Alternative sources of support
We may not always be able to offer support, but we always try to make people aware of other organisations that can help.
We have compiled a list of useful organisations and their contact information, organised by the type of need someone might have.
Bereavement
Good Funeral Guide
An independent, not-for-profit organisation offering information about planning for a funeral.
goodfuneralguide.co.uk/about/about-the-good-funeral-guide
Cruse Bereavement Care
Offers support after the death of someone close.
cruse.org.uk or call 0808 808 1677
The Headstone Guide
A guide to choosing and buying a headstone.
headstoneguide.co.uk
The Compassionate Friends
Support for family and friends when a child dies, given by other bereaved parents.
tcf.org.uk or call 0345 123 2304
Winston’s Wish
Provides services to bereaved children, young people, and their families in the UK.
winstonswish.org.uk or call 01242 515 157
Tell Us Once
A service that lets you report a death to most government organisations in one go.
gov.uk/after-a-death/organisations-you-need-to-contact-and-tell-us-once
Financial
StepChange
Offers advice and guidance on debt management.
stepchange.org or call Freephone helpline 0800 138 1111
National Debtline
Provides free, confidential and independent advice on dealing with debt problems. nationaldebtline.org or call 0808 808 4000
Direct Gov
The link will help you find a local council website, through which you can access information on all local services.
gov.uk/find-your-local-council
Money Advice Service
An independent service, set up by the government, which provides free and impartial advice to help people to manage their money.
moneyadviceservice.org.uk or call 0800 138 7777
The Money Charity
Empowers people across the UK to build the skills, knowledge, attitudes and behaviours, to make the most of their money throughout their lives.
themoneycharity.org.uk or call 020 7062 8933
Turn2us
Helps people access the money available to them through welfare benefits and grants. turn2us.org.uk/get-support
Family
Challenging Behaviour Foundation
Supports families caring for children and adults with severe learning disabilities and challenging behaviour.
challengingbehaviour.org.uk or call 01634 838739
Age UK
Nationwide charity tackling issues related to aging. Supports with the needs and aspirations of older people.
ageuk.org.uk or call 0800 169 2081
Independent Age
Offers advice, befriending, and campaigning to combat financial, social, and information poverty for older people.
independentage.org.uk or call 0800 319 6789
Carers Trust
Improves support, service, and recognition for anyone living with the challenges of caring for a loved one.
carers.org or call 0300 772 9600
Carers UK
Gives expert advice, information, and support to carers.
carersuk.org or call 0808 808 7777
Health and Wellbeing
Samaritans
If something is troubling you and you need to speak in confidence.
samaritans.org or call their helpline 116 123
Mind
Provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem and campaigns to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
mind.org.uk or call 0300 123 3393
Rethink
The largest national voluntary sector provider of mental health services, spanning high care and long-term care through to practical help and advice.
rethink.org or call 0300 5000 927
Alzheimer’s Society
Improves quality of life for people affected by dementia. Information and support for dementia sufferers and their families.
alzheimers.org.uk or call 0330 333 0804
React
Improves the quality of life for children with life limiting illnesses.
reactcharity.org or call 020 8940 2575
SCOPE
Provides information and advice for people with cerebral palsy and their carers.
scope.org.uk or call 0808 800 3333
Parkinson’s UK
Aims to improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson’s, and find a cure.
parkinsons.org.uk or call 0808 800 0303
Housing
Elderly Accommodation Counsel
Helps older people make informed choices about their housing and care needs.
eac.org.uk or call 0800 377 70 70
Shelter
Provides free, professional and independent advice to homeless and badly housed people.
shelter.org.uk or call housing advice helpline 0808 800 4444
The Housing Ombudsman
A free, independent organisation to resolve housing disputes regarding rented properties.
housing-ombudsman.org.uk or call 0300 111 3000
Crisis
The national charity for homeless people.
crisis.org.uk or call 0300 636 1967