- PRESTON WOMEN'S REFUGE
We provide a range of support services for women experiencing domestic
violence. We are based in Preston, Lancashire.
Preston Women's Refuge
www.prestonwomensrefuge.org.uk
- RASASC
RASASC is a charity run by, and for women. RASASC provide help to survivors,
wherever they are, but in practical terms are only set up to help people
in the UK. They offer help and support to women and girls who have been
raped or sexually abused - however long ago. RASASC will give information
and advice to friends, relatives, partners, work colleagues and other
organisations. The services to individuals are free, confidential and
non-judgmental. All workers are trained by RASASC and most are volunteers.
www.rasasc.org.uk
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Looking for a support group for women who have been in an abusive relationship - verbal and physical. Ones who can meet up and offer support on dealing with the rest of your life.
Name SBR date: 4 September 2002
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What is NAT (National Aids Trust)?
NAT is the UK's leading policy development and advocacy AIDS organisation working to ensure that people in power take action on HIV both within the UK and internationally.
NAT works with others to develop informed responses to this growing epidemic. It advises and pressures for the adoption of our policy proposals to achieve the best possible support for people with and affected by HIV.
In effect NAT is an agent for change committed to advancing the human rights of people living with HIV and affected communities.
The National AIDS Trust (NAT) aims to promote a wider understanding of HIV and AIDS; to develop and support efforts to prevent the spread of HIV; and to improve the quality of life of people affected by HIV and AIDS.
Policy Development and Research
NAT is dedicated to policy development and research in order to improve the UK's prevention efforts and the quality of life of people with HIV/AIDS. Policy work focuses on timely issues around HIV and AIDS in the UK and Internationally, contributing and responding to government responses in this area.
NAT publishes regular research with recommendations for HIV services. NAT also publishes a quarterly policy bulletin, IMPACT, which provides up to date information which initiates key debates and highlights best practice to professionals in the field. A special extension on vaccines entitled Vaccines Update is also produced by NAT.
www.nat.org.uk
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POLARITY HIV CENTRE
Polarity HIV Centre is run by Colchester Gay Switchboard.
Polarity is a resource centre where people can drop in, have a drink or a "home cooked" meal, chat, make friends, have access to professional advice and information about HIV and AIDS along with complementary therapies and support. The information can be from the centre Resource Library, the Internet or from the Specialist Workers and Volunteers.
Polarity links with many other agencies and can help you access these. Polarity provides a safe, confidential, friendly and relaxing environment.
The service is available to people living with HIV as well as others affected by HIV, including partners, friends and family. This is NOT an exclusively gay service but open to ALL.
The centre works on an open door principal and people are encouraged to drop in.
The helpline is open Monday to Friday from 7 pm until 10 pm on telephone number 012016 869191
The helpline can provide information on HIV & Aids, safer sex and health related issues, addressing attitudes to HIV & AIDS and people infected by the virus, information on the HIV test and where to get one as well as information about services available to everyone affected by the virus (family and friends included)
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The Public Health Laboratory Service has produced the following information.
What is HIV and what does it do?
- HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus.
- There are two types of HIV virus: HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-1 is the type most commonly found in the UK. HIV-2 remains mainly confined to West Africa and is usually less severe than HIV-1.
- When a person has HIV, infectious amounts of the virus can be found in their blood, semen (men), vaginal fluids (women ) and breast milk (women).
i>People with HIV usually have no symptoms for a prolonged period of time, while the virus acts slowly to weaken the body’s immune system. HIV particularly attacks the type of white blood cell called CD4 cells. When the CD4 count is very low the body’s immune system is very weak.
- When a person’s immune system has been broken down he or she is susceptible to other illnesses, especially infections (eg tuberculosis and pneumonia) and cancers, many of which are not normally a threat to a healthy person.
- At that severe stage of infection the person is often diagnosed as having AIDS. AIDS stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
- To say that a person has AIDS means they have one or more of a list of otherwise usually rare illnesses as a result of the breakdown of the body’s immune system.
- Usually the cause of illness and eventual death in a person with HIV is not the virus itself, but illnesses to which the virus has made the person vulnerable. With treatment a person with AIDS may recover from an illness, but will usually succumb to another. People with HIV infection will almost certainly die prematurely.
- Recent advances in treatment by combination anti-retroviral therapy (sometimes called Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy or HAART) have enormously improved survival rates in countries which can afford these drugs and have the infrastructure to deliver them safely and effectively.
Who gets HIV?
- Anyone can become infected with the virus if he or she is exposed to infection through sex or blood products.
- There are certain groups at higher risk of infection than others in the UK:
- Homosexual men (men who have sex with men)
- Injecting drug users
- Men and women who have lived as adults in countries where heterosexual transmission of HIV is common (notably South, East and Central Africa)
- Children, from their infected mothers during pregnancy
- The numbers of HIV infections acquired through sex between men and women are low in the UK but represent 80-90% of infections worldwide.
- In 2000 there were over 3400 reports of new diagnoses of HIV infection in the UK. Nearly 40% of these were in men who probably acquired their infection through sex with another man. Almost half acquired their infection heterosexually and about 3% through injecting drug use. Most of the heterosexuals were probably infected abroad.
- HIV is uncommon among young heterosexual people in the UK and fewer than 1 in 1000 UK-born teenagers attending STD clinics (generally a higher risk group) were infected with HIV in 1999. Among young sexually active people in the UK, homosexual young men are at greater risk than heterosexuals.
- For heterosexual teenagers the risk of catching chlamydia, gonorrhoea or another sexually transmitted infection is far higher than the risk of catching HIV. Those infected with another sexually transmitted infection are at a higher risk of acquiring HIV if they have an HIV infected partner.
How do you catch HIV?
- HIV is passed on from an infected person through the transfer of body fluids such as blood, semen, fluid from the woman’s cervix and breast milk.
- There are four main ways to catch HIV:
- By unprotected sexual intercourse (anal, vaginal or oral) with an infected partner. Anal intercourse (where a man’s penis is inserted into his partner’s anus) is more dangerous than vaginal intercourse. This is because the lining of the anus is easily damaged. The lining of the vagina and skin in general, if undamaged, is relatively resistant to HIV. The virus is passed on more readily from men to women than from women to men. The risk associated with unprotected oral sex is lower than other forms of penetrative sex, but is not risk free.
- By an injection or transfusion with blood from an infected person.
- Through drug users sharing needles and syringes contaminated with HIV infected blood.
- From an infected mother to her baby during birth or through breast feeding.
- HIV is NOT passed on through everyday social contact with an infected person. Touching, shaking hands, hugging, coughing or sneezing cannot pass on the virus.
- Not everyone who comes into contact with the virus will contract it. For example, most babies born to HIV positive mothers are not infected with the virus.
How do you know that you have HIV?
- A person with HIV may have no symptoms and appear completely healthy for a long period of time.
- Antibodies are complex proteins made by the body’s immune system against ‘foreign’ substances such as bacteria and viruses. There is a test that can be done on a blood sample which will detect the presence of antibodies to HIV. Someone with HIV antibodies is infected with the virus (but transfer of mother’s antibodies to new-born babies occurs even though the baby is not necessarily infected).
- It can take up to 3 months for the antibodies to show up in a test after the person was infected. However, during that interval the infected person will have high numbers of the virus in his or her body, and will be likely to pass on infection at this stage if they have unprotected sexual intercourse.
How serious is HIV?
- HIV is a serious infection in the UK where it is estimated that around 30,000 people are currently infected. Without treatment most people are expected to die from their infection.
- Once infected with HIV the person carries the virus in their body for the rest of their lives and remains infectious to others for the rest of their lives. However, recent treatment advances mean that in treated patients the virus level can be reduced but these treatments need to be maintained and there is not as yet a cure for HIV.
- At the end of 2000, there were more than 36.1 million people living with HIV infection worldwide, over 95% of these in resource poor (developing) countries.
How can you protect yourself against HIV?
- Sexually active men and women greatly reduce their risk of infection by having monogamous relationships with HIV negative partners.
- A condom is a form of contraception that if used correctly and consistently during sexual intercourse can protect against HIV.
- Even in an entirely monogamous relationship one partner may bring HIV, or another infection, from a previous partner without having any symptoms.
- Injecting drug users should never share their needles, syringes and other injecting equipment with anyone else. This will minimise their risk of catching HIV (and other viral infections, hepatitis B and C). Used needles should be disposed of safely by putting them in a rigid container with a lid. There are now needle exchange programmes in many parts of the country which provide free supplies of clean, sterile needles and safely dispose of used needles.
- Since 1985 all blood donated for medical transfusions has been screened for HIV, meaning there is minimal risk of being infected through a hospital blood transfusion.
- HIV positive mothers can be put on special antiviral medication to reduce the risk of transmission of HIV to the baby during birth. They should not breast feed, as the virus can be transmitted via breast milk.
How is HIV diagnosed?
- The main test for HIV infection is the blood test for antibodies to HIV described under "How do you know you have HIV?"
- Confidential HIV tests can be obtained from any STD clinic (also called genitourinary medicine clinics) or GP. Details of these clinics can be found in the telephone book, from your local hospital or from the website. You can attend at any age (even if you are below the legal age of consent to sex which is 16).
- There is complete confidentiality between the person tested and the doctor responsible for the test. This covers the fact that a test has been taken and the result of that test.
Can you treat HIV?
- Currently there is no vaccine or cure for HIV.
- However, there is now treatment called highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART). The treatment suppresses the HIV virus and can reverse the damage to the immune system for some time, prolonging the lives of those infected. The virus is continually changing, sometimes becoming resistant to current drugs, so HAART may not be a long term solution and it is not a cure.
- People can only be prescribed these drugs if they have been tested and know that they have the infection
- The treatments are complex and often have side effects. They are not easy to take.
- Treatment is also very expensive and therefore unavailable to most people in the developing countries.
- Despite treatment an infected person is still capable of passing on the virus.
www. phls.co.uk/facts/HIV/HivGeneralInf.htm
| UNAIDS (Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS) |
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UNAIDS
shows the global summary of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in December 2001.
The total number of people living with HIV/AIDS is 40 million of which 37.2 million are adults, 17.6 million of these are women and there are also 2.7 million children under 15 years.
The total number of people newly infected with HIV in 2001 is 5 million of which 4.2 million are adults, 1.8 million of these are women and there are 800,000 children under 15 years.
The total number of AIDS deaths in 2001 was 3 million of which 2.4 million are adults, 1.1 million of these are women and there are 600,000 children under 15 years.
www.unaids.org
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The World Health Organisation
states that since the onset of the HIV/AIDS epidemic 15 years
ago, the virus has infected more than 47 million people in the world. With more than 2.2
million deaths in 1998, HIV/AIDS has now become the fourth leading cause of mortality and its
impact is going to increase.
www.who.int
- TERRENCE
HIGGINS TRUST
Terrence Higgins Trust THT is the leading HIV & AIDS charity in
the UK and the largest in Europe. Established in 1982, it was the first
charity to be set up in response to the HIV epidemic and has been at
the forefront if the fight against HIV & AIDS ever since.
THT is the largest provider of direct services to the groups most affected
by HIV - gay men and UK African communities.
THT delivers health promotion campaigns and direct services from our
offices across the UK to people with or affected by HIV, and people
at risk.
www.tht.org.uk
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THE INFORMATION EXCHANGE
Chelsea & Westminster Hospital,
369 Fulham Road,
London,
SW10 9TR
Telephone number 02087465929
The Information Exchange aims to provide a wide-ranging HIV and AIDS treatments information, much of which is accessed through computer systems.
- ALCOHOLICS
ANONYMOUS
At Alcoholics Anonymous men and women share their experience, strength
and hope with each other to help them to solve their common problem
and help others to recover from alcoholism.
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. The
primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve
sobriety.
Currently, women make up 35 percent of the total membership.
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk
- HEALTH ADVICE - LONDON
This is a unique alcohol project offering free services in venues across
London.
www.acaps.co.uk
- LESBIAN
& GAY BISEXUAL ALCCOHOL PROJECT
(part of the Alcohol Counseling and Prevention Services)
34 Electric lane, London, SW9 8JT
www.acaps.co.uk
- Millions
of people are affected by dementia. While over 700,000 people in the
UK have some form of dementia, there's always a wider impact on families
and friends. Whether you are a person with dementia, a career or are
concerned, the Alzheimer's Society can help. The Society is the UK's
leading care and research charity for people with all forms of dementia
and their careers.
The Society provide information and education, fund medical and scientific
research, provide quality day and home care, campaign for improved services
and for a better public understanding of the condition.
www.alzheimers.org.uk
- CRUSE BEREAVEMENT CARE
Cruse Bereavement Care,
126 Sheen Rd,
Richmond,
Surrey,
TW9 1UR,
National Telephone Helpline 0345 585565
Fax: 0208 940 7638
Look for Cruse in the local telephone directory or contact Cruse Head Office on the telephone number 0870 167 1677.
Cruse is the leading charity in the U.K. specialising in bereavement. There are currently 178 branches and over 6,000 volunteers throughout the U.K. Over 100,000 people contact Cruse each year for help and information. There is no charge to someone from Cruse but Cruse is only able to offer its services freely due to the generosity of individuals and grant-making bodies. Donations are always welcomed. Cruse has a wide range of leaflets and books about bereavement.
E-mail: info@crusebereavementcare.org.uk
www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk
- LESBIAN & GAY BEREAVEMENT PROJECT
Vaughan M. Williams Centre
Colindale Hospital
Colindale Avenue
London NW9 5HG
Office Telephone Number 0208 200 0511
Helpline Telephone Number 0208 455 8894
Losing a partner in a same-gender relationship is every bit as devastating as losing a husband or a wife: you may experience all the same feelings as the surviving partner of a marriage or other heterosexual partnership .. but can you count on the same support if you are lesbian or gay?
Helpline Telephone Number 0208 455 8894 every evening from 7pm to Midnight
The helpline offers a listening ear to lesbians and gay men who have been bereaved or are preparing for bereavement as well as to family and friends, colleagues and carers.
E-mail: LGBP@aol.com/LGBP
http://members.aol.com/LGBP
- BREAKTHROUGH
BREAST CANCER
Breakthrough is about fighting breast cancer through research and awareness.
On this site you can get all the latest news about breast cancer and
Breakthrough, find details of major campaigns and fundraising events
and discover all sorts of ways that you can help to achieve the vision
of a future free from the fear of breast cancer.
www.breakthrough.org.uk
- BREAST
CANCER AWARENESS
The Breast Cancer Campaign's prime focus is research, they do not offer
counselling, advice or support because other charities do this. They
fund research only into breast cancer.
The Breast Cancer Campaign raises awareness of breast cancer mainly through the annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month, in October.
www.bcc-uk.org
- BREAST
CANCER CARE
The site provides information for women with breast cancer or breast
health concerns. It also provides information for families and friends.
Every woman should be breast aware throughout her adult life. It is an important part of caring for your body.
Being breast aware means knowing how your breasts look and feel normally so that you notice any change that might be unusual for you. Detecting a change early means that if cancer is diagnosed any treatment may well have a better outcome. Most breast changes will prove to be benign (non-cancerous) but you should always report any concern to your GP.
www.breastcancercare.org.uk
- BREAST
CARE CAMPAIGN
The Breast Care Campaign remains the only organisation dedicated to
raising awareness of benign breast disorders. Since 1991, the Breast
Care Campaign has disseminated information to thousands of women and
continues to be the first point of referral for health professionals,
enabling them to offer the appropriate support and treatment of benign
breast problems that women so often need. An important focus for the
Breast Care Campaign is to reassure women that detection of a breast
problem need not signal the worst, by putting the risk factors into
perspective.
www.breastcare.co.uk
- A comprehensive source of information on the subject of breast cancer.
- For the newly diagnosed, information relating to the diagnosis and
treatment of the disease.
- For those living with breast cancer, up to the minute news concerning
the latest research.
- For the survivor, continued support and inspirational motivation from
fellow survivors.
- For the loved ones of those with breast cancer, tips to help you be an
ally in the fight for and of her life.
This is a good information website which will help with some of those questions. There is also
a celebrities page showing a number of celebrities who are or have suffered.
E-mail to pinkribboncom@aol.com
Website www.pinkribbon.com
Celebrities page www.pinkribbon.com/celebrities.htm
- SUFFOLK CARERS
FREEPOST IH4 214
The Wellington Centre
52 Chevallier Street
Ipswich IP1 2BR
Telephone helpline 01473 232679 (There is an out of hours answering machine)
If you spend time looking after a relative, child, partner or friend, who is frail, ill or who has a disability, then you are a carer
Suffolk Carers offers
Carers Support Workers, making personal contact with Carers
Carers Support Groups, giving Carers a voice and the opportunity to share experiences.
Carers' Issues, promoting Carers' issues with statutory and voluntary agencies
www.suffolk-carers.co.uk
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The Cinnamon Trust,
Foundry House,
Foundry Square,
Hayle,
Cornwall
TR27 4HH
The National Charity for the elderly and their pets.
THE CINNAMON TRUST was registered in 1985 in response to a very particular
need and is the specialist national charity for elderly people and
their companion animals. For many elderly people living on their own,
their pets are their reason for living. The charity arranges for visits
to housebound owners, to take dogs for daily walks; for volunteers
to foster pets as one of their family when owners face a spell in
hospital etc. The charity can tackle any problem posed in day to day
care of pets. It has also established a national register of nursing
homes, residential homes, sheltered housing for the elderly that will
accept residents and their pets. Founder and Director: Mrs Averil
Jarvis, Patrons: Katie Boyle, Virginia McKenna, Nerys Hughes, Sir Peter
O'Sullevan, Sir Paul McCartney.
www.cinnamontrust.co.uk/contact.html
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UK Cot Life Society
I run the UK Cot Life Society and I am writing in the hope you can help our campaign against cot death. The cause of cot death has been discovered by British scientist Mr Barry Richardson and New Zealand scientist Dr Jim Sprott
Something simple can be done to prevent cot death, Mattress Wrapping for cot death prevention has been well publicised in NZ and many babies have been saved as a consequence. Please see the Cot Life 2000 website.
Here in UK we have been campaigning since 1995 to get Mattress Wrapping for cot death prevention recognised and to some success. But we still need as much help as possible publicising the Cot Life information in UK.
The danger of cot death can be virtually eliminated by ensuring that babies sleep on mattresses and underbedding known to be free from the elements phosphorus, arsenic and antimony. The BabeSafe range of mattresses complies with this requirement.
Do not use any of the following as baby bedding:
Sheepskin or sheepfleece underlay
Moisture-resistant cot mattress protector
Any underblanket which is not made of pure cotton
Acrylic blanket
Any blanket which contains polyester
Sleeping bag
Duvet
www.cotlife2000.com
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When is counselling helpful?
In most people's lives there are times of pain and confusion.
Anxiety, loss and difficult experiences can leave people feeling unable to cope, and needing help.
Many people use counselling to cope with:-
Abuse, Depression, Anxiety, Fear, Relationships, Sexual Problems and Loss
What is Counselling?
The overall aim of counselling is to provide an opportunity to work towards living in a more satisfying and resourceful way.
Counselling takes place within a confidential therapeutic relationship, and offers an opportunity to explore issues that are causing concerns.
Counselling begins with an assessment appointment to discuss your situation, and decide whether you wish to commit yourself to regular meetings, usually once a week.
Counselling will cost from about £35 for a session
Do you know of a good counsellor in your area? I have been asked if we know of a good counsellor in the Lancashire area. This is the same for all other areas of the country. Is there only the one good one and she is in Suffolk?
| DI JOHNSTON Sexual and Relationship Psychotherapist |
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Di Johnston Sexual and Relationship Psychotherapist
29 Rosebery Road,
Ipswich,
Suffolk,
IP4 1PS
Telephone number 01473 420550
Di Johnston, BA (psychology), BACP, BASRT, UKRC, UKCP has been a counsellor for 14 years and works in private practice in Ipswich. She is also a sexual and relationship psychotherapist. She is accredited by the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy, Britishh Association of Sexual and Relationship Therapy, United Kingdom Register of Counsellors,, and the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy.
Di Johnston also provides A Lesbian, Gay Bisexual and Transgender Affirmative Approach.
Affirming who the individual client is as a person.
Acknowledging that the needs of LGBT clients are unique.
Awareness of how heterosexism aand homophobia damage self-esteem.
Being familiar with LGBT lifestyles and resources.
Being sensitive to issues affecting LGBT clients.
Affirming LGBT sexualities and lifestyles
E-mail: dijohnston@ntlworld.com
- DISABILTY RIGHTS COMMISSION
The Disability Rights Commission want to know of any business which refuses to cater for your disability.
www.drc-gb.org
- DISABLED
LIVING FOUNDATION
The Disabled Living Foundation believe that everybody has the right
to be independent and equal, has the power to choose, and to live their
life to it's fullest potential. Specialist equipment and adaptations
can change someone's quality of life. The right equipment can mean the
difference between relying on friends and careers, or remaining independent
and in control of your own life. Equipment can enable a person to continue
with the things in life which they enjoy most, such as gardening, sport,
reading as well as being able to continue working and supporting themselves.
The Disabled Living Foundation has become the leading source of information
on disability equipment, day-to-day household gadgets, new technologies
and training techniques. Through their unique services they can provide
solutions for many daily tasks and activities, as well as expert, unbiased
knowledge on the right kind of equipment and where to find it.
www.dlf.org.uk
- DISABLEDINFO
DisabledInfo
are trying to provide a single directory, at the touch of a button.
They are trying to provide information for disabled people, their families
and carers, who are looking for help, advice and shopping requirements.
www.disabledinfo.com
- THE FRIDA PROJECT
Women's Health
52 Featherstone Street,
London, EC1Y 8RT
Telephone number 0207 251 6333
Minicom 0207 490 5489
The Frida Project has been set up to support disabled women in London with gynaecological health needs
The Frida Network is about disabled women supporting each other and sharing experiences.
The Frida Network aims to:-
Empower disabled women
Support disabled women in setting up self-help networks
Connect disabled women who face gynaecological or sexual health problems
This includes women with physical or sensory impairments, women with learning difficulties,
survivors of the mental health system and women living with long term illness or chronic pain.
www.womenshealthlondon.org.uk
E-mail: outreach@womenshealthlondon.org.uk
- GLAD (Greater London Action On Disability)
GLAD
336 Brixton Road
London SW9 7AA
Telephone: 020 7346 5800
Fax: 020 7346 8844
Minicom: 020 7326 4554
Information Line: 020 7346 5819 (Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 1.30 - 4.30pm
GLAD stands for Greater London Action on Disability. GLAD is an organisation of disabled people which is working to improve the lives of disabled Londoners. Our member groups
include borough based organisations of disabled people, groups of Black and ethnic minority and lesbian and gay disabled people, mental health system survivor groups and organisations of people with learning difficulties, as well as access groups and impairment specific groups. GLAD also has individual members.
What does GLAD do?
GLAD provides advice and information to disabled Londoners.
GLAD helps organisations of disabled Londoners to work more effectively, and brings together organisations of disabled Londoners to share information and to organise joint campaigning through meetings and conferences.
GLAD helps to ensure that the needs and interests of particular groups of disabled Londoners, such as disabled women, disabled people with learning difficulties, disabled lesbians and gay men, and disabled people from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds, are not marginalised.
GLAD represents disabled Londoners when decisions are being made which affect our lives, and campaigns for full civil rights legislation for disabled people.
GLAD undertakes project work on areas of particular importance to disabled Londoners, such as transport, employment training, self-advocacy for young people, and joint campaigning with survivors/users of the mental health system.
GLAD organises Disability Equality Training (DET) for voluntary, statutory and commercial organisations, and also offers a consultancy service.
GLAD produces publications to help to inform people about disability issues, including London Disability News, Disability Update and Boadicea (for disabled women).
Boadicea is a bi-monthly newsletter for disabled women. It is written by disabled women for disabled women. It welcomes contributions from all disabled women. It is available in all different formats and is £3 for one year and £5 for two years. Organisations pay £ 8.50 one year £15 two years and £4 each additional copy.
GLAD provides all its information in different formats, e.g. large print, audio tape, Braille, on disk.
www.glad.org.uk
E-mail: b.ellis@glad.org.uk
E-mail: info@outsiders.org.uk
OUTSIDERS is a self-help group for people isolated because of social or physical
disability, where they can gain confidence and find friends and partners.
Regular monthly lunches are held in London and elsewhere around the country. These
are non-threatening events where members can practice socialising, and discuss their problems.
Bi-monthly meetings in
East Anglia. Occasional meetings elsewhere plus events such as picnics, and parties.
- RADAR
12 City Forum, 250 City Road, London EC1V 8AF.
RADAR is a national organisation run by and working with disabled people.
RADAR campaigns for equal rights for disabled people, promoting good
practice and legislation that enables the disabled to live independently
in the community.RADAR aims to voice the wishes and concerns of disabled
people and supports nearly 500 member groups locally and nationally
to help them become more effective in their work with disabled people.
www.radar.org.uk
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FASawareUK is a volunteer group in the United Kingdom devoted to raising
awareness about Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and Alcohol Related
Neuro-developmental Disorders (ARND), to help reduce the incidence of birth
defects caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol and to assist individuals and
families struggling with the life-long disabilities associated with
FAS/ARND.
Who are we
FASawareUK is a group of parents and professionals.
We have a management committee, which is made up of, 3 teachers, FAS
parents, a Mental Health Nurse, Midwife, Senior Youth Worker and health
visitor. There are also advisors, which consist of Dr's and Addictions
Agencies.
Aims and objectives
The aims of FASawareUK is to raise public and professional
awareness and give collated informed choice to the public and statutory services to both educate
and create awareness of FAS (Foetal Alcohol Syndrome) & other alcohol birth related problems.
To set up linked non-judgmental support groups.
An office/drop in were up to date reference information can be sourced on FAS and other alcohol related birth defects/disorders.
To set up a FAS respite home.
FASawareUK's aims are to give informed choice, through honest information.
FAS children suffer neurological damage, learning disabilities and other
problems, such as ADHD & behavioural problems. Families can begin to
improve their living standards & be better equipped to cope with
difficulties that may arise If this current FAS information is not shared
with the public, FAS, will not be eradicated, it will just escalate.
FAS is 100% preventable with education and awareness, yet totally incurable
There is no proven safe level of alcohol consumption.
www.fasstar.com/UK/
- The
Food Standards Agency was set up on April 1st 2000. Their aim is to
make sure the food you eat is safe, and to offer independent, balanced
advice. To do that, they need your input what are the food issues that
interest you, and what kind of information and advice would you find
useful? They'll be using your replies to develop the site so that it
provides the information you need to feel confident about the food you
eat.
www.foodstandards.gov.uk
- National
Drugs Help line is a 24-hour, seven-days a week, free and confidential
telephone service offering advice and information for anyone who is
concerned, or has questions about drugs.
Telephone number is 0800 77 66 00
- The
National Osteoporosis Society (NOS) campaigns to provide information
and support for people with osteoporosis, promote education for the
public and health professionals, lobby Government and Health Authorities
and encourage fundraising for research into osteoporosis prevention
and treatment. The NOS is the only national charity dedicated to osteoporosis.
www.nos.org.uk
- RAPE CRISIS
Many Rape Crisis Helplines are only available for a limited time.
- COLCHESTER
RAPE CRISIS HELPLINE
Colchester Rape Crisis Helpline 01206 769795
available Wednesday 7.30 pm - 9.30 pm and Sunday 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm
- METROPOLITAN POLICE If you
have been raped or sexually assaulted and you know you want to make a formal complaint and that
you want to proceed towards prosecution you should contact the police immediately. Many police
stations now have designated suites for interviewing victims of rape and sexual assault. You
should initially be seen in a sterile environment in order to avoid cross contamination of
evidence and where you can be examined by a police surgeon. Find out if your local police
station has a sterile suite or where the nearest suite is.
You should not take a bath or shower and you should not change your clothing before being
seen by the police.
Only you know what is best for you.
Metrolpolitan Police has a lot of supportive information
on their web site to help you make an informed decision.
www.met.police.uk/rape/advice.htm
- PRESTON WOMEN'S REFUGE
We provide a range of support services for women experiencing domestic
violence. We are based in Preston, Lancashire.
Preston Women's Refuge
www.prestonwomensrefuge.org.uk
- SOUTH ESSEX
RAPE AND INCEST CRISIS CENTRE
South Essex Rape and Incest Crisis Helpline 01375 380609
available Thursday 12 midday - 4.00 pm Saturday 10.00 am - 1.00 pm
Office enquiries 01375 381322 MOnday - Friday 9.00 am - 5.00 pm
- WILTSHIRE
RAPE SUPPORT LINE
Wiltshire Rape Support Helpline 0800 800 1144
available Tuesday 7.00 pm - 10.00 pm, Thursday 9.30 am - 12.30 pm, Thursday 7.00 pm - 10.00 pm and Sunday 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm
Wiltshire Rape Support Line gives good advice and guidance including:-
What you should do if you are raped.
Get yourself to a place of safety. Ask someone to stay with you or go and stay with someone
if it makes you feel safer.
Get medical attention as soon as possible. You will need to go to the casualty department
at the local hospital if you have physical injuries that need treating. It is best to seek medical
attention anyway just to check there are no internal injuries and to be checked for sexually
transmitted diseases and to have a pregnancy test. You may consider having an HIV test (you need
to wait 3 months after the assault for this). You can see your own doctor for this or go to a well-woman
centre, a GU clinic or family-planning clinic if you do not want to see your own doctor.
You may want to report to the police. This is entirely your decision, but if you are going to report
then the sooner you do it the better. The police are usually happy to come to your house if you
don't want to go to the police station. If you can don't shower or bathe before going to the police
and keep all the clothes you were wearing at the time. These all provide valuable evidence.
You may want to contact a support group or helpline. You may want to consider counselling. It often
helps to talk through your feelings with someone in a confidentail setting. You may have a close friend
or family member who you can turn to for support. You can look in the phone book for your local
helpline or rape crisis centre.
Give yourself plenty of time. People do rebuild their lives after being raped, sexually assalted
or abused but this takes time and will not happen overnight. Try and do nice things for yourself
from time to time.
Wiltshire Rape Support line also gives details covering:-
About Wiltshire Rape Support Line
The Criminal Justice System. Covering Reporting To The Police and The Court Process
Facts about rape and sexual abuse
Family and friends of survivors of sexual violence
How you might be feeling
What you should do if you are raped
Date rape
www.rapeline.org.uk
- RELATE
Providing a counseling, sex therapy, relationship education and training
support for couples and family relationships throughout life. Relate
is a national registered charity with over 60 years experience in helping
people with their relationships.
There are centers across the UK which are independent, locally funded
charities delivering services to national
www.relate.org.uk
- The
Samaritans is a registered charity based in the UK and Republic of Ireland
which provides confidential emotional support to any person who is suicidal
or despairing. The Samaritans increase public awareness of issues around
suicide and depression.
If you need to speak to a Samaritan call 08457 90 90 90 in the UK or
Telephone 1850 60 90 90 in the Republic of Ireland
www.samaritans.org.uk
- Schizophrenia is a brain disorder characterized by delusions, hallucinations, other disturbances in thinking and communication, and by deteriorating social functioning.
The age of onset is usually between 16 and 25 and teenagers with schizophrenia have a very high risk of attempted suicide.
Schizophrenia is found all over the world in all races, in all cultures and in all social classes. It is more common than most people think and affects 1 in 100 people worldwide.
Schizophrenia is treatable with medication and rehabilitation programs.
www.openthedoors.com
- PRESTON WOMEN'S REFUGE
We provide a range of support services for women experiencing domestic
violence. We are based in Preston, Lancashire.
Preston Women's Refuge
www.prestonwomensrefuge.org.uk
- RASASC
RASASC is a charity run by, and for women. RASASC provide help to survivors,
wherever they are, but in practical terms are only set up to help people
in the UK. They offer help and support to women and girls who have been
raped or sexually abused - however long ago. RASASC will give information
and advice to friends, relatives, partners, work colleagues and other
organisations. The services to individuals are free, confidential and
non-judgmental. All workers are trained by RASASC and most are volunteers.
www.rasasc.org.uk
- WOMEN'S
AID
Women's Aid is one of the national charities in England for women and
children experiencing physical, sexual or emotional abuse in their homes.
The website has details for women needing help, finding a safe place
to stay, information about domestic violence as well as other general
and specific information.
www.womensaid.org.uk
- TERRENCE
HIGGINS TRUST
Terrence Higgins Trust THT is the leading HIV & AIDS charity in
the UK and the largest in Europe. Established in 1982, it was the first
charity to be set up in response to the HIV epidemic and has been at
the forefront if the fight against HIV & AIDS ever since.
THT is the largest provider of direct services to the groups most affected
by HIV - gay men and UK African communities.
THT delivers health promotion campaigns and direct services from our
offices across the UK to people with or affected by HIV, and people
at risk.
www.tht.org.uk
-
MASTA
Medical Advisory Services For Travellers Abroad Ltd.MASTA
provides travellers with a Travellers Health Brief detailing recommended
immunisations, seasonal diseases, Malaria Prevention where applicable,
Latest Health News from the country to be visited and Foreign and Commonwealth
Office Travel Advice.
www.masta.org
- DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE HELP LINE no. is 0845 7023468.
- PRESTON WOMEN'S REFUGE
We provide a range of support services for women experiencing domestic
violence. We are based in Preston, Lancashire.
Preston Women's Refuge
www.prestonwomensrefuge.org.uk
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