Resource directory

The following self-help, non-statutory and voluntary organizations are all national organizations, and the telephone numbers are head office numbers. Many of the agencies have networks of support groups across the country and they will be able to tell you the location of your nearest group. All encourage self-referral. You may wish to adapt this directory to include details of your local groups.

Alcohol misuse

Al-Anon Family Groups UK and Eire (local groups)
61 Great Dover Street, London SE1 4YF
Helpline: 020 7403 0888 (10am-10pm Daily)
Website: http://www.al-anon.org/
Understanding and support for families and friends of alcoholics whether still drinking or not.

Alateen
Helpline: 020 7403 0888 (10am-10pm Daily)
Website: http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/
For young people aged 12-20 affected by others' drinking.

Alcoholics Anonymous (local groups)
PO Box 1, Stonebow House, General Service Office, Stonebow, York YO1 7NJ
Administration: 01904 644 026
Helpline: 0845 769 7555 (24-hour)
Website: http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk
Helpline and support groups for men and women trying to achieve and maintain sobriety and help other alcoholics to get sober.

Drinkline National Alcohol Helpline
Freepost, PO Box 4000, Glasgow, G3 8XX
Helpline: 0800 917 8282 (9am-11pm, Tuesday-Thursday, Friday 9am-Monday 11pm)
Asian line (Hindu, Urdu, Gujerati, Pujabi): 0990 133 480 (1pm-8pm, Monday)
Confidential alcohol counselling and information service.

National Association for Children of Alcoholics
PO Box 64, Fishponds, Bristol, BS16 2UH
Office: 0117 924 8005
Helpline: 0800 358 3456 (10am-7pm, Monday-Friday)
Website: http://www.nacoa.org.uk/ 
Provides information and support to children of alcoholics.

Northern Ireland Community Addiction Service
40 Elmwood Avenue, Belfast BT9 6AZ
02890 664 434 (8.45am-5pm Monday-Thursday, 8.45am-4.30pm Friday)

Secular Organisations for Sobriety (SOS)
Office: 020 8698 9332
Helpline: 020 8698 9332/8291 5572
A non-religious self-help group.

Anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic and phobias

First Steps to Freedom (local groups)
1 Taylor Close, Kennelworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2LW
Office: 01926 864 473
Helpline: 01926 851 608 (24-hour)
Email: info@firststeps.demon.co.uk; website: http://www.first-steps.org
Runs self-help groups.

The International Stress Management Association (ISMA) UK
PO Box 348, Waltham Cross, EN8 8ZL
Helpline: 07000 780 430
Email: stress@isma.org.uk; website: http://www.isma.org.uk
Promotes knowledge and best practice in the prevention and reduction of acute stress.

No Panic (local groups)
Brands Farm Way, Telford TF3 2JQ
Helpline: 0808 808 0545 (10am-10pm Daily, and a taped crisis message through the night) - gives numbers of volunteers for the day
Website: http://www.nopanic.org.uk
Email: ceo@nopanic.org.uk
Helpline, information booklets, local self-help groups (including telephone recovery groups) for people with anxiety, phobias, obsessions, panic.

OCD Action
Aberdeen Centre, 22-24 Highbury Grove, London N5 2EA
020 7226 4000 (9.30am-5pm, Tuesday, Wednesday; 11am-5pm, Thursday)
Email: info@ocdaction.org.uk; website: http://www.ocdaction.org.uk
Provides information, advice and support for people with Obsessive-compulsive disorder and related disorders such as body dysmorphic disorder and trichotillomania.

OCD UK
PO Box 8115 Nottingham NG7 1YT
Email: admin@ocduk.org website: http://www.ocduk.org
OCD-UK is a new dynamic UK charity, which has been founded for people who are affected by Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). They aim to bring the facts about OCD to the public and to support those who suffer in silence from this often debilitating anxiety disorder.

Social Anxiety UK (local groups)
Website: http://www.social-anxiety.org.uk
Information and support for sufferers of social anxiety and related problems. Has chat room and details of local meetings across the UK.

Stresswatch Scotland (local groups)
The Barn, 42 Barnweil Road, Kilmarnock KA1 4JF
Office: 01563 574 144
Helpline: 01563 528 910 (10am-1pm, Monday-Friday, excluding Wednesday)
Advice, information, materials on panic, anxiety, stress, phobias.

Triumph Over Phobia (TOP UK ) (local groups)
PO Box1831, Bath BA2 4YW
Office: 01225 330 353
Email: triumphoverphobia@compuserve.com; website: http://www.triumphoverphobia.com
Structured self-help groups for sufferers from phobias or Obsessive-compulsive disorder. Produces self-help materials.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and Autism

Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Service (ADDISS) (local groups)
10 Station Road, Mill Hill, London NW7 2JU 020 8906 9068
Website: http://www.addiss.co.uk
Advice, support, local self-help groups, conferences and literature.

The National Autistic Society (local groups)
393 City Road, London EC1V 1NG
Office: 020 7833 2299
Helpline: 0845 0704004
Email: nas@nas.org.uk; website: http://www.nas.org.uk
Information service, national diagnostic and assessment service, supported employment scheme, local groups and other services.

Autism Connect
Website: http://www.autismconnect.org
A website for anyone interested in autism, providing news, events, world maps, and rapid access to other websites with information on autism.

Bereavement and loss

Childhood Bereavement Network
National Children's Bureau, 8 Wakley Street, London EC1V 7QE,
020 7843 6309
Website: http://www.ncb.org.uk/cbn/directory
Has an online directory of accessible specialist bereavement support services throughout UK.

The Child Bereavement Trust
Ashton House, High Street, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP14 3AG
Office: 01494 446 648
Information line and support for professionals only: 0845 357 1000
Email: enquiries@childbereavement.org.uk; website: http://www.childbereavement.org.uk
Offers training for counselling bereaved children and advice on where to obtain help in the UK. Website has advice sheets for parents and young people and list of useful resources including videos for young people.

The Compassionate Friends
53 North Street, Bristol BS3 1EN
Helpline: 0117 953 9639 (10am-4pm and 6.30-10.30pm, open 365 days a year)
Email: info@tcf.org.uk; website: http://www.tcf.org.uk
Organization of bereaved parents offering friendship and understanding to others after the death of a child.

Cruse Bereavement Care (local groups)
Cruse House, 126 Sheen Road, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1UR
020 8939 9530
Helpline: 0870 167 1677 (9.30am-5.00pm, Monday-Friday)
Youthline (for those aged 12-18): 0808 808 1677
Email: info@crusebereavementcare.org.uk; website: http://www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk
Offers support, information, training and direct telephone help to anyone who has been affected by a death. Over 150 branches throughout the UK.

The Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths (FSID) (local groups)
Artillery House, 11-19 Artillery Row, London, SW1P 1RT
Administration: 0870 787 0885
Helpline: 0870 787 0554 (9-11am Monday-Friday; 6-11pm, Saturday and Sunday)
Email: fsid@sids.org.uk; website: http://www.sids.org.uk
National helpline, local parent groups and befrienders.

Papyrus
c/o The Administration, Rosendale GH, Union Road, Rawtenstall, Rosendale, Lancs BB4 6NE
01706 214 449
Self-help for parents of young people who have committed suicide.

SAMM (Support after Murder and Manslaughter)
Cranmer House, 39 Brixton Road, London SW9 6DZ
Helpline: 020 7735 3838 (9am-5pm Monday-Friday)
Email: samm@victimsupport.org.uk; website: http://www.samm.org.uk
Helpline and useful publications including some for carers.

SOBS (Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide) (Local groups)
Centre 88, Saner Street, Hull HU3 2TR
Administrator: 01482 610 728
Helpline: 0870 241 3337 (9am-9pm, 365 days of the year)
Email: sobs.support@care4free.net; website: http://www.uk-sobs.org.uk
Offers emotional and practical support to those affected by suicide.

Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society (SANDS)
28 Portland Place, London W1B 1LY
Office: 020 7436 3715
Helpline: 020 7436 5881 (9.30am-4pm Monday-Friday, and answerphone outside normal hours)
Email: support@uk-sands.org; website: http://www.uk-sands.org
Provides support for parents and families whose baby is stillborn, or dies shortly after birth.

Winston's Wish
The Clara Burgess Centre, Gloucestershire Hospital, Great Western Road, Gloucester GL1 3NN
General enquiries: 01452 394 377
Family line: 0845 203 0405 (9am-5pm, Monday-Friday)
Email: info@winstonswish.org.uk; website: http://www.winstonswish.org.uk
Organization supporting bereaved children and young people, and offering guidance and information to anyone concerned about a child after bereavement.

Bipolar disorder (manic depression)

The Manic Depression Fellowship (MDF) (local groups)
England
Castle Works, 21 St George's Road, London SE1 6ES
Office: 020 7793 2600
Email: mdf@mdf.org.uk (information); smt@mdf.org.uk (self-management); groups@mdf.org.uk (self-help groups); website: http://www.mdf.org.uk
Scotland
Studio 1019, Mile End Mill, Abbey Mill Business Park, Seedhill Road, Paisley PA1 1TJ
0141 560 2050
Email: info@mdfscotland.co.uk; website: http://www.mdfscotland.co.uk
Wales
1 Palmyra Place, Newport, South Wales, NP20 4EJ
08456 340 080
Email: info@mdfwales.org.uk; website: http://www.manicdepressionwales.org.uk
Advice, support, local self-help groups and publications list for people with a manic depressive illness.

Carers

Carers UK
20-25 Glasshouse Yard, London EC1A 4JT
020 7490 8818
Helpline: 0808 808 7777 (10am-12noon and 2-4pm, Monday-Friday)
Email: info@ukcarers.org.uk; website: http://www.carersonline.org.uk
Formerly the National Carers Association. Provides information and advice on all aspects of care for both carers and professionals.

Counsel and Care
Twyman House, 16 Bonny Street, London NW1 9PG
020 7485 1566 (10am-1pm, Monday-Friday)
Website: http://www.counselandcare.org.uk
Advice and information on home and residential care for older people.

Crossroads Association (local groups)
10 Regent Place, Rugby CV21 2PN 0845 450 0350
Email: communications@crossroads.org.uk; website: http://www.crossroads.org.uk
There are regional centres throughout the UK, providing practical support and help for carers, including respite care, day centres, befriending and night care. There is a scheme for young carers also.

Children and adolescents (see also Parents and children)

Anti-Bullying Campaign
185 Tower Bridge Road, London SE1 2UF
020 7378 1446
Provides help if children are being bullied or if children are bullying.

Bullying Online
Website: http://www.bullying.co.uk
Gives help and advice for parents and pupils in dealing with school bullying.

The Bullying Project
Website: http://www.bullying.org
Provides online mentoring support programmes, as well as educational resources.

Change our Minds
Website: http://www.changeourminds.com
A website run by the Samaritans targeted at a younger audience.

ChildLine
45 Folgate Street, London E1 6GL
Office: 020 7650 3200
Helpline: 0800 1111 (24-hour, freephone)
Website: http://www.childline.org.uk
Telephone service for all children and young people providing confidential counselling, support and advice on any issue. Parents can also write to ChildLine.

Childwatch
19 Spring Bank, Hull, East Yorkshire HU3 1AF
01482 325 552
Website: http://www.childwatch.org.uk
Advice for children on bullying and abuse that occurs at home and at school. 2

Kidscape
2 Grosvenor Gardens, London SW1W 0DH
020 7730 3300
Website: http://www.kidscape.org.uk
This is a charity set up to protect children from danger - whether from peers, adults they know or complete strangers.

Like it is
Email: likeitis@stopes.org.uk; website: http://www.likeitis.org.uk
Sex education for young people.

NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children)
Weston House, 42 Curtain Road, London EC2A 3NH
020 7825 2500
Helpline: 0808 800 5000
Website: http://www.nspcc.org.uk
A charity specializing in child protection and the prevention of cruelty to children.

Teenage Health Freak
Website: http://www.teenagehealthfreak.org
Aimed primarily at teenagers aged 11-16 years, provides teenage-friendly health information.

Youth in Mind
Website: http://www.youthinmind.net
Website helping stressed children, teenagers and those who care for them access information and services.

Young Minds Trust
102-108 Clerkenwell Road, London EC1M 5SA
020 7336 8445
Parent information service: 0800 018 2138
Website: http://www.youngminds.org.uk
Aims to improve the mental health of all children and young people. Produces a range of leaflets for parents and young people.

Youth2Youth
Helpline: 020 8896 3675 (6.30-9.30pm, Monday and Thursday)
Email: admin@youth2youth.co.uk; website: http://www.youth2youth.co.uk
Telephone, email and online chat line run by young people (16-21-years-old) for young people.

Chronic fatigue

Action for ME (AfME)
PO Box 1302, Wells, Somerset, BA5 1YE 01749 670799
Email: admin@afme.org.uk; website: http://www.afme.org.uk
A national charity campaigning for patients and a useful source of information

Association of Young People with ME
PO 605, Milton Keynes, Bucks, MK2 2XD
01908 373 300
Email: info@ayme.org.uk; website: http://www.ayme.org.uk
Gives support and advice to young people with ME.

Counselling and psychotherapy

BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy)
BACP House, 35-37 Albert Street, Rugby CV21 2SG
0870 443 5252.
Website: http://www.counselling.co.uk
Provides advice on sources of individual counselling and family therapy in the UK.

British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies
Globe Centre, PO Box 9, Accrington, BB5 2GD
01254 875 277
Email: babcp@babcp.com; website: http://www.babcp.org.uk
Provides a free directory of accredited cognitive behavioural practitioners.

The British Confederation of Psychotherapists
West Hill House, Swains Lane, London N6 6QS
020 8830 5173
Website: http://www.bcp.org.uk
Register of psychotherapists, including psychoanalysts, analytical psychologists, psychoanalytical psychotherapists and child psychotherapists.

The British Psychological Society
St Andrew's House, 48 Princess Road East, Leicester LE1 7DR
01162 549 568
Website: http://www.bps.org.uk
Produces a directory of chartered clinical psychologists.

Counsellors and Psychotherpists in Primary Care (CPC)
Queensway House, Queensway, Bognor Regis, West Sussex PO21 1QT
01243 870701
Email: cpc@cpc-online.co.uk; website: http://www.cpc-online.co.uk
Represents counsellors and psychotherapists working in the NHS as a self-regulating professional association.

Institute for Counselling and Personal Development Trust
Interpoint, 20-24 York Street, Belfast BT15 1AQ
02890 330 996
Email: diane@icpd.thegap.com
Offers counselling and psychotherapy (normally free), course for helpers and community training and development courses.

United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)
167-169 Great Portland Street, London, W1W 5PF
020 7436 3002 Email: ukcp@psychotherapy.org.uk; website: http://www.psychotherapy.org.uk
Provides information on registered therapists and training organizations.

Debt (see also Welfare)

National Debtline
The Arch, 48-52 Floodgate Street, Birmingham B5 5SL
Freephone: 0808 808 4000
Website: http://www.nationaldebtline.co.uk

Dementia

Age Concern
England Astral House, 1268 London Road, London SW16 4ER
Information line: 0800 009 966 (7am-7pm, daily)
Email: ace@ace.org.uk; website: http://www.ace.org.uk
Northern Ireland 02890 245 729
Email: info@ageconcernni.org
Wales 029 2037 1566
Email: enquiries@accymru.org.uk
Scotland 0131 220 3345
Email: enquiries@acscot.org.uk
Provides information and advice relating to older people.

Alzheimer's Society
Gordon House, 10 Greencoat Place, London, SW1P 1PH
020 7306 0606; helpline: 0845 300 0336
Email: helpline@alzheimers.org.uk; website: http://www.alzheimers.org.uk
Provides support to people with all forms of dementia, not just Alzheimer's, their family and friends, and supports research on education and training for primary care.

Help the Aged
Website: http://www.helptheaged.org.uk
England 207-221 Pentonville Road, London N1 9UZ 020 7278 1114
Email: info@helptheaged.org.uk;
Wales 12 Cathedral Road, Cardiff CF11 9LJ 02920 346 550
Email: infocymru@helptheaged.org.uk
Scotland 11 Granton Square, Edinburgh EH5 1HX 0131 551 6331
Email: infoscot@helptheaged.org.uk
Northern Ireland Ascot House, 24-30 Shaftesbury Square, Belfast BT2 7DB 02890 230 666
Email: infoni@helptheaged.org.uk
Provides advice and support to older people

Depression

Aware Defeat Depression Ltd. (local groups)
22 Great James Street, Derry, Co Londonderry BT48 7DA
02871 260 602
Email: info@aware-ni.org; website: http://www.aware-ni.org
Provides information leaflets, lectures and runs support groups for sufferers and relatives.

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)
Helpline: 0800 585 858
Helpline for 15-24-year-old men at the onset of depression, to give advice, guidance, referrals and counselling.

Depression Alliance (local groups)
Website: http://www.depressionalliance.org
England 35 Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7JB 020 8768 0123
Wales 11 Plas Melin, Westbourne Rd, Whitchurch, Cardiff CF14 2BT 029 2069 2891 (10am-4pm Monday-Friday)
Scotland 3 Grosvenor Gardens, Edinburgh EH12 5JU 0131 467 3050
Provides information and self-help groups.

SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) Association
PO Box 989, Steyning BN44 3HS
01903 814 942
Website: http://www.sada.org.uk
Information about seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Offers advice and support to members.

Domestic violence

Domestic Violence Unit or Community Safety Unit
Contact your local Police Force for details.

Everyman Project
40 Stockwell Road, Stockwell, London SW9 9ES
020 7737 6747
Website: http://www.changeweb.org.uk/new_page_22.htm
Counselling, support and advice to men who are violent or concerned about their violence, and anyone affected by that violence.

Kiran: Asian Women's Aid
020 8558 1986, Fax: 020 8532 8260
Email: kiranawa@btopenworld.com
Advice, support, refuge for Asian women, and women from other cultures (eg Turkey, Iran, Morocco and Malaysia).

Refuge
National Crisis Line: 0870 599 5443 (24-hour)
Offers support, information and referrals. Runs own refuges in London and South East.

Relate
Herbert Gray College, Little Church Street, Rugby, Warwickshire CV21 3AP
01788 573 241/0800 456 1310
Website: http://www.relate.org.uk
Counselling for adults with relationship difficulties, whether married or not.

Women's Aid Federation
PO Box 391, Bristol BS99 7WS
National Domestic Violence 24-hour helpline:
England: 08457 023 468
Wales: 029 2039 0874
Northern Ireland: 01232 249 041/358
Scotland: 0131 221 0401
Website: http://www.womensaid.org.uk
Support, advice, information and refuge referrals for women experiencing domestic violence.

Zero Tolerance
Helpline: 0800 028 3398
Website: htttp://www.domesticviolenceprevention.com
Support, advice and information for women experiencing domestic violence.

Drug misuse

Adfam
www.adfam.org.uk
020 7928 8898 (Mon-Fri)
Waterbridge House, 3-36 Loman Street, London SE1 0EE.
Adfam is a national charity working with families affected by drugs and alcohol and is a leading agency in substance related family work. It provides a range of publications and resources for families about substances and criminal justice and operates an online message board and searchable database of local support groups that helps families hear about and talk to people who understand their situation. Adfam runs a range of training programmes on substances and family support. It also operates direct support services at London prisons for families of prisoners with drug problems. A list of resources is available online at www.adfam.org.uk

CITA (Council for Involuntary Tranquilliser Addiction)
Cavendish House, Brighton Road, Waterloo, Liverpool L22 5NG
Office: 0151 474 9626
Helpline 0151 949 0102 (10.00am-1.00pm, Monday-Friday: emergency weekend number available)
Offers advice on withdrawing from tranquilisers and help with anxiety and depression.

DrugScope
Waterbridge House, 32-36 Loman Street, London SE1 0EE
020 7928 1211
Email: services@drugscope.org.uk

Families Anonymous (local groups)
Unit 37, The Doddington and Rollo Community Association, Charlotte Despard Avenue, Battersea, London SW11 5JE 020 7498 4680 (1-5pm, Monday-Friday)
Email: office@famanon.org.uk; website: http://www.famanon.org.uk
Runs self-help groups in the UK for families and friends of those with a drug problem.

Narcotics Anonymous
020 7730 0009
Email: helpline@ukna.org; website: http://www.ukna.org
For leaflets, telephone the UK Service Officer: 020 7251 4007.
A network of recovering addicts supporting each other to live without drugs.

National Drugs Helpline/Talk to Frank
Helpline: 0800 776600 (24-hour)
Website: http://www.talktofrank.com
Provides free confidential advice, including information on local services.

Release
388 Old Street, London EC1V 9LT
Advice line: 020 7729 9904 (10am-5.30pm Monday-Friday)
Email: info@release.org.uk; website: http://www.release.org.uk
Advice, support and information to drug users and their friends and families on all aspects of drug use and drug-related legal problems.

Eating disorders

Anorexia Bulimia Careline (Northern Ireland)
84 University Street, Belfast BT7 1HE
Helpline: 02890 614 440

Centre for Eating Disorders (Scotland)
3 Sciennes Road, Edinburgh EH9 1LE
0131 668 3051
Psychotherapy for individuals, self help manuals and information packs.

Eating Disorders Association (local groups)
1st Floor, Wensum House, 103 Prince of Wales Road, Norwich NR1 1DW
Office: 01603 619 090
Helpline: 01603 621 414 (9am-6.30pm, Monday-Friday)
Youthline (for under 19s): 01603 765050 (4-6.30pm Mon-Fri)
Email: info@edauk.com; website: http://www.edauk.com
Self-help support groups for sufferers, their relatives and friends. Assists in putting people in touch with sources of help in their own area.

Ethnic minorities

Commission for Racial Equality (local groups)
St Dunstan's House, 201-211 Borough High Street, London SE1 1GZ
020 7939 0000
Email info@cre.gov.uk; website: http://www.cre.gov.uk
Provides help to individuals with cases of racial discrimination.

Jewish Association for the Mentally Ill (JAMI)
707 High Road, Finchley, London N12 0BT
020 8343 1111
Offers guidance, counselling and support to sufferers and carers. Runs a help and referral line.

NAFSIYAT
278 Seven Sisters Road, London N4 2HY 020 7686 8666 This is an intercultural therapy centre. Its own services are local but it might be able to provide information about counsellors from black and ethnic minority groups in other areas of the UK.

Refugee Council
3 Bondway, London SW8 1SJ
020 7820 3000
Website: http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk
Gives practical support and advice to refugees. Provides information on mental health services to refugees and their advisers.

Refugee Support Centre
47 South Lambeth Road, London SW8 1RH
020 7820 3606
Provides counselling to refugees, asylum seekers; plus training and information to health and social care professionals on psycho-social needs of refugees.

Learning disability

Down Syndrome Association
155 Mitcham Road, London SW17 9PG
020 8682 4001 (10am-4pm, Tuesday-Thursday)
Email: info@downs-syndrome.org.uk; website: http://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk
Information and support for people with Down syndrome and their families.

Mencap
England and Wales
123 Golden Lane, London EC1Y 0RT
020 7454 0454
Information line: 020 7696 5593
Website: http://www.mencap.org.uk
Northern Ireland
Segal House, 4 Annadale Avenue, Belfast BT7 3JH
02890 691351
Family Advisory Service Line: 0345 636 227
Information and support for people with a learning disability and their families in the UK. It provides residential, employment, further education and leisure and holiday services.

Scope (local groups)
12 Park Crescent, London W1N 4EQ
020 7636 5020
Helpline: 0800 626 216
Website: http://www.scope.org.uk
Information, emotional support, and support groups for people with cerebral palsy and their families. Only some people with cerebral palsy have learning disabilities in addition to their physical disabilities.

Mental health and illness: general

Cause for Mental Health
2 Castle Village, Carrickfer, County Antrim BT38 7BH
01960 367 728
Helpline: 0845 603 0291 233 

The Mental Health Foundation

UK Office 
9th Floor, Sea Containers House
20 Upper Ground, London SE1 9QB. 
Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7803 1100. Fax: + 44 (0) 20 7803 1111
Website: http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk
E-mail:  mhf@mhf.org.uk

Scotland Office
5th Floor, Merchants House
30 George Square, Glasgow
G2 1EG.
Tel: +44 (0)141 572 0125. Fax +44 (0)141 572 0246.
Email: scotland@mhf.org.uk
Web Team at the Mental Health Foundation, Email: webteam@mhf.org.uk Tel: +44 (0)20 7803 1147.
The Mental Health Foundation is working for the needs of people with mental health problems and those with learning disabilities. They aim to improve people's lives, to reduce stigma surrounding the issues and to promote understanding.

MIND
Granta House, 15-19 Broadway, Stratford, London E15 4BQ
Office: 020 8519 2122

MINDinfoLINE: 0845 766 0163
Email: info@mind.org.uk; website: http://www.mind.org.uk
Information service for matters relating to mental health.

Northern Ireland Association for Mental Health
Central Office, 80 University Street, Belfast BT7 1HE
02890 328 474
Provides services in the community for people with mental needs.

SANELine
Helpline: 08457 678 000 (12noon-2.00am Daily)
Website: http://www.sane.org.uk
Helpline offering information and advice on all aspects of mental health for those experiencing illness or their families or friends.

Scottish Association for Mental Health
Cumbrae House, 15 Carlton Court, Glasgow G59JP
0141 568 7000
Website: http://www.samh.org.uk

Mental Health Care
Website: http://www.mentalhealthcare.org.uk
Information about mental health and the latest research from the South London and Maudsley NHS Trust and the Institute of Psychiatry. Particularly suited to the carers, friends and family of anyone with mental illness. The site currently deals with schizophrenia and psychosis.

Neurological disorders and stroke

Epilepsy Action
New Anstey House, Gate Way Drive, Yeadon, Leeds LS19 7XY
Helpline: 0808 800 5050 (9am-4.30pm, Monday-Thursday; 9am-4pm, Friday)
Email: helpline@epilepsy.org.uk; website: http://www.epilepsy.org.uk
Epilepsy Action is the working name for British Epilepsy Association.

Epilepsy Bereaved
PO Box 112, Wantage, Oxon OX12 8XT Bereavement Support Contact Line (24-hour answering service): 01235 772 852 Email: epilepsybereaved@dial.pipex.com

Epilepsy Youth in Europe
Website: http://www.eyie.org
Provides an opportunity for young people to discuss epilepsy and its effect on their lives.

The National Society for Epilepsy
Chesham Lane, Chalfont St Peter, Bucks SL9 0RJ
Office 01494 601 300
UK Epilepsy Helpline: 01494 601 400 (10am-4pm, Monday-Friday)
Website: http://www.epilepsynse.org.uk

Migraine Action Association
Unit 6, Oakley Hay Lodge Business Park, Great Folds Road, Great Oakley, Northants NN18 9AS
01536 461 333 (best time to phone: 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday)
Website: http://www.migraine.org.uk
Aims to bridge the gap between the migraine sufferer and the medical world by providing information on all aspects of the condition and its management.

The Migraine Trust
45 Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3HZ
020 7831 4818
Website: http://www.migrainetrust.org

Neurological Alliance
The Neurological Alliance, PO Box 36731, London SW9 6WY
Tel: 020 7793 5907, Fax: 020 7793 5939
email: info@neurologicalalliance.org.uk
Website: http://www.neurologicalalliance.org.uk

The Organization for Understanding Cluster Headaches (OUCH)
UK Norham House, Mountenoy Road, Moorgate, Rotherham S60 2AJ
24-hour infoline/answer phone: 0161 272 1702 (recording and messages only)
Website: http://www.clusterheadaches.org.uk

Stroke Association
Stroke House, 240 City Road, London EC1V 2PR
Office: 020 7566 0300
Helpline: 0845 303 3100
Email: stroke@stroke.org.uk; website: http://www.stroke.org.uk
Provides a comprehensive series of information leaflets, including Stroke - questions and answers, Sex after stroke, Cognitive problems after stroke, Stroke: a carers guide.

Different strokes
Email: info@differentstrokes.co.uk; website: http://www.differentstrokes.co.uk
Provides free services to younger stroke survivors throughout the UK.

Parents and children

Advisory Centre for Education
18 Aberdeen Studios, 22-24 Highbury Grove, London N5 2DQ
General advice line: 0808 800 5793
Website: http://www.ace-ed.org.uk
Independent advice centre for parents, offering free advice on many topics including exclusion from school, bullying, special educational needs and school admission appeals.

Fathers Direct
Website: http://www.fathersdirect.com

Home-Start UK
2 Salisbury Road, Leicester LE1 7QR
0800 068 6368 (8.30am-8pm Monday-Friday, 9am-Midday Saturday)
Website: http://www.home-start.org.uk
Volunteers offer support, friendship and practical support to young families with at least one child under five, who are experiencing difficulties and stress.

The Incredible Years
Website: http://www.incredibleyears.com
A website of programmes for reducing children's aggression and behaviour problems and increasing social competence at home and school.

National Family and Parenting Institute
430 Highgate Studios, 53-79 Highgate Road, London NW5 1TL
020 7424 3460
Email info@nfpi.org; website: http://www.nfpi.org

NEWPIN (Northern Ireland) (local groups)
Development Office, 8 Windsor Avenue, Lurgan, County Armagh BT67 9BG 01762 324 843
Website: http://www.newpin.org.uk
Befriending and support groups for parents of young children who are under stress. Work focuses on alleviating maternal depression and stress. Provides training in parenting skills and family play programmes.

Parentline (and the National Stepfamily Association)
Endway House, The Endway, Hadleigh, Essex SS7 2AN
Office: 01702 554 782
Helpline: 0808 800 2222 (9am-9pm, Monday-Friday; 9.30am-5pm, Saturday; 10am-3pm, Sunday) Information sheets and books about belonging to a stepfamily: 020 7209 2460
Offers help and advice to parents on all aspects of bringing up children and teenagers. Provides support for parents under stress.

Parents Anonymous (local groups)
6-9 Manor Gardens, London N7 6LA
020 7263 8918
Offers friendship and help to parents who are at risk of abusing their children and those who may have done so. Offers telephone counselling and network of local groups.

Young Minds Parents Information Service
102-108 Clerkenwell Road, London EC1M 5SA
Information service: 0800 018 2138
Website: http://www.youngminds.org.uk
Produces books and leaflets about young people's mental health and offers seminars and training.

Personality (behavioural) disorders

Borderline UK
PO Box 42, Cockermouth, Cumbria CA13 0WB
Email: info@borderlineuk.co.uk; website: http://www.borderlineuk.co.uk
A national user-led network of people within the UK who have been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder.

Borderline
Website: http://www.bpdcentral.com
Mainly for families of people with borderline personality disorder.

Postnatal depression

Association for Postnatal Illness
020 7386 0868
145 Dawes Road, London SW6 7EB
Email: info@apni.org; website: http://www.apni.org
Information on postnatal depression, and will put affected mothers in touch with others who have had similar experiences.

Meet-a-Mum Association (MAMA) (local groups)
376 Bideford Green, Linslade, Leighton Buzzard, Beds LU7 2TY
01525 217 064
Email: meet-a-mum.assoc@blueyonder.co.uk; website: http://www.MAMA.org.uk
Local self-help groups for pregnant women and those with young children.

National Childbirth Trust (local groups)
Alexandra House, Oldham Terrace, London W3 1BE
0870 444 8707
Website: http://www.nctpregnancyandbabycare.com
Information and support on all aspects of pregnancy and childbirth with local groups around the country.

Relationship and sexual problems

BASRT (British Association for Sexual and Relationship Therapy)
020 8543 2707 Email: info@basrt.org.uk; website: http://www.basrt.org.uk
Registered therapists are multidisciplinary and work in the NHS as well as privately.

Brook Advisory Centres
421 Highgate Studios, 53-79 Highgate Road, London NW5 1TL
Helpline: 020 7617 8000 (24-hour)
Ask Brook: 020 7284 6060
Email: admin@brookcentres.org.uk; website: http://www.brook.org.uk
Free counselling and confidential advice on contraception and sexual matters for young people (under 25).

Care for the Family
PO Box 488, Cardiff CF15 7YY
029 2081 1733
Website: http://www.care-for-the-family.org.uk/
Provides help for those experiencing distress from family problems.

The Impotence Association
PO Box 10296, London SW17 9WH
Helpline: 020 8767 7791
Email: theia@btinternet.com; website: http://www.impotence.org.uk

Relate
Herbert Gray College, Little Church Street, Rugby, Warwickshire CV21 3AP
01788 573 241
Helpline: 08451 304 010/0800 456 1310
Website: http://www.relate.org.uk
Counselling for adults with relationship difficulties, whether married or not.

Schizophrenia

Hearing Voices Network (local groups)
91 Oldham Street, Manchester M4 1LW
0161 834 5763
Email: hearingvoices@care4free.net; website: http://www.hearing-voices.org.uk
Self-help groups to allow people to explore their voice-hearing experiences.

Rethink (formerly the National Schizophrenia Fellowship) (local groups)
28 Castle Street, Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey KT1 1SS
Advice line: 020 8974 6814 (10am-3pm, Monday-Friday)
Email: advice@rethink.org; website: http://www.rethink.org 
Scotland Claremont House, 130 East Claremont Street, Edinburgh EHT 4LB
0131 557 8969
Northern Ireland 'Wyndhurst', Knockbracken Health Care Park, Saintfield Rd, Belfast BT8 8BH
02890 402 323
Monthly social groups for clients with schizophrenia living in the community and support for relatives.

Schizophrenia Association of Great Britain
'Bryn Hyfryd', The Crescent, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2AG.
01248 354 048
Email: info@sagb.co.uk; website: http://www.sagb.co.uk
Offers information and support to sufferers, relatives, friends, carers and medical workers.

The UK NHS Portal for Schizophrenia
Website: http://www.nelmh.org/home_schizophrenic.asp?c=10

Web-based information resource for people with schizophrenia and their carers. The site contains a number of user-friendly sections. These include the following: Evidence based treatment summaries; What is schizophrenia? How is schizophrenia diagnosed? Managing schizophrenia; Living with schizophrenia; Support for carers; and Legal issues.

Self-care for professionals

British Medical Association Stress Counselling Service
0645 200 169 24-hour, free, confidential counselling service available to doctors, their families and medical students, to discuss personal, emotional and work-related problems.

Medical Council on Alcohol
020 7487 4445
Website: http://www.medicouncilalcol.demon.co.uk

National Counselling Service for Sick Doctors
0870 241 0535
Website: http://www.ncssd.org.uk
Confidential advisory service. Deals with concerns about health issues that might be affecting ability to treat patients safely.

Royal College of Nursing
0345 726 100 (24-hour service for information and advice)
Website: http://www.rcn.org.uk

Self-harm and suicidal feelings

Basement Project
PO Box 5, Abergavenny, Gwent NP7 5XW
01873 856 524
Publications on self-harm, run groups and workshops and work with people (mainly women) who have been abused.

Bristol Crisis Service for Women PO
Box 654, Bristol BS99 1XH
Helpline: 0117 925 1119 (9pm-12.30am, Friday and Saturday)
Email: bcsw@womens-crisis-service.freeserve.co.uk
Telephone counselling and information service relating to self-harm. Bi-monthly newsletter Shout on self-harm.

National Self-Harm Network
PO Box 16190, London NW1 3WW
Provides information sheets and training.

The Samaritans
46 Marshall Street, London W1V 1LR
Helpline: 08457 909090 (24-hour, daily)
Email: jo@samaritans.org; website: http://www.samaritans.org.uk
Offers confidential emotional support to any person who is despairing or suicidal.

Self Harm Alliance
PO Box 61, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL51 8YB
Helpline: 01242 578 820 (6-7pm, Tuesday and Sunday; 11am-1pm, Thursday)
Email: selharmalliance@aol.com; website: http://www.selfharmalliance.org
Helpline, produces monthly newsletters, provides postal and email support, and offers an advocacy service.

Self-Injury and Related Issues (SIARI)
Email: jan@siari.uk; website: http://www.siari.co.uk
Forum for self-harmers.

Sleep problems

British Sleep Society
PO Box 247, Colne, Huntington PE28 3UZ.
Email: enquiries@sleeping.org.uk; website: http://www.sleeping.org.uk

British Snoring and Sleep Apnoea Association
0800 0851 097
Email: info@britishsnoring.co.uk; website: http://www.britishsnoring.com

UKAN (Narcolepsy Association UK)
020 7721 8904
Email: info@narcolepsy.org.uk; website: http://www.narcolepsy.org.uk
Provides help for those suffering from narcolepsy.

Smoking cessation

NHS Smoking Helpline
0800 169 0169 (7am-11pm, daily)
Website: http://www.givingupsmoking.co.uk

NHS Pregnancy Smoking Helpline
0800 169 9169 (12 noon-9pm, daily)

Quit Line Smoking Helpline
0800 00 22 00 (9am-9pm, daily)

Trauma

CombatStress
Tyrwhitt House, Oaklawn Road, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 0BX
01372 841600
Email: contactus@combatstress.org.uk; website: http://www.combatstress.com
Supports men and women discharged from the armed services and merchant navy who suffer from mental health problems, including post-traumatic stress disorder. It has a regional network of welfare officers who visit people at home or in hospital.

The Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture
96-98 Grafton Rd, Kentish Town, London NW5 3EJ (open 9am-6pm, Monday-Friday, by appointment)
Clinical department: 020 7813 7777
Website: http://www.torturecare.org.uk
Provides survivors of torture with medical treatment, social assistance and psychotherapeutic support.

Rape Crisis Movement
Helpline numbers available on web site
Email: campaign@truthaboutrape.co.uk; website: http://www.rapecrisis.org.uk

Victim Support
PO Box 11431, London SW9 6ZH
Supportline: 0845 3030 900 (9am-9pm, Monday-Friday; 9am-7pm, Saturday/Sunday; 9am-5pm bank holidays)
Email: contact@victimsupport.org.uk; website: http://www.victimsupport.com
Provides emotional support and practical information for anyone who has suffered the effects of crime, regardless of whether the crime has been reported.

Women against Rape
020 7482 2496
Email: war@womenagainstrape.net; website: http://www.womenagainstrape.net

Welfare and advice for practical problems

Benefits Enquiry Line
0800 882 2200
Textphone 0800 243 355
For information about Disability Living Allowance, Invalid Care Allowance and other benefits. 2

Citizens Advice Bureau (See local telephone directory for the number of your nearest bureau)
Main website: http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk (gives directory of all offices and advice by email);
Advice guide website: http://www.adviceguide.org.uk
Provides a wide range of free and confidential advice and help. Subjects include social security benefits, housing, family and personal matters, money advice and consumer complaints.

Shelter Helpline Helpline:
0808 800 4444 (24-hour)
Website: http://www.shelter.org.uk
General advice and help on housing problems.

Last edited: 4/7/2005