A number of free health services are being provided by pharmacies as part of a new scheme.

Stop smoking support, sexual health services and healthy start vitamins are amongst services available for the first time under the Healthy Living Pharmacies programme which is operating in 25 Haringey pharmacies.

Services that were previously offered only to under-25s including testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, point-of-care HIV testing, contraception and sexual health advice and support can now be accessed by all.

Healthy Living Pharmacies will also distribute vitamins to pregnant women under the scheme and help residents trying to quit smoking by offering services including nicotine replacement and motivational support on site.

Virginia Duran, manager at Morrison’s pharmacy, said: “We need to make sure people know that we are there for them.

“We do so much more than giving out prescriptions, we are so accessible. We’re an untapped resource for the NHS.”