Our services and support in your area
One page to help you find the right help. See the clinics we run at Ashcroft Surgery, meet the wider team who care for you, and find trusted local services in Bradford for your mind, money, family and more.
If you need help now
Call 999 if someone's life is at risk — for example severe bleeding, chest pain, signs of a stroke, or if someone has seriously harmed themselves.
For a mental health crisis in Bradford District and Craven, call First Response on 0800 952 1181 — free, 24 hours a day, every day, for all ages. You can also call NHS 111 for urgent medical or mental health help that is not an emergency.
To talk to someone about anything that's getting to you, call Samaritans free on 116 123, day or night.
Clinics at Ashcroft Surgery
We run a wide range of clinics to keep you well — not just to treat you when you're poorly. To book any clinic, call us on 01274 612 279 or ask at reception.
Antenatal (maternity) clinic
Run by our community midwives for anyone who is pregnant. They check on your health and your growing baby all the way through pregnancy.
Asthma and COPD reviews
Regular check-ups for people with asthma or COPD. Please come even if you feel fine — these reviews help stop serious breathing attacks before they happen.
Blood pressure clinic
For anyone who has, or may have, blood pressure problems. Good control protects your heart, brain and kidneys.
Blood tests (phlebotomy)
If a doctor or nurse has asked you to have a blood test, you can book to have it done here at the surgery.
Child health and well baby clinic
Mondays, 1.30pm to 3pm. No appointment needed. Baby weighing, development checks and childhood immunisations, with your first baby check at around 6 to 8 weeks. Please come early — it gets busy near 3pm.
This clinic is for children who are well. If your child is suddenly unwell, ring us instead.
Contraception and family planning
All our doctors and nurses give contraception advice, and we fit coils and implants. Book a routine appointment to talk through your options.
Heart health checks
We check your heart disease risk — things like blood pressure and cholesterol — during your routine appointments with the doctor or nurse.
Cryotherapy (wart) clinic
We use liquid nitrogen to freeze off warts. ("Cryo" simply means cold.) Quick, safe and done here at the surgery.
Diabetes clinic
Run by our nurse and doctor. We check how well your diabetes is controlled and adjust your care. Good control now means fewer health problems later — and a longer, healthier life.
Minor surgery and joint injections
Some of our doctors remove small lumps and bumps here at the surgery, in a specially designed room with all the right equipment. Our doctors have regular training and updates for this work. Most also do joint injections in their normal clinics.
Sexual health clinic
Run by doctors with a special interest in sexual health. Everything you tell us stays private and confidential. We test for chlamydia and other sexually transmitted infections. Bring a partner or a friend if it helps.
This friendly clinic is for everyone — whatever your age, gender or sexuality. Young people are especially welcome. Our job is to listen and help, never to judge.
Stop smoking clinic
Run by our health care assistant. Together you'll find the way of quitting that suits you best, with regular support along the way. Stopping smoking is one of the biggest things you can do for your health — and you don't have to do it alone.
Warfarin (INR) checks
If you take warfarin, we can test your blood level quickly here — no hospital trip, no long wait. The clinic is run by our pharmacist and overseen by a doctor. Ask to speak to our in-house pharmacist for details.
Alcohol support clinic
Every Tuesday, 9am to 11.30am, with our alcohol health care worker. You can refer yourself — just ring reception and ask to book in. Friendly, confidential and judgement-free.
Medication reviews
On lots of medicines and not sure what they're all for? Feeling overloaded? Our pharmacist can go through them with you. Call 07944 515 915 to arrange a review.
Travel vaccinations
We do not provide travel vaccinations — but many local pharmacies do. Check what you need on the NHS travel vaccinations page (opens the NHS website) in good time before you travel.
Evenings, weekends and book-direct services
Evening and weekend appointments
Can't get to us during the working day? Through our group of local practices you can see a GP, physiotherapist, nurse or health care assistant outside normal hours:
- Weekday evenings (6.30pm to 9.30pm) at Shipley, Picton and The Ridge medical centres
- Extra Wednesday evenings (6.30pm to 9.30pm) at Moorside Surgery
- Weekends (Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 1pm) at Picton Medical Centre
Ring us on 01274 612 279 to book, or read more on the Bradford Care Alliance website (opens an external website).
Book straight in with our physiotherapist
Injured a muscle or bone? Got a painful neck, back, hip, knee, shoulder or ankle? You don't need to see a GP first.
Just ring 01274 612 279 and ask to book with the First Contact Physiotherapist. Yes — it really is that easy.
Not suitable for inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis — see your GP for those.
The wider team who look after you
Ashcroft works closely with community health teams. Here's who they are, what they do, and how to reach them.
District nurses
The district nurses provide nursing care such as wound care and dressings, leg ulcer care, removing stitches, taking blood, blood vessel scans (Doppler), continence assessments, and caring for people nearing the end of life.
They usually see you at the surgery, where they have all their equipment and can see you sooner. Home visits are kept for people who are housebound.
Case managers
Our case managers are very experienced senior nurses. They help people with several health conditions who feel muddled by it all — too many appointments, too many medicines, or care that doesn't feel joined-up. They can also help with social worries like housing and money, loneliness, or if you keep needing 999 or A&E.
Relatives worried about a frail, complex or seriously ill Ashcroft patient can call too. The case managers will coordinate the different services around you and help you get your independence back.
Midwives
Our community midwifery team looks after all Ashcroft patients who are pregnant, building a relationship with you through pregnancy and birth. Found out you're pregnant? Here's what to do:
- Ring reception and ask to book directly with the midwives. You don't need to see a GP first (though you can if you'd like to).
- Start taking folic acid — one 400 microgram tablet a day, until you're 12 weeks pregnant. You can buy it from any pharmacy.
- Check which foods to be careful with on the NHS foods to avoid in pregnancy page (opens the NHS website).
- Have a think about where you'd like to have your baby — Bradford, Leeds or nearby. The midwife will ask you.
Health visitors
The health visiting team supports families with children aged 0 to 5 — growth and development checks, childhood immunisations, feeding, sleep, behaviour and parenting. If you're worried about a young child, give them a call.
They also help run the well baby clinic at Ashcroft on Mondays, 1.30pm to 3pm — no appointment needed.
Our well-being worker (social prescriber)
Book via reception: 01274 612 279
Some things that affect our health aren't medical at all. Our well-being worker helps with healthy eating and weight, stress and low mood, low confidence, loneliness, carer support, exercise and social groups, volunteering, and finding help with housing, benefits and bereavement.
Living Well advisors
01274 438 884 · hello@mylivingwell.co.uk
Free, friendly, non-judgemental support to start making lifestyle changes — where to begin, what to do next, and motivation to keep going. Visit the My Living Well website (opens an external website).
Local support directory
Bradford is full of good people and free services ready to help. Many let you refer yourself — no GP appointment needed. Use the search box or scroll through the sections below.
Mental health and how you're feeling
In crisis or feeling suicidal?
Call First Response free on 0800 952 1181 — 24 hours a day, every day, for all ages in Bradford District and Craven. They can arrange same-day support through Safe Spaces.
You can also call Samaritans free on 116 123 at any time — you don't have to be suicidal to call. If a life is in danger, call 999.
Guide-Line — someone to talk to
01274 594 594 · open 12 noon to 12 midnight, every day, all ages.
Feeling down, lonely, stressed or unsure? Guide-Line is a friendly local support line run by Bradford District and Craven Mind. You can also chat online at saferspaces.app/guideline (opens an external website).
NHS Talking Therapies (free, self-refer)
01274 221 234 · bdctalkingtherapies.nhs.uk (opens the NHS Talking Therapies website)
Free, confidential NHS therapy for low mood, anxiety, stress and sleep problems — for anyone aged 16 or over registered with a Bradford, Airedale, Wharfedale or Craven GP. You can refer yourself online or by phone. You don't need to see a GP first.
Healthy Minds — everything in one place
The Healthy Minds website (opens an external website) lists all the mental health and wellbeing support in Bradford District and Craven, plus self-help guides. A brilliant first stop.
Children and young people
Kooth — free, safe, anonymous online support for young people: chat with a counsellor, join forums or keep a journal at Kooth.com (opens an external website).
Night Owls — an overnight listening line for children, young people and their families in Bradford District and Craven: call 0800 148 8244 or text 07984 376 950.
Work on your mental health
Get your free, personalised NHS Mind Plan (opens the NHS website) — answer 5 quick questions and get tips made for you.
HelpGuide.org (opens an external website) also has excellent free articles on stress, sleep, anxiety, depression, relationships, parenting and healthy living.
Anxiety, worry and stress — exercises that really help
Watch the three short videos below. The second and third are exercises. Do them twice a day — mid-morning and early evening — every day. Little and often is what makes them work. In between, keep doing things you enjoy: family time, hobbies, getting outside.
Not over-worrying
When we're stressed or scared, our thoughts can run wild and make things feel worse than they are. This short clip shows you how to step back from them.
Belly breathing
Deep, slow breathing using your belly muscles. Good for anyone — including people with asthma or COPD. It is not a replacement for your medication.
Muscle relaxation
Progressive muscle relaxation — tensing and relaxing each muscle group in turn. Only 7 minutes, so it's quick and easy to fit in.
Alcohol and drugs
Help with alcohol
At Ashcroft: book with our alcohol health care worker (Tuesdays 9am to 11.30am) on 01274 612 279.
New Vision Bradford — the free, confidential alcohol and drug service for adults across the district. Call 01274 296 023 (Monday to Friday, 9.15am to 5.15pm) or refer yourself online (opens the New Vision Bradford website). You set your own goal — stopping completely or just cutting down.
Alcoholics Anonymous — free helpline 0800 917 7650 · alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk (opens an external website)
Help with drugs
New Vision Bradford supports adults with any drug concern — prescription medicines, illegal drugs or steroids. Warm, experienced and judgement-free: 01274 296 023 or newvisionbradford.org.uk (opens an external website).
Under 21? One80, run by The Bridge Project, is a dedicated young people's drug and alcohol service: 01274 745 636 · thebridgeproject.org.uk (opens an external website)
Sexual health
Locala Sexual Health (Bradford)
Free, confidential help with STI and HIV testing, contraception, emergency contraception, condoms, pregnancy testing and advice.
- Text a nurse: 07312 263 032 (Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm — they aim to reply within 48 hours, so it's not for emergencies)
- Call: 03033 309 500 (Bradford)
- Under 18? Drop in to the queue-and-wait clinic every Wednesday, 3.30pm to 6.30pm, at Howard House, Bradford BD1 1EE — no appointment needed
Visit the Locala sexual health website (opens an external website)
Testing, PrEP and inclusive clinics
Most STIs can be treated — and people on effective HIV treatment cannot pass HIV on. If you're at higher risk of HIV, a daily tablet called PrEP can stop you catching it.
- Order a free HIV and syphilis test (opens the It Starts With Me website)
- Find out about PrEP (opens the It Starts With Me website)
- Find your local sexual health clinic (opens the It Starts With Me website)
Trans & Non-Binary Sexual Health Clinic (Leeds): a monthly specialist clinic at Yorkshire MESMAC in Leeds city centre — STI and HIV testing, PrEP, cervical screening, HPV and hepatitis vaccinations, contraception and pregnancy testing. Open to people living outside Leeds. Book on 0113 244 4209 or email leeds@mesmac.co.uk.
Eye problems
Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECS) — see an optician, free
Got a new eye problem? You don't need a GP appointment. Anyone registered with a Bradford, Airedale or Craven GP can be seen free by a specially trained local optician for things like: red, sore, dry, sticky or watery eyes, floaters or flashes, eyelid problems, and lumps and bumps around the eyes.
Ring your usual optician first to check they offer MECS and book a time, or find a MECS optician near you (opens the Bradford Local Optical Committee website).
Take care: if you suddenly lose your sight or have severe eye pain, get urgent help the same day — call NHS 111. Call 999 if it comes with stroke signs like face drooping, arm weakness or slurred speech.
Money, benefits and debt
Benefits and everyday advice
Citizens Advice — free, confidential advice on benefits, work, housing and more: 0800 144 8848 · citizensadvice.org.uk (opens an external website)
Advice 4 All — independent, confidential local help if your benefits have stopped, you've been sanctioned, you've been found fit for work while unwell, or you're behind with rent or bills. Call 01274 665 598. Drop-in centres at Guardian House, 22 Manor Row, Bradford (Mondays 10am to 4pm) and Wright Watson Enterprise Centre, Thorp Garth, Idle (Thursdays and Fridays 10am to 4pm).
Debt — free help, no judgement
Losing sleep over debt? Can't meet the repayments? You are not alone, and free expert help really works:
- StepChange — 0800 138 1111 · stepchange.org (opens an external website)
- National Debtline — 0808 808 4000 · nationaldebtline.org (opens an external website)
- Christians Against Poverty (help for everyone, with emotional support too) — 0800 328 0006 · capuk.org (opens an external website)
All are there to help, not judge.
Families, parents and carers
Parents and families who are struggling
Worried about your child's mental health or behaviour? Struggling as a parent? Home conditions difficult, or a child using drugs or alcohol? The Early Help Gateway is a team of qualified workers from children's social care, education, family support and youth work who can wrap help around your family.
Call 01274 432 121.
Are you a carer?
If you look after someone — a partner, parent, child, friend or neighbour — then you're a carer, even if it doesn't feel like it. Most carers feel the strain at some point, and there is real help to make life enjoyable again.
Call Carers' Resource on 01274 449 660 or visit carersresource.org (opens an external website). And please tell us at the surgery you're a carer, so we can support you too.
Grief and losing someone you love
Bereavement support
Grief can be overwhelming, and it's different for everyone. These free services offer a listening ear and proper counselling — please give them a try, even if you're unsure.
- Bradford Bereavement Support — one-to-one counselling and group support from trained volunteers: 01274 619 522
- Cruse Bereavement Support — free national helpline: 0808 808 1677 · cruse.org.uk (opens an external website)
Domestic abuse and sexual violence
You deserve to be safe
In immediate danger? Call 999. If you can't speak safely, press 55 when prompted and the operator will transfer you to the police.
- Survive & Thrive — Bradford district domestic abuse support: 0808 2800 999
- Bradford Rape Crisis — for women and girls who have experienced sexual violence, recently or long ago: call 01274 308 270 or text 07435 752 975
Everything you share is treated in confidence. You can also talk to any of our doctors or nurses — we will listen and help.
Worried about someone? (abuse or neglect)
Report a concern — even if you're only suspicious
If you're worried about how a child, young person or adult is being treated or looked after, please say something. We all share a duty to protect one another — and one call can change a life.
- Worried about a child or young person? Report it here (opens the Safer Bradford website)
- Worried about an adult or elderly person? Report it here (opens the Safer Bradford website)
- Report adult abuse to Bradford Council (opens the Bradford Council website) — including neglect, financial abuse, human trafficking and domestic violence
- More advice at saferbradford.co.uk (opens an external website)
If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
Moving on from childhood abuse
Support for adult survivors
If you experienced abuse as a child, it was never your fault — and recovery is possible, at your own pace. NAPAC (the National Association for People Abused in Childhood) offers a free, confidential support line and recovery resources.
Call 0808 801 0331 or visit napac.org.uk (opens an external website).
Healthy living
Lose weight and get moving
NHS Weight Loss Plan — a brilliant free 12-week app developed with the British Dietetic Association. Set goals, plan meals and track your progress: start the NHS Weight Loss Plan (opens the NHS website).
Couch to 5K — the famous free NHS app that takes you from the sofa to running 5K in 9 gentle weeks: get running with Couch to 5K (opens the NHS website).
Stop smoking
Quitting is the single biggest thing most smokers can do for their health — and you're around three times more likely to succeed with support. Ask reception to book you with our stop smoking advisor: 01274 612 279.
Curious about vaping to quit? Read the NHS advice on vaping to quit smoking (opens the NHS website).
Great health apps
Type these names into the App Store or Google Play — or follow the links to learn more:
- Sleepio (opens an external website) — helps you sleep better using proven techniques
- Wysa (opens an external website) — a friendly chat-based app for worry, stress and low mood
- Couch to 5K (opens the NHS website) — helps you start running, one gentle step at a time
- MSK self-care app (opens an NHS website) — exercises and advice for back, neck, shoulder and knee problems
Confused by the hundreds of health apps out there? ORCHA (opens an external website) independently reviews health apps and only recommends the good ones.
Things to do in Bradford — life is for living!
Get out, get active, meet people
Joining in with local life is genuinely good for your health — for your mood, your body and your sense of belonging.
- Activities and groups in the Bradford area (PDF)
- Walks in the Bradford area (PDF)
- Diva Bradford events (opens an external website) and Diva Bradford directory (opens an external website)
- What's on — Visit Bradford (opens an external website)
- Treacle (opens an external website) — friendship, family, money, work, mind and health support for young people in Bradford
Days out across Yorkshire
- Day Out With The Kids (opens an external website)
- Things to do in West Yorkshire — Tripadvisor (opens an external website)
- Where Can We Go (opens an external website) and Skiddle (opens an external website) — event listings
- What's on in Leeds (opens an external website)
- Yorkshire.com (opens an external website) and Yorkshire Attractions (opens an external website)
- The Dalesman (opens an external website) — celebrating the Yorkshire Dales
- Discover Yorkshire Coast (opens an external website)
Join our Patient Participation Group (PPG)
Our PPG is a friendly group of patients who help us do better. It's a chance to meet the doctors and staff, share your ideas and shape the services we provide — for you and your community.
It's not a big commitment: we meet about twice a year, with two or three emails in between, and you can come and go as you please. You've got nothing to lose — and you might feel really good about giving something back.
Don't use email? Just leave your name and phone number with reception and ask them to pass it to the practice manager.