If you suspect you may be having a stroke, always use the FAST test, and dial 999 immediately.

Support for stroke survivors

A great source of support for people living with stroke in the UK is the Stroke Association. Their website gives useful information and advice. You can also call their Stroke Helpline: 0303 3033 100. They can talk you through what support is available to you in your area, and give practical advice and information. You can also email them on info@stroke.org.uk

Stroke Helpline: 0303 3033 100

Different Strokes is a stroke charity for younger stroke survivors. The organisation is run by stroke survivors with personal experience of living with stroke. Their website has lots of useful information. They can also tell you about any local groups – or help you set up your own.
They have an information line where you can speak to a stroke survivor: 0345 130 7172. Alternatively, you can email them on info@differentstrokes.co.uk

Information helpline: 0345 130 7172

Support for carers

Carers UK supports and advocates for people who care for a friend or family member. Their aim is to ‘make life better for carers’. The website gives useful information. You can also call their helpline ‘for advice and understanding’ on 0808 808777, open Monday and Tuesday, 10am to 4pm.

Helpine: 0808 808777

Support for older people

Age UK provide advice for older people living in the UK. They have an advice line: 0800 055 6112, 8am til 7pm, 365 days a year. They also offer various services, like exercise classes, and organise befriending or ‘visiting’ services, where a volunteer visits an older person regularly.

Advice line: 0800 055 6112

Helplines if you’re feeling depressed

You can call the Samaritans at any time to talk to someone about whatever is troubling you. Their phone line is free: 116 123. They can talk you through different options, or just be there to listen to you.

Helpline: 116 123

SANE is a UK mental health charity. Their helpline provides emotional support. It is open every evening, 4.30 – 10.30pm: 0300 304 700. There is also the option of joining an on-line support forum.

Helpline: 0300 304 700

Helpline for non-urgent medical advice

If you want medical advice but it’s not an emergency, you can call 111. It’s free to call and open 24 hours a day.

Call: 111