August bank holiday prescription pick up changes and support information

by | 20/8/2026 | Advice, Awareness, Bank Holidays, Clinical, Harm Reduction, News, Prescribed Medication, Prescriptions, Public Health, Support

With the August bank holiday coming up, we want to make sure everyone knows what their prescription pick up dates will look like and where to get support if you need urgent help while Wirral Ways is closed.

Please check your script dates carefully and plan ahead so you do not miss a collection.

Please note that we will be closed on Monday 31 August 2026 due to the bank holiday.

Prescription pick up changes over the August bank holiday

Because of the bank holiday, some collection dates will change.

Monday pick ups

If you usually collect on a Monday:

  • Monday 24 August will be your normal pick up
  • Friday 28 August will be an exceptional pick up
  • Tuesday 1 September will be an exceptional pick up
  • You will then return to your normal pick up day on Monday 7 September

Monday, Wednesday and Friday pick ups

If you usually collect on Monday, Wednesday and Friday:

  • Friday 28 August will be your normal pick up
  • You will then return to your normal pick up days from Wednesday 2 September

Monday and Thursday pick ups

If you usually collect on Monday and Thursday:

  • Friday 28 August will be your normal pick up
  • You will then return to your normal pick up days from Thursday 3 September

Daily supervised consumption

If you are on daily supervised consumption, your pick up days around the bank holiday will depend on your pharmacy. You will know which days apply to you. The only day you will miss is Monday 31 August. All other days will be normal pick ups.

If your pharmacy is open on 31 August, or if you would like to change pharmacy for that day, please let us know as soon as possible.

If you are unsure what this means for you, please speak to your key worker, prescriber or pharmacy before the bank holiday.

Please plan ahead

Bank holidays can mean longer gaps between appointments, collections and support, so it is important to get ready in advance.

Please make sure you:

  • know your correct collection dates
  • have enough medication until your next pick up
  • visit the needle and syringe programme before the bank holiday to make sure you have enough equipment to last you over the long weekend
  • have an in date naloxone kit
  • know how to use your naloxone
  • have the contact details you may need over the bank holiday period
  • speak to someone in advance if you are worried about coping over the break

Harm reduction advice

If you use drugs or alcohol, planning ahead can help reduce harm over the bank holiday period.

Please remember:

  • try not to use alone
  • be extra careful if your tolerance has changed
  • avoid mixing drugs or mixing drugs with alcohol, as this can increase the risk of overdose
  • make sure you have enough sterile equipment and other harm reduction supplies
  • check that your naloxone kit is in date and replace it before the bank holiday if needed
  • keep medication and substances stored safely and out of reach of children
  • let someone you trust know if you are struggling or may need support

If you need more equipment, naloxone, or advice, please try to sort this before the closure period begins.

Crisis and urgent support while we are closed

If you need urgent medical advice and it is not an emergency, contact NHS 111 online or by phone.

If you or someone else is seriously unwell, unconscious, having difficulty breathing, having a seizure, or showing signs of overdose, call 999 immediately.

If you need urgent mental health support, you can call NHS 111 and select the mental health option, or contact the 24/7 urgent mental health crisis line on 0800 145 6485.

You can also access support from Compañeros Crisis Café, a safe and welcoming space for adults aged 18 and over who are experiencing emotional or psychological distress. Compañeros is based at 2a Price Street, Birkenhead, CH41 6JN, is open every day from 10.00am to 10.00pm, with last entry at 8.30pm, and can be contacted on 0151 488 8135.

If you need someone to talk to, Samaritans are available 24 hours a day on 116 123. You can also text SHOUT to 85258 for confidential text support.

Need help?

If you are unsure about your prescription arrangements, please speak to your key worker, prescriber or pharmacy before the bank holiday.

Checking now and planning ahead can help you stay safe and avoid any unnecessary stress over the August bank holiday.

Last Updated on 25 August 2026