There are a number of organisations in the UK and Northern Ireland that can provide support and counselling services if you have been involved in an accident or violent crime.
The following list of organisations has been provided by the Citizen's Advice Bureau ( www.adviceguide.org.uk).
Citizens Advice (www.citizensadvice.org.uk ) is the national association for Citizens Advice Bureaux across England and Wales setting and monitoring standards, providing support, guidance and services. It receives funding from government and other sources to cover the cost of the organisation and to support the services provided to affiliated Citizens Advice Bureaux. Citizens Advice operates broadly under similar rules and regulations to those governing executive Non Departmental Public Bodies (NDPBs) and, as such, it is subject to a comprehensive review every five years.
Disabled Living Foundation
The Disabled Living Foundation gives advice and information about equipment available for people with disabilities.
380-384 Harrow Road
London W9 2HU
Tel: (020) 7289 6111
Helpline: 0870 603 9177 (Mon-Fri 10am-4pm local rate)
Fax: (020) 7266 2922
Email: info@dlf.org.uk
Website: http://www.dlf.org.uk
(In Northern Ireland ) Regional Disablement Services
Musgrave Park Services
Stockman's Lane
Belfast BT9 7BJ
Tel: (028) 9066 9501
Fax: (028) 9038 2008
Disaster Action
Disaster Action was set up by a group of people affected by major disasters. The group campaigns for changes in the law, and for improved counselling and compensation, as well as giving support to people involved in disasters and their relatives and friends. It can also make referrals to specialists.
49-50 Eagle Wharf Road
London N1 7ED
Tel: (020) 7251 2427
Fax: (020) 7251 2427
Website: http://www.disasteraction.org.uk
Headway - the brain injury association
Headway supports people with brain injuries and their carers. It also campaigns for improvements in health and social care services. It runs a helpline, and can provide a list of solicitors who specialise in brain injury cases.
4 King Edward Court
King Edward Street
Nottingham NG1 1EW
Tel: (0115) 924 0800
Fax: (0115) 958 4446
Website: http://www.headway.org.uk
Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture
The Foundation provides medical care, counselling and therapy to people who have suffered an injury as a result of torture. It sets up self-help groups and can examine patients, for example, to provide forensic evidence of torture injuries. The organisation can be of use to people who are applying for asylum.
96-98 Grafton Road
London NW5 3EJ
Tel: (020) 7813 7777
Fax: (020) 7813 0011
Website: http://www.torturecare.org.uk
MIND (National Association for Mental Health)
MIND promotes the interests of people suffering from mental illness or distress and provides advice and advocacy services.
Granta House
15-19 Broadway
London E15 EBQ
Tel: (020) 8519 2122
Helpline: (020) 8522 1728 / 0845 766 0163 (Mon-Fri. .15am-4.45pm )
Website: http://www.mind.org.uk
NIAMH (Northern Ireland Association for Mental Health)
NIAMH promotes the interests of people suffering from mental illness or distress and provides advice and advocacy services.
Beacon House
80 University Street
Belfast BT7 1HE
Tel: (028) 9032 8474
Fax: (028) 9023 4940
Website: http://www.niamh.co.uk
Roadpeace
Roadpeace provides support and advocacy for bereaved and injured victims of road accidents. It also promotes public awareness of road dangers, and campaigns for justice for victims.
PO Box 2579
London NW10 3PW
Tel: (020) 8838 5102
Helpline: (020) 8964 1021
Fax: (020) 8838 5103
Website: http://www.roadpeace.org
Victim Support
Victim Support offers information and support to all victims of crime, except theft of, or from, cars and child abuse in the family. There are local schemes.
Cranmer House
39 Brixton Road
London SW9 6DZ
Tel: (020) 7735 9166
Helplines: 0845 3030 900 (Mon-Fri 9am-9pm; Sat. and Sun 9am-7pm local rate).
Website: http://www.victimsupport.org.uk
Victim Support ( Northern Ireland )
Annsgate House
70-74 Ann Street
Belfast BT1 4EH
Tel: (028) 9024 4039
Fax: (028) 9031 3838
Women's Aid Federation of England
Women's Aid provides advice, information and sometimes temporary refuge for women and their children who are threatened by mental, emotional or physical violence, harassment or sexual abuse.
PO Box 391
Bristol BS99 7WS
Telephone: (0117) 944 4411
Helpline: 0845 702 3468 (24 hours)
Fax: (0117) 924 1703
Email: info@womensaid.org.uk
Website: http://www.womensaid.org.uk
Northern Ireland Women's Aid
129 University Street
Belfast BT7 1HP
Telephone: (028) 9024 9041
Fax: (028) 9023 9296
Helpline: 028 9033 1818 (24 hours)
Email: niwaf@dnet.co.uk
Website: www.niwaf.org
