Resources & Links
These leading organisations provide information, support, advice and services for parents, relatives, friends and others affected by learning disability and mental health issues and related conditions.
Learning disabilities and autism
MENCAP
Mencap is the voice of learning disability. The organisation is dedicated to supporting people with a learning disability, their families and carers, and campaigns on their behalf. Mencap provides a range of services, support and advice. Its website offers a wealth of information across every aspect of living with learning disability. www.mencap.org.uk
LEARNING DISABILITY ENGLAND
Learning Disability England brings together people with learning disabilities, families, friends and professionals from all over the country, working to ensure that what’s important to those with learning disabilities is heard and understood. www.learningdisabilityengland.org.uk
NATIONAL AUTISTIC SOCIETY
The National Autistic Society is the UK’s leading charity for autistic people and their families, providing information and advice, support for professionals and campaigning to influence policy. The organisation aims to transform lives, change attitudes and create a society that works for autistic people. www.autism.org.uk
THE AUTISM SHOW
The Autism Show is the national event for autism, run in association with the National Autism Society. The show is held each summer in London, Birmingham and Manchester. The event features talks, clinics and workshops, plus hundreds of specialist products and services. autismshow.co.uk
ANGELMAN UK
Angelman UK is a charity supporting people with Angelman Syndrome and their families, as well as carers of people with AS. Those involved all have direct experience of AS, either as parents or relatives. The organisation also provides access to an advisory panel, many of whom are world-leading experts in the syndrome. www.angelmanuk.org
THE FRAGILE X SOCIETY
The Fragile X Society provides information and practical guidance to support and empower individuals and families living with Fragile X Syndrome and Fragile X-associated conditions, as well as raising awareness of the syndrome among the public and healthcare professionals. www.fragilex.org.uk
DOWN’S SYNDROME ASSOCIATION
The Down’s Syndrome Association is the only UK charity focusing solely on all aspects of living successfully with Down Syndrome. The organisation provides information and support to help people with Down Syndrome live full and rewarding lives. www.downs-syndrome.org.uk
PRADER-WILLI SYNDROME ASSOCIATION
PWSA UK is the only charity in the UK working with those living with PWS, their families and carers, and health and social care professionals to help manage the syndrome and maximise life chances. PWSA UK provides information, advice and support, including a crisis helpline. Their Familynet project provides a programme of regional family activities throughout the UK. www.pwsa.co.uk
SMITH-MAGENIS SYNDROME FOUNDATION
The Smith-Magenis Syndrome Foundation is a UK charity that supports individuals with SMS and their families and provides information for professionals working with these families. The foundation sponsors research, fundraises, provides small grants and acts to promote awareness of SMS. smith-magenis.org
CORPAL
Corpal is a not-for-profit charity run by parents, carers and adults who have Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum or Aicardi Syndrome. Its aim is to offer support to families that are affected by the conditions and raise awareness among health professionals and other interested individuals. www.corpal.org.uk
Mental Health
MIND
Mind helps people take control over their mental health, offering advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. As well as their national presence, Mind provides information, training programmes, grants and services through a network of local associations. www.mind.org.uk
MENTAL HEALTH FOUNDATION
The UK’s leading mental health research, policy and service improvement charity aims to address the sources of mental health problems, helping people to thrive through understanding, protecting and sustaining their mental health. www.mentalhealth.org.uk
SANE
SANE is a leading UK mental health charity working to improve quality of life for anyone affected by mental illness. SANE aims to raise public awareness, promote research and bring more effective professional treatment and compassionate care. The organisation provides a helpline for emotional support, advice and information. www.sane.org.uk
EPILEPSY ACTION
Epilepsy Action is the largest member-led epilepsy organisation in Britain, acting as the voice for those with epilepsy, as well as their friends, families, carers, health professionals and the many other people whose lives the condition impacts. www.epilepsy.org.uk
Other Useful Resources
REHAB4ADDICTION
Rehab 4 Addiction is an advisory and referral service for people who suffer from alcohol, drug and behavioural addiction. The organisation works closely with rehabilitation centres and outpatient clinics throughout the UK to match a patient’s addiction with an appropriate rehabilitation centre. www.rehab4addiction.co.uk
THE CARE ACT 2014
The Care Act 2014 aims to make the social care system fairer and help people to get better care. It sets out in one place local authorities’ duties in relation to assessing people’s needs and their eligibility for publicly funded care and support. www.scie.org.uk/care-act-2014
CARE QUALITY COMMISSION
CQC is the independent regulator of health and social care in England, ensuring all services provide people with safe, effective, compassionate, high-quality care. CQC is responsible for registering, reviewing and inspecting services, with powers of enforcement in response to failures by providers to meet the legal requirements of registration. www.cqc.org.uk
CAREHOME.CO.UK
Carehome.co.uk is the UK’s leading care home review websites with search facilities, ratings and over 140,000 care home reviews. www.carehome.co.uk