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Advice and information organisations

Citizens Advice Line

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/

Citizens Advice aim to provide the advice people need for the problems they face and improve the policies and practices that affect people's lives. They provide free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities. There is a search feature on their website to find your local Citizens Advice from over 2,700 locations. These include high streets, community centres, doctors' surgeries, courts and prisons. Advice by phone is available from local Citizens Advice. In addition, they are developing a national phone service: Adviceline. This is fully operational in Wales for people who live or work there. In England the service is currently being rolled out. If it is not yet available in your area, you will hear options for recorded information:

England call 03444 111 444 or check contact details via their local Citizens Advice search option

Wales call 03444 77 20 20

TextRelay users should call 03444 111 445

*Call costs

Calls to this service cost the same as calling 01 and 02 numbers.

Apprenticeship

Bereavement

http://www.cruse.org.uk/

The Cruse Bereavement Care National Helpline is staffed by trained bereavement volunteers, who offer emotional support to anyone affected by bereavement. Their volunteers are there to help you talk things through. They can also help you find your local Cruse service, or signpost you to other services and useful sources of information.

http://www.crusescotland.org.uk/

Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland exists to promote the well-being of bereaved people in Scotland. They seek to help anyone experiencing bereavement to understand their grief and cope with their loss. They work primarily through volunteers, providing free care to bereaved people. They also train and educate individuals and organisations who may in turn be able to contribute to the well-being of bereaved people.

http://www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk/

info@miscarriageassociation.org.uk

Miscarriage can be a very unhappy and frightening and lonely experience. If you have been affected by miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or molar pregnancy, they hope you will find on their website the information and support that you need to help you through. They aim to reduce the taboo around pregnancy loss and develop the organisation to sustain that mission.

https://www.quakersocialaction.org.uk/taking-social-action/our-practical-work/funeral-poverty

Quaker Social Action is an independent charity campaigning and providing solutions to issues affecting people on low incomes.

They campaign on funeral poverty and help people on low incomes plan funerals through their Down to Earth service. PLEASE NOTE: THEY CAN ONLY HELP PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD A BEREAVEMENT AND NOT YET ORGANISED THE FUNERAL.

https://www.sands.org.uk/
Email: helpline@uk-sands.org

SANDS supports anyone who has been affected by the death of a baby before, during or shortly after birth.  They offer emotional support and information for parents, grandparents, siblings, children, families and friends, health professionals and others.

The Helpline is for anyone who has been affected by the death of a baby and wants to talk to someone about their experience. The Helpline team are there to listen and give support, and can advise you about finding local help, whether from a Sands group or other counselling services, or information about other relevant support organisations.

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Stillbirth/Pages/Getting-help.aspx

Information on the NHS Choices website about support available after still birth.

Last checked Jan 2018

Carers

https://carers.org/

For general enquiries, please send an email to info@carers.org

Carers Trust work to improve support, services and recognition for anyone living with the challenges of caring, unpaid, for a family member or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or addiction problems.

Lat checked Jan 2018

Debt

https://www.businessdebtline.org/

Business Debtline is a free debt advice service for the self-employed and small businesses in England, Wales and Scotland. They have helped thousands of people deal with their debts. Their team of expert debt advisers care about improving your situation and will help you to take control of your debts. They have been giving free, impartial and confidential debt advice to small businesses and the self-employed for over 20 years. 

If you are not self-employed, contact our sister service National Debtline (see details below).

https://www.nationaldebtline.org/

National Debtline is a free and confidential debt advice service for people in England, Wales and Scotland. Using their website and services will help you take the important steps to deal with your debts. They have a dedicated team of debt advisers, a free 24 hour online debt advice tool 'My Money Steps' that can give you a personalised action plan setting out practical steps to deal with your debts. 

http://www.stepchange.org/

Free advice on problem debt based on what's best for you. Their team of debt experts help over 500,000 people a year across the UK to overcome their debt problems, and get their lives back on track. At StepChange Debt Charity, they’re the experts in managing problem debt. Whether it’s what to expect when you can’t afford to pay your debts, how to create a personal budget, or practical solutions for dealing with your debt, you’ll find all the answers you need right here.

Last checked Jan 2018

Domestic Abuse and Violence

National Domestic Violence Helpline

http://www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk/

NHS Support

http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/abuse/Pages/domestic-violence-help.aspx

Find out where to get help if you're experiencing domestic violence. Information and signposting to health professionals, National Domestic Violence Helpline, the Men's Advice Line, ManKind, The Survivor's Handbook from the charity Women's Aid, The Forced Marriage Unit and Galop (National LGBT Domestic Abuse Helpline and Respect).

Childline

https://www.childline.org.uk/

NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children)

https://www.nspcc.org.uk

Surviving Economic Abuse

https://survivingeconomicabuse.org/i-need-help/

Charity that campaigns against economic abuse. The website has information on economic abuse and organisations that can support people who are experiencing it.

The charity runs a Financial Support Line with Money Advice Plus for people who are experiencing domestic abuse and are financial difficulties. The aim of the Financial Support Line is to empower people who have experienced or are experiencing abuse to regain control of their finances. 

Mankind

https://www.mankind.org.uk/

Our confidential helpline is available for all men across the UK suffering from domestic violence or domestic abuse by their current or former wife or partner (including same-sex partner).
This can range from actual violence or object throwing to mental abuse such as constant bullying or constant insults.

We provide both emotional support and practical information.

We receive calls from male victims across all age ranges and professions:

• From dustmen and doctors to bankers and builders,
• From men in their 20s to men in their 80s,
• From men across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

We welcome calls from mothers, sisters and friends of male victims seeking information.

We also receive calls from support organisations, charities and statutory agencies such as local authorities and police forces.

Men's Advice Line

https://mensadviceline.org.uk/

0808 8010327 (Monday and Wednesday: 9.00 am - 8.00 pm, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 9.00 am - 5.00 pm) or email: info@mensadviceline.org.uk

Our friendly advisors will believe you, offer you non-judgmental emotional support, practical advice and information.

Who we help:

  • Heterosexual male victims of domestic abuse
  • Gay and bi male victims of domestic abuse
  • Frontline workers supporting male victims

Refuge

Refuge provides specialist support to women, children and some men escaping domestic violence and other forms of violence.

Refuge’s specialist services include refuges, independent advocacy, community outreach projects, culturally specific services and the 24 hour National Domestic Violence Helpline, run in partnership with Women’s Aid.

https://www.refuge.org.uk/

Women's Aid

https://www.womensaid.org.uk/

Updated April 2021

Employment

Family Support/Advice Organisations

CONTACT A FAMILY

http://www.cafamily.org.uk/

Contact a Family is a national charity for families with disabled children. 

CORAM

http://www.coram.org.uk/

Coram is committed to improving the lives of the UK’s most vulnerable children and young people. 

KINSHIP (GRANDPARENTS PLUS)

https://kinship.org.uk/

GINGERBREAD SINGLE PARENT HELPLINE

http://www.gingerbread.org.uk/

GINGERBREAD NORTHERN IRELAND

http://www.gingerbreadni.org/

Gingerbread is Northern Ireland's only lone parent led organisation working to secure and protect equality and social inclusion for one parent families.

LONE PARENT HELPLINE (SCOTLAND)

Website: http://www.opfs.org.uk/service/lone-parent-helpline/

FAMILY LIVES

http://www.familylives.org.uk/

For information, advice, guidance and support on any aspect of parenting and family life. 

PARENTLINE SCOTLAND

https://www.children1st.org.uk/help-for-families/parentline-scotland/

BLISS

https://www.bliss.org.uk/

Bliss offers emotional and practical support to empower families of babies born premature or sick and equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to provide the best possible care to their baby.

KICKS COUNT

http://www.kickscount.org.uk/

Kicks Count is a UK registered charity that aims to empower mums to be with knowledge and confidence throughout their pregnancy.

TOMMY'S

https://www.tommys.org/

Pregnancy information for parents.  Also funds research into still birth, miscarriage and premature birth.

MATERNITY ACTION

https://maternityaction.org.uk/get-free-advice/

The Maternity Rights Advice Line offers free, confidential telephone support and advice to mums and dads. 

There is good accessible information on the following ACAS website page on maternity leave and rights:

http://www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1753

WORKING FAMILIES

http://www.workingfamilies.org.uk/

Advice on maternity, paternity and shared parental leave

Last checked Jan 2018

Health and Disability

EPILEPSY SOCIETY

http://www.epilepsysociety.org.uk/

FIBROMYALGIA UK (FMA UK)

Supports people living with fibromyalgia.

http://www.fmauk.org/

MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT

http://www.macmillan.org.uk/

ME ASSOCIATION

http://www.meassociation.org.uk/

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY

https://www.mssociety.org.uk/

TERRENCE HIGGINS TRUST (HIV)

http://www.tht.org.uk/

Last checked:April 2021

BRITISH DYSLEXIA ASSOCIATION

https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/

DEAFPLUS ADVICELINE

National charity that offers people with hearing loss one to one, confidential information and deaf advice services nationwide. This includes help with benefits, housing, pensions, consumer complaints, rights and debt.

Make an appointment on the Deafplus website.

https://www.deafplus.org/advice

DISABLED LIVING FOUNDATION HELPLINE

http://www.dlf.org.uk/

DOWN'S SYNDROME ASSOCIATION

http://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/

RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People)

RNIB offers help and support for blind and partially sighted people – this can be anything from practical and emotional support, campaigning for change, reading services and the products we offer in our online shop.


https://www.rnib.org.uk

RNID (Royal National Insitute of Deaf People - formerly Action on Hearing Loss)

RNID works to make life fully inclusive for deaf people and those with hearing loss or tinnitus.

The charity campaigns for an inclusive society, connect people to practical advice, and pioneer new treatments for hearing loss and tinnitus.

https://rnid.org.uk

DISABILITY LAW SERVICE

https://dls.org.uk/

Disability Law Service (DLS) is a unique charity that has been providing free legal advice and representation for disabled people since 1975. In fulfilling our purpose, fighting injustice for disabled people, we work to challenge the poverty and inequality faced by those with disabilities by securing for them access to justice and to their legal rights.

All the people that DLS helps are disabled people, or family members/carers who contact us on the disabled person’s behalf. They have a variety of impairments or long term limiting health conditions. Many have hidden disabilities such as epilepsy, diabetes, autistic spectrum disorder or mental health problems, which can make daily life, employment and accessing services particularly difficult.

Whether by helpful advice over the phone, the provision of online fact-sheets or full representation at tribunal, we provide a vital service to some 4,000 people each year, many of whom are in distress as a result of discrimination or improper care.

We provide a full service of advice and representation for employment (including disability discrimination) and community care. We also maintain online resources and fact sheets in these areas as well as in relation to Welfare Benefits, Goods and Services discrimination and Higher Education.

DISABILITY RIGHTS UK

http://www.disabilityrightsuk.org

http://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/how-we-can-help/helplines/disabled-students-helpline

SCOPE DISABILITY HELPLINE

https://www.scope.org.uk/helpline

DISABILITY INFORMATION SCOTLAND

http://www.disabilityscot.org.uk/

Housing

Provides information and advice on housing options for older people.

http://www.eac.org.uk/

Services include the self-help Housing Options for Older People (HOOP) tool - http://hoop.eac.org.uk/hoop/start.aspx

https://www.housingadviceni.org/ (public site)

https://housingrights.org.uk/ (professionals/corporate site)

Find local welfare provision (LWP) schemes run by local councils using the search tool on the End Furniture Poverty website.

Last checked Jan 2019

Immigration

https://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/

Last checked Jan 2018

Mental Health

http://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helplines/

Their team provides information on a range of topics including: types of mental health problem, where to get help, medication and alternative treatments, and advocacy.

http://www.samaritans.org/

Email us: jo@samaritans.org

Tel: 116 123 (UK) 116 123 (ROI),

They're there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you need a response immediately, it's best to call them on the phone. The number is FREE to call. Calls to this helpline number do not appear on phone bills.

If there's something troubling you, then get in touch. Every six seconds, somebody contacts them. Ten times a minute, they can help someone turn their life around.

Talk to them any time you like, in your own way, and off the record – about whatever’s getting to you. You don’t have to be suicidal.

https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/

YoungMinds is the UK’s leading charity committed to improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people.

Last checked Jan 2018

Older people

Provides information and advice on housing options for older people.

http://www.eac.org.uk/

Services include the self-help Housing Options for Older People (HOOP) tool - http://hoop.eac.org.uk/hoop/start.aspx

https://www.thesilverline.org.uk/

Last checked Jan 2018

Students

Suicide

Prevention of male suicide. Open 5pm to midnight, 365 days a year

https://www.thecalmzone.net/about-calm/what-is-calm/

0800 58 58 58 (London 0808 802 58 58)

Provide information on types of mental health problems 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helplines/

0300 123 3393 info@mind.org.uk text 8643

Anyone up to 35 yrs that’s struggling with or supporting someone experiencing thoughts of suicide

https://papyrus-uk.org/  

0800 068 41 41 - 10 until 10pm Monday to Friday (Bank holidays 2pm until 10pm)

https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help-you/contact-us 116 123 jo@samaritans.org.uk

Safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way – about whatever’s getting to you. Open 24/7

Out-of-hours mental health helpline offering specialist emotional support, guidance and information to anyone affected by mental illness, including family, friends and carers. 4.30pm to 10.30pm, 365 days a year

http://www.sane.org.uk/what_we_do/support/helpline

0300 304 7000

Tax debt or problems for people on low incomes

http://taxaid.org.uk/

TaxAid is a charity that helps people on low incomes (under £20,000) that HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC can't help) when they get into difficulties with their tax affairs.

TaxAid helps people on low incomes to understand the bits of the tax system that apply to them (safely ignoring the confusing 98% that don’t), pay only the right amount of tax and help them resolve crises when things go wrong.

TaxAid runs a national helpline, and provides face-to-face services in London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Newcastle upon Tyne. It also gives advice by email and provides information on its website.

Young People

THE MIX (essential support for under 25s)

http://www.themix.org.uk/

Last checked Jan 2018