Local and national help and advice for you to get the support you need for your wellbeing.
Autism and ADHD
ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder) Helping Hands
ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder) Helping Hands services include a family support service, offering support on an individual basis to parents/carers, children and adults.
Phone
01362 288110
Website
www.asdhelpinghands.org.uk
Asperger East Anglia
Asperger East Anglia offers personal, friendly assistance for everyone with Asperger syndrome and their carers by providing a comprehensive and integrated service.
Phone
01603 620500
Website
www.asperger.org.uk
Email
info@asperger.org.uk
Autism Anglia
Autism Anglia is an independent charity which provides care and support to autistic children, adults and their families in East Anglia.
Phone
01206 577 678
Website
www.autism-anglia.org.uk
National Autistic Society (NAS)
Founded in 1962, National Autistic Society (NAS) is the UK’s leading charity for autistic people and their families. Their goal is to help transform lives, change attitudes and create a society that works for autistic people.
Phone
0808 800 4104
Website
www.autism.org.uk
Autism Independent UK (SFTAH)
Autism Independent UK helps to increase awareness of autism to the notice of all, together with well established and newly developed approaches in the diagnosis, assessment, education and treatment.
Phone
01536 523274
Website
www.autismuk.com
Email
autism@autismuk.com
Dimensions
Dimensions support people with learning disabilities and autism to have a louder voice, choice and control in their lives.
Phone
0300 303 9001
Website
www.dimensions-uk.org
Child Autism UK
Child Autism UK provide services to enable children to overcome difficulties with communication, learning and life skills and give families the techniques and strategies to cope with autism through the use of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA).
Phone
01344 882248
Website
www.childautism.org.uk
ASD Friendly
ASD Friendly is a close-knit community of parents and carers of people with Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome.
Website
www.asdfriendly.org
Bereavement
Brake
- Brake’s helpline is a quality accredited, Freephone, confidential support service, providing information and advocacy, emotional support and a listening ear for survivors of road crashes.
Phone
08088 000 401
Website
www.brake.org.uk
Email
helpline@brake.org.uk
Child Death Helpline
The Child Death Helpline aims to provide a quality freephone service to anyone affected by the death of a child of any age. Callers to the helpline might be parents, grandparents, siblings, other family members, friends or involved professionals.
Phone
0800 282 986
Roadpeace in East Anglia
The aftermath of a road crash is devastating. Roadpeace in East Anglia help bereaved families cope and build resilience through peer support, their local group network, befriending service and trauma support programmes.
Phone
0845 4500 355
Website
www.roadpeace.org
Email
info@roadpeace.org
Scotty’s Little Soldiers
Scotty’s Little Soldiers is a charity dedicated to supporting children & young people who have lost a parent whilst serving in the British Armed Forces.
Phone
08000 928 571
Cruse
Cruse Bereavement Care is part of a national charity which supports the bereaved. It is an independent organisation of committed people who care about and understand the needs associated with bereavement. Cruse is often the only place people have to turn to when someone has died.
Phone
01603 219 977
Website
www.cruse.org.uk
Swaffham & Litcham Home Hospice Support Ltd
Swaffham & Litcham Home Hospice provides support for approximately 250 patients each year who have cancer or terminal illnesses. The Home Hospice provides support and reassurance for patients and their families, working closely with partners in the NHS.
Phone
01760 722937
Mobile
07768 757195
Compassionate Friends
TCF offers many different kinds of support for bereaved families. Whatever the cause of your loss, wherever you are in the UK, and whatever your circumstances – we are here to help.
Phone
0345 123 2304
Website
www.tcf.org.uk
Email
helpline@tcf.org.uk
Child Bereavement UK
Supporting bereaved children through difficult times.
Phone
0800 02 888 40
Website
www.childbereavementuk.org
Cancer Support
Norfolk & Waveney Integrated Care System – Cancer Support and Information
Please visit our cancer website which has a range of services designed to support people affected by cancer.
Website
Cancer – Norfolk & Waveney Integrated Care System (ICS)
Psychological and Wellbeing Support
There are a number of organisations in Norfolk and Waveney offering psychological and wellbeing support to people affected by cancer. You are not alone.
Carers
Are you looking after someone?
It is important that you look after your own health; it is easy not to look after yourself when you are looking after someone else. Our carers can have access to annual health checks, flu vaccinations and signposting to other support through our in-house social prescriber.
Please let us know if you are a carer, or discuss this at your next appointment so that we can update our records and add you to our carers registers.
Carers Matter Norfolk
Drawing on the expertise and experience of Carers Matter Norfolk teams, they seek to offer services which are tailored to meet what matters to you as a carer. You can access support online, on the telephone or in person.
Phone
0800 083 1148
Carers UK
They’re here to make sure that no matter how complicated your query or your experience, you don’t have to care alone.
Phone
0808 808 7777
Website
Carers UK
Email
info@carersuk.org
Norfolk County Council #ThinkCarers
It is for anyone who gives unpaid care to a relative or friend who is ill, disabled, frail, has a learning difficulty, mental health or substance misuse problem and needs regular help to stay safe and well. You may be caring for more than one person.
For help, over the telephone, to complete your on-line plan, please contact the Carers Matter Norfolk.
Phone
0800 083 1148
Norfolk County Council
0344 800 8020
West Norfolk Carers
West Norfolk Carers help give unpaid carers of all ages, relief from their overwhelming feelings of loneliness, responsibility and helplessness by providing professional support and advice to help overcome the emotional, financial and physical challenges presented by their caring role.
Phone
01553 768155
Social care and support guide
f you or someone you know needs help with day-to-day living because of illness or disability, this guide explains your options and where you can get support.
Child Health
Rashes in babies and children
Many things can cause a rash in babies and children, and they’re often nothing to worry about.
The NHS provide support for identifying some of the common rashes in babies and children.
NHS vaccinations and when to have them
It’s important that vaccines are given on time for the best protection. Check the dates your child needs to have their vaccinations by and contact your GP.
Point 1
Point-1 is a service from Ormiston Families providing assessment and support by professionals for children and young people who are experiencing mental health and emotional problems.
Phone
0800 977 4077
Email
help@point-1.org.uk
Start for Life
Trusted NHS help and advice during pregnancy, birth and parenthood.
Website
Start for Life
Just One Norfolk
They deliver a range of community based children and young people’s health services across Norfolk. They aim to build confidence in families, children and young people to care for their own health and wellbeing as well as help families, children and young people in Norfolk access the right services for advice and help. Through this they can improve health outcomes for children and young people in Norfolk.
Phone
0300 300 0123
Website
www.justonenorfolk.nhs.uk
Musical Keys
Musical Keys is a charity which provides music and arts activities for people with disabilities and additional needs in Norfolk and the surrounding area. Their passion is making music accessible to everyone.
Phone
01603 766 690
Website
www.musicalkeys.co.uk
Cleft Lip and Palate Association
The Cleft Lip and Palate Association (CLAPA) is a small charity working to improve the lives of people born with a cleft and their families in the UK.
Phone
02078 334 883
Website
www.clapa.com
Email
info@clapa.com
Dyspraxia Foundation
Dyspraxia Foundations helpline is available to help you with problems and issues you may encounter; offering help and advice to people with dyspraxia, parents, carers, and families about or on the subject of dyspraxia.
Phone
01462 454 986
Red Balloon
- Red Balloon provide a safe environment for 11-16 year olds who are unable to access mainstream school due to their past experiences in bullying or trauma. Red Balloon offer a therapeutic and academic curriculum.
Phone
01603 622 288
Website
www.redballoonlearner.org
Email
angela.hewett@rbnorwich.org.uk
Community Groups
Lowestoft Rising
Aiming to create a significantly improved quality of life for everybody growing up, living in, working in, visiting and investing in Lowestoft.
Phone
01986 835114
Ladies’ Group – Lowestoft
A group for ladies of any age to have time to gather for a variety of indoor activities. An opportunity to make friends, share, care and laugh together.
Phone
01502 530511
Lowestoft Art and Craft Group
Come along and try your hand at arts and crafts, or just join us for coffee and a chat. Meetings are every second Friday of the month from 1pm to 3pm at Boston Lodge, Boston Road, Lowestoft, NR32 1GU.
Phone
07341867131
Email
eve.ringer@nsft.nhs.uk
Gardening Team
Meetings are held on Mondays from October to March (excluding bank holiday) at 1pm – St. Andrews Church, Roman Road, NR32 2QD.
Phone
01502 572546
Carlton Colville Community Centre
Carlton Colville Community Centre offers a wide range of activities including dancing classes, bowls, knitting groups, badminton and car boots. Please contact directly for more information.
Phone
01502 581403
Suffolk Stitchers and Knitters
A network of people who meet together to share ideas and find out what they can do to help others by supporting charities with sewing and knitting. The group also provides friendship and support to each other.
There are three resource centres with one in Lowestoft where people meet on a monthly basis. If you are interested, please contact directly.
Phone
07887902677 (Susan)
Drugs and Alcohol
Drinkaware
Digital tools to help you assess, track and set goals to reduce your drinking.
Website
Drinkaware tools
Drinkline
If you’re worried about your own or someone else’s drinking, you can call this free helpline, in complete confidence.
Phone
0300 123 1110
Talk to Frank
If you have a problem with drugs, you can Talk to Frank for friendly, confidential drugs advice.
Phone
0300 123 6600
Text
82111
Website
Talk to Frank
NHS Drink Free Days
Drink Free Days is for people who like a drink but want some support in tracking and cutting down on the booze as well as better understanding the risks.
Google Play Store
Download NHS Drink Free Days on the Google Play Store
Apple App Store
Download NHS Drink Free Days on the Apple App Store
Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.
Phone
0800 9177 650
Website
Alcoholics Anonymous Great Britain
Email
help@aamail.org
SOS Bus
The SOS Bus is a first point of contact for anyone visiting Norwich’s pubs and clubs between 21:30 – 03:30, Friday or Saturday nights whose well-being is threatened by illness or injury, emotional distress or other vulnerability.
Phone
07833 505 505
Website
www.voluntarynorfolk.org.uk
Matthew Project, Youth Service – Youth and Family Team
Supports children, young people, adults and their families with drug, alcohol and other related issues across Norfolk.
Phone
08458 688 172
Hebron Trust
Hebron House is a safe, nurturing and intensively supportive community environment in which to rehabilitate from drug and alcohol dependency and the life-dominating problems that serious substance misuse can cause.
Phone
01603 439 905
Matthew Project – Outside the Wire
A bespoke drug and alcohol service offering confidential advice and support to current and ex HM Forces personnel and their families, across Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex.
Phone
01603 626 123
Website
www.matthewproject.org
Dear Albert
Dear Albert helps individuals to stop taking alcohol and drugs.
Phone
01162 917 298
Website
www.dearalbert.co.uk
Addiction Advocates
- Addiction Advocates offer a community-led referral and advisory service for people seeking help for addiction and mental health.
Phone
0800 012 6088
Website
www.addictionadvocates.com
Email
info@addictionadvocates.com
Domestic Abuse
Leeway
Established in 1974, Leeway is an independent charity providing support to adults, young people and children who are experiencing domestic abuse in Norfolk and Suffolk.
Phone
0300 561 0077
Website
www.leewaysupport.org
Men’s Advice Line
Help and support for male victims of domestic abuse. Their friendly advisers will listen and believe you, offer you non-judgemental emotional support, practical advice and information for other specialist services.
Phone
0808 8010327
Website
www.mensadviceline.org.uk
The Daisy Programme
Daisy Programme are keen to provide a holistic approach by providing essential emotional and practical support.
One to one support.
Counselling Support to deal with more complex issues where we feel the client would benefit from a more formal setting.
Website
Daisy Programme & Rowan Project
Pandora Project
Pandora Project offers advice, support and information to adults and children affected by domestic abuse. Abuse can be current or historic. They offer a confidential and non-judgemental support service.
Website
Pandora Project
National 24 hr DA helpline
The freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline.
Phone
0808 2000 247
Elderly Care
Age UK
Age UK is the country’s largest charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life. They believe in a world where everyone can love later life and we work every day to achieve this.
Phone
0800 055 6112
Website
Age UK
Dementia UK
Dementia UK offers specialist one to one support and expert advice for people living with dementia.
Phone
0800 888 6678
Website
Dementia UK
The Silver Line
Free phone support for older people, 24 hours a day.
Phone
0800 470 80 90
Website
The Silver Line Helpline
Contact Care – Personal Alarms, Lifeline for the Elderly
With your personal alarm button you can call for help day or night, from anywhere in your home or garden (within 50m of the lifeline unit), 365 days of the year.
Phone
08009 174 680
Sprowston Day Centre Luncheon Club
prowston Day Centre Luncheon Club is run from St Cuthbert’s Centre on Wroxham Road, offering the elderly a place to meet and make new friends as well as giving them a two course home cooked meal. The centre is open on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Phone
01603 419682
Cinnamon Trust
Cinnamon Trust is the only specialist national charity which seeks to relieve the anxieties, problems, and sometimes injustices, faced by elderly and terminally ill people and their pets, thereby saving a great deal of human sadness and animal suffering.
Phone
01736 757 900
Website
www.cinnamon.org.uk
Holt and District Dementia Support
Holt & District Dementia Support is a local registered charity which provides a service hub for those with dementia, their carers and their families.
Their services include a weekly Poppy Café and fortnightly Poppy PM. Both offer opportunities for support and companionship in a safe, friendly and relaxed environment and take place in the Meeting Room at St. Andrew’s Church, Holt, NR25 6BB.
Poppy Café opens every Tuesday from 10:30am to12:30pm
Poppy PM is open on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month from 2pm to 3:30pm.
Their Poppy Home Visiting service provides respite for family members or carers who look after those with dementia in their own homes.
Phone
Claire Roberts: 01263 713817
Eleanor Sidgwick: 01263 710617
Alzheimer’s Society
Living with dementia can be overwhelming, but you’re not alone. From a listening ear on the phone, to a visit in person. From practical tips and advice, to opportunities to connect with others.
Phone
0333 150 3456
Website
Alzheimer’s Society
Homelessness
Bridgeview
Open day and night, people who are homeless can attend in the day time to get help and be booked in to sleep overnight for up to 7 nights whilst being found more permanent accommodation. Day time staff will help homeless people with applications for housing and DWP claims and there are regular GP visits at the centre for those not registered locally. Out of hours (evening and weekend) access to the hub is by calling the East Suffolk Councils Out of Hours Service.
Phone
01502 513974
Address
Commercial Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR32 2TD
Maternity/Parenting
Tommy’s
Tommy’s provides information and support to empower parents during pregnancy.
Website
Tommy’s
Start for Life
Trusted NHS help and advice during pregnancy, birth and parenthood.
Website
Start for life
Baby Buddy: Pregnancy & Parent
Baby Buddy is an award winning mobile phone app for new parents and parents-to-be, created by mums, doctors and midwives.
Google Play Store
Download Baby Buddy on the Google Play Store
Apple App Store
Download Baby Buddy on the Apple App Store
MAMA Academy
MAMA Academy’s mission is to empower all maternity professionals and expectant parents on stillbirth prevention methods to help more babies arrive safely.
Phone
07427 851670
Website
MAMA Academy
Email
contact@mamaacademy.org.uk
Just one number/parentline
Children and Young Peoples Health Services Norfolk
Phone
0300 300 0123
Website
www.justonenorfolk.nhs.uk
NHS Pregnancy
This guide includes all you need to know about trying for a baby, pregnancy, labour and birth.
Website
NHS: Pregnancy
TAMBA (Twins and Multiple Births Association)
Tamba is a UK based charity helping people around the world. They were set up by parents of multiples and interested professionals in 1978.
Phone
01252 332 344
Website
www.tamba.org.uk
The National Childbirth Trust
The National Childbirth Trusts mission is to support parents through the first 1,000 days, to have the best possible experience of pregnancy, birth and early parenthood.
Phone
03003 300 700
Website
www.nct.org.uk
Family Action Swaffham/ Well Family Service
Family Action transforms lives by providing practical, emotional and financial support to those who are experiencing poverty, disadvantage and social isolation across Norfolk .
Family Action, Swaffham Community Hospital, Sporle Road, Swaffham, PE37 7HL
Phone
01760 720302
Mobile
07944 609655
Website
www.family-action.org.uk/
Mental Health
NHS Mental health
Find information and support for your mental health.
Website
NHS: Mental health
Kooth
Free anonymous online chat for young people to discuss their mental health issues.
Website
Kooth
Samaritans
Samaritans offer a safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way – about whatever’s getting to you. You don’t have to be suicidal. Call Samaritans free, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Phone
116 123
Website
Samaritans
Email
jo@samaritans.org
Rethink Mental Illness
Rethink Mental Illness provide expert, accredited advice and information to everyone affected by mental health problems.
Phone
0121 522 7007
Website
Rethink Mental Illness
Email
info@rethink.org
Mind
Mind provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
Phone
0300 123 3393
Website
Mind
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)
The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is leading a movement against male suicide, the single biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK.
Phone
0800 585 858
Website
www.thecalmzone.net
Combat Stress
Combat Stres is the UK’s leading charity for veterans’ mental health. For a century, they’ve helped former servicemen and women with mental health problems such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Phone
08001 381 619
Text
07537 404 719
Website
www.combatstress.org.uk
Norfolk LGBT+ Project
Norfolk LGBT+ Project aims to relieve the mental and emotional suffering of people in Norfolk and Waveney who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT+) or in doubt of their sexuality or gender identity by the provision of advice, peer-support and information.
Phone
01603 219 299
Website
www.norfolklgbtproject.co.uk
SANE
SANE is a leading UK mental health charity. They work to improve the quality of life for anyone affected by mental illness.
Phone
020 3805 1790
Website
www.sane.org.uk
Email
info@sane.org.uk
The Norwich Centre
The Norwich Centre offer professional confidential counselling and will not turn anyone away for financial reasons. Please note that they are not a crisis service.
Phone
01603 617 709
Website
www.norwichcentre.org
The NHS Wellbeing Service (IAPT – Improving Access to Psychological Therapies)
The Wellbeing Service offer free help and support to improve wellbeing and manage stress, low mood and anxiety. Their aim is to reduce the onset of mental ill health, prevent deterioration and promote recovery by offering a range of webinars, talking therapies, employment support, peer support and social activities.
Phone
0300 123 1503
Website
www.wellbeingnands.co.uk
Norfolk and Waveney Mind
Mind provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
Phone
0300 330 5488
Mermaids
Mermaids supports gender-diverse children and young people until their 20th birthday, as well as their families and professionals involved in their care.
Phone
0808 801 0400
Website
www.mermaidsuk.org.uk
SHOUT
Shout 85258 is the UK’s first 24/7 text service for anyone in crisis. Get free, confidential mental health support anytime, anywhere.
Text
SHOUT to 85258
Website
Shout – UK’s 24/7 Crisis Text Service for Mental Health Support | Shout 85258 (giveusashout.org)
PAPYRUS
HOPELINE247 is a confidential support and advice service for children and young people under the age of 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide, or anyone concerned that a young person could be thinking about suicide.
If you are having thoughts of suicide or are concerned for a young person who might be you can contact HOPELINE247 for confidential support and practical advice.
Phone
0800 068 41 41
Text
07860 039967
Email
pat@papyrus-uk.org
Website
Papyrus UK Suicide Prevention | Prevention of Young Suicide (papyrus-uk.org)
YANA
Help for those in farming who may be affected by stress and depression.
Phone
0300 323 0400
Website
www.yanahelp.org
Email
johoey@yanahelp.org
Physiotherapy
East Coast Community Healthcare
East Coast Community Healthcare (ECCH) is a social enterprise which provides NHS community health services across Norfolk and Suffolk. As a social enterprise, ECCH is owned by its staff and uses any surplus resources for the benefit of communities in Norfolk and Suffolk.
Phone
01493 809977
Website
physioselfrefer.co.uk
Pure Physio
People aged 16 years and over who are registered with any Lowestoft practice can access a First Contact Physiotherapy Service directly without the need to see a doctor or contact the surgery first.
Phone
01603 791190
Sexual Health
Brook
Brook provides free and confidential sexual health and wellbeing services for nearly 250,000 young people UK-wide, each year.
Website
Brook
Sexual Health Helpline
The National Sexual Health Helpline provided by Public Health England is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm.
Phone
0300 123 7123
THT Direct (Terrence Higgins Trust)
THT Direct (Terrence Higgins Trust) offer a range of services available to anyone who lives in the Norfolk area. They provide outreach in the community for vulnerable young people and adults, and training for practitioners.
Phone
01603 226 666
Website
www.tht.org.uk
Email
norfolksexualhealth@tht.org.uk
Family Planning Association
A sexual health charity, the Family Planning Association gives straightforward information and support on sexual health, sex and relationships to everyone in the UK.
Phone
020 7608 5240
Website
Family Planning Association
iCash
If you’re looking for contraception, treatment for sexually transmitted infections, HIV care and treatment or related advice in Norfolk, iCash can help.
Phone
0300 300 3030
Website
www.icash.nhs.uk
C-Card Scheme
If you are aged 13 to 24 and living in Norfolk you are entitled to free condoms through the Your C-Card scheme.
Website
www.youngandfree.org.uk
Social Prescribing
Solutions
Lowestoft Primary Care Network provides non-medical help to people through the Solutions service run by the Citizens Advice Bureau. If you have a non-medical issue, such as financial problems, debt, benefits, housing, employment, family matters, domestic abuse, loneliness or isolation or you need practical support you can directly contact our Social Prescribing Link Worker, Jayne.
Phone
07881 937202
Email
solutions1@nescab.cabnet.org.uk
For more information
Stop Smoking
NHS Quit smoking
Quitting is much easier when you get the right support and there are lots of options to choose from. Check out their advice, tools and tips.
Website
NHS: Quit smoking
Smokefree Norfolk
With Smokefree Norfolk, you’re up to 4 times more likely to quit smoking, and with our specially created plans you’re more likely to quit for good. Everything they do has been developed by experts and ex-smokers, delivered to you by specially trained experienced professionals.
Phone
08000 854 113
Weight Management and Physical Activity
Slimming World
You’ll find delicious recipe and menu ideas at your local group, along with all the help you need to get started and reach your target weight.
Website
Slimming World
Weight Watchers
Meetings, online or a little bit of both. They’ve got options and support, whatever your lifestyle.
Website
Weight Watchers
BMI calculator
The body mass index (BMI) is a measure that uses your height and weight to work out if your weight is healthy.
Your Health Norfolk
Your Health Norfolk offer community based nutrition and exercise programmes to support an active lifestyle and helping people to achieve a healthy weight.
Website
www.yourhealthnorfolk.co.uk
Eating Matters – Eating Disorders Counselling Service
Eating Matters is a Norfolk charity offering counselling for people with mild to moderate eating disorders in the community.
Phone
01603 767 062
Website
www.eatingmatters.org.uk
Norfolk Weight Management Scheme
Norfolk offer 12-weeks funded weight management in-person community based groups by Your Health Norfolk and Slimming World for eligible adults.
Check your eligibility and apply online.
Active Norfolk
Whether you want to join a sports club for the first time, find a local walking group or looking for a sport you can play with your colleagues, there are a whole host of opportunities open to you in Norfolk.
Website
www.activenorfolk.org