UK Charities & Helplines
Below is a list of some useful national charities & helplines. Write or telephone them to see if they can help you with a specific problem. They can also give you contact details of your nearest agency or charity operating in your area.
AFASIC, UNLOCKING SPEECH AND LANGUAGE
Afasic is a national charity that helps and supports children and young people affected by speech, language and communication impairments and their families; it runs a helpline, website and produces publications.
1st floor, 20 Bowling Green Lane, London EC1R 0BD
Helpline: 08453 55 55 77
T: 020 7490 9410
E: info@afasic.org.uk
www.afasic.org.uk
AIDS - TERENCE HIGGINS TRUST
52-54 Gray’s Inn Road, London WC1X 8JU
Helpline: 020 7242 1010
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
Groups are nationwide. There are no compulsory fees. AA is independent of politics, religion or other outside issues.
PO Box 1, 10 Toft Green, York YO1 7NJ
Helpline: 0845 769 7555
T: 01094 644026
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk
ARTHRITIS RESEARCH CAMPAIGN
arc is a national charity which funds research into arthritis, back pain, osteoporosis and other problems with muscles, bones and joints. We produce over 90 free information booklets. See our website or contact the address below for more information.
ARC, PO Box 177, Chesterfield, Derbyshire S41 7TQ
T: 0870 850 5000
www.arc.org.uk
ASSOCIATION OF WHEELCHAIR CHILDREN (Reg Charity No 1057894)
AWC’s mission is to provide the skills to enable wheelchair-using young people throughout the UK to reach their full potential.
6 Woodman Parade, North Woolwich, London, E16 2LL
T: 0844 544 1050
F: 0844 544 1055
E: headoffice@wheelchairchildren.org.uk
www.wheelchairchildren.org.uk
ATS & WRAC ASSOCIATION
Membership organisation supporting women who served in the ATS or WRAC.
T: 01962 887478
www.wracassociation.co.uk
BEREAVED
Cruse - Bereavement Care
Cruse House, 126 Sheen Road, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1UR
T: 020 8940 4818
BLIND & PARTIALLY SIGHTED
Royal National Institute of the Blind
105 Judd Street, London WC1H 9NE
T: 0845 766 9999
BLISS
Bliss is the UK charity that cares for premature and sick babies. We are dedicated to ensuring that babies survive and go on to have the best possible quality of life. We provide practical and emotional support for families, so they can give the best care to their babies. Our specialist study days and training supports doctors and nurses to develop their skills. We fund research to improve the care of all sick and premature babies.
2nd Floor, 9 Holyrood Street, London SE1 2EL
Helpline: 0500 618140
Monday to Friday 10am to 10pm
Saturday 9am to 1pm.
Text: 07800 00 8100
E: enquiries@bliss.org.uk
www.bliss.org.uk
BOWEL CANCER UK
7 Rickett Street, London SW6 1RU
FREEPHONE: 0800 8 40 35 40
E: advisory@bowelcanceruk.org.uk
www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk
BRAIN AND SPINE FOUNDATION
Specialist neuroscience nurses available to answer questions and supply information sheets/booklets about the wide range of adult neurological conditions, investigations and treatments.
7 Winchester House, Kennington Park London SW9 6EJ
Helpline: 0808 808 1000
E: info@brainandspine.org.uk
www.brainandspine.org.uk
BRITISH COMPUTER SOCIETY - IT CAN HELP
If you have a disability and need IT help, our volunteers will respond as quickly as they can. We are able to solve most of the issues by visiting disabled adults in their homes.
Freephone (and Minicom): 0800 269 545
E: help@itcanhelp.org.uk
BRITISH ORGAN DONOR SOCIETY - BODY
BODY supports families involved in organ and tissue donation
and transplantation. Thinking of registering on the Organ Donor
Register to become a donor? Let BODY help you to make an
informed decision and answer any questions you may have.
If you want to register, then tel: 0845 60 60 400
Balsham, Cambridge, CB21 4DL
T: 01223 893636
E: body@argonet.co.uk
www.argonet.co.uk/body
BRITISH POLIO FELLOWSHIP
Providing information and support to people living with the effects of Polio and Post Polio Syndrome.
The Runway, South Ruislip, Middx, HA4 6SE
T: 0800 01 80 586
E: infobenefits@britishpolio.org.uk
www.britishpolio.org.uk
BRITISH SJOGREN’S SYNDROME ASSOCIATION
Sjögren’s Syndrome is an auto immune condition that causes dry eyes, dry mouth and fatigue. Affecting 3-4% of adults in the UK, Sjögren’s syndrome is under diagnosed and may frequently go untreated. The BSSA supports patients, educates professionals and raises funds for research into this disabling condition.
PO BOX 10867, Birmingham, West Midlands, B16 0ZW
T: 0121 455 6532
E: office@bssa.uk.net
www.bssa.uk.net
BRITISH STAMMERING ASSOCIATION
BSA - the only national association supporting children and adults who stammer - provides free information packs, details of local NHS speech therapy services, telephone advice, web-based support and information, and a listening ear.
15 Old Ford Road, Bethnal Green, London E2 9PJ
T: 0845 603 2001
E: info@stammering.org
www.stammering.org
CANCER BACUP
British Association of Cancer United Patients
121/123 Charterhouse Street, London EM1M 6AA
T: 0800 800 1234
Macmillan Cancerline
T: 0845 601 6161
CEREBRAL PALSY
Free confidential helpline offering advice, counselling and information
T: 0800 626216
THE CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS’ BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION
Supporting Chartered Accountants and their dependants with financial, practical and emotional support.
8 Mitchell Court, Castle Mound Way, Central Park, Rugby
CV23 0UY
T: 01788 556366
E: enquiries@caba.org.uk
www.caba.org.uk
CHILD BRAIN INJURY TRUST
Unit 1, The Great Barn, Baynards Green Farm, Nr Bicester, Oxon, OX27 7SG
T: 0845 6014939
E: info@cbituk.org
www.cbituk.org
CHILD DEATH HELPLINE
A national freephone service, staffed by trained bereaved parent volunteers, which offers lifelong emotional support to anyone affected by the death of a child of any age (from pre-birth to an adult child), under any circumstance and however long ago.
Open every evening 7-10 pm, and Monday to Friday Mornings
10am - 1pm, Wednesdays until 4pm.
T: 0800 282 986
www.childdeathhelpline.org
CHILDREN’S HEART FEDERATION
Oval House, 52 Kennington Oval, London SE11 5SW
T: 0808 808 5000
F: 020 7735 8718
E: chf@dircon.co.uk
www.childrens-heart-fed.org.uk
CHILTERN INTERNATIONAL LTD
Chiltern International currently have in & out patient studies - Healthy adults - 18 to 65. All studies are reviewed by an Independent Research Ethics Committee.
T: 0800 783 0976
CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
T: 0870 121 2025
CLEFT LIP AND PALATE ASSOCIATION (CLAPA)
CLAPA provides support for all those with, and affected by cleft lip and palate. It provides services and information for new families, children, adults and health professionals working in the area of cleft lip and palate. A core service for new parents is the provision of specialist feeding bottles by mail order.
1st Floor, 332B Goswell Road London EC1V 7LQ
T: 020 78334883
F: 020 78335999
E: info@clapa.com
www.clapa.com
THE COMPASSIONATE FRIENDS
Provide support and friendship to parents who have lost a child, of any age and from whatever cause. Also provide support to siblings and grandparents. The helpline is manned by bereaved parents and is open 10am to 4pm and 6.30pm to 10pm 7 days a week.
53 North Street, Bristol BS3 1EN
T: 08451 232304
CONFEDERATION OF INDIAN ORGANISATIONS (UK)
5 Westminister Bridge Road, London, SE1 7XW
T: 020 7928 9889
E: headoffice@cio.org.uk
www.cio.org.uk
CONTACT A FAMILY
National helpline for families with disabled children, providing advice and information on all aspects of raising a disabled child.
T: 0808 808 3555
E: helpline@cafamily.org.uk
www.cafamily.org.uk
CROSSROADS - CARING FOR CARERS
10 Regent Place, Rugby, Warwickshire CV21 2PN
T: 0845 450 0350
E: communications@crossroads.org.uk
www.crossroads.org.uk
DIABETES UK - CARELINE
10 Parkway, London NW1 7AA
T: 0845 120 2960 local rate
DRAGONMOBILITY Ltd
Mobility for disabled tots
T: 01223 464460
E: tots@dragonmobility.com
www.dragonmobility.com
DYSPRAXIA FOUNDATION
Information and resources for those wishing to learn about Dyspraxia. The Foundation offers a telephone helpline, information and literature for parents and professionals and organises conferences and events to promote a greater understanding of the condition.
Helpline: 01462 454986
www.dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES COMMISSION
Free, confidential and impartial advice and information on sex discrimination and equal pay. 9am – 5pm Monday - Friday
Calls charged at local rate and interpreting service available.
Calls may be monitored for training purposes.
Arndale House, Arndale Centre, Manchester M4 3EQ
T: 0845 601 5901
E: info@eoc.org.uk
Typetalk service: 18001 0845 601 5901
www.eoc.org.uk
FFLAG - (FAMILIES & FRIENDS OF LESBIANS & GAYS)
Parents of gay children offer information and support through confidential helplines, groups, booklets & newsletter
PO Box 84, Exeter EX4 4AN
Central Helpline for local contacts: 01454 852418
E: info@fflag.org.uk
www.fflag.org.uk
GAMBLING PROBLEM
Confidential counselling, advice and information for anyone experiencing or affected by a gambling problem.
• HelpLine or NetLine for one to one advice, information and support
• Online forum and chat rooms
• Face to face counselling throughout the UK
Gamcare Helpline: 0845 6000 133
Gamcare Netline www.gamcare.org.uk
Gamcare office: 020 7801 7000
E: info@gamcare.org.uk
THE FOOD STANDARDS AGENCY
is an independent food safety watchdog set up to protect the public’s health and consumer interests in relation to food. More information on its aims and how it works is on the Agency’s
Publications can be ordered free of charge by calling:
T: 0845 6060667
www.food.gov.uk
THE HAEMOPHILIA SOCIETY
Over a third of women with heavy periods may have an undiagnosed bleeding disorder. The Haemophilia Society offers resources and information to professionals and patients.
Freephone: 0800 018 6060
www.haemophilia.org.uk or
www.womenbleedtoo.org.uk
HYPERACTIVE CHILDREN'S SUPPORT GROUP
The HACSG is a national organisation which offers ADVICE/ HELP/ INFORMATION about HYPERACTIVITY/ ADHD for PARENTS, CARERS and PROFESSIONALS. The HACSG focus is on alternatives to medication
71 Whyke Lane Chichester West Sussex PO19 7PD
T: 01243 539966
E: hacsg@hacsg.org.uk
www.hacsg.org.uk
INTERNATIONAL GLAUCOMA ASSOCIATION
Woodcote House, 15 Highpoint Business Village, Henwood, Ashford, Kent TN24 8DH
T: 01233 64 81 70
www.glaucoma-association.com
LIMBLESS ASSOCIATION UK’S LEADING CHARITY
Supporting Individuals of all ages with Traumatic and Congenital Limb Loss through our Outreach Programme and Help Bureau, enables Limbless persons , with the support of their family and carers , to achieve rehabilitation and to sustain independence at home, hospital, in education, employment and in the community.
T: 020 8788 1777
E: enquiries@limbless-association.org
www.limbless-association.org
LEUKAEMIA CARE
1 Birch Court, Blackpole East, Worcester, WR3 8SG
24 Hr CARE Line: 0800 1696680
www.leukaemiacare.org.uk
LGC DIAGNOSTICS DEPARTMENT
DNA Paternity Testing. We have been conducting tests for 16 years and offer a fast, confidential and friendly service. For a no obligation chat or a free information pack, please contact us.
T: 020 8943 8400
E: diagnostics@lgc.co.uk
www.lgc.co.uk/paternity
THE MEDICALERT FOUNDATION
MedicAlert® is a registered charity providing a body-worn emergency identification system to ensure that, even if you are unconscious, healthcare professionals can have access to vital medical information and personal details such as your next of kin.
1 Bridge Wharf, 156 Caledonian Road, London, N1 9UU
T: 0800 581420
F: 020 7278 0647
E: info@medicalert.org.uk
www.medicalert.org.uk
MÉNIÈRE'S SOCIETY
Helping people with vertigo, tinnitus and deafness.
The Rookery, Surrey Hills Business Park, Wotton, Surrey RH5 6QT
Helpline: 0845 120 2975
Web: www.menieres.org.uk
MOTABILITY
Motability enables disabled people to use their government-funded mobility allowances to obtain a car, powered wheelchair or scooter.
Warwick House, Roydon Road, Harlow, Essex CM19 5PX
T: 0800 093 100 (to request an information pack)
Customer Helpline: 0845 456 4566
Minicom: 01279 632273
www.motability.co.uk
MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE ASSOCIATION
The MND Association wants to see a world free of MND.
We fund research and support people affected by the disease.
David Niven House, 10-15 Notre Dame Mews, Northampton NN1 2PR
Helpline: 08457 626262
www.mndassociation.org
MS RESEARCH AND RELIEF FUND
This charity provides support services to all people affected by Multiple Sclerosis. Complimenting the work of Health Care Professionals, through partnership working.
Benmar House, Choppington Road, Morpeth, Northumberland
NE61 2HX
T: 01670 505829
F: 01670 516347
E: c.atkin@ms-researchandrelief.org
www.ms-researchandrelief.org
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY
Counselling Service,
T: 0808 800 8000
MYOTONIC DYSTROPHY SUPPORT GROUP
Myotonic dystrophy is a genetically inherited neuromuscular condition which affects 1 in 8,000 people.
National Helpline: 0115 987 0080
E: mdsg@tesco.net
www.mdsguk.org
NACC
National Association for Colitis and Crohn’s Disease
Information, Support, Research.
Information Service: 0845 130 2233
www.nacc.org.uk
NARCONON HASTINGS
The Narconon programme is a non-profit public benefit organisation dedicated to eliminating drug abuse through prevention, education and rehabilitation.
Capel Ne Ferne, 2 Albany Rd, St. Leonards on sea, East Sussex
TN38 OLN
T: 01424 420 036 or
T: 0800 169 4803
E: info@drugrehab.co.uk
www.drugrehab.co.uk
www.drug-education.co.uk
NALC
National Association of Laryngectomee Clubs
Reg Charity 273635
152 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9TR
T: 020 7730 8585
F: 020 7730 8584
www.laryngectomy.org.uk
NATIONWIDE MEDIATION
Freephone: 0800 781 1230
www.mediationuk.com
NHS DIRECT
Health Advice
T: 0845 46 47
OAASIS
Office for Advice, Assistance, Support and Information on Special needs for parents, carers and professionals on any aspect of SEN from a new diagnosis to education issues to support groups and more.
Brock House, Grigg Lane, Brockenhurst, Hants SO42 7RE
Helpline: 01590 622880
E: oaasis@cambiangroup.com
www.oaasis.co.uk
ONE PARENT FAMILIES - GINGERBREAD
Lone Parent Helpline: 0800 018 5026
www.oneparentfamilies.org.uk
ORGAN DONATION
Leave more than memories. Be an organ donor. If you want to help someone live after your death, join the NHS Organ Donor Register.
Remember to discuss your wishes with those close to you.
Organ donation. The gift of life.
Call the Organ Donor Line: 0845 60 60 400
www.uktransplant.org.uk
PARENT LINE
National Freephone Helpline No: 0808 800 2222
PARKINSON'S DISEASE SOCIETY
We provide expert information and support on all aspects of living with Parkinson’s. We campaign for a better quality of life and fund research into Parkinsons.
215 Vauxhall Bride Road, London, SW1V 1EJ
Helpline: 0808 800 0303 (freephone)
Monday-Friday 9.30am-9pm and
Saturday 9.30am-5.30pm
E: enquiries@parkinsons.org.uk
www.parkinsons.org.uk
THE PARTIALLY SIGHTED SOCIETY
Aims to help all those people with a visual impairment make the best possible use of their remaining sight.
7/9 Bennetthorpe, Doncaster, South Yorkshiire DN2 6AA
T: 0844 477 4966
F: 0844 477 4969
E: info@partsight.org.uk
www.partsight.org.uk
PREGNANCY
Head Office: Lifehouse, Newbold Terrace, Leamington SPA, CV32 4EA
National Hotline: 0800 849 4545
Text to talk: 07786 200330
THE RAF ASSOCIATION (RAFA)
Providing welfare and care for all those serving or who have served in the Royal Air Force and their dependents.
117 1/2 Loughborough Road Leicester LE4 5ND
T: 01962 887478
E: enquires@rafa.org.uk
www.rafa.org.uk
RESPECT
For domestic violence perpetrators.
The Respect Phoneline - 0845 122 8609
www.respect.uk.net
For men experiencing domestic violence.
The Men’s Advice Line - Freephone 0808 801 0327
www.mensadviceline.org.uk
RESPOND
Does anyone in your family have a learning disability? The Freephone Respond Helpline offers emotional and practical support concerning - trauma, abuse, relationships, loss and bereavement or any other worry.
T: 0808 808 0700
F: 020 7387 1222
E: admin@respond.org.uk
RODAS CLEANING SERVICES
We specialise in maintaining a healthy home enviroment with our tailor made maintenance plan that keeps your soft furnishings clean and fresh at all times.2 Temple Avenue, Dagenham, Essex, RM8 1LL
T: 020 8593 6388
E: ray@rodas.co.uk
www.rodascleaning.com
THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION
Our welfare service – Poppy Support – offers a diverse range of financial, social and emotional support to millions of Service people, past and present. Visit our website to find out how we can help you.
Legionline: 08457 725 725 (calls are charged at local rates)
www.britishlegion.org.uk
SMOKING
Quit, Victory House, 170 Tottenham Court Rd, London W1P 0HA
T: 0800 00 22 00
THE SOCIETY OF WILL WRITERS
A nationwide non-profit making, self-regulatory organisation whose objectives are to advance education and ethical standards in the Will Writing profession. Please contact us to find a Will writer who is a Member of the Society in your area.
T: 01522 68 78 88
F: 01522 69 46 66
E: info@willwriters.com
www.willwriters.com
SPINA BIFIDA HYDROCEPHALUS
The North & West Yorkshire Association for Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus (NWY ASBAH) is a registered charity supporting children, adults and families with hydrocephalus and or spina bifida in North & West Yorkshire.
National Helpline: 0845 450 7755
T: 0113 2556767
E: nandwyasbah@aol.com
www.nandwyasbah.co.uk
THE SPINAL INJURIES ASSOCIATION
The Spinal Injuries Association provides services to assist and support spinal cord injured people from the moment of injury and for the rest of an individual's life.
SIA House, 2 Trueman Place, Oldbrook, Milton Keynes MK6 2HH
Advice Line: 0800 980 0501
Text sia and your enquiry to 81025
Switchboard: 0845 678 6633
F: 0845 070 6911
E: sia@spinal.co.uk
www.spinal.co.uk
SSAFA FORCES HELP
Helping serving and ex-Service personnel and their families.
T: 020 7403 8783
E: info@ssafa.org.uk
www.ssafa.org.uk
STROKE ASSOCIATION
Education, Training & Information Service
Helpline: 0845 3033100
SUICIDE PREVENTION - PAPYRUS
National charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide.
T: 01282 432 555
E: admin@papyrus-uk.org
www.papyrus-uk.org
HOPELineUK A confidential telephone helpline service that gives support, practical advice and information to anyone in the UK who may be concerned that someone they know is at risk of suicide.
T: 0870 170 4000 or
T: 01978 367 333
THE TREE OF HOPE CHILDREN’S CHARITY
funds specialist medical treatment for sick UK children, when not available from the normal services. It is known, 127 UK babies are born every day with a birth defect.
T: 01424 224656
www.treeofhope.org.uk
WELLCHILD
WellChild Helpline and Information Service is a confidential nurse led service open to anyone who has a question about children’s health.
WellChild Helpline, Freepost RRAY-AZGC-RETJ, Cheltenham, GL50 3DA
T: 0808 801 0330 (calls are free from a landline; mobile rates vary)
E: helpline@wellchild.org.uk
Text: 07781 472599
www.wellchild.org.uk
WOMEN'S ROYAL NAVAL SERVICE BENEVOLENT TRUST
The primary object of the Trust is to provide relief in cases of necessity or distress among its members and their dependants.
Registered Charity No 206529
Castaway House, 311 Twyford Avenue, Portsmouth, Hants
P02 8RN
T: 023 9265 5301
F: 023 9267 9040
E: generalsecretary@wrnsbt.org.uk
www.wrnsbt.org.uk
WORKERS’ EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATION
We deliver thousands of courses for adults of all backgrounds each year across the country. Most courses open to the general public are in humanities, languages, computing, literature, social studies and art.
Registered Charity Number: 1112775
70 Clifton Steet, London, EC2A 4HB
T: 020 7426 3450
www.wea.org.uk