Helplines & Support Services
This page gives contact details and links to essential helpline services and support organisations, it is in alphabetical order, if you have a service you would like added, please get in touch.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Helpline for people with drink problems, staffed by recovering alcoholics. Open 365 days a year. Can give details of local AA groups and contact with a local member. National helpline: 0800 9177 650. For further information click here
Allergy UK
Allergy UK is a medical charity providing support and information to allergy sufferers and their families. The helpline is manned by fully trained allergy advisors. Helpline: 01322 619 898. For further information click here
Alternatives
Alternatives offers support to anyone with pregnancy related challenges For more information click here or call 01923 232179.
Alzheimer’s Society
The Alzheimer’s Society are a vital source of support and a powerful force for change for everyone affected by dementia. For further information click here
Anaphylaxis Campaign
The Anaphylaxis Campaign is the only UK wide charity to exclusively meet the needs of the growing numbers of people at risk from severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) by providing information and support relating to foods and other triggers such as latex, drugs and insect stings. Helpline: 01252 542029. For further information click here
Armed Forces Community local Support Helpline
The Armed Forces Community local support helpline is a single point of contact for the Armed Forces community that has a dedicated phone number and email address. This helpline is also open to family members and carers of those serving or have served in His Majesty’s Armed Forces. The helpline is open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. We will acknowledge any contact within 48 working hours and have a response within 5 working days to any queries or referrals.
The Armed Forces Community Local Support Helpline can assist you with: Liaising with other organisations on your behalf to facilitate safe and expedient transfers of and continuity of care and support. Seeking continuation of treatment and/or maintaining your place on NHS waiting list. Providing advice, guidance and support on how to use the NHS. Providing advice on Veteran Friendly GP practices within the local area. Community based social support and signposting – directing you to the people and organisations within the community that can help you with your enquiries. Call 07908 209912 or email [email protected]
Blue Cross – Pet Bereavement Support
Grieving for the loss of a pet, whether through death or enforced separation, can be a sad and difficult experience. Life once filled with the love and friendship of a pet may suddenly seem very empty and feelings of despair and loneliness are not uncommon. Sometimes it helps to share these feelings with someone who knows from personal experience how distressing the loss of a pet can be, and who will listen with compassion and without judgement. Support line: Freephone 0800 096 6606. For further information click here
Brake – The Road Safety Charity
The Brake helpline supports anyone bereaved or seriously injured through a road crash, whether the crash happened recently or a long time ago. It is also for professionals who need information about how to help people affected by a crash. Support provided includes emotional support, practical and procedural advice, accessing specialist services like legal advice or counseling, advocacy and signposting to other appropriate agencies. Brake support literature is available on various topics, and includes bereavement guides, serious injury guides and specialist children’s literature. Victim Helpline: 0808 8000 401. For further information click here
Carers in Hertfordshire
Carers in Hertfordshire provides advice, information and support to unpaid carers, people looking after someone who is elderly, disabled, has a physical or mental illness or who misuses drugs or alcohol. For further information click here
Centrepoint
Centrepoint provides housing and support for young people. They aim to give homeless young people a future and they want to end youth homelessness. For further information click here
Cruse – Bereavement Support
Helping people through one of the most painful times in life, with bereavement support, information and campaigning. Volunteers are trained in all types of bereavement and can help you make sense of how you are feeling. For further information click here or call 0808 808 1677
Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic Fibrosis Trust is the charity uniting people to stop cystic fibrosis (CF). They fund vital research, improve care, speak out and race towards effective treatments for all. They will not stop until everyone with cystic fibrosis can live without limits. For further information on cystic fibrosis click here
Diabetes Action
Diabetes Action is committed to the prevention and treatment of diabetes and to the funding of innovative, promising research aimed at finding a cure for diabetes and diabetes related complications. The purposes of the website is to inform the public of the programs and research funded by Diabetes Action as well as provide health and diabetes management information to their readers. For further information click here
DrugFAM
DrugFAM supports families affected by a loved one’s use of drugs or alcohol. Whilst they work with individual family members and carers rather than the user, they focus on ‘whole family recovery’ and their aim is a positive outcome for everyone including those misusing drugs or alcohol. They pride themselves on being able to offer their families or carers a flexible range of support to meet their needs. They believe their approach has enormous benefits in terms of physical and emotional wellbeing for individuals as well as improving lives for troubled families. Helpline: 0300 888 3853 (9am-9pm daily). For further information click here
Druglink
Druglink are a substance misuse charity based in Hertfordshire. Their objective is to change the future for people who are, or could be, affected by substance misuse. They achieve this through Addiction Treatment, Housing Solutions, Education and Training. For more information click here or call 01923 260733
Drugwatch
Drugwatch provides information on high-risk medical products and health issues, and helps people take legal action if they have been injured. This is a free web resource that provides information to keep LGBTQ+ people and the community aware. It also gives help on anxiety as coming out to family, friends, or any important person in your life can be terrifying, and may experience anxiety in the process. For more information click here
Dying Matters
Many of us have specific wishes about how we would like to die, or how long we want doctors to keep us alive. There are a range of organisations that can help you plan the support and care you need towards the end of life, advise on writing wills and living wills, and provide advice on the emotional issues surrounding dying. For further information click here
Family Lives
Volunteers take calls from parents and carers on a wide range of subjects, whether that might be issues around separation and divorce, isolation, depression, bullying and abuse, or dealing with behavioral problems. For further information call 01442 247209 or click here
GamCare
GamCare operates the National Gambling Helpline on Freephone 0808 8020 133 or via web chat at www.gamcare.org.uk, providing information, advice and support for anyone affected by problem gambling, funded by GambleAware. Advisers are available 24/7, every day of the year.
Government Coronavirus helpline
Government Coronavirus NHS helpline. For more information click here
Guideposts Hertfordshire
Guideposts is a UK-based charity working with people in local communities to help them access the support, opportunities and skills they need to overcome social inequalities, improve their wellbeing and change their lives. They run a range of services that are focused on helping people to achieve their potential regardless of their circumstances. They connect people together so that they can experience the joy that comes from friendship, activity, learning, purpose and occupation. For further information click here
Hertfordshire County Council
A guide to services by Hertfordshire County Council. For more information click here or call 0300 123 4040
Hertfordshire Directory
A guide to services in Hertfordshire. For more information click here
Hertfordshire Mind Network
Essential mental health support in Hertfordshire, they provide opportunities for individuals to access support to enable them to recover from or live with mental ill health. For further information click here
Hertfordshire Partnership Foundation Trust
Providing health and social care for over 400,000 people with mental ill health, physical ill health and learning disabilities across Hertfordshire. For more information click here Freephone 0800 6444 101 or NHS 111 and select option 2 for mental health. services.
Herts Age UK
Age UK envisage a Hertfordshire where older people are valued, able to live well, age well and retain their independence throughout later life. For more information click here or call 0300 345 3446 (Monday – Friday between 9am – 4.30pm) Email [email protected]
HertsHelp
Network of community organisations in Hertfordshire working together, and helping people in crisis to find support, guidance and information. For more information click here or call 0300 123 4044 Email: [email protected]
HertsPrems
HertsPrems provide practical support to parents of premature and sick babies not just while in hospital but to going home with your premature or sick baby and supporting you as parents for years to come. Should your child be born premature or with any kind of medical condition or problem it can be extremely distressing. However, you are not alone. For further information click here
Hope Again
Hope Again is Cruse Bereavement Care’s website for young people. Cruse is a national charity that provides support, advice and information to children, young people and adults when someone close to them dies. They also work to enhance society’s care of bereaved people. For further information click here
Hub Care Support West Hertfordshire
Hub Care Support spend time getting to know you and your individual care needs, from a little extra help doing shopping and errands around the home, to support with washing dressing, preparing meals and assistance with eating. Once they know what you are looking for, they will share your request with their network of high quality, QCAS approved Personal Assistants (PAs) who will put themselves forward to support you if they are able to meet your needs. For further information click here
Leukaemia Care
Leukaemia CARE is a national blood cancer support charity. They are dedicated to ensuring that anyone affected by blood cancer receives the right information, advice and support. They not only support patients, but carers and families too who can often carry a lot of the emotional strain when someone they love is diagnosed with a blood cancer. Helpline: 08088 010 444. For further information click here
Living with Pet Bereavement
Living with Pet Bereavement has been created to give pet carers information and guidance on every aspect of Pet Loss. For further information click here
ManKind
Their confidential helpline is available for male victims of domestic abuse and domestic violence across the UK as well as their friends, family, neighbours, work colleagues and employers. provide an information, support and signposting service to men suffering from domestic abuse from their current or former wife, partner (including same-sex partner) or husband. For more information click here or call 01823 334244
McMillan Cancer Support
Macmillan Cancer Support improves the lives of people affected by cancer. They provide practical, medical and financial support and push for better cancer care. Helpline: 0808 808 0000. For further information click here
Mental Health Helplines
Whether you are concerned about yourself or a loved one, these NHS helplines and support groups can offer expert advice. For a list of helplines click here
Motor Neurone Disease (MND)
The South Herts Branch serves all those in the area who are affected by Motor Neurone Disease (MND). This includes people with Motor Neurone Disease, their carers, family and friends. For further information click here
My Ally
Open to all women over the age of 18 experiencing domestic abuse or struggling in their relationship. They are not a crisis service and do not specialise in emergency housing support but will be able to signpost to other appropriate agencies including applying for refuge. All their Relationship and Domestic Abuse Support Service can be accessed through their telephone line 01923 927 500 or email [email protected]
NHS 111 Helpline
NHS 111 helpline gives details on where to get help for your symptoms, if you’re not sure what to do, how to find general health information and advice, where to get an emergency supply of your prescribed medicine, how to get a repeat prescription and lots more. For further information click here
NSPCC
NSPCC are the UK’s leading children’s charity. If you have any concerns at all about a child’s safety or wellbeing, get in touch. It does not have to be an emergency, you might be looking for guidance and support on issues affecting children. Whatever it is you are worried about, their dedicated child protection specialists will be able to advise and take any necessary action. For further information click here
National Centre for Eating Disorders
Everything you need about eating disorders treatment, information and professional training in the help & treatment of eating disorders. Eating disorders, such as compulsive overeating, binge eating, anorexia, bulimia, obesity, orthorexia & failed dieting affect people in every walk of life. There are millions of men and women suffering from chaotic eating disorders, perhaps harbouring persistent weight problems and obsessed with food and weight who need help to beat their symptoms. Support Line: 0845 838 2040. For further information click here
National Debtline
The National Debtline give free and independent debt advice over the phone and online. For more information click here or call 0808 808 4000
National Stalking Helpline
The National Stalking Helpline provides guidance and information to anybody who is currently or has previously been affected by harassment or stalking. Helpline: 0808 802 0300. For further information click here
New Hope
New Hope is a Watford-based charity working with people who are experiencing homelessness in the town. For more information click here or call 24 hour helpline 0300 012 0168
New Leaf College
New Leaf College offers free courses for wellbeing and to keep you busy. For more information click here
One Vision Project
One Vision is a community-based, registered charity that provides practical support to vulnerable individuals and families. One Vision works with different communities, faiths, ethnic groups, charities, non–profits and government institutions. For more information click here or email: [email protected]
Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition. This means that it causes problems in the brain. People with Parkinson’s do not have enough of the chemical dopamine in their brain because some of the nerve cells that make it have died. Around 145,000 people live with Parkinson’s in the UK. For further information click here or call 0808 800 0303
Refuge
Refuge is for anyone women and children experiencing domestic abuse. For more information click here or call 0808 200 0247 Freephone 24-Hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline.
Retina UK
Retina UK are the only UK charity dedicated solely to working for people affected by inherited sight loss. Their vision is a world where everyone with inherited sight loss is able to live a fulfilling life. By stimulating and funding medical research, they increase the understanding of these conditions and accelerate the search for treatments for the future. The information and support they provide helps people lead better lives, today. They ensure no-one with inherited sight loss need feel alone. Helpline: 0300 111 4000. For further information click here
RoadPeace
National charity for bereaved and injured road traffic victims, which provides information and support through its helpline, literature, local groups, and contact with people who have suffered a similar experience. Helpline: 0845 4500 355 9am – 9pm daily. For further information click here
Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA)
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) are the world’s oldest and largest animal welfare charity, with the primary focus of rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming or releasing animals across England and Wales. For further information click here
SOBS – Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide
SOBS exists to meet the needs and break the isolation of those bereaved by the suicide of a close relative or friend, aiming to provide a safe, confidential environment in which bereaved people can share their experiences and feelings, so giving and gaining support from each other. Helpline: 0300 111 5065. For further information click here
SPACE Hertfordshire
SPACE Hertfordshire based charity supporting families of children and young people who are on the Autistic Spectrum (ASD), have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or other neurodiverse conditions. Whether families think their child or young person may be autistic or have ADHD, are going through the diagnostic process, or have already received a diagnosis they are all welcome at SPACE. For further information click here
Sands (Stillbirth and neonatal death charity)
Sands provide support for bereaved parents and their families when their baby dies, before, during or soon after birth as well as information and support for healthcare professionals. Helpline: Freephone 0808 164 3332. For further information click here
Sane
SANE is a leading UK mental health charity. They work to improve the quality of life for anyone affected by mental illness. For more information click here or call 0300 304 7000 or 07984 967 708.
Small Acts of Kindness
Small Acts of Kindness aims to reduce isolation and loneliness by connecting communities with kindness. They deliver Warm in Winter gift bags to elderly, socially isolated and lonely people. For more information click here , call 01923 372717 Email: [email protected]
Streetlink
Streetlink exists to help end rough sleeping by enabling members of the public to connect people sleeping rough with the local services that can support them. For more information click here or call 0300 500 0914
Sue Ryder
Sue Ryder support people who are living with a terminal illness, a neurological condition or who have lost someone. Sue Ryder’s Online Bereavement Support makes it easy to connect with the right support for you – whether that’s information and resources, qualified counsellors or a community of others with similar experiences. These services are free and easy to access on your computer, smartphone or tablet. For further information click here
Support after Murder and Manslaughter
If you have lost someone dear to you through murder or manslaughter you are not alone. SAMMS offers a confidential telephone help line where you can talk to someone who has experienced the devastating effects of this most distressing crime. Helpline: 0121 451 1618. For further information click here
Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline
At Switchboard they provide an information, support and referral service for lesbians, gay men and bisexual and trans people – and anyone considering issues around their sexuality and/or gender identity. They are confidential, welcoming, supportive and non judgemental. Helpline: 0300 330 0630 (10-10 daily). For further information click here
The Anne Robson Trust
If you or someone close to you is dying, you can talk to them. Facing the end of life can leave you feeling isolated and alone. Their trained helpline volunteers are here to listen and support you, whether it is you approaching the end of life, or a family member or friend. Call their free Helpline: 0808 801 0688. Monday to Friday from11am – 5pm. For further information click here
The Bobath Centre for Children with Cerebral Palsy
A specialist treatment and training centre, and a charity dedicated to supporting children and families living with cerebral palsy and similar neurological conditions. Their team of physio, occupational and speech & language therapists focus almost exclusively on cerebral palsy and so have a comprehensive understanding of the condition, in all its complex and various forms. For further information click here
The Living Room Hertfordshire
The Living Room Hertfordshire helps with all kinds of addictions from drugs, alcohol, gambling, and more. For more information click here Monday – Friday 9am – 4.30pm. Call 0300 365 0304
The Samaritans
Whatever you aree going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. For more information click here or call 116 123 free from any phone or 0330 094 5717 local call charges apply.
Three Rivers District Council
A guide to services in Three Rivers. For more information click here or call 01923 776611
Tourette Syndrome
Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a condition of the nervous system. TS causes people to have “tics”. Tics are sudden twitches, movements, or sounds that people do repeatedly. People who have tics cannot stop their body from doing these things. For further information click here
Viewpoint
Viewpoint is a user involvement charity for people to share their personal experiences on drugs, alcohol and mental health in order to influence positive change. They offer training courses in many areas, for example, personality disorder, mental health first aid, impact of substance misuse and transgender awareness to name a few. This training is unique as it is provided by people with lived experience which makes it reflective and authentic. For further information click here
Watford Citizen Advice
Watford Citizen Advice operate both a walk-in service and a telephone adviceline. Most of their volunteers provide generalist information and advice, but they offer specialist services in debt and money, welfare benefits and employment. For more click here or Call 0800 144 848 (Monday – Friday between 10am – 4pm).
Watford Council
A guide to services in Watford. For more information click here or call 01923 226400
Watford Foodbank
Watford Foodbank provides support for individuals and families in food crisis anywhere in the Watford area. They do this by providing short-term, emergency food supplies during a crisis while a long-term support strategy is developed. For more information click here or call 01923 804435 or 07925 813 027 Email: [email protected]
Watford Mencap
Watford Mencap works with people with learning disabilities, their families and carers. They believe that people with a learning disability have the right to enjoy equal opportunities and be valued as members of society, enabling them to lead the life they want for themselves. For more information click here or call 01923 713620 Email: [email protected]k
Watford Women’s Centre
Watford Women’s Centre provide services to help women lead independent, productive and healthier lives, and also support the wider community. For more information click here or call 01923 816229 Email [email protected]
Young Minds Parent Helpline
They offer three different services to parents and carers who are concerned about their child’s mental health, up to the age of 25. Call our Parents Helpline for detailed advice, emotional support and signposting about a child or young person on 0808 802 5544, Monday – Friday 9.30am – 4pm, or click here
Young People Services
Services for Young People is part of Hertfordshire County Council and provides youth work projects, information, advice, guidance, work-related learning and wider support for young people in Hertfordshire. For more information click here or call 0300 123 7538.