Useful Web Links » Web links » Looking for General Help

• We cannot guarantee the content of any websites listed.

• We have listed the websites in general groups with a broad topic heading.

• Subject headings are in alphabetical order for ease of use.

• Where more than one website is given it does not mean I place greater priority on this topic or the needs of the people using the information.

• Some links contain information which you may not consider suitable for young people and children. We aim to cover the needs of as many people as possible.

• Because the internet is a rapidly changing resource please let us know if ever you find a broken link or feel another website might be helpful if the topic is not already covered. Thank you.

An urgent need to talk? Desperate, alone, cannot cope?

Help will be available at any time of the day or night.

Call the Samaritans 08457 90 90 90

or visit the website today. You can email for help via the website too.

Please do not feel you have to struggle alone.

Alcohol Related problems here or call 0845 769 7555

Advice

Citizens Advice will provide you with as much information and support they can about a wide range of issues. Also see their Advice Guide site

Benefits

To check the up to date information about benefits and pensions please see the Department of Work and Pensions website or call your local benefits office,

There is a separate guide to claiming Disability Living Allowance within the PINNT website.

Bereavement

Cruse Providing support to anybody affected by bereavement

Child Bereavement Support for all and Jeremiahs Journey. The second of these links is a regional support network, however, there is a lot of helpful advice and provides signposting to other agencies and information. Compassionate Friends also has valuable advice and a support helpline.

Stillbirth and neonatal death Supporting anybody affected by the death of a baby.

WAY foundation provides support specifically for those who are widowed at a young age Merry Widow also provides support specifically for widows.

Winstons Wish provides valuable information for children and their families when a parent, brother or sister dies.

Charity Grants

There are many charities that might be able to provide grants or extra assistance.

You can search regarding your specific needs at turn2us

They also have a benefits calculator as most Charities cannot provide support for items and living activities that should be covered by Benefit payments.

Children in need of support

Bullying. Please do not suffer alone. Try and tell an adult you trust as soon as possible. Beat Bullying will help you see you are not alone and do not need to suffer anymore.

Childline Free internet Confidential support and advice about any issue for all children at any time OR please call 0800 1111 to speak to somebody who can support and help you right away.

Caring

Again there are many sites that will provide you with help and support. If you do not find what you are looking for here and in the benefits section please use your search engine.

Young carers might find it helpful to talk to a teacher or another adult they can trust. Childline will also give you additional support and give you help with finding the correct help for your situation. Never feel you are alone. Also links such as the Young Carers might help. Do not struggle alone. Ask for help - it is there for you.

Costs of health care including prescriptions

NHS health costs are explained here and you will be able to see if you can claim help with costs such as prescription charges and other associated health costs such as eye sight tests and dental care.

Department of Health

This site provides a lot of information about UK Health care

Elderly people

Age Concern - information, day care services and support

Help the Aged - information support, shop and campaigns.

Emergency Alerts and Alarms

There is a range of medical alert jewellery on the market. This is at varying costs and some require ongoing yearly fees to keep your information updated and secure.

Companies such as Next of KIn and SOS Talisman provide a wide range of services. Others are available.

Emergency Alarms at home alert a call centre that can assist you in obtaining emergency support or care. They will also be able to contact a family member or neighbour for you. Companies such as Aid Call and Helpline are just two of the Companies available. Your Care Team or local Council will be able to advise you on other Companies.

Employment

Information for people with disabilities, who are at work or wish to find employment.

Equipment

There are too many internet and "helping hands" shops to mention!

If you require advice on the correct equipment to purchase or how to use a piece of equipment please contact a member of your health care team or Occupational Therapist

Expert Patient Programme

The Expert Patient Programme is a free NHS-based self-management training programme giving people living with any long-term chronic condition the confidence, skills and knowledge to look at ways of possibly managing their condition better and be more in control of their lives on a day-to-day basis.

Family Life

Contact a family For all family members with a child with any disability. Includes free phone helpline and downloadable information and advice.

Disabled Parenting Network - for parents; those hoping to become parents and their families. Includes free phone telephone support.

Family Break up's are not your fault. Support for all.

Grandparent's information and advice

One Space and 1parentfamilies {gingerbread] providing support for single parents

Parent Line Plus provides comprehensive support and information links

Relate Advice on relationships, face to face, online or by phone.

Siblings Support and information for Brothers and Sisters of Disabled Children and Adults.

Twins and multiple births comprehensive support and information for all

Healthcare Commission

The Health Care Commission is the Independent inspection body for both the NHS and independent healthcare with a wide range of responsibilities, all aimed at improving the quality of healthcare. You can find out how your local care services are rated here.

Hobbies and Interests

Carers go free Some local attractions have a concessionary rate for carers. This is, however, often only for people who are needing support because of pushing a wheelchair. It is worth asking and checking the website of the place you are hoping to visit too!

Cinema Card - This is a card for people who qualify for a person to accompany them to the Cinema free of charge. Fee payable on application

Further Education Check with your local Council and see if there are any leisure or interest courses available. Sometimes there are concessionary rates for people claiming certain benefits.

Studying from Home - There are many courses and links online so search for the subject you are interested in. Also the Open University and other correspondence colleges might interest you. You do not have to complete a full degree and can study for general interest purposes!

Library Services. Check with your local Council for availability. Sometimes concessionary rates are payable for the loan of CD’s and talking books if you have a disability.

Local Services Cards. Some local Councils have a “loyalty Scheme” Card for people in their residential area enabling you to acquire discount from goods and services listed in a directory.

Television.

Digital switchover Providing information about the help available to some people when Digital Switchover occurs in your area.

TV Licence including a facility to purchase online

Theatre - Check with the individual theatre to find out if there are concessions for groups, disabled people and their carers or families and students.

Toy Library Brilliant source of play equipment and support. Contact link for information about local services.

Home Safety

If you require professional advice about aspects of home safety and security please contact an established organisation or the Police using your local non-emergency call number. They will be happy to provide contact and information to support you.

If you require a large number of professionals and visitors to access your home you might consider using a key safe. Ask your local care and repair service or social services department for further information.

Fire Safety Advice is freely available to all. Please seek advice about fitting and maintaining smoke and carbon monoxide monitors.

Hospice Care

Association of Children's Palliative Care ACT is the only organisation working across the UK to achieve a better quality of life and care for every life-limited or life-threatened child or young person and their family.

Children's Hospice UK General Information about the Hospice care available for children in the UK. Each Hospice has its own website. In addition to this your local child's care team will support and advise you.

Finding a Hospice this is some basic information about hospice care. Your medical team will support and advise you on the local services and care options.

Housing

Shelter or your local Council will be able to provide you with advice and information

Long Term Medical Conditions

National Voices

Money and Benefit Claims

Dept of work and pensions [DWP] provide links to the Direct Gov Site. This will provide you with up to date information, contact numbers and addresses. You can also download some benefit claim forms or claim online in some cases too.

Other help with claiming benefits

a2b is an organisation based in Northern Ireland. Specifically giving help to people of retirement age.

Benefits and work provide comprehensive information and support along with training and campaigns regarding benefit claims.

Citizens Advice provides comprehensive support on a range of issues including benefit claims and completion of claim forms.

When things are not quite as you think they should be DWP

National Health Service

This NHS site provides a vast array of information about your health care needs, ways of staying healthy and where to seek help too.

National Institute of Clinical Excellence

NICE is an Independent organisation responsible for providing national guidance on the promotion of good health and the prevention and treatment of ill health.

National Health Service

Clean hands Campaign This campaign aims to ensure staff get better at hand hygiene and assist in the prevention of many infections.

Complaints Unfortunately there will be occasions when using the National Health Service when you feel it is justified to make a complaint. This Citizens Advice Bureau guide gives you extensive information about the process and who to talk to in order to resolve your concerns.

Help with prescription charges. Information about prepayment schemes and possible entitlement to free prescriptions.

Medication information about the safe use and storage of prescription drugs.

NHS. Providing a variety of information about conditions, treatments and NHS services.

Patient Advice & Liaison Service [ P.A.L.S] Support with using the local health care services. Also provide a confidential service for people with problems or complaints.

NHS Direct

Instant help via 0845 4647or the website for information support and advice relating to medical issues.

In the case of a major emergency requiring immediate attention call 999 and ask for the paramedics

Road Crashes

Road Peace give specific support after a crash giving practical and emotional support. They specifically ask that you do not call it an “accident”. Thank you.

Residential and Nursing Home Care

Commission for Social Care Inspection reports are an excellent way of finding out about residential and nursing care homes and care services.

Your Local Council or Social Worker will also be able to provide you with information about your area and service provision, costs and payments as will the CAB, Age Concern and Help the Aged.

Sexual Health and Pregnancy

Disabled Parenting Network. This network is for parents, those hoping to become parents and their family or friends. Includes free phone telephone support.

RUThinking ? Providing information about sexual health for the 12- 18 age group and Brook providing comprehensive support up to the age of 25

National Childbirth Trust comprehensive information and support network.

Travel

Blue Badge Scheme - parking badge for people with disabilities.

Bus Travel. Providing information about the Concessionary bus travel scheme for the over 60's and eligible disabled people.

Coach Travel Information offers and timetables

Community Transport - you will find more relevant information from your own City/Town Council website or Town Hall.

Flying - contact your travel Company for specific advice.

Hospital Car Service. This is a scheme that does not have a National Website. Assistance is given to people with severe disabilities and certain conditions to enable them to attend hospital appointments. Your GP Surgery or hospital departments will be able to advise you.

Hospital Travel Costs Assistance with the costs of travelling to hospital appointments for people who qualify for certain means tested benefits or people with a low income.

Railcard for people with disabilities and a separate one for families

Shopmobility check to see if you have a shopmobility office near to wherever you are visiting. Hire of powered chairs and scooters for a nominal charge.

Taxi card. This is one scheme that does not have a National Website. Check with your local Council to see if there is one operating in your area. You usually have to have severe mobility impairments and be in receipt of disability related benefits to qualify.