Useful links
All of the links on this page are to external websites and open in a new windows.
Turning Point Scotland: Our sister organisation in Scotland working with people with mental health and drug and alcohol problems, as well as with people with a learning disability.
Substance Misuse
Alcohol Concern: works to reduce the incidence and costs of alcohol-related harm and to increase the range and quality of services available to people with alcohol-related problems.
Al-Anon Family Groups: Offer support and advice to anyone who is, or has been, affected by someone else's drinking. Al-Anon incorporates Alateen which is a specialist service for 12-20 year olds.
COCA: UK charity supporting drug professionals and organisations with issues relating to stimulant drugs such as crack cocaine, amphetamines and ecstasy.
Daily Dose: The world's leading news service on drug and alcohol misuse.
Drugscope: Information and resources for professionals and the public on drug-related issues.
EATA: European Association for the Treatment of Addiction.
Early Break: Early Break drugs project is a counselling, support and information service for under 18s, their families and carers around drug and alcohol use.
FRANK: A three-year initiative from the Home Office and Department of Health, supported by the Department for Education and Skills, focuses on class A drugs such as heroin, cocaine and ecstasy. Building on the work of the existing National Drugs Helpline.
The Mentor Foundation: International organisation concerned with promoting best practice in drug treatment and prevention.
The Site: Information on the effects and legal status of various drugs.
Tackling Drugs Changing Lives: This website provides drug professionals with the latest news and guidance from the government about the drug strategy.
Alcohol Policy UK: This site provides alcohol policy podcasts and a blog to help professionals in the alcohol harm reduction field stay up to date with news and best practice.
Learning Disability
Learning Disability Coalition: The Coalition represents 10 learning disability organisations. They have come together to form one group with one voice.
Learning Disabilities UK: Portal for a wide range of information on learning disabilities including a list of up-coming events.
The British Institute of Learning Disabilities: The British Institute of Learning Disabilities is working to improve the lives of people in the UK with a learning disability.
Valuing People: Website about Valuing People, the government's plan for improving the lives of people with learning disabilities, their families and carers.
Mental Health
SANE: A national charity working to improve the quality of life for people affected by mental health problems. SANELINE 0845 767 8000 (12 noon to 2 am every day) is a national helpline providing information and support for people with mental health problems.
The Mental Health Foundation: Policy and guidance information around mental health and learning disability.
The Samaritans: The Samaritans provides confidential non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide.
Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health: The centre works to improve the quality of life for people with mental health problems by influencing policy and practice in mental health and related services.
Employment
Jobcentre Plus: provides help and advice on job hunting and on making or maintaining a benefit claim.
Citizen's Advice Bureau guide to Benefits: Advice and guidance on benefits in England.
Young People and Families
Department for Children, Schools and Families: The Department for Children, Schools and Families is one of three new government departments set up by the Prime Minister on 28 June 2007.
Guidance and Legal Information
Community Legal Service: The Community Legal Service aims to ensure that people can get information and help about their legal rights and understand how to enforce them at the right place at the right time.
Equality and Human Rights Commission: The new commission (opened Oct 2007) is working to eliminate discrimination, reduce inequality, protect human rights and to build good relations, ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to participate in society.
Citizens Advice Service: The service can help with various problems including debt, benefit matters and immigration. Advisors can offer a wide range of support including representing clients at court.
Department for Children, Schools and Families: The Department for Children, Schools and Families is one of three new government departments set up by the Prime Minister on 28 June 2007.
Government and Policy
Department of Health: Providing health and social care policy, guidance and publications for NHS and social care professionals.
National Treatment Agency: A special health authority established by the government to increase the availability, capacity and effectiveness of drug treatment services.
Making Decisions Alliance: A group of organisations (including Turning Point) lobbying government to make parliamentary time for legislation about mental capacity.
Ministry of Justice: Official website of the Ministry of Justice, which is responsible for the courts, prisons, probation, criminal law and sentencing. Provides guidance for professionals across all areas.
Other Related Sites
Shelter: Provides advice, information and advocacy to individuals housing need.
Respect: A phoneline for people who are abusive or violent towards their partners and are looking for help. The Respect Phoneline 0485 122 8609 provides information and advice about support services and programmes to anyone who's concerned about their behaviour.
The Havens: The Havens are centres staffed by specially trained, experienced professionals who can give medical help and advice, counselling and practical and emotional support for anyone in London regardless of age or gender who has been raped or sexually assaulted.
NHS Choices: Medical advice, information on services, health and general well-being.
Counselling Directory: This website is a support network of UK counsellors and psychotherapists, with information on their training and experience, areas of counselling covered, fees and contact details. This service is free, confidential and easy to use.