Insight Bulletin - December special 2025
Insight
North Kensington update. A bulletin where we share the learning and insight from the North Kensington Recovery Programme (Grenfell).
Welcome to the winter special of Insight

This issue of Insight provides some practical guidance on how to stay well this winter, where to find welcoming local spaces, and gives clear advice on common winter bugs like flu norovirus. Insight shares updates and learning from the North Kensington Recovery Programme in one place, so you don’t have to hunt for information. 

Please remember: NHS services for the Grenfell‑affected community remain open. If you need to talk, the Grenfell Health and Wellbeing Service is available and the CNWL Single Point of Access offers 24/7 urgent mental health support on 0800 0234 650. You can also use NHS 111 online or call 111 for health advice from home.

The Grenfell Health and Wellbeing Service opening hours over the bank holidays

St Charles Hospital Exmoor St, London W10 6DZ

- 25 December (closed)

- 26 December (9am-5pm – telephone only)

- 1 January (9am-5pm – telephone only)

On all other days, the service is operating as normal (weekdays and weekends 9am-5pm).

To get in touch with us please call 020 8637 6279. Find out more.
Getting NHS help and support over the festive period


 If you do not require emergency care, you can get help by using these NHS services:
  • NHS 111: fully trained health professionals are available, 24/7, to help if you need medical help or advice, or you are unsure about whether you should go to hospital. You can contact NHS 111 online, or by calling 111. 
  • Pharmacy: pharmacists are trained health professionals who can help with your medication questions and minor health concerns. Many offer private consultations without an appointment and can advise where to get further help if you need it. 
If you are experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency, you should still attend A&E or call 999.
Flu cases are rising - help stop the spread

If you have symptoms of flu: coughing, sneezing or fever - help stop the spread.  Stay home if you can and wear a mask if you go out.

Look after yourself, rest, keep warm take paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower your temperature and treat aches and pains. Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. 

If you need medical help or advice use NHS 111 online or over the phone from home. 

Make sure you get your vaccination if you are in one of the groups who are eligible:
  • over 65
  • children aged 2-3 all school age children
  • people with health conditions
  • and those who are pregnant.
For more information visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/flu
Pharmacy opening hours for the 2025 - 2026 Christmas and New Year Bank Holidays

Bank Holidays can affect the opening hours of local pharmacies. There are a number of pharmacies in north west London which have been asked to open over the bank holidays (25 - 26 December 2025 and 1 January 2026)

It's important to order and collect your prescriptions ahead of this to make sure you have enough supply over this period. 

The pharmacy open in North Kensington is the Chana Chemist in Ladbrooke Grove. There are additional pharmacists opening across north west London and details are available on our website.

Chana Chemist, 114 Ladbroke Grove, London W10 5NE, 
Telephone: 020 7727 5323
  • 25 December 2025 (Christmas Day) 10am to 6pm
  • 26 December 2025 (Boxing Day) 10am to 2pm
  • 1 January 2025 (New Year’s Day) 10am to 2pm
There may be additional pharmacies opening which are not listed. If the pharmacy you would like to visit is not listed here, then you can check their opening hours by searching at www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-pharmacy or by calling NHS 111.
It’s important to access emergency dental care when you need it

Don’t suffer through the pain. If you’ve got a tooth knocked out, severe pain wrecking your sleep, or a swelling/lump in your mouth, it’s time to move. NHS 111 is your fast track to urgent dental care 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

NHS 111 can advise you where you can get seen and, in appropriate cases, organise an emergency dental appointment, which might be at a different practice from your regular NHS dentist but usually nearby. If you have a regular dentist, contact your practice first.  If you don’t, or you need advice out of hours, 111.nhs.uk is here for you.
Keep warm, keep well this winter

Cold weather can make existing health problems worse and raise the risk of illness, especially for older people, young children, and anyone with long‑term conditions. A few small, affordable actions can help.

If you can only heat one room, choose the one you use most and aim for around 18°C. Keep doors closed, draw curtains when it gets dark, and use towels or draught excluders to stop cold air getting in. Wear several thin layers, add blankets, and try gentle movement to stay warm.

Have hot drinks and simple hot meals through the day. If very cold weather is forecast, keep a small supply of easy‑to‑heat food and your regular medicines at home. Please check on neighbours or relatives who may be struggling, and ask if they need help with food, medicines, or keeping warm.

If you feel unwell, get advice early via NHS 111 online or by calling 111. In an emergency, such as severe breathlessness, chest pain or stroke symptoms, call 999.  Speak to your pharmacy for health advice on winter bugs.

If paying for heating is difficult, many councils, libraries and community organisations offer warm spaces and winter help. To check the nearest location for these Warm and Welcome spaces, visit the map here.
Norovirus (“winter vomiting bug”) — what to do

Norovirus spreads quickly in winter. If you’re unwell, stay at home and keep away from others. Only go back to work, school or childcare 48 hours after your sickness and diarrhoea have completely stopped. During this time, don’t prepare food for anyone else.

Wash hands with soap and water regularly—especially after using the toilet and before eating or cooking. (Hand gels don’t kill norovirus.) Wipe down taps, door handles, toilet seats and other high‑touch surfaces with a bleach‑based cleaner. Put any soiled clothes or bedding in a hot wash (60°C).

Most people feel better within 2–3 days. Sip plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Keep children off school while they’re ill and for 48 hours after symptoms end. Avoid visiting hospitals or care homes until you’re fully well.

If you’re unsure what to do or symptoms worry you, use NHS 111 online or call 111 for advice.

Contact us


If you have any questions or feedback, please email us at nhsnwl.nkrt@nhs.net