your confidence in an emergency.

Learn CPR for adults, children and babies, how to respond to severe bleeding, the recovery position and how to use a defibrillator. There will also be a chance to ask questions and practise your skills.

The session takes place at Civic Offices, 2 Watling Street, Bexleyheath, DA6 7AT, on Saturday 19 September, from 9.30am to 4pm. No booking is needed, just drop in. Sessions take around 45 minutes, with free parking available in the rear car park.

Whether you are learning for the first time or refreshing your skills, you could be better prepared to help when it matters most.

Ageing Well event – save the date!

Join us for a free event celebrating ageing well in Bexley and discover what’s on your doorstep! Learn about local services, explore new interests, or simply pop in for a cup of tea and a chat. Everyone is welcome.

Saturday 3 October 2026, 10.30am to 2pm - Bexley Civic Offices, DA6 7AT

STOPTOBER

Stoptober starts on 1 October. You are up to three times more likely to quit successfully with stop smoking support - and free help is available across Bexley. The Bexley Stop Smoking Service offers:

  • 12 weeks of free support from a specialist adviser (phone or face-to-face)
  • Access to stop smoking aids (medications, nicotine replacement therapy, starter vapes ages 18+)

Get support today

To get support today, phone 0800 783 2514 or visit the Smoke Free Bexley website.

Prefer digital support?

Bexley residents can access the premium Smoke Free app for free, including 24/7 support with a specialist advisor and stop smoking aids delivered to your door.

For more information, visit the Stop Smoking London website.

10 minutes to a healthier, happier you!

Just ten-minute bursts of exercise spread throughout the day can help you feel healthier and happier. Staying physically active helps us all to stay healthy, independent and avoid injury and helps maintain good wellbeing.

If finding the time for a full workout is a challenge, everyday tasks provide a great opportunity for strength training and cardio. All these tasks count towards your exercise goal and can contribute to improving health when carried out regularly: 

  • walking to the shops 
  • gardening
  • dancing
  • DIY
  • active play 

Think about how you could include these activities in your daily routine to boost your physical health.

MenB vaccination

A time-limited MenB vaccination programme is now available for eligible young people. The vaccine helps protect against meningococcal disease, which can cause meningitis and sepsis.

If you are 17 or 18 and registered with a GP in England, you can book your vaccine online now.

If you are under 25 and are starting university or further education college as a residential student for the first time, you can get a vaccine at a participating pharmacy. You do not need to be registered with a GP surgery.

The MenB vaccine is given as two doses, at least four weeks apart. Eligible young people are encouraged to get both doses of the vaccine as soon as they can.

HIV screening

Haven’t been to your HIV appointments for a while? You’re not alone and you’ll be welcomed back when you’re ready.

Get in touch with THT Direct for free and confidential support by visiting the 'It’s worth another try' website.

Free condoms: under 25s

Young people can get free condoms and lube via Bexley’s C-Card Scheme by visiting the Come Correct website.

This is a free and confidential scheme. It doesn’t cost anything to join and won’t tell anyone that you are using it.

For all your Sexual Health needs, please visit the Sexual Health Bexley website.