Relationships - Resources
Relationships and Mediation
Relate – 0845 456 1310
Relate offers advice, relationship counselling, sex therapy, workshops, mediation, consultations and support face-to-face, by phone and through their website.
Relate counsellors see over 100,000 people a year. Their services are open to everyone aged over 16 whether they are married, living together, in a same-sex relationship, separated, divorced or single.
The Institute of Family Therapy – 020 731 9150
Institute of Family Therapy home page
The largest family therapy organisation in the UK, clinical services are offered for families and couples facing a wide range of relationship difficulties.
The Family Mediators Association – 0808 200 0033
Family Mediators Association home page
Family mediation is a voluntary process by which couples in dispute, particularly those going through separation or divorce, are helped to deal with arrangements for their future. Many couples prefer to negotiate their own private arrangements with the assistance of a family mediator rather than put their decisions in the hands of the court.
One Plus One – 020 7841 3660
An independent research organisation whose role is to generate knowledge about marriage and relationships - how they work, why they sometimes run into difficulties and how couples cope when they do.
National Family Mediation – 0117 904 2825
National Family Mediation home page
National Family Mediation is a network of Family Mediation Services countrywide that offers help to those affected by family breakdown, separation and divorce.
They provide details of local mediation services to help couples resolve practical difficulties with minimum conflict.
Resolution – 0168985022
Advice on family law – offers details of solicitors who practise a constructive and conciliatory approach to the otherwise fraught areas of divorce and separation.
Scottish Marriage Care – 0141 222 2166
Scottish Marriage Care home page
Family support charity. They offer services via a Counselling service, Relationship and Stepfamily Helpline or Early Intervention programmes. Scotland only.
72 Waterloo Street, Glasgow G2 7DA
Divorce Aid
Provides divorce advice, support and information. Legally oriented but also some useful material on emotion and how to broach the subject to a partner.
GOV.UK – Divorce and Seperation
The Government's Divorce and Seperation website gives advice when ending a relationship, resolving problems, money, property and possessions, and looking after children.
… And of course
Vet Helpline – 07659 811 118
If you want to discuss your relationship problem with someone who has experience of the veterinary profession you might want to call Vet Helpline. They are available to talk to you in complete confidence about whatever is troubling you (local call rates apply, 24hr rapid response answer phone).
Support services for Women
The following resources are targeted specifically at women. Resources covering issues of domestic violence are covered further down this page.
Pregnancy advice
The Veterinary Surgeons' Health Support Programme VSHSP – 07946 634220
Veterinary Surgeons' Health Support Programme is available to advise on the safe handling of drugs and clinical procedures during pregnancy
NHS Choices – pregnancy common health questions
NHS Choices website – lots of information on pregnancy. Before, during, lifestyle, pregnancy tests etc
GOV.UK (the Government portal)
Provides the following guides:
Having a child, parenting and adoption
Health and safety, preschool, money and work entitlements, care planner, childcare, schools etc
Basics of maternity leave, maternity pay, difference between worker, employee and self-employed – personalised help on what you qualify for…
The Miscarriage Association – 01924 200799
The Miscarriage Association website
Information and support to help you through… Helpline times Mon-Fri, 9am - 4pm
Email: info@miscarriageassociation.org.uk
Unplanned pregnancy advice:
Marry Stopes International – 0845 300 8090
Marie Stopes International website – sexual health specialists – the U.K.'s leading provider of sexual and reproductive health care services. A nationwide network of sexual health clinics include contraception, unplanned pregnancy counselling, abortion information and advice, vasectomy information and procedure, female sterilisation and health screening for men and women.
British Pregnancy Advisory Service – 08457 30 40 30
British Pregnancy Advisory Service website The BPAS has over 40 years of experience of providing help to women with an unplanned pregnancy, or a pregnancy they choose not to continue with. If you’re pregnant and considering abortion it’s important to know you’re not alone. 1 in 3 women will have an abortion by the time they are 45 years old. Every year at BPAS they help thousands of women.
Brook Advisory Centres – 0808 802 1234
Brook Advisory Centres website
The only national voluntary sector provider of free and confidential sexual health advice and services specifically for young people under 25. Information on sexually transmitted infections, contraception, pregnancy and general support for younger people.
Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society – 020 7436 5881
Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society
Supporting anyone affected by the death of a baby and promoting research to reduce the loss of babies' lives.
Helpline (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-5.30pm)
Email: helpline@uk-sands.org
Parenting Issues
Sources of information and support on parenting:
GOV.UK - the Government's own portal
Having a child, parenting and adoption – finding and choosing, childcare options, childcare benefits, interviewing for a nanny etc.
Child Benefit – financial support for parents and children.
Looking after children if you divorce or separate – a page on the childcare aspects of divorce or separation.
Gingerbread – 0808 802 0925
Gingerbread is a packed website providing advice and practical day-to-day support for single parents – there is a helpline (office hours – check the website) and access to local self-help groups.
Family Lives – Parent Line – 0808 800 2222
Family Lives website – a child oriented family support website offering a helpline, online chat and Skype contact.
Fatherhood Institute
Fatherhood Institute – the UK's fatherhood think tank – its objective is to
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change work so that fathers can be more available to care for their children
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change education so that boys are prepared for future caring roles
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change supports to family life so the caring role of fathers father figures is recognised and supported.
National Society For the Prevention of Cruelty to Children – 0808 800 5000
NSPCC – self-explanatory – telephone help for both parents (NSPCC helpline) and children (ChildLine – 0800 1111) Provides useful advice for common parenting problems.
Sexual Health & Sexual Problems
If you think you have a sexually transmitted infection…
Most sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be easily diagnosed and treated at Genito-Urinary Medicine (GUM) clinics which are usually based in local hospitals. If you think you may have an STI, you can refer yourself to any GUM clinic for advice and treatment. The service is completely confidential and you don't have to go to your nearest clinic if you don't want to.
Search for your local sexual health service (this search engine has proved unreliable).
Common questions on sexual health (NHS choices)
Common questions – plenty of answers here to most anything you can think of to ask.
Terrence Higgins Trust
Terrence Higgins Trust home page
A charity set up as a response to the HIV epidemic. They envisage a world where people with HIV live healthy lives free from prejudice and discrimination, and good sexual health is a right and reality for all.
Brook advisory Centres
Brook Advisory Centre home page The only national voluntary sector provider of free and confidential sexual health advice and services specifically for young people under 25.
TheSite.org – a website for young people
The Sex & Relationships page gives access to advice for young adults on sexual health and relationships.
College of sexual and relationship therapists – 02085432707
COSRT home page An information service that also provides a list of therapists.
Borders Counselling – online relationship counselling and sex therapy
Borders Counselling Home Page –Advice and treatment of range of sexual problems with the privacy advantage of online counselling.
Sexual Advice Association – 0207 486 7262
Sexual Advice Association home page Provides information on a range of sexual problems
Helpline open Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9-5
Lesbian or Gay?
Turing Network – 020 7837 7324
Turing Network home page Community-driven resource directory for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans life. Provided by the London Lesbian & Gay Switchboard.
The Lesbian and Gay Foundation – 0845 3 30 30 30
Lesbian and Gay Foundation home page Links to local services, helplines and support groups.
Email: info@lgf.org.uk
Lesbian and Gay Veterinary Medical Association
Lesbian and Gay Veterinary Medical Association
Professional organization whose mission is to provide support for individuals, education for the community, and a forum for information exchange and social interaction. Their membership is based in the USA and Canada but global in coverage – there are members in Europe and Australia.
Terrence Higgins Trust – 0845 12 21 200
Terrence Higgins Trust home page Delivers health promotion campaigns and direct support to people who are at risk or living with HIV across the UK.
Mind
Sexuality and Mental Health will take you through to this page which gives information about the mental health of Lesbian, Gay, bisexual and transgender people.
The Employment pages of this website also address issues of discrimination.
Domestic Violence
National Domestic Violence Helpline – 0808 2000 247
(Run in partnership between Women’s Aid and Refuge – see below)
Fully trained female workers provide completely confidential support, information and a listening ear. Via the helpline, abused women and their children can access places of safety in the network of refuges across the UK. Support is also offered to friends, family members and external agencies calling on behalf of a woman. Helpline is 24/7
Refuge – 08082000247
Refuge home page Refuge's network of safe houses provides emergency accommodation for women and children when they are most in need. They also provide a Guide to Recognising Abuse and a Definition of Domestic Violence.
Women's Aid
Women’s Aid home page Women's Aid is the national domestic violence charity that helps over 320,000 women and children every year. They work to end violence against women and children, and co-ordinate and support over 500 domestic and sexual violence services across the country.
Tel: 0117 944 44 11
Email: info@womensaid.org.uk
Citizens Advice Bureau
Citizens Advice Bureau guide to domestic violence – definition, options, finding somewhere safe to stay – longer term solutions – a very helpful read.
Vet Helpline – 07659 811 118
Vet Helpline Friendly people with experience of the veterinary profession are there to talk to you in complete confidence. Local rates apply – 24 hour rapid response answer phone
The Samaritans – 08457 90 90 90
Samaritans home page The Samaritans provide confidential non-judgemental support, 24 hours a day for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide.
Address: Chris, PO Box 90 90, Stirling, FK8 2SA
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Bereavement
DirectGov – thegovernmentportal
What To Do After A Death - Direct Gov Advice/checklist covering what to do, registering a death, paying for a funeral, documents and information, arranging a funeral etc
VeterinaryBenevolentFund
For veterinary surgeons and their dependents left in financial difficulty by a bereavement, the Veterinary Benevolent Fund may be able to offer assistance.
Mind
Bereavement -Advice and information from Mind, the UK's leading mental health charity.
Cruise Bereavement Care – 0844 477 9400
Cruse Bereavement Care home page Cruse Promote the well-being of bereaved people and to enable anyone bereaved by death to understand their grief and cope with their loss. The organisation provides free counselling and support and offers information, advice, education and training services.
Tel: Email: helpline@cruse.org.uk
The Compassionate Friends – 0845 120 3785
The Compassionate Friends home page The Compassionate Friends (TCF) is an organisation of bereaved parents and their families offering understanding, support and encouragement to others after the death of a child or children. They also offer support, advice and information to other relatives, friends and professionals who are helping the family.
Email: info@tcf.org.uk
The Sand Rose Project – 0845 607 635
Sand Rose Project home page Sand Rose provides a place where families who have suffered loss can start to rebuild their lives. It offers a quiet, peaceful haven where families can be independent but know that they are in a suitable environment. The project, which works in collaboration with local and national bereavement organisations, extends to anyone who has experienced bereavement; although there is a particular emphasis on young families.
Email: info@sandrose.org.uk
The Way Foundation – 0870 011 3450
The Way Foundation home page A self-help support group run entirely by volunteers for men and women widowed aged 50 and under. All members have been widowed themselves and aim to offer support, help and understanding to those finding themselves in the unfortunate position of losing a partner at a young age.
Email: info@wayfoundation.org.uk
Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society – 020 7436 5881
Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society home page Supporting anyone affected by the death of a baby and promoting research to reduce the loss of babies' lives.
Bereavement Due to Suicide
Healthtalk Online -
Bereavement Due To Suicide
Transcripts and video clips taken from 40 in-depth interviews with people who have experienced a bereavement due to suicide.
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide – 0844 561 6855
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide home page A self-help organisation which aims to meet the needs and break the isolation of those bereaved by the suicide of a close relative or friend. Many of the volunteers have themselves been bereaved by suicide. Offers a telephone helpline, email support, group meetings across the country and practical information.
Email: sobs.support@hotmail.com
NHS Choices
Coping after a suicide useful tips on coping with this very special form of bereavement.
Prevention of Young Suicide – 0800 068 41 41
PAPYRUS extensive website with the aim of preventing suicide of young people – support for youngsters, friends, parents, teachers, university staff and health professionals.
Email: admin@papyrus-uk.org