Advice and support organisations
NatCen is an independent, not for profit organisation that carries out social policy research. We are aware that taking part in an interview about your experiences of disability or a long-term condition, and workplace conflict, may raise issues that you might like further advice and support about.
This leaflet has been put together by NatCen to provide you with some services and telephone numbers which you may find useful. Some of these organisations have helplines which you can call, email or message on a live webchat if you need advice or support. If you are worried about any aspect of your health, including your mental health, and need further support, please contact your GP.
Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)
RNIB is a charity that helps blind and partially sighted people across the UK with living with sight loss, finding assistive technology, accessing financial help and more. They are open 8:30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Visit: https://www.rnib.org.uk/
Call: 0303 123 9999
Email: helpline@rnib.org.uk
RNID – National hearing loss charity
RNID is a charity that supports people who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus. Their helpline is available 8am – 8pm on weekdays and 9am – 1pm on Saturdays. Texts are charged at your standard network rate.
Visit: https://rnid.org.uk/
Call: 0808 808 0123
Text: 07360 268 988
Email: contact@rnid.org.uk
Webchat services: available on the website
Scope
Scope are a disability equality charity in England and Wales who provide practical information and emotional support. Scope can provide advice and support for individuals with disabilities such as cerebral palsy, those with Special Educational Needs and those with mental health issues, as well as assisting those with physical disabilities in accessing appropriate equipment and services. Their helpline is open Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm, and Saturday to Sunday 10am to 6pm.
Visit: https://www.scope.org.uk/
Call: 0808 800 3333
Email: helpline@scope.org.uk
Versus Arthritis
Versus Arthritis is a charity that supports people with arthritis and their families. Their helpline is available Monday–Friday, 9am–6pm. Please note, their helpline is closed from 12:00pm on the last Friday of every month for training.
Visit: https://www.versusarthritis.org/
Call: 0800 5200 520
Email: helpline@versusarthritis.org
MacMillan Cancer Support
Macmillan offers support, information and resources for people living with cancer and their loved ones. Their support line is open 7 days a week, 8am to 8pm. Opening times may vary for different specialist teams.
Visit: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/
Call: 0808 808 00 00
Webchat services: available on the website
Email: form available on the website
National Autistic Society
The National Autistic Society is a charity that supports autistic people and their families with advice, guidance, and services.
Visit: https://www.autism.org.uk/
Online community: available on their website
Mind
Mind is a mental health charity in England and Wales that offers information, advice and support to people with mental health problems. The Infoline provides an information and signposting service. It provides information about mental health conditions, where to get help near you, treatment options and advocacy services. It is open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday (except for bank holidays).
Visit: https://www.mind.org.uk/
Call: 0300 123 3393 (Phone calls from UK landlines are charged at local rates. The charge for your call will depend on your mobile phone provider and the contract that you have with them.)
Email: info@mind.org.uk
Webchat service: available on the website
Campaign against Living Miserably
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is a charity based in England. CALM runs a free, confidential and anonymous helpline as well as a webchat service, offering help, advice and information to anyone who is struggling or in crisis.
Visit: https://www.thecalmzone.net/
Call: 0800 58 58 58. Open 5pm to Midnight, 365 days a year.
Webchat: https://www.thecalmzone.net/help/webchat/ Open 5pm to Midnight, 365 days a year.
Help For Heroes
Help For Heroes is the leading charity for veterans and their families in the UK, offering life-changing support, no matter when or where they served.
Visit: https://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/
Assistance: form available on the website
Citizens Advice
Provides advice on a wide range of issues, including work and benefits.
Visit: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
You can contact an adviser through our national phone service:
Adviceline (England): 0800 144 8848
Advicelink (Wales): 0800 702 2020
Relay UK
If you can't hear or speak on the phone, you can type what you want to say: 18001 then the Adviceline or Advicelink number
You can use Relay UK with an app or a textphone. There’s no extra charge to use it. Find out how to use Relay UK on the Relay UK website.
Adviceline’s available 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. It’s usually busiest at the beginning and end of the day. It's not available on public holidays.
Samaritans
Samaritans is a charity which provides emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide throughout Great Britain and Ireland. Their helpline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Visit: https://www.samaritans.org/
Call: 116 123 (free)
Email: jo@samaritans.org . The response time is typically 24 hours.
Self-help App: https://selfhelp.samaritans.org/