Physical Health Helplines
The organisations listed below provide support and information on a range of topics related to physical health. This section contains helplines in the categories listed. You can jump to a specific topic or scroll through the options. If your topic isn't listed or you want further support, you may wish to contact a Universal Helpline.
The organisations listed below are given in no order of preference; feel free to contact whichever service you would like or none at all. Please note that some of these services are advisory and are marked as such.
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Allergies
(See also Universal Helplines)
Allergy UK Advisory
Allergy UK provides a helpline, support network and online forum for those with allergy and food intolerance. They give advice on dealing with symptoms and products that may be beneficial to sufferers as well as everyday practical advice and support and will locate a specialist or NHS allergy clinic if necessary.
Opening Times Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm Contact 01322 619 898
http://www.allergyuk.org
The Anaphylaxis Campaign Advisory
The Anaphylaxis Campaign meets the needs of people who are at risk from severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) by providing information and support relating to foods and other triggers (latex, drugs and insect stings).
Opening Times Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm Contact 0125 254 2029
http://www.anaphylaxis.org.uk/
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Alzheimer's
(See also Carers, Health Care - Crisis Teams, Universal Helplines)
Alzheimer's Society Advisory
Alzheimer’s society is a charity that provides information and support for those living with dementia or caring for a person with dementia. It is a confidential helpline and forum that provides emotional support, information and help accessing services or support at meetings.
Opening Times Monday-Friday, 8:30am-6:30pm (Helpline) Monday-Friday, 9:30am-4pm (Coventry) Contact 0300 222 11 22 (Helpline) or 024 7665 2602 (Coventry)
http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/
Alzheimer Scotland Advisory
Alzheimer Scotland provides information, advice and practical support for people with dementia and their carers in Scotland.
Opening Times Monday-Sunday, 24hrs Contact 0808 808 3000
http://www.alzscot.org/
Admiral Nursing Direct Advisory
Admiral Nursing Direct provide psychological support to help carers, people with dementia, their family, and those worried about their memory. Helps people understand and deal with their feelings, gives practical advice and information on dementia and its impact, and referrals to other appropriate services.
Opening Times Monday-Friday, 9:15am-4:45pm Contact 0845 257 9406
http://www.dementiauk.org/
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Arthritis
(See also Carers, Universal Helplines)
Arthritis Care
Arthritis Care is a charity that provides information, emotional and practical support for those living with arthritis. It is a confidential helpline and forum open to anyone affected by arthritis.
Opening Times Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm Contact 0808 800 4050
[email protected]
http://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/
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Asthma
(See also Universal Helplines)
Asthma UK Advisory
Asthma UK is a helpline that provides information and support for people with asthma. They will listen to concerns, answer questions and give emotional support.
Opening Times Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm Contact 0800 121 62 44
http://www.asthma.org.uk/
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Blindness
(See also Carers)
Action for Blind People/RNIB Advisory
Action for Blind People/RNIB shared helpline provides practical help and support to blind and partially sighted people. They will give information about eye conditions and available treatments and advise on employment, financial entitlement and housing options as well as emotional support and counselling.
Opening Times Monday-Friday, 8:45am-5:30pm Contact 0303 123 9999
[email protected]
http://www.actionforblindpeople.org.uk
http://www.rnib.org.uk
Sense Advisory
Sense is a charity providing information, practical advice and legal support as well as specialist services to people with dual sensory impairments (deafblindness). It is a service for children, young people, adults and older people with a progressive sight and hearing loss.
Contact 0207 520 0972
0300 330 9256
[email protected]
http://www.sense.org.uk/
Deafblind UK Information and Advice Line Advisory
Deafblind UK is a confidential and impartial helpline which provides peer support, befriending and information services to people with a dual sensory loss, their family, friends and carers.
Opening Times Monday-Thursday, 9am-5pm Friday, 9am-4pm Contact 0800 132 320
[email protected]
http://deafblind.org.uk/
Blind Children UK Advisory
Blind Children UK support children and their families tackle the challenges of young sight loss, from birth to young adulthood. They give parents tools to help their children reach educational and recreational goals.
Opening Times Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm Contact 0800 781 1444
[email protected]
http://www.blindchildrenuk.org/
Coventry Society for the Blind (CRCB) Not a Helpline
CRCB provides support, information, resources training and social activities for people with a visual impairment in the Coventry area.
Contact 024 7671 7522
http://www.coventryblind.org.uk/
Guide Dogs for the Blind Association Not a Helpline
Guide Dogs for the Blind aims to help improve quality of life for blind people by providing them with a guide dog.
Contact 0118 983 5555
http://www.guidedogs.org.uk/
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Cancer - General
Breast Cancer Care Line Advisory
BCCL provides confidential information and support for anyone affected by Breast cancer including women and men with breast health concerns and their friends, relatives, partners and children. They will answer questions about breast cancer or breast health.
Opening Times Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm Sat, 10am-2pm Contact 0808 800 6000
http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/
Cancer Research UK - Nurse Support Team Advisory
Cancer Research is a charity dedicated to researching cancer. This number is to contact specialist nurses with any questions about cancer.
Opening Times Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm Contact 0808 800 40 40
http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/
Tenovus Advisory
Tenovus provide a confidential support line to listen to worries or concerns about cancer, including about a diagnosis, help with applying for benefits and finding out about support for those who have cancer and their loved ones.
Opening Times Monday-Sunday, 8am-8pm Contact 0808 808 1010
http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/
Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Advisory
Macmillan Cancer provides information and practical, medical and financial support for anyone affected by cancer, alongside a listening service.
Opening Times Monday-Friday, 9am-8pm Contact 0808 808 0000
http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Home.aspx
CLIC Sargent for Children with Cancer Advisory
CLIC is a charity for children and young people, and their families providing clinical, practical, financial and emotional support to help them cope with cancer. It aims to help the whole family with the impact of cancer and its treatment and life after treatment.
Opening Times Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm Contact 0300 330 0803
http://www.clicsargent.org.uk/
The Brain Tumour Charity
The Brain Tumour Charity offer support to anyone affected by a brain tumour, as well as carers, family and friends. The helpline offers a confidential way to ask questions or raise concerns about a diagnosis, treatments and how a brain tumour may affect daily life.
Opening Times Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm Contact 0808 800 0004
[email protected]
http://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/
Leukaemia Care Advisory
Leukaemia Care provides support to anyone affected by a diagnosis of a blood cancer. They will help get callers access to the right information and advice to help them understand what they might go through, through diagnosis, treatment and beyond.
Opening Times Monday-Sunday, 24hrs Contact 08088 010 444
[email protected]
http://www.leukaemiacare.org.uk/
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Cancer - Female
Ovacome
Ovacome provides information and emotional support to women affected by ovarian cancer. The registered health professionals staffing the helpline also provide support to friends, families and carers of those affected.
Opening Times Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm Contact 0845 371 0554
[email protected]
http://www.ovacome.org.uk/
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Cancer - Male
Orchid Cancer
Orchid Cancer provides support to men affected by testicular, prostate and penile cancers.
Opening Times Monday, Tuesday, Friday, 8:30am-7:30pm Contact 0808 802 0010
[email protected]
http://www.orchid-cancer.org.uk/262/Home/
Tackle Prostate Cancer
The Tackle Prostate Cancer helpline is manned by prostate cancer patients where callers are able to get information directly from a patient about treatment, and will be able to discuss any concerns about treatment.
Opening Times Monday-Sunday, 9am-9pm Contact 0845 601 0766
[email protected]
http://www.orchid-cancer.org.uk/262/Home/
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Cardiac Health
British Heart Foundation Advisory
British Heart Foundation has a helpline that provides information, support and advice to anyone affected by heart disease. The service is provided by cardiac nurses and information support officers, who will answer any questions.
Opening Times Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm Contact 0300 330 3311
http://www.bhf.org.uk/
British Cardiac Patient Helpline Advisory
British Cardiac Patients Association is a charity which provides support, reassurance and practical advice for people affected by heart conditions, their families and carers. Conditions include heart attack, angina, arrhythmias, hole in the heart, bypass surgery, valve replacement and heart/lung transplant.
Opening Times Monday-Saturday, 9am-7pm Contact 01223 846 845
http://www.bcpa.co.uk/
Stroke Association Helpline
Stroke Association Helpline can provide information and support for anyone affected by a stroke.
Opening Times Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm Contact 0303 3033 100
[email protected]
http://www.stroke.org.uk/
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Carers
Carers UK Advisory
Carers UK is a helpline for people who provide unpaid support to their relatives, partners or friends who are chronically ill, disabled or frail. They provide information and advice on benefits and tax credits, employment rights, carers' assessments, services available for carers, practical matters related to caring, as well as support. Opening Times Monday, Tuesday, 10am-4pm (listening and information) Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 10am-4pm (information only) Contact 0808 808 7777
[email protected]
http://www.carersuk.org/
Impact (Action on Addictions) Advisory
Impact provides information, advice and counselling for people who are concerned about or affected by someone else's drinking or drug use. They can also make referrals to other services including referral for a full Carer's Assessment.
Contact 01952 223 165
[email protected]
http://www.impactaas.co.uk/
Carers Direct Advisory
Carers Direct can give information to help carers make decisions about personal support needs and the needs of the person being looked after. This includes assessments, benefits, direct payments, individual budgets, time off and maintaining, leaving or going back to work or education. It is a practical helpline that does not provide counselling or emotional support.
Opening Times Monday-Friday, 9am- 8pm Sat and Sun, 11am-4pm Contact 0300 123 1053
http://www.nhs.uk/carersdirect/Pages/CarersDirectHome.aspx
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Deafness
Deafblind UK Information and Advice Line Advisory
Deafblind UK is a confidential and impartial helpline which provides peer support, befriending and information services to people with a dual sensory loss, their family, friends and carers.
Opening Times Monday-Thursday, 9am-5pm Friday, 9am-4pm Contact 0800 132 320
[email protected]
http://deafblind.org.uk/
Hearing Concern LINK Advisory
Hearing Link is a charity that gives advice, information and support to people with hearing loss and their families.
Opening Times Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm Contact 0300 111 1113
[email protected]
http://www.hearinglink.org
National Deaf Children Society Helpline
NDCS is a charity that provides clear, balanced information, emotional and practical support for deaf children, deaf young people and their families.
Opening Times Monday-Thursday, 9am-9:30pm Friday, 9:30am-5pm Contact 0808 800 8880
http://www.ndcs.org.uk/
Sense Advisory
Sense is a charity providing information, practical advice and legal support as well as specialist services to people with dual sensory impairments (deafblindness). It is a service for children, young people, adults and older people with a progressive sight and hearing loss.
Contact 0207 520 0972 or 0300 330 9256
[email protected]
http://www.sense.org.uk/
Deafness Support Network Advisory
It provides practical services, advice and support to deaf people and their families. DSN provides a live chat service from 9am to 5pm.
Contact 0808 208 2440
[email protected]
http://www.dsnonline.co.uk/
Action on Hearing Loss (Previously RNID)
AHL is a charity that provides free, confidential and impartial information for people affected by deafness, hearing loss and tinnitus, and their families and friends.
Opening Times Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm Contact 0808 808 0123
http://www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/
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Diabetes
(See also Universal Helplines)
Diabetes UK Careline
Diabetes UK is a support helpline for anyone with diabetes, their friends, family and carers. The helpline is confidential and they can provide information about the condition and will provide emotional and practical support.
Opening Times Monday-Friday, 9am-7pm Contact 0345 123 2399
[email protected]
http://www.diabetes.org.uk/careline
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Disabilites
(See also Learning Disabilities, Universal Helplines, University Services)
Disabled Rights UK, Student Helpline (Formerly Radar)Advisory
Disabled Rights UK provides advice and support to disabled students who are studying or wish to study in England, their parents and their carers. The helpline will provide general information on the equality act, welfare benefits and access to Higher Education.
Opening Times Tuesday, 11:30am-1:30pm Thursday, 1:30pm-3:30pm Contact 0800 328 5050
[email protected]
http://disabilityrightsuk.org/
Disabled Living Foundation Advisory
Disabled Living Foundation is a charity that provides free impartial advice, information and training on independent living for people living with disabilities, particularly for enquiries about mobility products or other types of daily living equipment for older and disabled people and information on where you can buy or hire items.
Opening Times Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm Contact 0300 999 0004
http://www.dlf.org.uk/
Mencap Advisory
Mencap is a charity that provides support, information and advice for people with learning disabilities, their families and their carers. The helpline also provides information and advice for anyone wanting to know about learning disability issues and services. Topics include community care, benefits, education, jobs, housing, holidays, family and personal relationships.
Opening Times Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm Contact 0808 808 1111
https://www.mencap.org.uk/
Lifeline 24 Advisory
Lifeline 24 is a dedicated national Telecare provider that will provide a low cost personal alarm service for anyone that is frail, elderly or disabled living in the UK.
Contact 0800 999 0400 or 0845 644 1743
[email protected]
http://www.lifeline24.co.uk/
Independent Lives
Independent lives provides a range of support services for people with disabilities, care needs and caring responsibilities to enable them to lead full, active and independent lives.
Contact 08456 0123 99
http://www.independentlives.org/
Disabled Parents Network
DPN is a national organisation for disabled people who are parents or hope to become parents, and their families, friends, and supporters. They help all disabled parents including parents with a physical or sensory impairment, parents with learning difficulties, parents with long term illnesses, parents with mental health issues and parents with drug or alcohol dependence.
Contact 07817 300 103
http://disabledparentsnetwork.org.uk/
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Dyslexia
(See also Learning Disabilities, Universal Helplines, University Services)
British Dyslexia Association Advisory
BDA provides confidential information and advice for anyone affected by dyslexia.
Opening Times Monday-Friday, 10am-1pm and 1:30pm-4pm Wednesday is only from 10am-1pm (afternoon is closed) Contact 0333 405 4567
[email protected]
http://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/
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Dyspraxia
(See also Learning Disabilities, Universal Helplines, University Services)
Dyspraxia Foundation UK Advisory
The Dyspraxia Foundation offers help and advice to those with dyspraxia and their parents, carers and families.
Opening Times Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm Contact 01462 454986
[email protected]
http://www.dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk/
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Epilepsy
(See also Universal Helplines)
Epilepsy Action Helpline
Epilepsy Action is a charity that provides support for people with epilepsy, their friends and family.
Opening Times Monday-Thursday, 9am-4:30pm Friday, 9am-4pm Contact 0808 800 5050
[email protected]
https://www.epilepsy.org.uk/info/support/helpline
National Society for Epilepsy
National Society for Epilepsy is a society that provides support for people affected by epilepsy. The helpline gives callers confidential and emotional support.
Opening Times Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm Wednesday, 9am-8pm Contact 01494 601 400
http://www.epilepsysociety.org.uk/
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Health Care - General
(See also Local Hospitals, University Services)
NHS 111 (Previously NHS Direct)
NHS 111 is to be called if you need medical help fast, but it's not a 999 emergency.
Contact 111
Patients' Association Helpline
Patients' Association is a charity designed to ensure good patient care. The helpline is designed to listen to patients' and relatives' views and give them information.
Opening Times Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm Contact 0845 608 4455
[email protected]
http://www.patients-association.com/
NHS Warwickshire
Contact 01926 493 491
http://www.swft.nhs.uk/
NHS Coventry
Contact 02476 553 344
http://www.uhcw.nhs.uk
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Health Care - Crisis Teams
Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Team - Warwick/Leamington
Crisis teams accept referrals from people experiencing psychiatric crisis, eating disorder, dementia, autism or learning disabilities. They provide multidisciplinary assessment and if appropriate, offer home treatment as an alternative to hospital admission.
Opening Times Monday-Sunday, 24hrs Contact 01926 450 660
Yew Tree House, 87 Radford Road, Leamington Spa, CV31 1JQ
Coventry Adult Single Point of Entry Team
Single Point of Entry provides access to all Adult Secondary Care Mental Health Services (including Crisis Team and the Eating Disorder Service). Crisis teams accept referrals from people experiencing psychiatric crisis, eating disorder, dementia, autism or learning disabilities. This service will take referrals for students experiencing mental health difficulties who are living on campus or in Coventry.
Opening Times Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
Calls outside this time will be transferred to the Crisis Team Contact 0300 200 0011
Adult Single Point of Entry, c/o Secondary Care Mental Health Central Booking Service, The Paybody Building, City of Coventry Health Centre, CV1 4FS
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Health Care - Local Hospitals
(See also Health Care, University Services)
If neither of the below are suitable, contact NHS 111
University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire
Contact 02476 964 000
http://www.uhcw.nhs.uk/
Warwick Hospital
Contact 01926 495 321
http://www.swft.nhs.uk/
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Incontinence
(See also Carers, Universal Helplines)
Bladder & Bowel Foundation Nurse Helpline Advisory
B&BF is a charity for people with bladder and bowel control problems. It provides information and support services, including a confidential helpline, for anyone affected by these conditions. The helpline staff can provide general medical advice and information relating to continence management, however they cannot diagnose conditions.
Opening Times Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm Contact 0845 345 0165
http://www.bladderandbowelfoundation.org/
Education & Resources for Improving Childhood Continence
ERIC is a charity that provides information, understanding and support for children, young people and families who suffer from the consequences of childhood continence problems. Topics include potty training, bedwetting, daytime wetting, constipation and soiling.
Opening Times Monday and Wednesday, 9:30am-4:30pm Contact 0845 370 8008
[email protected]
http://www.eric.org.uk/
Cystitis and Overactive Bladder Foundation Advisory
COBF is a charity that gives help and advice for people suffering with cystitis or an overactive bladder.
Opening Times Monday-Friday, 9:30am-2pm Contact 0121 702 0820
[email protected]
http://www.cobfoundation.org/
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Insomnia and Sleep Problems
(See also Universal Helplines)
Sleep Apnoea Trust
SAT is a charity that gives support and information to people with sleep apnoea and their families. However, it does not provide medical advice.
Contact 0845 038 0060
[email protected]
http://www/sleep-apnoea-trust.org/
Cry-sis Helpline
Cry-sis offers support for families with excessively crying, sleepless and demanding babies.
Opening Times Monday-Sunday, 9am-10pm Contact 0845 122 8669
http://www.cry-sis.org.uk/index.html
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Learning Difficulties
(See also Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Disabilities, Health Care - Crisis Teams, University Services)
Mencap Advisory
Mencap is a charity that provides support, information and advice for people with learning disabilities, their families and their carers. The helpline also provides information and advice for anyone wanting to know about learning disability issues and services. Topics include community care, benefits, education, jobs, housing, holidays, family and personal relationships.
Opening Times Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm Contact 0808 808 1111
[email protected]
https://www.mencap.org.uk/
British Dyslexia Association Advisory
BDA provides confidential information and advice for anyone affected by dyslexia.
Opening Times Monday-Friday, 10am-1pm and 1:30pm-4pm Wednesday is only from 10am-1pm (afternoon is closed) Contact 0333 405 4567
[email protected]
http://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/
Challenging Behaviour Foundation
CBF is a charity that provides support for families and professionals caring for those with severe learning disabilities and behaviour described as challenging.
Opening Times Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm Contact 0845 602 7885
[email protected]
http://www.challengingbehaviour.org.uk/
Independent Parental Special Education Advice (IPSEA) Advisory
IPSEA is a charity that provides free legal based information and advice to families who have children with special educational needs. They help with issues including problems with schools, requesting statutory assessment, proposed statements, annual reviews, possible disability discrimination and exclusion from school.
Opening Times Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm, 7pm-9pm Contact 0800 018 4016
http://www.ipsea.org.uk/
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M.E./Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
(See also Carers, Disabilities, Universal Helplines)
M.E. Connect
M.E. Connect is a charity that provides support for people with ME and those who live with or care for them.
Opening Times Monday-Sunday, 10am-12pm, 2pm-4pm, 7pm-9pm Contact 0844 576 5326
[email protected]
http://www.meassociation.org.uk/
The National M.E. Centre
National M.E. Centre is a charity that offers advice, support and information from a specialist support worker to ME sufferers and their families by appointment.
Opening Times Monday, 11am-1pm Contact 01708 378 050
http://www.nmec.org.uk/
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Meningitis
(See also Universal Helplines)
Meningitis Research Foundation
MRF provides information and support for those concerned or affected by meningitis and septicaemia.
Opening Times September-March, Monday-Friday, 9am-10pm, Sat, Sun, 10am-1pm, 5pm-8pm
April-August, Monday-Friday, 9am-8pm, Sat, Sun, 10am-1pm, 5pm-8pm Contact 0808 800 3344
http://www.meningitis.org/
Meningitis Now
Meningitis Now provides information and support for those affected by meningitis. Helplines is nurse-led.
Opening Times Mon-Sun, 24hrs Contact 0808 8010 388
[email protected] http://www.meningitisnow.org/
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Men's Health
BPAS Vasectomy Service Advisory
BPAS Vasectomy Service is an advisory service for men considering a vasectomy. Nearest vasectomy centre is Leamington.
Opening Times Monday-Friday, 8am-9pm Saturday, 8:30am-6pm Sunday, 9:30am-2:30pm Contact 08457 30 4030
[email protected]
http://www.bpas.org/bpasman/vasectomy
Sexual Advice Association Advisory
SDA is a service that provides information and advice on male and female sexual problems. Callers can request general information of the causes of treatment of sexual problems and a list of specialists in their area.
Opening Times Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9am-5pm Contact 0207 486 7262
[email protected]
http://www.sexualadviceassociation.co.uk/index.php
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Multiple Sclerosis (M.S.)
(See also Universal Helplines)
Multiple Sclerosis Society
The MS Society helpline provides support and information to anyone affected by MS.
Opening Times Monday-Friday, 9am-9pm Contact 0808 800 8000
[email protected]
http://www.mssociety.org.uk/
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Parkinson's Disease
(See also Universal Helplines)
Parkinson's UK
Parkinson's UK provides information and advice about all aspects of living with Parkinson's, including: medical issues, employment and benefits, health and social care and emotional support. They can also provide a peer support service on request where callers will be put in touch with a trained volunteer who has a personal experience of Parkinson's to theirs.
Opening Times Monday-Friday, 9am-8pm Saturday, 10am-2pm Contact 0808 800 0303
[email protected]
http://www.stammering.org/
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Speech Impediments
(See also Universal Helplines)
British Stammering Association
BSA is a charity that provides information and support for anyone affected by stammering. The confidential helpline is run by people who stammer and who understand stammering and will talk about and explore any issues of concern about stammering.
Opening Times Monday-Thursday, 2pm-5pm Contact 0845 603 2001 (Landline) or 020 8880 6590 (Mobile)
[email protected]
http://www.stammering.org/