Organisations and charities providing information, tips and support
Getting the right information and support regarding your diagnoses or that of a family member or friend, can be a minefield. As such, we have created a comprehensive list of organisations and charities that may be able to help. We hope you find it useful.
Cancer Research UK
Cancer Research UK is a research and awareness charity. Their webpage provides information about the many forms of cancer as well as providing information about research being done to find a cure.
https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/
Cancer Research UK offers an online chat function where users can talk to others affected by cancer, share experiences, and get support, this is free to join and available 24 hours a day.
Cancer Support UK
Cancer Support UK is a charity that provides practical and emotional support to people living with cancer, both during and after the treatment period.
Cancer Support UK offers a selection of Cancer Kits, these include a range of practical items for adults and children currently undergoing cancer treatment.
Cancer couches can also be accessed from Cancer Support, these can be in the form of support groups that are available to anyone who can complete their physical cancer treatment and is experiencing a change in mood and include tools, support and strategies that have been proven to help.
More information about the groups can be found here: https://cancersupportuk.org/
Age UK
Age UK is a UK-based charity that provides information, support and guidance for people as they grow older.
They offer location-specific support and services that people to get involved with. To find out about the services in your area visit:
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/services/in-your-area/
British Heart Foundation
The British Heart Foundation is a cardiovascular research charity in the United Kingdom. Each year it funds research into the heart and circulatory diseases and how these are caused. Their website has some great information, guidance and support on heart and circulatory diseases.
This website also has information about how to get involved with the charity and how to donate.
Dementia Friends (Alzheimer’s Society)
Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends program is the biggest ever initiative to change people’s perceptions of dementia. It aims to transform the way the nation thinks, acts, and talks about the condition. They offer face-to-face information sessions, online videos, and support, alongside small ways that you can help.
https://www.dementiafriends.org.uk/
To get in touch with Dementia Friends, use their online ‘contact us’ form on the website.
Alzheimer’s Research UK
Alzheimer's Research UK is a dementia research charity in the United Kingdom. Their website also provides more information about brain health and tips you can use to keep it healthier.
If you have a question about dementia or dementia research, Alzheimer’s Research UK provides a phone number for these. 0330 111 5555
Dementia UK
Dementia UK is a specialist dementia nurse charity. It is a national charity that supports the entire family of someone with dementia through Admiral Nurses.
The Dementia Helpline is: 0800 888 6678
There is also a vast array of support on their website covering a lot of areas including dealing with changes in behaviour and legal and financial advice.
Stroke Association
The Stroke Association is a charity in the United Kingdom that works to prevent stroke, and support everyone touched by stroke. They also fund research and campaign for the rights of stroke survivors of all ages.
Stroke Helpline: 0303 3033 100
Mind
Mind is a mental health charity in England and Wales. Mind offers information and advice to people with mental health problems and lobbies government and local authorities on their behalf.
There are four ways to access Mind, ranging from an emergency helpline to a list of resources. Visit their website for more information.
Heads together
Heads Together is a mental health initiative spearheaded by The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. It aims to tackle the stigma associated with mental health as well as change the conversation and fundraises for a series of innovative new mental health services. Heads together works with other charities to offer support and also offers a free text messaging service that provides 24/7 support.
Shout (Free text service) 85258
Parkinson’s UK
Parkinson's UK is a Parkinson's research and support charity in the United Kingdom. It’s aims are to improve the quality of life for people affected by Parkinson's and find a cure for the condition.
https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/
Their website contains information and support that covers symptoms and treatments. They also run a Parkinson’s helpline.
Helpline: 0808 800 0303
Thrombosis UK
Thrombosis UK is a charity that is in place to provide information concerning the risk signs and symptoms of VTE, how to prevent VTE, and management of symptoms. There is also a selection of videos to assist with the practicalities of managing VTE.
Versus Arthritis
Versus Arthritis is the UK's largest charity dedicated to supporting people with arthritis.
Alongside all of the information that can be found on the website. Versus Arthritis offers a free helpline with advice and information about arthritis all in one place in order to provide support.
Helpline: 0800 5200 520
Website: https://www.versusarthritis.org/
Diabetes UK
Diabetes UK is a patient, healthcare professional, and research charity. The charity campaigns for improvements in the care and treatment of people with diabetes.
The website provides information about the different types of diabetes and how to manage the effects of each.
They also provide tailored support for each individual, which can either be accessed via the website or by calling 0345 123 2399
The learning zone is a free resource within the website that provides videos, quizzes, interactive tools tailored to the user to help manage effects of diabetes.
Hyperglycaemia/Hypoglycaemia
Hyperglycaemia is a condition where a person is affected by high blood sugar whereas, Hypoglycaemia is where the person in question is affected by low blood sugar. Information and resources for this can also be found on the above website.
https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/complications/hypos
MS Society
The MS Society is a charity that funds world-leading research, shares the latest information and campaigns for the rights of those effected by MS.
Their website can be used to find out information about the current research on a cure for MS, as well as a support section where advice or help can be accessed for people diagnosed, awaiting diagnosis or those caring for someone living with MS.
The MS Society also offers Online live chat alongside their free helpline: 0808 800 8000
Huntington’s Disease Association
The Huntington's Disease Association is a charity that supports people in England and Wales affected by the genetic neurodegenerative brain condition Huntington's disease.
They also have lots of different ways for you to get involved, alongside information about the start of the journey and tips on how to live with the disease. There are also videos to watch and information about support groups that are local to you.
Down Syndrome Association
Down Syndrome Association is a charity that works to inform and influence policies that effect people who have down syndrome. More information about what they do can be found on their website:
https://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/
They also support people who have down syndrome, and their parents and carers, throughout their lives. This takes many forms such as training, activities and a helpline.
The helpline can be accessed by calling: 0333 1212300
Guts Charity
Guts UK’s provides information so that digestive diseases are better understood, better treated and supported. Digestive diseases are conditions that effect the gut, the liver or the pancreas. Information can be access on the symptoms and conditions they cover and there are also videos.
World Health Organisation (WHO)
The World Health Organization is an agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health.
The WHO website can be used to find an array of information on a range of subjects including, research papers, campaigns and news.
NHS Healthy Ageing
https://www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/clinical-policy/older-people/healthy-ageing-caring/
This information, provided by the NHS, shows its stance with regards to longer-term illnesses and their priorities. Resources can be found on this website in order to show best practices and provide information. A good example of this is ‘A healthy guide to ageing healthily’
Emergency Help
If you feel you may need urgent help. Please:
- Call 999 for an ambulance
- Go straight to A&E
If you can’t do this by yourself, ask someone to help you.