Not everyone finds it easy to manage their health online. More and more GP surgeries and health services now use apps and digital systems, and if you’re not used to that, it can feel confusing or frustrating, especially when you’re used to speaking to someone directly.
Tap into Health was a series of free, drop-in sessions held in community spaces across east Tower Hamlets, offering friendly, practical help with smartphones, tablets and the NHS App. No pressure, no jargon, just someone sitting alongside you and helping you figure it out at your own pace.
What is the NHS App for?
The NHS App is a free service that lets you manage your health using your phone or tablet.
It is now widely used by GP surgeries, allowing you to do things like book appointments, order prescriptions, and view parts of your health record – without needing to wait on the phone.
At Tap into Health sessions, you can get help learning how to set up and use the app in a simple, step-by-step way, and build confidence using your phone to access online services more generally.
Getting started
You can download the NHS App for free from your phone’s app store. Search for “NHS App” and look for the official NHS logo or use App Store or Google Play links below.
To set up the app, you will be asked to create an account using your email address and mobile number.
You may also be asked to confirm your identity. This can involve taking a photo of your ID (such as a passport or driving licence) and a short video of yourself. This step helps keep your information safe.
If you do not have ID, or if any part of this feels difficult, don’t worry. There are other ways to get set up, and support is available.
Staying safe online
It’s important to take your time when using health apps and online services. Only use information and links you trust.
If you receive a text message about your health, and you’re not sure if it’s genuine, don’t click on any links. Go directly to the official NHS App or NHS website instead.
The NHS will never ask for your password or bank details by text, phone or email.
If something just doesn’t feel right, you can check with your GP surgery or bring it along to a Tap into Health session.
Exploring other helpful apps and websites
Once you feel more confident using your phone, there are other trusted apps and websites that can support your health and wellbeing.
The NHS website is a good place to start, with clear information about health conditions, and medications.
There are also free apps from the NHS to support everyday health. For example, the NHS Weight Loss Plan offers simple guidance to build healthier eating habits, the NHS Couch to 5K helps beginners get into running, and there’s even a selection of home exercise videos with workouts suitable for all fitness levels.
Tap Into Health at Bernie Cameron Centre, Bow
The Tap Into Health drop-in sessions are delivered by expert tech volunteers from ELBA’s Digital Inclusion programme and The Hive Employment & Training Digital Champions. With special thanks to Trapped in Zone One for their generous support with digital devices and data.
Watch this space
Sessions have wrapped for now, we’re exploring bringing them to new venues including community groups and GP practices, follow us for updates.
