Support and Advice
Organisations that can offer support and advice for young people and their families
Anorexia and bulimia care (ABC)
0300 011 1213
Anorexia and Bulimia Care is a charity offering advice and support for people with eating disorders and members of their family.
BEAT
0808 801 0677
Beat is the UK’s leading charity for people with eating disorders and their families, providing information, help and support.
Childline
0800 1111
Childline is a free, confidential helpline for children and young adults offering help and advice on a wide range of issues.
Equality and Human Rights Commission
0808 800 0082
This commission is a good source for expert information, advice and support on discrimination and human rights issues and the applicable law.
F.E.A.S.T
0330 828 0031
Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment of Eating Disorders is an international organisation of and for families and carers of eating disorder patients. They help families by providing information and mutual support, promoting evidence-based treatment and advocating for research.
Gov.uk
This website provides helpful information for disabled people and their carers on a range of topics such as benefits and financial help, disability equipment and transport and disability rights.
Mental Health Foundation
0207 803 1100
This is a UK charity that provides information, carries out research campaigns and works to improve services for anyone affected by mental health problems.
Mental Health Matters
0191 516 3500
Mental Health Matters is a national charity which provides services for people with mental health needs. They also support people with learning disabilities, drug and alcohol and other problems.
MIND
0300 123 3393
MIND is the mental health charity for England and Wales that helps people take control of their mental health. They provide information to help promote understanding of mental health and campaign to create a society that promotes good mental health for all.
If you live in Scotland, you might want to contact the Scottish Association for Mental Health – www.samh.org.uk
National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS)
0808 808 1001
This is a UK charity offering information, advice, advocacy and legal representation to children and young people up to the age of 25 years.
NHS Choices
An information website from the National Health Service on conditions, treatments, local services and healthy living.
OCD Action
0845 390 6232
This is a national charity providing help for children and adults who are affected by Obsessive Compulsive Disorders (OCD). They provide support and information and work to raise awareness of the disorder.
OCD UK
0333 212 7890
This is a national charity run by people with lived experience of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The provide support and campaign for improved access to services and treatment.
Papyrus – Prevention of young suicide
0800 068 41 41
Papyrus is a UK charity committed to suicide prevention. They run a confidential hotline for children, teenagers and young people who are worried about how they are feeling and for anyone who is concerned about a young person.
Patient UK
A website that provides good quality information about health and disease.
Rethink
0121 522 7007
Rethink is a national charity which works to help people affected by severe mental illness to lead a better quality of life. They provide services, support groups and information on mental health problems.
SANE
0300 304 7000
SANE is a national charity for people with a mental illness. They provide care and support for people with mental health problems, their families and carers. They initiate research into the causes and treatments of serious mental illnesses and they raise awareness and combat stigma through education and campaigning.
Speak Up
0303 123 7013
Speak Up provide advocacy services and resources for people with learning disabilities, mental health issues and physical disabilities.
Young Minds
0207 089 5050
Young Minds is a national charity offering information to young people and children about mental health and emotional wellbeing. They run a telephone helpline for parents and carers worried about a child or young person.
British Institute for Brain Injured Children (BIBIC)
01458 253344
This is a national charity offering practical help to families caring for children with conditions such as autism, cerebral palsy, Down’s syndrome, developmental delay, traumatic and acquired brain injury and specific learning difficulties such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, dyslexia and dyspraxia.
British Institute for Learning Disabilities (BILD)
0121 415 6960
This is a national charity committed to improving the quality of life for people in the UK with a learning disability. They achieve this by influencing policy-makers and other decision-makers, encouraging good practice among practitioners and helping people with a learning disability take charge of their own lives.
Challenging Behaviour Foundation
0300 666 0126
The Challenging Behaviour Foundation exists to demonstrate that individuals with severe learning disabilities who are described as having challenging behaviour can enjoy normal life opportunities when their behaviour is properly understood and they receive individualised support. The foundation supports families, professionals and others through education, information, research and partnership working.
Child Brain Injury Trust
01869 341075
This is a charity providing support to children and families affected by brain injuries that happen after birth (acquired brain injuries).
Childline
0800 1111
Childline is a free, confidential helpline for children and young adults offering help and advice on a wide range of issues.
Encephalitis Society
01653 699599
This is a UK based charity set up by people affected by encephalitis. They offer support and information to adults and children affected by encephalitis, produce evidence-based information on all aspects of the condition, raise awareness and conduct research.
Epilepsy Action
0808 800 5050
This is a UK member-led epilepsy organisation, which acts as the voice of people with epilepsy, their friends, families and health professionals. As well as campaigning to improve epilepsy services, they also offer support and assistance.
Epilepsy Society
01494 601400
Epilepsy Society is the UK’s leading provider of epilepsy services. They run a helpline for people with epilepsy and also carry out medical research.
Equality and Human Rights Commission
0808 800 0082
This commission is a good source for expert information, advice and support on discrimination and human rights issues and the applicable law.
This website provides helpful information for disabled people and their carers on a range of topics such as benefits and financial help, disability equipment and transport and disability rights.
Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities
0207 803 1100
This is part of the Mental Health Foundation charity and is a charity that works to promote the rights, quality of life and opportunities for people with learning disabilities and their families. They provide information, carry out research and work to improve services.
Gov.uk
This website provides helpful information for disabled people and their carers on a range of topics such as benefits and financial help, disability equipment and transport and disability right
Mencap
0333 270 0567
Mencap is an individual membership organisation for people in England, Northern Ireland and Wales with learning disabilities. They provide practical support and advice for people with a learning disability and their families and carers.
National Autistic Society
0808 800 4104
This is a UK charity for people with autism (including Asperger’s syndrome) and their families. They provide information, support and services.
National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS)
0808 808 1001
This is a UK charity offering information, advice, advocacy and legal representation to children and young people up to the age of 25 years.
NHS Choices
An information website from the National Health Service on conditions, treatments, local services and healthy living.
Patient UK
A website that provides good quality information about health and disease.
Speak Up
0303 123 7013
Speak Up provide advocacy services and resources for people with learning disabilities, mental health issues and physical disabilities.
Young Minds
0207 089 5050
Young Minds is a national charity offering information to young people and children about mental health and emotional wellbeing. They run a telephone helpline for parents and carers worried about a child or young person.
Organisations that offer support and information about brain injury and neurological conditions
Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL)
0115 943 5400
The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) is a not-for-profit organisation, which exists to fight for the rights of injured people. APIL offer information, guidance and support for those injured as a result of someone else’s negligence and can direct you to a personal injury lawyer in your area.
Brain and Spine Foundation
0808 808 1000
This charitable organisation provides tailored information and specialist support to anyone affected by a neurological condition.
British Association of Brain Injury Case Managers (BABICM)
0161 762 6400
This professional association was established to promote the development of case management in the field of acquired brain injury. It represents the professional interests and concerns of case manager who work with those who have suffered an acquired brain injury or other complex condition that requires co-ordinated rehabilitation, care and support. They can direct you to a brain injury case manager.
Different Strokes
0345 130 7172
Different strokes is a registered charity providing a free service to younger stroke survivors in the UK. The charity is run by stroke survivors and offers self-help and mutual support to enable stroke survivors of working age to optimise their recovery, take control of their own lives and regain as much independence as possible.
Encephalitis Society
01653 699599
This is a UK based charity set up by people affected by encephalitis. They offer support and information to adults and children affected by encephalitis, produce evidence-based information on all aspects of the condition, raise awareness and conduct research.
Epilepsy Action
0808 800 5050
This is a UK member-led epilepsy organisation, which acts as the voice of people with epilepsy, their friends, families and health professionals. As well as campaigning to improve epilepsy services, they also offer support and assistance.
Epilepsy Society
01494 601400
Epilepsy Society is the UK’s leading provider of epilepsy services. They run a helpline for people with epilepsy and also carry out medical research.
Equality and Human Rights Commission
0808 800 0082
This commission is a good source for expert information, advice and support on discrimination and human rights issues and the applicable law.
Gov.uk
This website provides helpful information for disabled people and their carers on a range of topics such as benefits and financial help, disability equipment and transport and disability rights.
Headway-The Brain Injury Association
0808 800 2244
Headway provides help and support to people affected by brain injury. Through a network of more than 125 groups and branches across the UK, it provides support, services and information to brain injury survivors, their families and carers.
Huntington’s Disease Association (HDA)
0151 331 5444
This association supports people affected by the disease and provides information and advice to professionals whose task it is to support Huntington’s Disease families.
Meningitis Now
0808 801 0388
Meningitis Now provides support for people whose lives are affected by meningitis. Services include counselling, art therapy, home/ hospital visits and financial support for families affected by the illness.
Momentum
0141 419 5299
Momentum is a not-for-profit organisation. Their services help a wide range of people including those with a brain injury, spinal injury, mental health difficulty, physical or learning disability in the areas of employment and training, job retention and community rehabilitation.
Motor Neurone Disease Association
01604 250505
The MNDA supports people with Motor Neurone Disease and those who care for them, in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. They offer information and practical day-to-day support to enable people with MND to live with their diagnosis and achieve the best quality of life. In Scotland, you can contact www.mndscotland.org.uk.
Multiple Sclerosis Society
0808 800 8000
This is a membership organisation for people affected by Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The society funds research, runs respite care centres, provides grants, education and training on MS and also produces publications on MS and runs a specialist helpline.
Multiple Sclerosis Trust
0800 032 3839
This is a UK charity which provides information for anyone affected by Multiple Sclerosis (MS). They offer education programmes to health professionals, fund practical research and campaign for specialist MS services.
NHS Choices
An information website from the National Health Service on conditions, treatments, local services and healthy living.
Patient UK
A website that provides good quality information about health and disease.
Scottish Huntington’s Disease Association
0141 848 0308
This is a small charity established by families living with Huntington’s Disease (HD). They provide specialist family support services and a network or specialist services for people living in Scotland.
Spinal Injuries Association
0800 980 0501
The Spinal Injuries Association is a national charity dedicated to helping people with spinal cord injuries rebuild their lives. They offer information and support and run a free telephone helpline.
The Brain Charity
0800 008 6417
The Brain Charity offers emotional support, practical help and social activities to anyone with a neurological condition and to their family, friends and carers.
Stroke Association
0303 303 3100
The Stroke Association is a UK charity that helps people who have been affected by a stroke. They fund medical research and help stroke patients and their families by providing information, advice and support.
Organisations that can offer information and support to those affected by mental health conditions
Bipolar UK
0333 323 3880
This is the national charity dedicated to supporting individuals with bipolar and their families and carers. Their services include support groups facilitated by trained volunteers and one-to-one peer support via telephone and email.
British Institute for Learning Disabilities (BILD)
0121 415 6960
This is a national charity committed to improving the quality of life for people in the UK with a learning disability. They achieve this by influencing policy-makers and other decision-makers, encouraging good practice among practitioners and helping people with a learning disability take charge of their own lives.
Challenging Behaviour Foundation
0300 666 0126
The Challenging Behaviour Foundation exists to demonstrate that individuals with severe learning disabilities who are described as having challenging behaviour can enjoy normal life opportunities when their behaviour is properly understood and they receive individualised support. The foundation supports families, professionals and others through education, information, research and partnership working.
ENABLE Scotland
0300 020 0101
This Scottish charity was founded by parents of children with learning disabilities. They work to make life better for people who have learning disabilities and their families by campaigning to end discrimination and by providing support to those looking for employment.
Equality and Human Rights Commission
0808 800 0082
This commission is a good source for expert information, advice and support on discrimination and human rights issues and the applicable law.
This website provides helpful information for disabled people and their carers on a range of topics such as benefits and financial help, disability equipment and transport and disability rights.
Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities
0207 803 1100
This is part of the Mental Health Foundation charity and is a charity that works to promote the rights, quality of life and opportunities for people with learning disabilities and their families. They provide information, carry out research and work to improve services.
Mencap
0333 270 0567
Mencap is an individual membership organisation for people in England, Northern Ireland and Wales with learning disabilities. They provide practical support and advice for people with a learning disability and their families and carers.
Mental Health Foundation
0207 803 1100
This is a UK charity that provides information, carries out research campaigns and works to improve services for anyone affected by mental health problems.
Mental Health Matters
0191 516 3500
Mental Health Matters is a national charity which provides services for people with mental health needs. They also support people with learning disabilities, drug and alcohol and other problems.
Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland
0800 313 8777
This is an independent organisation working to safeguard the rights and welfare of people with a mental illness, learning disability or other mental disorder.
MIND
0300 123 3393
MIND is the mental health charity for England and Wales that helps people take control of their mental health. They provide information to help promote understanding of mental health and campaign to create a society that promotes good mental health for all.
If you live in Scotland, you might want to contact the Scottish Association for Mental Health – www.samh.org.uk
National Autistic Society
0808 800 4104
This is a UK charity for people with autism (including Asperger’s syndrome) and their families. They provide information, support and services.
NHS Choices
An information website from the National Health Service on conditions, treatments, local services and healthy living.
OCD Action
0845 390 6232
This is a national charity providing help for children and adults who are affected by Obsessive Compulsive Disorders (OCD). They provide support and information and work to raise awareness of the disorder.
OCD UK
0333 212 7890
This is a national charity run by people with lived experience of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The provide support and campaign for improved access to services and treatment.
Patient UK
A website that provides good quality information about health and disease.
Rethink
0121 522 7007
Rethink is a national charity which works to help people affected by severe mental illness to lead a better quality of life. They provide services, support groups and information on mental health problems.
SANE
0300 304 7000
SANE is a national charity for people with a mental illness. They provide care and support for people with mental health problems, their families and carers. They initiate research into the causes and treatments of serious mental illnesses and they raise awareness and combat stigma through education and campaigning.
Speak Up
0303 123 7013
Speak Up provide advocacy services and resources for people with learning disabilities, mental health issues and physical disabilities.
Together for Mental Wellbeing
0207 780 7300
This is a national charity working alongside people with mental health issues. They provide a range of services including accommodation, day and community services, advocacy and they also work in courts and probation services.