Get in touch

This page lists all the additional support that is on offer to you as a young person in Southwark.

Some of these services need a referral from your personal adviser or LAC nurse, some work with different age groups. Others are national services which offer free and impartial advice online or over the phone. We’ve tried to make that clear in the listings, but if it’s not or you want help to pick the right services for you, get in touch with your personal adviser, or send an email to careleavers@southwark.gov.uk.

This is general information but each person will have a slightly different journey. The kind of support you can expect will be different based on many different factors, including your age, whether you are studying or whether you live in Southwark,  and it is vital to remain in contact with your PA to understand how things will changes as you progress.

Use the button below to download a full list of additional resources.

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Asylum-seeking and Immigration issues

Asylum Aid

Assists refugees on their applications for asylum and provides advice on appeals, welfare rights and housing.

tel: 020 7354 9264
website: www.consonant.org.Uk


CARAS

A place for fun, friendship and food for young refugees and asylum seekers.

tel: 020 8767 5378
website: http://caras.org.uk/
email: info@caras.org.uk


Coram

Community group run by skilled volunteers dedicated to helping socially-disadvantaged people and groups, as well as improving the quality of life and sustaining healthy communities.

tel: 0777 10 593 09
website: https://hhfrd.webs.com/


Play for Progress

Delivers therapeutic and educational music and arts programmes, advocacy, and well-being support for traumatised and socially-isolated unaccompanied minor refugees and asylum-seekers. A close-knit and resilient community of young people, artists, musicians, activists, educators, therapists, and allies is committed to ensuring that we all have a place where we can grow, heal, and play for progress.

website: https://www.playforprogress.org/


Pohwer

Provide information, advice, support and advocacy to people who experience disability, vulnerability and distress.

tel: 0300 456 2370
website: https://www.pohwer.net/southwark


Refugee Council One Stop Service

Advice line and drop-in covering issues including family reunion, identity and travel documentation, education, housing, legal issues and information about refugee community organisations.

tel: 0300123 2228
website: http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk


South London Refugee Association

Advice, information and practical help and emotional support on housing, benefits and immigration issues.

tel: 020 3490 3443
website: www.slr-a.org.uk


Southwark Refugee Project

Provides advice and information for refugees and asylum seekers on housing, welfare benefits, immigration, employment, education and training.

tel: 0207 703 3857
website: http://www.southwarksrp.org/


UK Lesbian & Gay Immigration Group

Committed to providing support and advocacy for LGBTQA+ refugees and asylum seekers in the UK.

tel: 07478 801676
website: https://uklgig.org.uk/


Community Involvement

Baytree Centre

Provide education, training, personal and social development for women and girls.

tel: 0207 7335283
website: http://www.baytreecentre.co.uk/home.html


Bengali Women’s Group

Enabling women and their families to come together, share their experiences and learn new skills which will help them to develop their opportunities and futures as independent individuals where they are able to build a better future for themselves and their families

tel: 0207 403 9888
website: https://thebengaliwomensgroup.wordpress.com/


Community Southwark

Community Southwark Volunteering involves spending time, unpaid, doing something that benefits others. Volunteering can help you gain new skills and experiences, meet new people and make a difference to your local community.

tel: 0207 358 7020
website: https://communitysouthwark.org/get-involved/want-volunteer-southwark


Do-it.org

Small charities and voluntary groups, usually run by volunteers, are the backbone of local communities – doing amazing things with little resource.

website: https://do-it.org


Ladies of Virtue Outreach

Community based organisation that works with local women and their families in challenging situations to provide care and support services for better living.

tel: 0740 568 3729
website: http://lovo.org.uk/


Latin American Women’s Rights

Our mission is to reach out and provide tools to empower Latin American women in the UK to pursue personal and social change

tel: 0207 336 0888
website: :http://www.lawrs.org.uk/


Pecan

The Southwark and Lewisham Women’s Hubs offer safe, welcoming, one-stop-shop support for those affected by the criminal justice system, and for local women seeking support, information, and community

tel: 0207 732 0007
website: https://www.pecan.org.uk/


Reach Volunteering

Brings people from different backgrounds and communities together to make London a happier and more unified city. They offer hundreds of high-quality volunteering roles from a wide range of approved organisations. With both one-off and ongoing roles, there’s something for everyone.

website: http://www.reachskills.org.uk/


Urban Growth

Every week they run free, open-access workshops and volunteer opportunities, where you can improve your gardening skills, connect with nature and with local people.

website: https://urbangrowth.london/get-involved/


Volunteers Supporting Families (VsF) Project

Matches trained volunteers with families who are in need of additional support.

tel: 020 3780 5870
website: https://volunteeringmatters.org.uk/project/vsf/

Education, Employment and Training

Ace of Clubs

Day centre for homeless and unemployed people in the community aged 16+ and others in need. Cheap meals, access to health care, laundry, shower facilities. Advice on benefits and housing by appointment Monday-Thursday.

tel: 0207 720 2811
website: http://aceofclubs.org.uk/


Action Space

Supports the development of artists with learning disabilities and creates innovative projects for people with learning disabilities to engage with the visual arts.

tel: 0207 209 4289
website: http://actionspace.org/


Action Tutoring

Supports young people facing socio-economic disadvantage to achieve a meaningful level of academic attainment, with a view to enabling them to go on to further education, employment or training.

tel: 0207 803 4988
website: https://actiontutoring.org.uk/


Apprenticeships with Southwark Council

Join hundreds of successful apprentices at Southwark Council and develop a great career.

tel: 0207 740 8200
website: https://www.southwark.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/apprenticeships/become-an-apprentice


Bede Centre

Is a place where people with learning disabilities can learn new skills, make friends, and help other people.

tel: 0207 237 3881
website: https://bedehouse.org.uk/programmes/learning-disabilities/


Bounce Back

Offers training in painting and decorating for ex offenders on release from prison. Their focus is on getting people into paid employment in the construction industry.

tel: 0207 735 1256
website: http://bouncebackproject.com/


Buttle UK

Offers maintenance, education and advancement in life of children and young people who through poverty and family circumstances are in need of, and will benefit significantly from support.

tel: 0207 8287311
website: https://www.buttleuk.org/


Campaign for Learning

The Campaign for Learning works to build motivation, create opportunities and provide support for learning in families and communities, workplaces and schools.

tel: 020 7798 6067
website: www.campaign-for-learning.org.uk


Cause You Can

Performing arts and Film-making to give children and young people a voice and provide a platform to showcase their talents and abilities in the community.

tel: 0207 7374256
website: www.causeyoucan.org.uk


Central Works

Central London Works is designed to help central London residents who have been unemployed for a long time, as well as people with health conditions, into work.

tel: 0203 735 8955
website: https://www.centrallondonworks.co.uk/


Corali

Is a leader in dance created by artists with a learning disability. They explore the relationship between performers with and without a learning disability, between dance and other art forms, and between professional and participatory artwork.

tel: 0207 091 7113
website: https://www.corali.org.uk/


Drive Forward

Helping young adults leaving foster or residential care to achieve their full potential with exciting and sustainable employment opportunities.

tel: 0207 620 3000
website: https://driveforwardfoundation.org/


Educational Grants Advisory Service

The small grants programmes focuses on the two areas of Welfare and Education. We believe these to be two of the key areas in which we can really make a difference to support families, both those facing an immediate domestic need and those seeking to improve their educational and employment prospects.

tel: 0207 254 6251
website: https://www.family-action.org.uk/


Eye4change

Uses the medium of photography to engage, educate and empower disadvantaged and marginalised people of all ages and abilities. Through the provision of unique programmes that combine technical skills with creativity, their work serves to stimulate positive social change for individuals and communities, tailored to a wide range of participants’ needs and aspirations

tel: 07825 986234
website: https://www.eye4change.org/


Heart n Soul

Is an award-winning creative arts company and charity who believes in the power and talents of people with learning disabilities, providing opportunities for people to discover, develop and share this power and talent as widely as possible.

tel: 0208 694 1632
website: https://www.heartnsoul.co.uk/


Job Centres and Disability Employment Advisers (DEA)

Phone Southwark Jobcentre Plus for free by calling their freephone contact number if you need to discuss available job vacancies and to make a new benefit claim.

tel: 0800 055 6688
website: https://jobcentreplusoffices.co.uk/jobcentre-plus-offices/england-jobcentre-plus/london-jobcentre-plus/southwark-job-centre-plus-office?tmpl=component


L’Arche London

Is building community with people with learning disabilities in London. They go beyond supporting people’s basic needs to attend to their emotional and spiritual lives, too.

tel: 0208 670 6714
website: https://www.larchelondon.org.uk/


Learndirect Information and Advice

Local and distance learning opportunities, including how to access your local learn direct centre. Learndirect also has a team of bi-lingual Advisers.

tel: 01202 006 464
website: https://www.learndirect.com/


Morley College

Morley College provides education and training to adults, for the joy of learning and the positive impact successful learning has in bringing out personal potential, restoring self-belief and creating new opportunity.

tel: 0207 4501815
website: https://www.morleycollege.ac.uk/


People First

Is a national self-advocacy organisation run by and for people with learning difficulties. They support people with learning difficulties to stand up for themselves and take control of their lives.

tel: 0207 274 5484
website: http://peoplefirstltd.com/


PROPEL

Higher education advice and support

tel: 020 7251 3117
website: www.propel.org.uk/UK/
email: propel@becomecharity.org.uk


Rathbone

Provides individual support and group activities for young people and adults with learning disabilities in and around Lambeth. They encourage and support service users to become more independent; to make their own choices; to live a safe and healthy life; to make and maintain positive social relationships and to try new and interesting experiences.

tel: 0208 670 4039
website: http://rathbonesociety.org.uk/


Remploy

Is a leading provider of specialist employment and skills support for disabled people and those with health conditions. They transform the lives of disabled people and those experiencing complex barriers to work.

tel: 0300 456 8110
website: https://www.remploy.co.uk/


Roots and Shoots

Provides vocational training for young people from the inner city, mainly from the London boroughs of Lambeth and Southwark. They aim to give young people the skills and self-confidence that will equip them for work.

tel: 020 7587 1131
website: http://www.rootsandshoots.org.uk/


Smart Works

Service helping prepare young women for job interviews by providing a styling session and job interview coaching and provide a new work wardrobe when they start a new job.

tel: 0207 288 1770
website: www.SmartWorks.org.uk


Southbank Adult Learning

Southwark Council adult
learning service provides choice for local adult learning, family learning and skills.
They have wide range of courses on basic skills, work related, creative, leisure, health and family learning.

website: https://www.southwark.gov.uk/schools-and-education/adult-learning


Smart Works

Service helping prepare young women for job interviews by providing a styling session and job interview coaching and provide a new work wardrobe when they start a new job.

tel: 0207 288 1770
website: www.SmartWorks.org.uk


Southwark Council adult learning service

Southwark Council adult learning service provides choice for local adult learning, family learning and skills. They have wide range of courses on basic skills, work related, creative, leisure, health and family learning.

website: https://www.southwark.gov.uk/schools-and-education/adult-learning


Spear Programme

The Spear Programme is a free, integrative course to help young people between the ages of 16-24 years to enter work and progress in their career.

tel: 07535 626769
website: www.spearsignups.co.uk


Status Employment

Status Employment assists people with disabilities and mental health problems in finding and retaining paid employment. They offer job seeking workshops, 1:1 advice for retention problems, Drama workshops and Trapeze for those in treatment.

tel: 0203 228 6826
website: http://statusemployment.org.uk/


Stepping Stones

Are a South London based charity creating life enhancing, meaningful activities by working with, listening to, and learning with adults with learning disabilities in the local area.

tel: 07950 612 914
website: http://steppingstoneslearning.org.uk/


Street League

Offers 16-25 year olds with work experience, apprenticeships or training. Whether you’re looking for full-time, part-time or temporary work, or gaining a place at college or a new qualification, Street League can help you achieve your goals.

tel: 7814625973
website: https://www.streetleague.co.uk/london


Thames Reach

The Employment Academy helps people in the local community to find work and access training.

tel: 0207 702 4260
website: https://thamesreach.org.uk/what-we-do/employment-academy/


UCAS – University and College Admissions Service.

Website contains information about financial support and courses for higher education

website: www.ucas.com


YOUTH EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT SERVCES (YESS)

support including with GCSE assistance and careers advice and help with benefits/Universal Credit. Based in Camberwell.

tel: 07957 108 868
website: www.yesslondon.org.uk/
email: mm@yesslondon.org.uk

General Support

Become

website: www.becomecharity.org.uk


Being Gay is OK

Is an information and advice website for gay, lesbian, bisexual and questioning people. It’s aimed at under 25s, but older people can also use the resources. There’s also a problem page where readers can submit their individual concerns, and resources for parents whose children have come out.

tel: 01483 727667
website: http://www.bgiok.org.uk/


Blackfriars Settlement

Offer a wide range of services and activities, supporting people to achieve their goals and improve their well-being. They provide free legal advice on every Wednesday evening by appointment.

tel: 0207 928 9521
website: https://www.blackfriars-settlement.org.uk/


Care Leaver’s Foundation

website: www.thecareleaversfoundation.org


Citizens Advice Southwark

Free assistance with a range of issues including filling in forms, welfare benefits and community care advice.

tel: 0300 330 1170
website: www.citizensadvicesouthwark.org.uk


Disability Law Service

Provide free legal advice to people with disabilities and their carers to ensure that they have access to their rights and justice.

tel: 0207 791 9800
website: https://dls.org.uk/


Disability Rights UK

Working to create a society where everyone with lived experience of disability or health conditions can participate equally as full citizens. A national charity aiming to relieve poverty and improve the living standards of disabled people.

tel: 0330 995 0400
website: https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/


Face in Focus

Provide support and advice to young people in Southwark between the ages of 11-25 years. They established counselling and support services at their premises near Elephant & Castle.

tel: 0207 403 2444
website: https://www.facesinfocus.org.uk/


Family Information Service

tel: 0800 013 0639


Food Cycle

Support people who are hungry and lonely by serving tasty lunches and dinners every single day in towns and cities across the country. Many of our guests struggle to afford the basics to eat and many will eat alone without company or conversation.

tel: 0207 729 2775
website: https://www.foodcycle.org.uk/


Galop

If you’ve experienced hate crime, sexual violence or domestic abuse, galop is here for you. They also support lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer people who have had problems with the police or have questions about the criminal justice system.

tel: 0207 704 2040
website: http://www.galop.org.uk/


Independent Advocacy – Coram Voice

tel: 0808 800 5792


LAC Health Team/Nurse

tel: 020 7525 0489


Latin American Disabled People’s Project (LADPP)

Is the only organisation in London devoted to serving disabled people from Latin America, Europe and Africa, whose first language is Spanish or Portuguese, as well as their carers, families, and communities.

tel: 020 7793 8399
website: http://www.ladpp.org.uk/


Leaving Care Service/Personal Advisors

tel: 020 7525 7077
website: www.southwarkcareleavers.co.uk/
email: careleavers@southwark.gov.uk


London Borough of Southwark – Housing Options Services

tel: 020 7525 5950


My rT Wellbeing

Designed to be personalised to support you and meet your needs throughout your life.
They help with applying for a financial grant if you are at risk of becoming homeless or are unable to provide the basic essentials for your family.

tel: 0808 801 0808
website: https://www.myrtwellbeing.org.uk/


NACRO

Changes lives by building stronger communities and reducing crime. They house, educate, support, advise and speak out for and with disadvantaged young people and adults.

tel: 0300 123 1889
website: https://www.nacro.org.uk/


National Youth Advocacy Service

A free helpline to get info about your rights and learn about other services you can use.

tel: 0808 808 1001
website: https://youngpeople.nyas.net/index.php/get-in-touch/nyas-helpline


NHS 111

A 24 hour service for health issues which are urgent but not an emergency.

tel: 111
website: 111.nhs.uk


Rights of Women

Aim to provide women with the legal advice and information they need to understand and use the law and their legal rights. We also work to improve the law for women and increase women’s access to justice.

tel: 0207 608 1137
website: https://rightsofwomen.org.uk/


Southwark LGBT Network

Works to ensure lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people live in safer homes, free from fear, and where we can celebrate our identity and support each other to achieve our full potential.

tel: 0207 359 5767
website: https://stonewallhousing.org/


Speaker Box

tel: 020 7525 3186


The Mix

Help with issues like mental health, money, homelessness, job seeking, drugs and relationships. Includes web and telephone counselling

tel: 0808 808 4994
website: www.themix.org.uk


The Outline

LGBT helpline is a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, questioning (LGBTQ) helpline giving support, advice and information in confidence. The helpline is open from 7:30pm to 10:00pm every Tuesday and Sunday, or you can leave a message outside of these times and someone will call you back.

tel: 01483 727667
website: https://outlinesurrey.org.uk


The Prison Advice & Care Trust

Provides support to prisoners, people with convictions, and their families. They support people to make a fresh start, and minimise the harm that can be caused by imprisonment on people who have committed offences, on families and on communities.

tel: 0207 7359535
website: https://www.prisonadvice.org.uk/


The Rees Foundation

website: www.reesfoundation.org


The Spark Foundation

Funding for care leavers up to the age of 25 and up to £600. Applications can be made to cover costs for education, employment, household furnishings or your interests.

website: https://www.sparkfoundation.org.uk/FAQGrants.html


Women in Prison

Support women affected by the criminal justice system & campaign to end the harm of prison to women, their families & the communities.

tel: 0203 869 2170
website: https://www.womeninprison.org.uk/

Health and Wellbeing

Action for Happiness

Is a movement for positive social change. They’re bringing together people from all walks of life who want to play a part in creating a happier society for everyone.

website: http://www.actionforhappiness.org/10-keys-to-happier-living/notice-the-world-around


Agoraphobics United

A telephone listening ear service offering support to housebound agoraphobic, lonely, isolated and those with mental health issues. We believe a problem shared is a problem halved. Calls are free from a UK landline. We cannot accept calls from mobile phones.

tel: 0203 9261 0391
email: sazzle1@ntlworld.com


Anorexia & Bulimia Care

Offer personal, on-going, emotional support and practical guidance for recovery for people struggling with Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Binge eating, in addition to related self-harm.

tel: 03000 11 12 13
website: http://www.anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk/


Al-Anon Family Groups

Provide support to anyone whose life is, or has been, affected by someone else’s drinking, regardless of whether that person is still drinking or not

tel: 0800 0086 811
website: https://www.al-anonuk.org.uk/


Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous provides confidential 365 days a year to help people who have a drinking problem and want to stop drinking and remain abstinent.

tel: 0207 407 0700
website: http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk


Anna Freud Centre

Provides therapy services for young people aged 12–18 years. They have team of friendly and professionally trained clinical staff with years of experience helping with a range of problems.

tel: 0207 794 2313
website: https://www.annafreud.org/


Anxiety Alliance

Self help to those who suffer from anxiety disorders, panic attacks and obsessive-compulsive disorder, together with those who wish to withdraw from tranquillisers and anti depressants. Help and support will be provided for their carers family and friends.

tel: 0845 296 7877
website: www.anxietyalliance.org.uk


Anxiety Alliance

Self help to those who suffer from anxiety disorders, panic attacks and obsessive-compulsive disorder, together with those who wish to withdraw from tranquillisers and anti depressants. Help and support will be provided for their carers family and friends.

tel: 0845 296 7877
website: www.anxietyalliance.org.uk


Anxiety UK

User-led, charity offering information and supportive services including therapy and a helpline for all anxiety disorders including panic disorder, phobias, generalised anxiety disorder.

tel: 0844 477 5774
website: www.anxietyuk.org.uk


Audio Visual Schedule

Is a application that provide individuals with communication needs, developmental delays, Autism or those who benefit from a structured environment a consistent cues about their daily activities. The application can be downloaded on any android mobile and tablets

website: http://www.avschedule.co.uk


Beat Eating Disorder

Is the UK’s eating disorder charity to end the pain and suffering caused by eating disorders. They are a champion, guide and friend to anyone affected, giving individuals experiencing an eating disorder and their loved ones a place where they feel listened to, supported and empowered.

tel: 0808 801 0677
website: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/


Be Mindful

Is committed to good mental health for all and believes the social challenge of our time is to reverse the growing level of mental ill health. Their aim is to help ensure that all those who would benefit from it have access to good quality mindfulness courses.

website: https://bemindful.co.uk/


Bi-Polar UK

Dedicated to supporting individuals with the much misunderstood and devastating condition of bipolar, their families and carers. They provide a comprehensive peer support service for people affected by bipolar and increase the reach of our delivery.

tel: 0333 323 3880
website: https://www.bipolaruk.org/


Big White Wall

People come to Big White Wall for help with a wide range of mental health and wellbeing issues – from anxiety, depression, stress and trauma, to relationship problems and lifestyle challenges. Organisations can commission our Support Network services, or Support Network plus Live Therapy.

tel: 0203 405 6196
website: https://www.bigwhitewall.co.uk/our-services


Body & Soul

Provides support services for children, women & straight men living with HIV. Based in Islington but accepts referrals from all over London and beyond. Lots of support services including groups, workshops and counselling, as well as practical support.

tel: 0207 923 6880
website: http://bodyandsoulcharity.org/


Broken Rainbow

Is a UK LGBT domestic abuse helpline. It provides advice, support and referral services to LGBT people experiencing homophobic, transphobic and same sex domestic violence.

tel: 0845 2 60 55 60


Brook

Brook has services across the UK providing free and confidential sexual health services including contraception and abortions to young people under 25, find your nearest service on their website.

website: www.brook.org.uk/


Caldecot Centre

Provides confidential medical, social and welfare support for people living with human HIV. If you have had a positive HIV test, you can self-refer to the service by emailing kch-tr.SexualHealthSecretaries@nhs.net. In your email, please give your name, contact details, date of birth and the date that you took the test.

tel: 0203 299 5000
website: http://www.kch.nhs.uk/service/a-z/hiv


CALM

They run a free and confidential helpline and webchat – 7 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone who needs to talk about life’s problems.

tel: 0808 802 58 58
website: https://www.thecalmzone.net/


Centre for Clinical Interventions

The resources provided on this website aim to provide general information about various mental health problems, as well as, techniques that focus on a cognitive behavioural approach to managing difficulties

website: http://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/resources/consumers.cfm


Carers Trust

Work to improve support, services and recognition for anyone living with the challenges of caring, unpaid, for a family member or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or addiction problems.

tel: 0300 772 9600
website: https://carers.org/


Change Grow Live Southwark (CGL)

Free and confidential drug and alcohol service for over 18s & those close to them.

tel: 020 8629 2348
website: www.changegrowlive.org


Childline

A free, private and confidential service where you can talk about anything. Whatever your worry, whenever you need help, we’re here for you online, on the phone, anytime.

tel: 0800 1111
website: https://www.childline.org.uk/about/about-childline/


Compassionate Friends

Is a charitable organisation of bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents dedicated to the support and care of other similarly bereaved family members who have suffered the death of a child or children of any age and from any cause.

tel: 0345 120 3785
website: http://www.tcf.org.uk/


Cruse Bereavement Service

Offers face-to-face, telephone, email and website support. They have Freephone national helpline and local services. The services are provided by network of 5,000 trained volunteers and are confidential and free.

tel: 0808 808 1677
website: http://www.cruse.org.uk/


DASL’s Specialist Advice Service

Provides advice casework on welfare benefits and other issues such as debt, housing, community care, accessible transport services

tel: 0207 738 5656
website: http://www.disabilitylambeth.org.uk/


DESMOND Southwark

Is a Type 2 Diabetes Education and Self Management for Ongoing and Newly Diagnosed programme. In Southwark, the DESMOND course is held monthly and is delivered to groups of up to 15 participants.

tel: 0203 049 5242
website: https://www.southwarkccg.nhs.uk/your-health/conditions/diabetes/Pages/default.aspx


Depression Alliance

An organisation that offers information and advice about depression and campaigns to raise awareness of the realties of depression.

website: www.depressionalliance.org


Elefriends

Elefriends is a friendly, supportive online community for anyone experiencing a mental health problem.

website: https://www.elefriends.org.uk/


Face in Focus

Offer low-cost counselling for young people aged 11-25 in Southwark and Lambeth.

tel: 0203 751 9684
‘HUB1’ and your query to 82727

website: https://www.together-uk.org/
email: southwarkhub@together-uk.org


Freedom Passes

Assistance in transport needs if suffering from a mental health condition lasting 12 months or permanent and meet criteria explained on the website. Accessible Transport Unit, Hopton House, 243A Streatham High Road, SW16 6EY

tel: 0207 926 5555
website: http://www.lambeth.gov.uk/Services/HealthSocialCare/AccessibleTransport/


Get Active London

Their ongoing mission to get more people active in London. They have activities ranging from walking groups to yoga classes.

website: https://www.getactive.io/london


Get Self Help

A range of self-help material, worksheets to help manage a variety of common mental health problems.

website: http://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/


Headway – the brain injury association

Promote understanding of all aspects of brain injury and provide information, support and services to survivors, their families and carers. In addition, Headway will campaign to reduce the incidence of brain injury.

tel: 0115 924 0800
website: https://www.headway.org.uk/


Hearing Voices Network

Provides information and support for people who hear voices and local support groups

website: http://www.hearing-voices.org/
email: info@hearing-voices.org


Healthy Young People (HYP) Southwark

Sexual health, substance misuse and health and wellbeing services for young people under 25, including drop-in provision and outreach

website: www.hypsouthwark.org.uk
email: southwark@brook.org.uk


HIV Liaison Service

They are a multi-professional team of HIV Mental Health Specialists who provide assessment and treatment in the community that are diagnosis with HIV. They accept self-referrals.

tel: 020 3228 5121
website: https://www.slam.nhs.uk/our-services/service-finder-details?CODE=SU0304


INPUT

Is a pain management centre at St Thomas’ where patients from all over the country come to learn better ways of coping with their pain. The centre offers residential service which run throughout the year for up to 10 patients at a time.

tel: 0203 049 5242
website: https://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/our-services/pain/input/overview.aspx


Kagyu Samye Dzong London Tibetan Buddhist Centre

Open to people of any faith and none, the Buddhist centre offers meditation & mindfulness classes. Also provides courses in Buddhism, Tibetan language, Tai Chi and holistic therapies.

tel: 0203 3271650
website: http://www.london.samye.org/


Kooth

Offers free, safe and anonymous online counselling and emotional well-being platform for children and young people. Young people can chat to their friendly counsellors, read articles written by young people and get support from the Kooth community.

website: https://www.kooth.com/index.html


Living Life to the Full

Teaches a range of life skills that are based on the tried and trusted CBT approach, to aim to improve wellbeing and resilience as you go through the journey of life.

tel: 01360 661 078
website: https://llttf.com/


ManKind

Aims to ensure all male victims of domestic abuse (and their children) are supported to enable them to escape from the situation they are in.

tel: 01823 334244
website: https://www.mankind.org.uk/


Marriage Care

Specialise in helping couples build and sustain strong, fulfilling, healthy relationships, and in providing support in times of relationship difficulty. Better relationships make for better lives, more stable families and a stronger society.

tel: 0800 389 3801
website: https://www.marriagecare.org.uk/


Men’s Advice Line

Men’s Advice Line is a confidential helpline for men experiencing domestic violence from a partner or ex-partner (or from other family members). They help by offering emotional support; providing practical advice; and signposting you to other services for specialist help

tel: 0808 8010327
website: http://www.mensadviceline.org.uk/


Men’s Mind Matter

Dedicated to the prevention of male suicide by building psychological resilience and emotional strength.

website: https://www.mensmindsmatter.org/


Metro

Services to LGBT young people in south-east London

tel: 020 8305 5000
website: www.metrocentreonline.org
email: hello@metrocharity.org.uk


Miscarriage Association

The Miscarriage Association is here to provide support and information to anyone affected by miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or molar pregnancy

tel: 01924 200799
website: http://www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk/


National Autistic Society

Provider of specialist autism services. Their goal is to help transform lives, change attitudes and create a society that works for autistic people.

tel: 0808 800 4104
website: https://www.autism.org.uk/


NHS Every Mind Matters

Every Mind Matters is here to help you manage and maintain your mental health, as good mental health makes such a difference. It helps us to relax more, achieve more and enjoy our lives more.

website: https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/


No Panic

Helps people who suffer from Panic Attacks, Phobias, Obsessive Compulsive Disorders and other related anxiety disorders including those people who are trying to give up Tranquillizers.

tel: 0844 967 4848
website: https://nopanic.org.uk/


OASIS

Is a health service for young people aged 14-35, who are experiencing psychological distress. They offer individual and family therapy, medical consultation, and practical support with issues such as housing and finances.

tel: 0203 228 7200
website: https://www.slam.nhs.uk/our-services/service-finder-details?CODE=SU0044


PAPYRUS – Prevention of Young Suicide

Papyrus works to prevent suicide in people aged 15-35 years and to give young people hope. They provide confidential support and advice to young people and anyone worried about a young person.

tel: 01925 572 444
website: https://papyrus-uk.org/


Positive Parenting and Children

Service for anyone affected by HIV/AIDS in Southwark. Telephone helpline, mixed support group, various therapies and massage, sex/relationship counselling, domiciliary child-care. Clubs, groups and creche for children and young people.

tel: 020 7738 7333


Reach

A non-profit organization providing safety and support to survivors of abuse while engaging communities to promote healthy relationships and prevent domestic violence.

tel: 0781 891 0724
website: http://www.reachma.org/


Relate

The UK’s largest provider of relationship support of all ages, backgrounds, sexual orientations and gender identities to strengthen their relationships.

tel: 0300 003 3225
website: https://www.relate.org.uk/


Respect Phoneline

Individuals who are concerned about their violence and abuse towards a current or an (ex) partner. Respect also takes calls from professionals from both the statutory and voluntary sectors.

tel: 0808 802 4040
website: http://respectphoneline.org.uk/


Resources for Autism

Provide practical services for children and adults with an autistic spectrum condition and for their families and carers, including social and support groups for high functioning autism.

tel: 0208 458 3259
website: http://www.resourcesforautism.org.uk/


Rethink Mental Illness

Improve the lives of people severely affected by mental illness through our network of local groups and services, expert information and successful campaigning.

tel: 0300 5000927
website: https://www.rethink.org/


Salmon Youth Centre

Promote positive change in young people and support their transition to adulthood by improving their health & wellbeing, prepare young people for education and work and involving young in positive community engagement. They welcome all young people from all backgrounds between 6-25 years old.

tel: 0207 237 3788
website: https://salmonyouthcentre.org/our-work/


Samaritans

24 hour confidential support over the phone.
If you need someone to talk to, we listen. We won’t judge or tell you what to do

tel: 116123


Self Management UK

Self management support for people living with long-term health conditions including mental health issues. Self-management is suitable no matter what your long-term health condition(s); asthma, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, chronic pain and anxiety.

tel: 0800 988 5560
website: https://www.selfmanagementuk.org/


SHAKA Services

2Provides counselling, emotional support, information and advice to African & African Caribbean communities on HIV/AIDS, sexual health, welfare rights and community care.

tel: 0207 7356744
website: http://shakaservices.org.uk/


Shout Crisis Text Line

Shout is the UK’s first 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help.

tel: 85258
website: https://www.giveusashout.org/


Solace Women’s Aid

Provides safe and supportive temporary accommodation to female victims of Domestic abuse. The refuge staff provide advice and advocacy on housing issues, welfare benefits and legal remedies that will empower women to move on to independent and safe living. An outreach service for women and children who are living independently within the community is also available through Southwark Women’s Aid.

tel: 020 7593 1290
website: https://www.solacewomensaid.org/


Solidarity In A Crisis

Is an out-of-hours phone and in-person support service.
The crisis hotline is open from Monday to Friday 6pm to 12am Saturday and Sunday 12pm to 12am.

tel: 0300 123 1922
website: https://www.certitude.london/what-we-do/solidarity-in-a-crisis/


Southwark Disablement Association

Is as a user led organisation that promotes the health and wellbeing of Deaf and Disabled People by ensuring that they have access to society as a whole, are socially included, feel safe and have the right to be full and active members of the community.

tel: 0207 358 7744
website: https://www.sdail.org/


Southwark Disablement Association

Is as a user led organisation that promotes the health and wellbeing of Deaf and Disabled People by ensuring that they have access to society as a whole, are socially included, feel safe and have the right to be full and active members of the community.

tel: 0207 358 7744
website: https://www.sdail.org/


Stonewall

An LGBTQ charity which provides advice and support on a range of issues for LGBTQ people.

tel: 0800 0502020
website: https://www.stonewall.org.uk/


Student Minds

Works with students, service users, professionals and academics to develop new and innovative ways to improve the mental health of students. They provide details of campus-based support groups for students experiencing difficulties around food or body image.

tel: 0113 343 8440
website: https://www.studentminds.org.uk/


Support After a Suicide

Provides people affected by suicide with both emotional and practical support. Order the government’s official support guide, with those affected by suicide the principal authors.

website: https://supportaftersuicide.org.uk/


Survivors UK

Help sexually abused men as well as their friends and family, no matter when the abuse happened, and challenge the silence and attitudes.

tel: 0203 5983898
website: https://www.survivorsuk.org/


Talk to Frank

The service is for people presented with depression and / or anxiety, aged 16 and over and is registered with a Southwark GP. It also works with people who is coping with or adjusting to bereavement, or long-term physical health conditions

tel: 0203 228 2194
website: https://slam-iapt.nhs.uk/southwark


Tavistock Relationships

Tavistock Relationships is an internationally renowned charity for advanced practice, training and research to support couples, individuals and families. Couple relationships matter as they affect our wellbeing, our children’s mental health and development and how we engage with others in our community.

tel: 0207 380 1975
website: https://www.tavistockrelationships.org/


Terrance Higgins Trust

The largest voluntary sector provider of HIV and sexual health services in the UK, running services out of local centres across Great Britain.

tel: 0808 802 1221
website: http://www.tht.org.uk/


The GAIA Centre

Individuals who have been raped or sexually assaulted in the last 12 months. This includes a service for both men and women, and a service for young people and children.

tel: 0808 2000 247
website: http://refuge.org.uk/what-we-do/our-services/gaia-centre-lambeth/


The Listening Place

Offers a warm and welcoming environment; somewhere that individuals can talk openly about their feelings without being judged or being given advice.

tel: 0203 906 7676
website: https://listeningplace.org.uk/


The Loss Foundation

Provide support to people who have lost loved ones to cancer; spouses, family members, friends. Operates support groups within London.

tel: 0300 2004112
website: http://thelossfoundation.org/


The Maytree Sanctuary for the Suicidal

Maytree’s house is open for people when they’re feeling suicidal. 72, Moray Road, Finsbury Park, London, N4 3LG.

tel: 0207 263 7070
website: www.maytree.org.uk.


The Mix

Is here to take on the embarrassing problems, weird questions, and thoughts that people aged 13–25 years have in order to give them the best support through their digital and phone. They connect you to experts and your peers who’ll give you the support and tools you need to take on any challenge you’re facing – for everything from homelessness to finding a job, from money to mental health, from break-ups to drugs.

tel: 0808 808 4994
website: https://www.themix.org.uk


The Southwark Wellbeing Hub

– information and support for those 16 years and over living and/or working in Southwark. Includes peer support and mindfulness workshops
tel: 020 3751 9684
email: southwarkhub@together-uk-org


The Well Centre

Is a youth health centre where you can drop-in to see a youth worker, counsellor or doctor. No appointment needed, just turn up, to discuss any of your health concerns or worries in a safe and confidential space. They accept referrals from across London and will see any young person between the ages of 13–20 years.

tel: 0208 473 1581
website: https://www.thewellcentre.org/


Thomas Pocklington Trust

Committed to increasing awareness and understanding of the needs of people with sight loss and to developing and implementing services which meet their needs and improve lives.

tel: 0208 9950 880
website: https://www.pocklington-trust.org.uk/


Together’s Forensic Mental Health Practitioner

Provide assessment and therapeutic intervention where people have a primary mental health need and other vulnerabilities.

tel: 0207 780 7392
website: https://www.together-uk.org/our-mental-health-services/criminal-justice-mental-health/supporting-people-on-probation/


Together’s Forensic Mental Health Practitioner

Provide assessment and therapeutic intervention where people have a primary mental health need and other vulnerabilities.

tel: 0208 9950 880
website: 0207 780 7392


Victim Support

Offers support for victims of crime and their families

tel: 0808 168 9291
website: https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/help-and-support/get-help/support-near-you/london/south-london


Wheel of Wellbeing

Gives practical information on things you can do to improve your well-being – tips to test, activities to try and places to visit. happiness
website: https://www.wheelofwellbeing.org/


Waterloo Community Counselling

Offers to support psychological health and wellbeing for people in need. The objectives is to provide a free, time-limited, mother-tongue counselling service. They work with BAME and migrant referrals, and people who may not be entitled to access statutory services beyond primary care.

tel: 0207 928 3462
website: http://www.waterloocc.co.uk/


Women’s Therapy Centre

Women’s Therapy Centre Offering individual and group psychotherapy to women regardless of ability to pay, sexual orientation, disability, cultural or social background, immigration status, previous psychiatric history or age.

tel: 0207 263 6200
website: https://womenstherapycentre.wordpress.com/


ZamZam Counselling

Private counselling for Muslim women. Zamzam Counselling has been set up to make professionally delivered, faith sensitive counselling accessible for all women, irrespective of their location or financial situation.

tel: 07799 485059
website: http://www.zamzamcounselling.co.uk/

Housing and Accommodation

Alone in London

Works to prevent homelessness among people aged 16–25 years, trough its housing advice, family mediation, counselling and early intervention work.

tel: 0207 278 4224
website: https://uk.depaulcharity.org/alone-london


Cambridge House

Support for young people in a housing crisis. Based in Camberwell.

tel: 020 7358 7000
website: http://ch1889.org/
website: info@ch1889.org


Centrepoint

Provides housing and support for young people in London and aim to give homeless young people a future. They give homeless young people a place to stay while they get the help they need to move on to independence.

tel: 0800 587 5158
website: https://centrepoint.org.uk/


Depaul UK

Helps people who are homeless, vulnerable and disadvantaged. They focus on young people in crisis and beyond. Depaul UK works with some of the most disadvantaged young people in the UK.

tel: 0207 939 1220
website: https://uk.depaulcharity.org/


Homeless Outreach Team (START)

Multi-disciplinary assessment team for street homeless people in Lambeth, Southwark and Croydon. Their role is to engage and assess homeless people with severe mental health problems and to refer them on to local mainstream services.

tel: 0203 228 1800
website: https://slam.nhs.uk/our-services/service-finder-details?CODE=SU0552


Housing for Women

They support women across London through affordable housing, help women and children escaping domestic abuse, survivors of trafficking, women leaving prison and older women.

tel: 0207 501 6120
website: https://hfw.org.uk/


Manna Centre

Centre for single homeless people and those in need. Housing and welfare advice 9.30am-1.30pm. Free food, clothing and showers. Surgery and visiting nurse Tuesday and Friday 10am-12.30pm.

tel: 0207 357 9363
website: www.mannasociety.org.uk


No Second Night Out

Focuses on helping those who find themselves rough sleeping on the streets of London for the first time. They will ensure there is a rapid response to new rough sleepers and will provide an offer that means they do not have to sleep out for a second night.

tel: 0208 318 4411
website: http://www.nosecondnightout.org.uk/


Robes Project

Support individuals experiencing homelessness in Southwark and Lambeth by providing a warm, safe space during our winter night shelter and year round support through our advice project.

tel: 0207 4075623
website: http://robes.org.uk/


Shelter

advice and guidance on housing issues, including specific advice for care leavers

tel: 0808 800 4444
website: www.shelter.org


Single Homeless Project

A London-wide charity working to prevent homelessness and help vulnerable and socially excluded people to transform their lives. They provide supported accommodation and community-based support for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in London.

tel: 0207 520 8660
website: https://www.shp.org.uk/


Southwark Council Duty to Refer

The duty to refer requires public authorities in England to notify Southwark Council, of service users they think may be homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Complete the Homelessness Reduction Act referral form to notify of such cases, so they can provide the appropriate support to the household.

tel: 0207 525 4140
website: https://www.southwark.gov.uk/finding-a-new-home/advice-about-homelessness?article&chapter=5


Stonewall Housing

London Councils fund Stonewall Housing to offer a housing advice service to LGBT people in every London borough via a telephone helpline five days a week, 3 weekly drop-in surgeries where people can talk to a housing advisor face-to-face and longer-term advocacy casework if needed.

tel: 020 7359 5767
website: https://stonewallhousing.org/


Sustain

Helps Southwark tenants maintain their tenancy when at risk of losing their home.

tel: 020 7525 4126
website: https://www.southwark.gov.uk/housing/support-services/sustain


The Albert Kennedy Trust

Helps young people up to age 25 who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual or intersex who are at risk of homelessness.

tel: 020 7831 6562
website: www.akt.org.uk


The Spires Centre

Day centre for homeless and disadvantaged people. Advice on benefits. Help with finding accommodation. Mental health and drug, alcohol, tenancy support. Nurse Tues 10am-1pm. Women only session, with focus on sex workers. Clothing, showers. Free lunch Tuesday. Rough sleepers’ free breakfast Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. Adult learning, including literacy, IT, volunteer training, art, music.

tel: 0208 696 0943
website: www.spires.org.uk


Money and Finances

Capstone

Provides grants for 17-25 year olds up to £2000. Applications can be made for a range of education or household costs.

website: https://www.capstonecareleaverstrust.org/


Care Leaver Foundation

Small grants for times of crisis, personal development, education, training or employment.

website: https://www.capstonecareleaverstrust.org/


Centre 70

They support adults who are facing social, mental, financial or other personal difficulties through a holistic programme of free and affordable services including Advice, Counselling, Training and Advocacy.

tel: 0208 670 0070
website: http://centre70.org.uk/


Debt Advice Foundation

Debt advice and education charity offering free, confidential support and advice to anyone worried about debt.

tel: 0800 622 61 51
website: www.debtadvicefoundation.org


GamCare

Is the leading national provider of information, advice, support and free treatment for anyone affected by problem gambling. Their expert services are confidential and non-judgemental.

tel: 0808 8020 133
website: https://www.gamcare.org.uk/


Gingerbread

Supporting single parent families to live secure, happy and fulfilling lives. They provide information on a wide range of issues, including benefits and tax credits, childcare, separation, work, housing and child maintenance.

tel: 0207 428 5400
website: https://www.gingerbread.org.uk/


National Debtline

Advice on how to deal with your debt.

tel: 0808 808 4000
website: www.nationaldebtline.org


PayPlan-

PayPlan provides debt advice and support

tel: 0800 280 2816
website: www.payplan.com


StepChange

Provides expert and impartial advice on debt

tel: 0800 138 1111
website: www.stepchange.org


Turn2Us

Provide a tool to search for grants you can apply for.

website: www.turn2us.org.uk

Pregnancy and Parenting

Family Nurse Partnership (FNP)

Home visiting programme for first-time mums and dads under the age of 20 living in Lambeth or Southwark.

tel: 020 7138 7840
website: https://www.evelinalondon.nhs.uk/our-services/community/family-nurse-partnership/team.aspx


Home Start Southwark

Provides friendship and emotional and practical help to parents with at least one child under five years old. They provide early support to families experiencing a wide range of difficulties such as isolation, low self-esteem, mental health issues and lack of parenting skills.

tel: 0207 737 7720
website: https://homestartsouthwark.org.uk/


Parents and Communities Together (PACT)

Is a community-led social support project, set up by Citizens UK, to empower parents and improve the health and development outcomes for young children. The project adopts a community organising approach to promote early years development; combat isolation; support physical and mental health.

tel: 07821 447526
website: https://www.pact-citizens.org/about_us


St. Michael’s Fellowship

Believes passionately in providing equality of opportunity for all children regardless of birth circumstances. They work to create sustainable positive change in the lives of disadvantaged families and aim to break the cycle of poverty that is often passed down generations. Offers support from young parents, abuse and parent and child groups.

tel: 0208 835 9570
website: http://www.stmichaelsfellowship.org.uk/


Young Minds

The Parents Helpline is a telephone helpline if you are worried about a child or young person, up to the age of 25 years, regarding emotional problems, behaviour or mental health.  You can call the free helpline for confidential, expert advice.

tel: 0808 802 5544
website: https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/for-parents/parents-helpline/


Support

Blue Elephant Theatre

Provide Free to Act innovative project which provides a space where young people can come and refine their skills and showcase them through theatre performances.

tel: 0207 701 0100
website: http://www.blueelephanttheatre.co.uk/free-to-act


Carers UK

No matter how complicated your query or your experience, you don’t have to care alone. Caring can be extremely complicated. The maze of rights and entitlements can be complicated.

tel: 0207 378 4999
website: https://www.carersuk.org/


Connect & Do

People use Connect & Do for all sorts of things, whether it’s finding a new hobby or meeting people who share

website: http://www.connectanddo.org/


Copleston Centre

The centre provides a range of activities for everyone in the community. Young and old, long-time residents and asylum seekers in the area, people of all faiths and none: all are welcome

tel: 0207 732 3435
website: https://www.coplestoncentre.org.uk


Help Counselling Centre

Offers low-cost, one-to-one counselling after a relatively short waiting period. The minimum fee of £10 if you are unwaged or depends on your income.

tel: 0207 221 9974
website: http://www.helpcounselling.com/


Meet Up

Meetup is a platform for finding and building local communities. People use Meetup to meet new people, learn new things, find support, get out of their comfort zones, and pursue their passions, together.

website: https://www.meetup.com/


Mind & Soul Community Choir

They promote mental wellbeing through singing and to reduce the stigma around mental illness. If you’d like to join a choir that is fun, has no attitude and will get you grooving, look no further.

tel: 07599 501189
website: https://mindandsoulchoir.org/


Mosaic Clubhouse

Drop-in community centre looking at a range of issues including Mental Health, Benefits advice and advocacy, Housing advice, Physical wellbeing, Employment and education, Smoking cessation, Timebanking opportunities and opportunities to join peer support groups.

website: http://mosaic-clubhouse.org/


NHS Carers Direct

Carers Direct is a national information, advice and support service for carers in England. It provides an online guide to social care and a confidential helpline providing information and advice for carers. Language Line is available for people who need interpreter.

tel: 0300 123 1053


Pembroke House

Deliver and support 23 projects which provide opportunities for people to connect with each other and with local services; to grow and learn; and to give back and contribute.

tel: 0207 703 3803


Reading Groups

The Reader believes that literature is a tool for helping us to survive and live well.
Reader groups in Southwark:
Book Break South Lambeth Library Reading Group -Every Friday: 2pm-4pm
Southwark Playhouse Reading Group -Every Thursday: 10am-12pm

tel: 0151 729 2200
website: www.thereader.org.uk


Southwark CAN

Is a website dedicated to providing information on local activism in The London Borough of Southwark

tel: 0207 358 7020
website: https://southwarkcan.org/


Southwark Carers

Enabling, empowering and enriching the lives of carers

tel: 0207 708 4497
website: https://www.southwarkcarers.org.uk/


Southwark Events

Search for culture, health and wellbeing events, special offers and free events in the borough.

website: https://www.southwark.gov.uk/events-culture-and-heritage


Talking Therapies Southwark (IAPT)

The service is for people presented with depression and / or anxiety, aged 16 and over and is registered with a Southwark GP. It also works with people who is coping with or adjusting to bereavement, or long-term physical health conditions

tel: 0203 228 2194
website: https://slam-iapt.nhs.uk/southwark


Telefono de la Esparanza

Offers free counselling, telephone crisis support and workshops to Spanish and Portuguese speaking to and families.

tel: 0207 7330471
website: https://www.telefonodelaesperanza.org/


The British Association of Anger Management

UK’s leading centre of excellence and expertise for anger, stress and conflict management. They offer one-to-one work for individuals, couples and families. Their one-to-one work can also be accessed via Skype and Face Time.

tel: 0345 1300 286
website: https://www.angermanage.co.uk/


The Dragon Café

The Dragon Café is the flagship project of Mental Fight Club. It aims to be an open, welcoming group which puts on exciting, well-organised and inspirational creative events and programmes as well as simply being a place to be.

tel: 07784 872 510
website: https://dragoncafe.co.uk/


Time and Talents

Support people of all ages with a wide range of activities in the centre bringing people together for mutual support, fun and friendship.

tel: 0207 231 7845
website: http://www.timeandtalents.org.uk/


Waterloo Action Centre

Range of community activities, support for various age groups as well as sixty plus.

website: http://www.waterlooactioncentre.co.uk/


Jargon Buster

Bursary The name for financial support which is given to someone to help them pay  to study at university or college.

CAMHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.

Corporate parent an organisation, in power who has special responsibilities to care-experienced and looked after children and young people.

Discretionary service – services that a council has the power but not a legal duty to provide. 

Duty – An obligation arising from the law.  Councils must comply with duties or face the risk of prosecution.

Electoral Register lists the names and addresses of everyone who is registered to vote in public elections. 

Entitlement a provision made in accordance with a legal framework.

FNP – Family Nurse Partnership. 

Independent advocate: supports the right of a looked after child to be heard and involved in decisions through one to one support.

Independent Visitor – volunteers who guide, advise and listen to young people in care, sharing their experiences as well as trying new activities and spending quality time together.

Junior ISA – Individual savings account – a tax-efficient savings account for those under 18. 

LAC – Looked After Child(ren).

National Citizen Service is a voluntary personal and social development programme for 16–17 year olds.

National insurance number – is a number used in the UK in the administration of the National Insurance or social security system. It is also used for some purposes in the UK tax system. 

NEET – Someone who is Not in Education, Employment or Training. 

Personal Advisor (PA) – a person who works with care leavers; jointly developing plans for independence and offering day-to-day advice and guidance.

Protocol the official roles and responsibilities between two or more parties (e.g. between two council departments or between two different councils).

Speaker Box –Southwark Council’s forum led by children in care and care leavers. 

Staying-Put –The option to stay living with your foster carer after you turn 18.

Tenancy agreement is a contract between you and your landlord. The tenancy agreement gives certain rights to both you and your landlord, for example, your right to occupy the accommodation and your landlord’s right to receive rent for letting the accommodation.

Universal Credit – a social security benefit introduced in 2013 to replace six means-tested benefits and tax credits: income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Housing Benefit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, income-based Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Income Support.

Virtual School an additional resource which exists to support and challenge all those involved in the education of children in care up to 18 years old.