National Helplines
Here are the freephone numbers of some of the larger national voluntary groups There are many more that can give you help or advice Ask your local Citizen's Advice Bureau, DIAL (national number given below), your local library, or the Health Information Service about them "A Practical Guide for People with Learning Disabilities" and "A Practical Guide for Disabled People" from the Department of Health both contain a list of many organisations For your free copy, write to the Department of Health, PO Box 777, London SE1 6XH.
Age Concern
0800 009966
Alzheimer's Society
020 73060606
British Council of Disabled People
0133 2295 551
Cancer link
0800 132905
Carers' National Helpline
0808 808 7777
Caring Matters
Advice on the legal aspects of care - 020 7402 2702
DeafblindUK - 0800 131 320
Advice for people who are deaf and blind - 01733 358858
DIAL UK
Advice line for disability information - 0130 2310123
Disability Benefits Helpline
Advice and information about benefits for people with disabilities and their carers - 0800 882 200
Disability Rights Commission
0845 7622633
Disabled Living Foundation
Advice about equipment - 08706 039177
Disabled Parents Network
0870 241 0450
Help the Aged
020 7253 0253
MENCAP - 020 7608 3254
Supports people with learning disabilities, their families and carers - 020 74540454
Missing Persons Helpline
0500 700 700
National Council for Independent living
Advice, support and information on personal assistance and support (direct payments) scheme - 020 7587 1663
National Debitline
0121359 5801
NHS Direct
08454647
People First
Advice, support and information by and for people with learning disabilities - 020 7713 6400
Royal National Institute for Deaf People
0870 605 0123
Textphone: 0870 6033007
Royal National Institute for the Blind
0345 669 999
SANE
Advice, support and information to people with mental illness and their families, professionals and the general public - 0345 678 000
Seniorfine
Advice and information service, run by Help the Aged, for older people and their carers - 0808 800 6565
SHAC
London Housing Aid Centre - 020 72749998