Web links

 

 

Academies, institutes, and research organisations

Bandolier www.jr2.ox.ac.uk/bandolier
Bandolier Office
Pain Research
The Churchill
Oxford
OX3 7LJ
Tel: 1865 226 132
Summarised systematic reviews of randomised trials by searching medline and Pubmed. Bandolier Knowledge Bazaar assembles stories from Bandolier under discrete headings such as healthy living.

 

British Indian Psychiatric Assocation www.bipa.org.uk
a group of psychiatrists of Indian origin, working in the UK

 

Centre for Evidence-Based Mental Health www.psychiatry.ox.ac.uk/cebmh
Centre for Evidence-Based Mental Health
Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford
Warneford Hospital
Oxford, OX3 7JX
Tel: 01865 226476
email: enquiries@cebmh.com
Provides information on recent research in evidence based mental health. Also offers training and continuing professional development courses of interest to people in the field.
The site has links to useful websites, resources and publications, training events and checklists for critical appraisal and journal clubs.

 

Health Services Management Centre (HSMC) University of Birmingham www.hsmc.bham.ac.uk
The University of Birmingham
Park House
40 Edgbaston Park Road
Birmingham B15 2RT
Tel: 0121 414 7050
The HSMC aims to promote better health and to strengthen the management of health care services, including those relevant to child and adolescent mental health services. Information about news, research and consultancy, publications and educational programmes. Recent publications include assessment of potential indicators of clinical effectiveness and international approaches to priority setting in healthcare.

 

Indian Psychiatry.com  www.indianpsychiatry.com

The online Indian mental health resource, providing information to mental health professionals, patients and their carers. This website has been developed with the sole intention of providing quality information from an Indian perspective to people with psychiatric illnesses, their families and to the professionals.

 

The Institute of Psychiatry www.iop.kcl.ac.uk
Institute of Psychiatry
King's College London
De Crespigny Park
London SE5 8AF
Tel: 020 7836 5454
The Institute of Psychiatry is part of King's College London. It offers postgraduate courses in psychiatry and related areas, as well as conducting research in these fields. There are some links to various help organisations, but this site is primarily for people interested in studying psychiatry.

 

The King's Fund www.kingsfund.org.uk
11 - 13 Cavendish Square
London W1G 0AN
Tel: 020 7307 2400
email: sales&infopoint@kingsfund.org.uk
The King´s Fund is an independent health care charity, which carries out research and development work to bring about better health policies and services. Information on health systems, public health, community care, primary care, effective practice, including access to the abstracts of a number of King's Fund publications.


NHS Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (CRD) - University of York www.york.ac.uk/inst/crd
Centre for Reviews and Dissemination
University of York
York YO10 5DD
Tel: 01904 321040
email: crd@york.ac.uk
Information about the dissemination strategy of the CRD, publications and systematic reviews, including access to completed reviews and reviews in progress. In addition, Cochrane Library training is provided and links to other related web sites.
 

National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) www.nice.org.uk
Mid City Place
71 High Holborn
London WC1V 6NA
Tel: 020 7067 5800
email: nice@nice.nhs.uk
NICE was developed to provide the NHS with authoritative, robust and reliable guidance on current best practice. The site provides information on clinical guidelines, clinical audit, appraisals and conferences. In addition, it contains a section on frequently asked questions, provides access to a database for literature on quality improvement and links to other related Internet sites.

 

Society for Psychotherapy Research www.psychotherapyresearch.org
A multi-national organisation promoting psychotherapy research in all forms. Each of the four international divisions produces a newsletter, and they meet for conferences to exchange ideas. The site provides a list of special interest topics that may offer some insight into their particular focus.

 

Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's Disease International www.alz.co.uk
45-46 Lower Marsh
London SE1 7RG
Tel: 020 7620 3011
email: info@alz.co.uk
Alzheimer's Disease International is an international organisation based in the UK bringing together all the national Alzheimer societies throughout the world. The site is interesting both to people with an interest in dementia generally as well as people who are interested in the international perspective. There is a good educational section on dementia for both patients and carers. The society has a dementia research group and is doing invaluable work on dementia in the developing world.

 

Alzheimer's Society www.alzheimers.org.uk
Gordon House
10 Greencoat Place
London, SW1P 1PH
Tel: 020 7306 0606
The Alzheimer's Society gives support to families by linking them through membership and provides information on Alzheimer's Disease and dementia. Lots of useful information including leaflets on dementia, treatments and other problems, sections for carers, and support services.

 

Alzheimer's Research Forum www.alzforum.org/home.asp
Alzheimer's Research Forum a site interested in primary research into the causes and mechanisms of all forms of dementia. The site allows researchers to discuss hypotheses and recent and classic papers, research tools and techniques and even look for jobs and grants in the United States. There are regular live discussions on the site with researchers which should be a model for all professional web-sites in this field. There is also a section of Alzheimer's Disease for patients and the carers.

 

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland www.alzheimer.ie
Alzheimer House
43 Northumberland Avenue
Dun Laoghaire
Co Dublin, Ireland
Tel: 1 800 341 341
email: info@alzheimer.ie
This organisation provides support services to individuals with alzheimer's in Ireland, including day centres, home care, and respite services, as well as offering carer support groups and information to the general public.

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Behavioural therapies

British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies www.babcp.org.uk
The Globe Centre
PO Box 9
Accrington, BB5 0XB
Tel: 01254 875277
email: babcp@babcp.com
The major British CBT organisation with over 3500 members. Details of training events (including Royal College approved CPD events). Accreditation via BABCP and Registration are available.

 

Bereavement

Bereavement Advice Centre www.bereavementadvice.org

Helpline: 0800 634 9494

Supports bereaved people on a range of practical issues via a single freephone number. It offers advice on all aspects of bereavement from registering the death and finding a funeral director through to probate, tax and benefit queries.

 

Brake www.brake.org.uk

BrakeCare Helpline: 0845 603 8570
A national road safety charity which offers help and support to those bereaved in a road crash. Their helpline provides emotional suport and practical iinformation and the website contains lots of advice for all ages, including how to support children bereaved in road crashes.

 

The Child Bereavement Trust www.childbereavement.org.uk

Information and support helpline: 0845 357 1000

Works to help bereaved families where a baby or child has died, or where children are bereaved of someone important in their lives. 

It trains and supports those who come into contact with child bereavement in the course of their work within healthcare, education, social care, the emergency services and the voluntary sector. 

Offers a confidential information and support service for professionals and families, providing a listening ear and signposting to further local and national sources of support.

 

CRUSE - Bereavement Care www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk
126 Sheen Road
Richmond
Surrey TW9 1UR
Tel: 0870 167 1677
email: helpline@crusebereavementcare.org.uk
Offers a service of counselling, advice and opportunities for social contact to all bereaved people. Information on the grieving process, and how to help children grieve are included.

 

Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths www.sids.org.uk/fsid
Artillery House
11-19 Artillery Row
London SW1P 1RT
Tel: 0870 787 0554
email: fsid@sids.org.uk
This charity is devoted to preventing infant deaths, and promoting baby health. They provide support services to those who have lost an infant, as well as information on cot death and advice on avoiding potentially dangerous situations.

 

National Association of Bereavement Services
2 Plough yard
London, EC2A
Tel: 0207 247 1080

 

National Association of Widows www.nawidows.org.uk/
3rd Floor, 48 Queens Road, Coventry, CV1 3EH,  Tel/fax: 0845 838 2261
Email:mailto:info@nawidows.org.uk

A self-help organisation, run by widows, for widows, that offers comfort, friendship and a listening ear to widows and unmarried women who have lost a partner through bereavement.

 

PAPYRUS www.papyrus-uk.org
Rossendale GH
Union Road
Rawtenstall
Lancashire
BB4 6NE
Tel: 01706 214449
email: admin@papyrus-uk.org
PAPYRUS is a set of UK resources for people dealing with suicide, depression, or stress. It is aimed at teenagers and young people. There are sections on help for friends, parents, healthcare professionals, and schools, as well as bereavement support.

 
RoadPeace www.roadpeace.org
A specialist UK charity dedicated to supporting and representing road crash victims. They provide emotional support though their helpline, a network of befrienders, and local groups.
Helpline: 0845 4500 355, 9am - 9pm, 7 days a week.
 

Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society www.uk-sands.org
28 Portland Place
London W1N 4DE.
Tel: 020 7436 5881
'Support for parents and families whose baby is stillborn or dies soon after birth. Largely a support forum and memorial site for grieving families, there is also some information on medical research being done. Leaflets are available on a number of topics.

 

The Way Foundation www.wayfoundation.org.uk
PO Box 6767
Brackley
NN13 6YW
Tel: 0870 011 3450
email: info@wayfoundation.org.uk
An organisation for people who have become widows or widowers at a young age. The foundation has a support group, and the site has links to other relevant sites.

 

Winston's wish www.winstonswish.org.uk
Clara Burgess Centre
Bayshill Rd
Cheltenham
GL50 3AW
Tel: 0845 20 30 40 5
email: info@winstonswish.org.uk
Winston's Wish is a charity that helps children deal with bereavement. There are sections on helping children with the grieving process, including online activities and a 'skymap' of memories where they can remember their loved ones. The helpline helps parents and children with the process of loss.

 

Carers

Carers UK www.carersuk.org
20-25 Glasshouse Yard
London  EC1A 4JT 
Tel: 020 7490 8818
Fax: 020 7490 8824
email: info@carersuk.org
Provides basic information about being a carer, as well as working to raise awareness and provide basic help for carers. Members get a magazine about caring.

 

Crossroads for Carers www.crossroads.org.uk
Crossroads Association
10 Regent Place
Rugby
Warwickshire
CV21 2PN
Tel: 0845 450 0350
email: communications@crossroads.org.uk
Crossroads for Carers is a charity providing 'in home care' and support to carers in the UK. They provide volunteer carers to give the regular carer time off to do things on their own and have a break. There is a scheme finder for people to find services in their area.

 

The Princess Royal Trust for Carers www.carers.org

142 Minories,

London EC3N 1LB

Tel: 020 7480 7788

Fax: 020 7481 4729

email: info@carers.org  

Provide information, advice and support to carers through their national network of 129 Carers Centres.

 

SCBNetwork (Supporting Carers Better) www.scbnetwork.org

Tel: 01372 721 518

Email: sallyanne-davey@together-uk.org

The Supporting Carers Better Network was set up for all people who support carers in mental health in England. It aims to identify and share good practice, and connect people. The forums offer a place for discussion and there is access to news, information, training advice and documents.

 

Children and young people

Advisory Centre for education www.ace-ed.org.uk
1c Aberdeen Studios
22 Highbury Grove
London N5 2DQ
Tel: 0808 800 5793
This organisation provides free advice about state education in England and Wales for 5-16 year olds.

 

At ease www.rethink.org/at-ease
Rethink @ease
30 Tabernacle Street
London, EC2A 4DD
Tel: 020 7330 9100
email: at-ease@rethink.org
Rethink's project aimed at teenagers, this site provides quizzes and information on mental health, provided in a teen-friendly manner. There is also a section on being 'at ease' and coping 'with what life throws at you'.

 

Bullying Online www.bullying.co.uk
email: help@bullying.co.uk
This site offers a range of resources centred around the topic of bullying. On-line help and advice is provided for parents and children, including legal advice and problem pages for both parents and children. In addition, further reading and details of the bullying guidelines issued by the National Association of Head Teachers are also provided.

 

CALM www.thecalmzone.net/Home
Tel: 0800 58 58 58
Depression services for young men living in Manchester, Merseyside, and Bedfordshire. The site addresses some of the issues that might cause depression or anxiety, and offers a free, confidential advice line. There are also stories of people who have used the service.

 

Childline www.childline.org.uk
Tel: 0800 1111
Childline is a registered UK charity that aims to help children and young people in trouble or danger. Resources are provided for both adults and children. A variety of comprehensive factsheets are available on varying aspects of child well being for example bereavement, bullying, child abuse, eating disorders, exam stress and stepfamilies. Information is also provided on how to obtain help for these various problems.

 

CRY-SIS www.cry-sis.org.uk

London WC1N 3XX.
Tel: 020 7404 5011
email: info@cry-sis.org.uk
This organisation provides support for families of babies who cry excessively. There is some advice for soothing the child, a helpline, and a book list of relevant publications.

 

HandsOnScotland

The HandsOnScotland Toolkit is an online resource for anybody working with children and young people. This website is designed to help you make a difference to children and young people's lives, by giving you tools to respond helpfully when they are troubled.

It is a one-stop shop for practical information and techniques on how to respond helpfully to children and young people's troubling behaviour, build up their self-esteem and promote their positive mental wellbeing.

 

Institute of Child Health - University of Newcastle http://www.ncl.ac.uk/medi/research/child_health/
The Sir James Spence Institute of Child Health
Royal Victoria Infirmary, Queen Victoria Road
Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 4LP
Tel: 0191 2023033
The Department of Child Health contains a number of research units, each of which can be accessed through this web site. These include the Metabolic Unit and the North of England Children's Cancer Research Unit. Current research is presented including links to other related sites.

 

ERIC (Education and Resources for Improving Childhood Continence) www.eric.org.uk
34 Old School House
Britannia Road
Kingswood
Bristol BS15 8DB
Tel: 0117 960 3060
email: info@eric.org.uk
ERIC offers advice and support for children with incontinence. The site includes sections for various age groups, parents, and professionals, as well as an online shop for specialty items.

 

Facts for Families www.aacap.org/info_families/index.htm
Facts for Families is a series of over 60 brief factsheets from the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.

 

Great Ormond Street Hospital http://www.childrenfirst.nhs.uk/

Aimed at teenagers, this website acts as a one-stop educational resource, signposting users to further sources of specialist help and information. The content, which has all been clinically approved by Great Ormond Street Hospital, in collaboration with other organisations, covers many aspects of mental health related conditions, treatments and therapies.

 

The Greenwood Institute of Child Health - University of Leicester www.le.ac.uk/greenwood
Westcotes House
Westcotes Drive
Leicester LE3 0QU
UK
Tel: 0116 2252885
Information is provided on current research activity, selected publications from the Institute and links to other relevant information sources.

 

Kidscape www.kidscape.org.uk
2 Grosvenor Gardens
London SW1W 0DH
Tel: 08451 205 204
Kidscape is the registered national children's charity committed to keeping children safe from harm or abuse. Practical information for children and parents on bullying, including leaflets and information booklets on abuse, bullying and abduction.

 

National Children's Bureau www.ncb.org.uk
8 Wakley Street
London EC1V 7QE
Tel: 020 7843 6000
The National Children's Bureau is a registered UK charity that aims to identify and promote the interests and well being of children and young people. Information is provided on membership, conferences and seminars, research, publications and associated bodies. Links are provided to the Early Childhood Unit, the Policy Unit and the Children's Residential Care Unit. In addition the site hosts forums on children and violence, drug education and sex education.

 

National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) www.nspcc.org.uk/html/home/home.htm
Weston House
42 Curtain Road
London EC2A 3NH.
Tel: 0808 800 5000
The NSPCC is a registered charity that is concerned with child protection and the prevention of cruelty to children. General information is provided about the maltreatment of children, news, campaign details including details on how to obtain support.

 

Parentline Plus www.parentlineplus.org.uk
Tel: 0808 800 2222
A charity offering support and advice to anyone parenting a child. Information is given generally or for specific ages. There are 'hot topics' and news articles in addition to tools for handling difficult situations and online and telephone support services.

 

Schools Health Education Unit (SHEU) - University of Exeter www.sheu.org.uk/index.htm
SHEU
Renslade House
Bonhay Road
Exeter EX4 3AY
Tel: 01392 667272
This site offers survey, research and evaluation services to those concerned with the health and social development of young people. Information on current publications including issues such as bullying, weapons and drugs and provides access to a complete publications list. In addition, details of the survey services offered by the SHEU, follow-up services for schools and for health authorities are also provided.

 

The Site www.thesite.org/
YouthNet UK
3rd Floor
2-3 Upper Street
London
N1 0PH
Tel: 020 7226 8008
A health guidance site for young adults, offering factsheets and information on aspects of health that concern young people. It includes basic information about mental health, as well as advice and discussion forums.

 

Teenage Health Freak www.teenagehealthfreak.org/homepage/index.asp
Website primarily aimed at younger teens. Has a large question and answer section that users can write in to. The main focuses are alcohol and drugs, weight issues, and teenage body changes. There is also a blog from a teenager that kids may be able to relate to.

 

Trust for the Study of Adolescence (TSA) www.tsa.uk.com
23 New Road
Brighton BN1 1W2
Tel: 01273 693311
Information is provided about the trust itself including access to resources relevant for parents and teenagers on a variety of adolescent issues. In addition, information is provided on research carried out and training and professional development programmes offered by the trust. This site is easy to navigate providing access to a range of comprehensive information

 

YoungMinds www.youngminds.org.uk
102-108 Clerkenwell Road
London EC1M 5SA
Tel: 020 7336 8445
YoungMinds is a national charity that promotes the mental health of children and young people. Resources available include on-line leaflets, resource sheets, YoungMinds publications, including details of the contents of the YoungMinds magazine and links to other relevant Internet sites.

 

Youthnet (Voluntary Youth Network for Northern Ireland) www.youthnetni.org.uk/youthnet/default.asp
The Warehouse
7 James Street South
Belfast BT2 8DN
Tel: 028 90331880
Youthnet is an 'umbrella agency' for voluntary youth organisations in Northern Ireland which provides services, promotion, and help to the members of its network. Information is provided about Youthnet, including aims, activities, funding, services offered and access to an on-line newsletter.

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Depression

AWARE www.aware.ie
72 Lower Leeson Street
Dublin
Ireland
Tel: 00 353 890 303 302
Assists and supports those suffering from depression and their families in Ireland. A helpline is available as well as support groups, lectures, and current research on depression.

 

Aware Defeat Depression www.aware-ni.org

66 Donegall Street                          

Belfast                                            

BT1 2GT                                          

Tel: 08451 20 29 61

email help@aware-ni.org

Assists and supports those suffering from depression and their families in Northen Ireland. A helpline is available as well as support groups, lectures, and current research on depression.
 

Depression Alliance www.depressionalliance.org
P0 Box 1022
35 Westminister Bridge Road,
London SE1 7JB
Tel: 0845 123 23 20
Information, support and understanding for people who suffer with depression and for relatives who want to help. Self help groups, information, and awareness raising for depression.

 

Depression Alliance (Scotland)
3 Grosvenor Gardens
Edinburgh
EH12 5JU
Tel: 0131 467 3050
email: info@dascot.org

 
Depression Alliance Cymru (Wales)
11 Plas Melin
Westbourne Road
Whitchurch
Cardiff
CF14 2BT
email: wales@depressionalliance.org
 
 
Depression UK (Previously the Fellowship of Depressives Anonymous)

http://www.depressionuk.org/
Self Help House
32-36 Pelham Street
Nottingham, NG1 2EG
Tel: 0870 774 4320
email: info@depressionuk.org

Organisation run as a source of support for sufferers, complementary to professional care. Offers some basic information about depression and its treatment, as well as running a helpline.

Drugs and alcohol

Addaction www.addaction.org.uk
67-69 Cowcross Street
London EC1M 6PU
Tel: 020 7251 5860
email: info@addaction.org.uk
A wide variety of information on drugs and alcohol addiction, including diagnosis and treatment, but also including information on taking drugs more safely, and an individual's rights upon arrest. There are sections for families and young people.

 

Al-Anon Family Group www.al-anonuk.org.uk/
61 Gt. Dover Street
London SE1 4YF
Tel: 020 7403 0888.
Support group for friends and families of alcoholics. Includes a frequently asked questions section, pamphlets and other literature, and information on group meetings in the UK.

 

Alcohol Concern www.alcoholconcern.org.uk
Waterbridge House
32-36 Loman Street
London SE1 0EE.
Tel: 0I71 928 7377
email: contact@alcoholconcern.org.uk
This site provides information and articles on a range of topics surrounding alcoholism. Includes 18 excellent factsheets crammed with information that would be very useful for professionals such as Alcohol and the Law and Drink-drive accidents, a search engine, and a good list of alcohol related links.

 

Alcohol Focus Scotland www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk
2nd Floor
166 Buchanan Street
Glasgow
G1 2LW
Tel: 0141 572 6700
email: enquiries@alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk
The national volunteer organisation for alcohol issues in Scotland. Provides information about alcohol, including legal matters, frequently asked questions, and tips for safe drinking.

 

Alcoholics Anonymous www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk
Tel: 0845 769 7555
email: aanewcomer@runbox.com
Contact details for all English AA meetings. There is a quiz to determine whether AA is the right type of organisation for an individual, and a frequently asked question section about AA and alcoholism.

 

Alcoholics Anonymous Ireland www.alcoholicsanonymous.ie
General Service Office, 109 South Circular Road
Leonard's Corner
Dublin 8, Ireland
Tel: 353 1 4538998
email: ala@indigo.ie
This site provides information about the organisation, as well as contact numbers for local services. There is also a magazine for members.

 

Drinkline London
Tel: 0800 917 8282
Information in alcohol for anyone worried about their drinking or someone else's. Facts about alcohol use and advice for where to get help or further information.

 

Drinksense www.gurney.co.uk/drinksense/default.htm
79a Eastfield Road
Peterborough PE1 4AS
Tel: 01733 347105
email: drinksense@netcom.co.uk
Drinksense provides counselling, information, and support for individuals with alcohol related problems and their families. There are factsheets, links to related bodies, and a telephone helpline, as well as information for families.

 

Excess all areas www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/onelife/fun/health/excess/index.shtml
Part of the BBC website, this site consists of an interactive 'virtual clubber' who will 'take the drugs for you'. Highlights the effects of each drug or combination on the body.

 

Institute of Alcohol Studies www.ias.org.uk
Alliance House
12 Caxton Street
London
SW1H 0QS
Tel: 0207 222 4001
email: info@ias.org.uk
The IAS is a charity aimed at improving education about alcohol in the UK. The site provides publications on alcohol, as well as news. There are a large number of factsheets dealing with all aspects of alcohol in society, complete with facts and figures.

 

NHS Smoking Helpline www.givingupsmoking.co.uk
Tel: 0800 169 0169
This site is produced to help individuals stop smoking. It offers information on the harmful effects of cigarettes, as well as tips for giving up and not starting again. There is also an 'ask the expert' feature for site users to ask specific questions.

 

Northern Ireland Community Addiction Service
40 Elmwood Avenue
Belfast BT9 6AZ.
Tel: 01232 664 434
NICAS is a registered charity working at community level providing a service for people who are abusing alcohol and drugs and dealing with people who are concerned about alcohol and drugs. The treatment service provides individually tailored treatment programmes to individuals and, if necessary, their family. All counsellors are professionally trained and offer counselling on a one-to-one basis.

 

Release www.release.org.uk
388 Old Street
London EC1V 9LT
Tel: 0845 4500 215
email: ask@release.org.uk
Provides drug, legal, and human rights information. The organisation produces a range of educational literature, including 'bust cards' for with information about peoples' rights upon arrest. The site also includes extensive information on a number of illegal drugs.

 

Talk to Frank www.talktofrank.com
Tel: 0800 776600
email: frank@talktofrank.com
Free, confidential drug information, aimed at young people. The site provides fairly bias-free information on most recreational drugs, information on getting help, and support for people worried about friends and relatives. There is also a telephone helpline.

 

Turning Point www.turning-point.co.uk
New Loom House
101 Backchurch lane
London
E1 1LU
Tel: 020 7702 2300
email: info@turning-point.co.uk
Turning Point is a large national charity helping people with drink, drug, mental health and learning disabilities. They provide services as well as a list of services in a given area.

 

Web of Addictions www.well.com/user/woa
The site provides factual information about alcohol and other drug addictions, in order to combat misinformation. The site includes factsheets and materials relevant to individual drugs, links to Internet resources related to addictions and places to get help.

 

Eating disorders

beat http://www.b-eat.co.uk/

(formerly the Eating Disorders Association)
103 Prince of Wales Road, Norwich NR1 1DW.
beat is the main British charitable organisation providing independent information about eating disorders. This comprehensive website provides accurate information about the main eating disorders. Also included is information on eating disorders for male sufferers, sportspeople and older people, issues that are frequently omitted from other web sites. For young people there are interactive user-friendly pages to help them identify if they may have an eating disorder followed by practical, sensible advice regarding help available. Details of the youth and adult telephone help-lines are provided and there is a wealth of information about beat and other self-help and support groups.
 
Body Whys http://www.bodywhys.ie/
PO BOX 105
Blackrock
Co Dublin
Ireland
Tel: 1890 200 444
Information about eating disorders, coupled with online support and advocacy. Large selection of links applicable to both Ireland and the rest of the UK.
 

Eating Disorders Unit - Research and Information web1.iop.kcl.ac.uk/Extras/EatHealthy/frontispiece.html
This site is the website of the Eating Disorders Unit at the Institute of Psychiatry. There are sections for service users, carers, and health care providers offering information and on-line resources on a broad range of topics, including early recognition of eating disorders, evidence-based treatments of eating disorders, risk assessment and management, confidentiality, eating disorders and the mental health act and many other topics. There are also research sections giving an overview of current studies the unit is involved in with links to more detailed information about each.

 

Lucy Serpell's Eating Disorders Resources Page www.grrr.demon.co.uk/eat.html
This is a site written by a British academic and updated on a regular basis. It provides useful resources for those seeking information about eating disorders including links to journals, other academic sources, conferences and information about national and international treatment centres. It is a good first line source for academics and clinicians.

 

Mirror Mirror www.mirror-mirror.org/eatdis.htm
This is a website aimed at sufferers of eating disorders. It puts a lot of emphasis on the need to deal with emotional issues but also gives sufferers practical tips about how to begin to eat more normally and help prevent relapse. There is a useful "myths and realities" page and a "survivors wall" where people in recovery can share their thoughts.

 
National Centre for Eating Disorders www.eating-disorders.org.uk
An independent organisation set up to provide solutions for all eating problems, compulsive or "binge" eating, failed or "yo-yo" dieting, bulimia and anorexia. Their services include: counselling, professional training and information. The website also includes information for men with an eating disorder.
 

Overeaters Anonymous www.oa.org
Overeaters Anonymous is an international charity supporting people with obesity and compulsive-eating disorders. Support groups meet around the country to help members deal with underlying issues as well as weight concerns. Descriptions of compulsive-eating disorder are provided. The site is mostly aimed at patients.

 

Something Fishy www.something-fishy.org
This describes itself as a "pro-recovery" site and is compiled by an American woman recovered from anorexia nervosa and her husband. Its approach is particularly orientated towards sufferers. Although there is some factual information about diagnoses, medical complications and current research the emphasis is on helping sufferers explore the emotional issues underlying the disorders. There are practical tips on alternative coping strategies, methods to help increase motivation, self-esteem and body image. This is presented in various formats including personal stories, poems and songs. Medical professionals may find the pages entitled "tips for doctors" and a "they said what?" (quoting unhelpful comments made by medical professionals) section.

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Elderly

Action on Elder Abuse www.elderabuse.org.uk
email: enquiries@elderabuse.org.uk
This national organisation was established in 1993 by a multidisciplinary group of practitioners, academics and representatives of the voluntary sector who were concerned about the lack of information and assistance for those who were abused or were at risk of abusing. It has a national profile and the organisation provides information, a telephone helpline, affordable training and also lobbies for changes in the law and promote good practice.

 

Age Concern www.ace.org.uk
Age Concern England
Astral House
1268 London Road
London SW16 4ER
Tel: 020 8765 7200
An excellent site, providing information and advice to older people and their carers, including over 40 in depth, full text factsheets and a similar number of reading lists from abuse to transport, and an extensive list of links to related web sites.

 

Age Exchange www.age-exchange.org.uk
The Reminiscence Centre
11 Blackheath Village
London SE3 9LA
Tel: 020 8318 9105
email: administrator@age-exchange.org.uk
Age Exchange is a unique organisation which "aims to improve the quality of life for older people by emphasising the value of their memories to old and young, through pioneering artistic, educational, and welfare activities". It runs courses 'reminiscence projects', and publishes manuals on reminiscence for professionals (including publications which deal with dementia and ethnic elders), provides 'reminiscence boxes' resources to encourage reminiscence, and has a professional reminiscence theatre group.

 

Counsel and Care www.counselandcare.org.uk
Twyman House
16 Bonny Street
London. NW1 9PG
Tel: 0845 300 7585
email: advice@counselandcare.org.uk
Counsel and Care helps older people with a wide range of issues. Their work is mainly advice given largely by telephone, letter and advice sheets. The organisation also carries out studies on the quality of care of older people including elder abuse dementia depression user participation restraint and risk taking and the difficulties of looking for a care home.

 

Help The Aged www.helptheaged.org.uk
207-221 Pentonville Road
London N1 9UZ
Tel: (020) 7278 1114
email: info@helptheaged.org.uk
Provides information and support to improve the quality of life of elderly people. Advice is given, including an 'ask the expert' feature. Links to organisations that help with independent living are given, as well as leaflets on topics such as benefits claims.

Gender

The Gender Trust www.gendertrust.org.uk

PO Box 3192
Brighton BN1 3WR
United Kingdom
Tel : 01273 234024
email: info@gendertrust.org.uk
The Gender Trust offers information and support to Transsexual, Gender Dysphoric and Transgender people. It also offers information and support for their families, partners and friends.

 

General health advice

BBC Homepage www.bbc.co.uk
This site provides up to date news and archives of media stories. The main page can be searched for individual topics, including mental health and stigma. This is a very large site with a lot of interesting features and articles.

 

Department of Health www.dh.gov.uk/Home/fs/en
Richmond House
79 Whitehall
London SW1A 2NL
Tel: 0207 210 4850
email: dhmail@dh.gsi.gov.uk
The Department of Health's aim is to improve health and well being and to promote effective care for those who need it. Information on publications, press releases, research and links to the Public Health Group, the NHS Executive and the Social Care Group. The site also provides information on statistics and surveys, including links to the Government Statistics Service 'StatBase', through which national statistics can be accessed on-line.

Health News UK www.health-news.co.uk
This site offers a information on a large range of health topics, including mental health. Most of these consist of a definition of the topic and a number of associated links, if available.

 

NHS Direct www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
Tel: 0845 46 47
The site provides access to information and advice about healthy living, healthcare, illness including conditions and treatment, and health services with an A-Z guide to the NHS. In addition, frequently asked questions are answered on a variety of issues relating to health and illness.

 

Patient UK www.patient.co.uk
This site offers information and contact details for a wide range of health services. There are sections on advice for various conditions, support groups, information leaflets, and links to related organisations.

 

General mental health advice

BBC Mental Health www.bbc.co.uk/health/mental
This subsection of the BBC homepage provides detailed information about various aspects of mental health for both patients and carers. There is advice on treatment options, frequently asked questions, and coping strategies.

 

E-mental-Health.com www.emental-health.com
This site offers information on mental health (primarily alzheimer's, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression). News, key facts, and background about treatment are coupled with a discussion forum and large set of links to related resources.

 

Help is at Hand www.rcpsych.ac.uk/info//help/index.htm
The Royal College of Psychiatrists series of leaflets were first published on the web over three years ago and have been read by tens of thousands of people. The leaflets can be printed out from this site.

 

Internet Mental Health www.mentalhealth.com
Internet Mental Health is an award-winning site that provides a wealth of information on mental and emotional disorders and their treatment. There is a large section on medication and side effects. There is information on 52 types of mental disorder which includes descriptions, diagnosis, treatment, and research findings. The site includes an "online diagnosis" feature that, as the site notes, is not a substitute for seeing a trained mental health professional.

 

Mental Health Care www.mentalhealthcare.org.uk
Mental health information and the latest research from the Institute of Psychiatry and the South London and Maudsley NHS Trust. This site is particularly suited to the friends, family and carers of anyone with a mental illness.

 
Mental Health Forum www.mentalhealthforum.net
A community where members can get mutual support, and discuss mental health policy and service development issues. This forum serves people experiencing mental health issues, their friends or relatives, and people working in the mental health field (from support worker to service manager and from nurses to psychologists and psychiatrists).
 

The Mental Health Foundation www.mentalhealth.org.uk
Sea Containers House
20 Upper Ground
London
SE1 9QB
Tel: 020 7803 1100
email: mhf@mhf.org.uk
The Mental Health Foundation aims to help people dealing with any aspect of mental health. Their site offers information on different mental health problems, as well as news and treatments/coping strategies.

 

Mental Health Ireland www.mentalhealthireland.ie/default.asp
Mensana House
6 Adelaide Street
Dun Laoghaire
Co Dublin, Ireland
Tel: 01 284 1166
email: information@mentalhealthireland.ie
Works to support mental health in Ireland, and to assist people with mental health problems. The site offers information on various mental health problems, types of treatment, and medicines.

 

MIND www.mind.org.uk
Granta House
15-19 Broadway
London E15 4BQ.
Tel: 0845 766 0163
email: contact@mind.org.uk
Provides information and advocacy services for people with mental health problems. Frequently asked questions on both mental health and legal matters are available. Also information on the MIND CHI project to evaluate mental health care in the NHS.

 

Mind Cymru (Wales)
3rd Floor, Quebec House
Castlebridge
5-19 Cowbridge Road East
Cardiff, CF11 9AB
Tel: 02920 39 51 23

 

Mind Out mindout.clarity.uk.net
Freepost LON15335
London SE1 1BR
This is an excellent site which sets out the work of the 'Mind Out for Mental Health' campaign, co-ordinated by the Department of Health. They call this an "active campaign to stop the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health". This site is an 'active' site with lots of information for young people, employers, the media and the general public. There are surveys, messages, images, masses of information and resources and some personal stories.

 

Psych Central psychcentral.com
This site provides basic facts about a wide range of mental health disorders. There are also book reviews, a news-blog, self-assessment quizzes, and information about medicines for mental health conditions.

 

Psych Web www.psywww.com
Resources available include on-line books, brochures and journals. In addition, the site provides links to other psychology-related web sites and a comprehensive list of on-line psychology journals, many of which are relevant to child and adolescent mental health. Self-help resources containing information about psychological disorders, including those relevant to children and adolescents are also accessible.

 

Psychiatry24x7 www.psychiatry24x7.com
Interesting site offering information about various mental health issues. Offers 'self-check' options, news, and tips for having successful visits to the doctor.

 

Rethink www.rethink.org
28 Castle Street
Kingston-upon-Thames
Surrey, KT1 1SS
Tel: 020 8974 6814
email: info@rethink.org
A national voluntary organisation that helps people with a severe mental illness, their families and carers. Rethink has 160 members' support groups, produces a variety of publications and operates a range of services including employment projects, day care centres, drop-in facilities, training initiatives and accommodation schemes across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

 

Rural Minds www.mind.org.uk/About+Mind/Networks/ruralMinds
c/o South Staffs CVS
1 Stafford Street, Brewood
Staffs ST19 9DX
Tel: 01902 850060
email: ruralminds@ruralnet.org.uk
Part of Mind, Rural Minds seeks to help people living in rural areas with mental health issues.

 

Samaritans www.samaritans.org.uk
The Upper Mill
Kingston Road
Ewell, Surrey, KT17 2AF
Tel: 08457 90 90 90
email: jo@samaritans.org
National organisation offering support to those in distress who feel suicidal or despairing and need someone to talk to. Samaritans have 204 branches around the country open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The telephone number of your local branch can be found in the telephone directory.

 
SANE http://www.sane.org.uk/
1st Floor, Cityside House
40 Adler st
London E1 1EE
Helpline: 0845 767 8000 (open 1pm-11pm every day).
Email: sanemail@sane.org.uk

SANE is a national mental health charity which aims to raise awareness of mental illness and campaign to improve services and initiate and fund research into the causes of serious mental illness through its research centre. Information and emotional support is also provided to anyone affected by mental illness via the helpline, SANEline and by email, via SANEmail.

 

Journals

British Journal of Psychiatry, Psychiatric Bulletin and Advances in Psychiatric Treatment www.rcpsych.org
Access to full text is limited to subscribers only; but access to tables of contents (eTOCs), abstracts, and the ability to search full text, will continue to be available.
Each journal has a "view current and future titles" facility and an Issue can be selected from the Archive. The BJP has an Archive of all online Issues from September 1965 to the present. There is an Archive containing tables of contents only from September 1965 to September 1975 whilst abstracts are available from March 1975 to December 1999. Full Texts and abstracts are available for all three journals from January 2000 to the present. Older Issues of the BJP can be ordered from services such as Ingenta.

 

British Medical Journal bmj.bmjjournals.com
This site offers the full text of all articles published in the weekly BMJ since January 1994. This is probably the best online general medical journal to date. Access to the entire site is free and the BMJ will give at least six months' notice of any change in policy. The site allows searches, and also has some extra features such as customised alerts which allow users to select the topics on which they want to be kept informed rather than to receive a full table of contents. There is also a website called Netprints launched in December 1999 which provides a place for authors to archive their completed studies - before, during or after peer review by other agencies. Its scope is original research into clinical medicine and health. The BMJ website provides additional links to PubMed/Medline and to classified jobs, courses and career adverts.

 

Cochrane Collaboration www.cochrane.org/index0.htm
The UK Cochrane Centre
Summertown Pavilion
Middle Way
Oxford OX2 7LG
Tel: 01865 516300
email: general@cochrane.co.uk
Large database of evidence-based health studies. There are also systematic reviews of their findings. Designed to supply high quality evidence to inform people receiving care and those responsible for research, teaching, funding and administration at all levels. The entire Cochrane library can be accessed freely and without a password through the link above. This includes the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR); the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effectiveness (DARE), the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (CCTR) and other sources of information. CDSR looks at regularly updated reviews of the effects of health care and DARE provides critical assessments and structured abstracts of good systematic reviews published elsewhere. CCTR gives bibliographic information on controlled trials and other sources of information covers the science of reviewing research and evidence-based health care.

 

Current Opinion in Psychiatry www.co-psychiatry.com/pt/re/copsych/home.htm
Current Opinion in Psychiatry is published as a full electronic version from the BioMedNet service. Table of contents and abstracts are available free of charge to any registered BioMedNet user and full text (in pdf format, which requires Adobe Acrobat Reader) of articles for a fee. Current Opinion updates readers on clinical and research advances in Psychiatry and includes a yearly review of the field. The site is comprehensive and part of the larger current opinion series covering other areas of medicine.

 

High Wire Press highwire.org
This site produces 213 sites online accessing 175,217 free full text articles. Its approach is not simply to mount electronic images of printed pages but rather, by adding links among authors, articles and citations it allows advanced searching capabilities, high-resolution images and multimedia. The electronic versions provide interaction with the information provided in the printed journals.

 

Ingenta www.ingentaconnect.com/;jsessionid=76qb906971st3.victoria
Offers a large selection of academic and medical journals, including online access to the British Journal of Psychiatry, Psychiatric Bulletin, and Advances in Psychiatric Treatment. Articles can be purchased individually, or a subscription can be obtained.

 

International Review of Psychiatry tandf.catchword.com/titles/09540261.htm
International Review of Psychiatry is published from the Institute of Psychiatry, University of London and the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, John Hopkins University School of Medicine. Table of contents are available from March 1996 to the present. The full text electronic format of this journal is available free to subscribers of the print version. Subscription details are provided on this site. Each article provides 'a comprehensive, topical accounts of a particular subject and is edited by a distinguished guest Editor, recognised as an international authority in the speciality under review'.

 

Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry jnnp.bmjjournals.com
Covers the field of clinical neurological practice. Articles are included on common diseases such as cerebrovascular disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, epilepsy and peripheral neuropathy. Tables of contents are provided from January 1996 to the present. It is published by the BMJ Publishing Group.

 

Journal of Pediatric Psychology jpepsy.oupjournals.org
Information is provided about the journal including aims and scope, editorial information and details on how to subscribe. In addition, the user has access to the abstracts of articles published in older issues of the journal In order to obtain access to full-text articles on-line however, the user has to be a subscriber and is required to register.

 

Journal of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine www.ccspublishing.com/j_ped.htm
A list of contents of, and access to, the current issue of the journal. It also allows the user to search the medical library and previous issues of the journal. In order to gain full access to this site users do need to subscribe however, which is not free of charge.

 

Journal of Psychiatry Online www.ccspublishing.com/j_psych.htm
This site provides contents for the current issue of the journal of Psychiatry Online, a peer reviewed digest of current psychiatric management. Some full text articles are available free of charge; some are only available to subscribers. Previous issues are available only to subscribers. Review articles are listed on psychotic and affective disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders as well as original contributions and information on continuing medical education. It is published by Current Clinical Strategies Publishing for health professionals.

 

NCBI PubMed (for Medline) www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi
Citations for biomedical articles covering the last 60 years. Provides a search form to locate relevant articles.

 

OMNI omni.ac.uk
OMNI is a large resource of sources of health information aimed at students, researchers, academics and practitioners in the health and medical sciences. It is UK based.

 

Psychiatry Online www.priory.co.uk
A peer reviewed online journal of Psychiatry, Appearing monthly. It contains articles, opinion, letters, reports and a situations vacant Section. An archive of peer-reviewed articles is being maintained. A page of links to Psychiatry resources world-wide is available, although no description of the resources included is given.

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Learning/Developmental disabilities

ADDISS www.addiss.co.uk
10 Station Road
Mill HIll
London NW7 2JU
Tel: 020 8906 9068
email: info@addiss.co.uk
The National Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Service provides people-friendly information and resources about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder to anyone who needs assistance - parents, sufferers, teachers or health professionals.

 

AFASIC - Association for all speech impaired children www.afasic.org.uk
2nd Floor
50-52 Great Sutton Street
London EC1V 0DJ
Tel: 0845 3 55 55 77
email: info@afasic.org.uk
Parent-led organisation for children and young people with speech impairments. Provides information about various problems, techniques and treatments, news, and a helpline.

 

Ann Craft Trust www.anncrafttrust.org
The Ann Craft Trust
Centre for Social Work
University of Nottingham
University Park
Nottingham NG7 2RD
Tel: 0115 9515400
This association is dedicated to the protection from abuse of adults and children with learning disabilities. The website provides information mainly to workers in the field on becoming a member, relevant publications, research and training.

 

Autism Frequently Asked Questions Memo www.vaporia.com/autism/autism.faq.html
The site is in the form of a documentation of facts about autism. Information is provided on the definition of terms, book references, useful organisations and treatment programs. There is also information about controversies surrounding autism and famous people with the condition.

 

Autistic Society www.autisticsociety.org/
An excellent and easily navigable site providing lots of information about most aspects of autism and Asperger's syndrome. There are links to current medical research, news updates, and medications. There are also forums for carers, lists of alternative treatments, and advice on various legal issues.

 

BREAK www.break-charity.org
Davison House
1 Montague Road
Sheringham
Norfolk NR26 8WN.
Tel: 01263 822161
email: Office@break-charity.org
Charity for people and carers with special needs. The charity arranges holidays (with or without other family members) for the special needs individual at resorts with trained carers to give family members time off from caring.

 

British Dyslexia Association www.bda-dyslexia.org.uk/main/home/index.asp
98 London Road,
Reading,
RG1 5AU
Tel: 0118 966 8271
email: info@dyslexiahelp-bda.demon.co.uk
The BDA aims to help create a dyslexia-friendly society. It promotes early identification and support, and works with dyslexics in the criminal justice system. The site provides information about the charity's work, and a wide range of information about dyslexia and various strategies for addressing the needs of a dyslexic individual.

 

Contact a Family www.cafamily.org.uk
209-211 City Road
London EC1V 1JN
Tel: 0808 808 3555
email: info@cafamily.org.uk
Contact a Family is a UK charity which helps families who care for children with any disability or special need. They are a main source of information about rare disorders and are able to assist affected adults as well as children. The site is easily searchable, and information on a wide range of conditions is easily accessible to parents, carers and professionals, with the option of ordering further items.

 

Department of Health Learning Disabilities Web site
www.dh.gov.uk/PolicyAndGuidance/HealthAndSocialCareTopics/LearningDisabilities/fs/en
This site aims to provide up to date information from the Government for professionals in the field, and is working on being accessible to learning disabled people themselves. Content is comprehensive, navigation easy and there are an impressive number of links and essential downloadable pdf documents.

 

Down's Syndrome Association www.downs-syndrome.org.uk
Langdon Down Centre
2a Langdon Park
Teddington, TW11 9PS
Tel: 0845 230 0372
email: info@downs-syndrome.org.uk
Information for living successfully with Down's Syndrome. Facts and reassurance for parents, a members group with news, literature and research. There is also an online magazine for people with Down's Syndrome.

 

Epilepsy Action www.epilepsy.org.uk
New Anstey House
Gate Way Drive
Yeadon
LEEDS
LS19 7XY
Tel: 0808 800 5050
email: epilepsy@epilepsy.org.uk
This site provides information to epileptics of all ages and those working with them. Interesting features include chat facility and online shop. Smart and easy to navigate, site search available. Up to date news, and many contact points.

 

Evidence Based Bulletins Wales - Learning Disabilities hebw.uwcm.ac.uk/learningdisabilities/index.htm
Thorough review of evidence on various aspects of the management of people with LD. Scientific overviews of many aspects of LD. Feedback can be given by email: or online form.

 

Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities www.learningdisabilities.org.uk
Research organisation working with people with Learning Disabilities to improve their quality of life. Site has variety of information and research findings, mainly on services and support systems. Very professionally laid out for fast loading and navigation. guestbook, gallery, bulletin boards and forums encouraging contributions from all.

 

IPSEA (independent panel for special education advice) www.ipsea.org.uk
6 Carlow Mews
Woodbridge
Suffolk IP12 1EA
Tel: 0800 0184 016
IPSEA exists to ensure that children with special education needs are given the benefits to which they are entitled. They provide free, independent advice on local authorities' legal responsibilities, in an attempt to see that all of these children are diagnosed and provided for.

 

Learning about Intellectual Disabilities and Health www.intellectualdisability.info
A website presenting commissioned information about various aspects of Learning Disabilities, for all people. Provides a wealth of information on many aspects of learning disability, in the form of articles. The site is somewhat skewed towards Down's Syndrome. There is also a 'walking tour' of learning disability psychiatry for people interested in studying it as part of their psychiatric training.

 

MENCAP (Royal Society for Mentally Handicapped Children and Adults) www.mencap.org.uk
123 Golden Lane
London EC1Y 0RT
Tel: 0808 808 1111
email: help@mencap.org.uk
Provides support services for people with disabilities. The site has pages that are designed to be easy to use for people with disability. There are also audio functions for those who cannot read. Information on housing, jobs, education, and leisure pursuits.

 

National Autistic Society www.nas.org.uk
393 City Road
London EC1V 1NG
Tel: 020 7833 2299
email: nas@nas.org.uk
Largest UK charity working for people with autistic spectrum disorders. Useful list of publications, information and comprehensive set of links to autism sites. Content for professionals as well as those with such disorders and their families. Independently accredited as being accessible. The site also includes the PARIS database of support groups, schools, and services for people with autistic spectrum disorders within the UK.

 

National Society for Epilepsy www.epilepsynse.org.uk
Chesham Lane
Chalfont St Peter
Bucks SL9 0RJ
Tel: 01494 601400
This site is mainly geared towards patients, and includes a number of factsheets on treatments for epilepsy, as well as tips for living with epilepsy (including information on life stages, such as pregnancy). There is also a knowledge quiz, forum for users, and a membership scheme that allows individuals to keep up with the latest research.

 

Norah Fry Research Centre www.bris.ac.uk/Depts/NorahFry
Research centre producing research on services and lives of people with Learning Disabilities. Has a variety of publications including online documents and a Strategies For Change section giving advice on the implementation of "Valuing People". Simple to navigate through, regular updates, numerous points of contact

 

On-line Asperger Syndrome Information and Support (OASIS) www.udel.edu/bkirby/asperger
Information is provided about related disorders, social skills, education, including links to research papers and support groups. There are also sections for children, and to express thoughts about autism.

 

Online Learning Disabilities Textbook www.ldbook.co.uk/Book.htm
A very good online book, especially for trainees just starting a learning disabilities post, could be downloaded to a laptop or handheld PC. Simple layout but a wealth of basic information.

 

Pediatric Development Behaviour Homepage www.dbpeds.org
This site is designed to promote effective treatment and outcome for children and families affected by learning, developmental and behavioural problems. The site provides access to clinical and educational information including short articles for parents, links to other relevant Internet sites, job and research opportunities and hosts a developmental and behavioural paediatrics discussion list for professionals.

 

MAMH - European Association of Intellectual Disability Medicine www.mamh.net
A European group organised to promote all aspects of the study of the medical (including psychiatric) needs of people with Learning Disabilities. Includes a description of services in various countries and long list of links. This group seem to be doing an interesting and important service.

 

Manic Depression

Bipolar 4 All www.bipolar4all.co.uk 

This website aims to provide factual information on bipolar affective disorder and the treatments available, as well as information and support for anyone affected by bipolar disorder.

 

Bipolar Fellowship Scotland www.bipolarscotland.org.uk
Studio 1016
Mile End Mill
Seedhill
Paisley
PA1 1TJ
Tel: 0141 560 2050
email: info@bipolarscotland.org.uk
Information about Manic Depression, including self help groups. Also runs a legal information helpline. There is a self-assessment tool, and a section on employment advice.

 

The Manic Depression Fellowship www.mdf.org.uk
Castle Works
21 St George`s Road
London, SE1 6ES
Tel: 08456 340 540.
email: mdf@mdf.org.uk
Information about Manic Depression, including self help groups. Also runs a legal information helpline. There is a self-assessment tool, and a section on employment advice.

 

Manic Depression Fellowship Wales www.manicdepressionwales.org.uk
1 Palmyra Place
Newport
South Wales
United Kingdom
NP20 4EJ
Tel: 08456 340 080
email: info@mdfwales.org.uk

 

Pendulum www.pendulum.org
Site for information on bipolar disorder and related disorders. Information about BPD, articles, books, humor, related disorders, medications, links, and support.

Mental Health Act

Institute of Mental Health Law www.imhl.com
P.O. Box 5721
Belper
Derbyshire, DE56 2YU
Tel: 01773 550 900
email: imhl@imhl.com
This organisation was set up to ensure that its members are kept fully up to date with mental health law. They run training courses and send out newsletters to members.

 

The Mental Health Act, Mental Health law, and related matters www.markwalton.net
This is easily the best site about the Act. Designed and maintained by Mark Walton, it contains the whole of the act and the code of practice. It also contains information about the Human Rights Act, consent and capacity. There is extensive coverage of the latest court judgements and links to related items in the news. There is also Information about Scotland's provisions.

 

The Scottish Executive's REVIEW OF THE MENTAL HEALTH (SCOTLAND) ACT 1984 www.scotland.gov.uk/millan
Contains a Report on the Review of the Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984 and related publications.

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Miscellaneous

The Back-up Trust www.backuptrust.org.uk
The Business Village
Broomhill Road
London SW18 4JQ
Tel: 020 8875 1805
email: admin@backuptrust.org.uk
A charity to help people with spinal injuries rebuild their self-confidence and independence. The trust provides a number of physical activity courses a year, including skiing, trekking, canoeing, and skydiving, among others.

Critical Psychiatry www.uea.ac.uk/~wp276/psychiatryanti.htm
The Critical Psychiatry Website provides resources to other sites and a selection of articles critical of psychiatry. It also gives information about e-groups and bulletin boards. There are links to a selection of psychiatric system survivor sites.

 

Doctors Guide www.docguide.com
The site boasts of access to over 1000 peer reviewed journals, medical news and a wide range of condition-specific channels. It provides links to Medline, free email: updates in your area of interest and a handy list of conferences and meetings in the medical world.

 

Doctor's Support Network www.dsn.org.uk
38 Harwood Road
Fulham
London SW6 4PH
Tel: 0870 321 0642
email: lizzie@dsn.org.uk
The Doctor's Support Network (DSN) is a self-help group for doctors who have been troubled at some stage in their lives.

 

Health Development Agency www.hda-online.org.uk
Holborn Gate
330 High Holborn
London WC1V 7BA
Tel: 020 7430 0850
email: communications@hda-online.org.uk
This site promotes health and reduce health inequality at a national and international level. Information on health policy, programmes of activity, research incorporating reviews of practice and health updates, conferences and events. In addition, details of leaflets, books, booklets and training packs published by the HDA are available.

 

Health and Safety Executive www.hse.gov.uk
Tel: 08701 545500
The Health and Safety Executive regulates almost all of the risks to health and safety in the workplace in the UK. The website covers the Executive's reports, research, and other information about health and safety regulations.

 

InterPsych www.interpsych.net
Research forum and list of about 40 discussion groups, most of which are concerned with psychotherapy. Information about how to subscribe, and the nature and frequency of discussion is given for each group.

 

Liason Psychiatry Listserv www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/liaison-psychiatry.html
An email: discussion group with mostly UK and some international members This is an excellent forum for posing questions and dilemmas, with participation from some top academics. The site also contains an archive of previous discussions.

 

Mental After Care Association (MACA) www.maca.org.uk
1st floor
Lincoln House
296–302 High Holborn
London
WC1V 7JH
Tel: 020 7061 3400
email: info@maca.org.uk
An association set up to assist people with mental health problems in a variety of ways. They provide advocacy services, support for people using traditional and non-traditional mental health services, community, housing, employment and legal support. Services are listed by type and then by location, so it is easy to find which are available to a given area.

 

MedConnect medconnect.com
Designed to encourage communication between professionals with an emphasis on clinical and practical issues. In order to obtain full access to this site the user is required to register, which is free of charge. The site provides information about conferences, provides a free Medline service and hosts various on-line journals, all of which allow access to resources relevant to child and adolescent mental health.

 

Medic8 www.medic8.com/healthguide/about.htm
Medic8 is a non-profit organisation, set up by UK doctors. It starts with an alphabetic directory of medical specialities and for each one it provides a set of links to journals, textbooks, databases and job adverts. The psychiatric links are quite comprehensive. There is also a free web based email: and a free newsletter for registered users.

 

Mendelian Inheritance in Man www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=OMIM
Vast catalogue of genetic conditions with up-to-date medical reviews on each. Kept well up to date. The site is searchable and easy to navigate and there is a useful list of allied resources.

 

Neuropsychology Central www.neuropsychologycentral.com
Information on neuropsychology in all forms. Includes a discussion forum and lots of links to related topics, as well as a frequently asked questions section.

Office of National statistics www.statistics.gov.uk
UK statistics about almost everything. The site is made up of various sources of data, and highlights interesting trends in society. There are a number of statistics on medical practice and mental health.

 

Seasonal Affective Disorders Association www.sada.org.uk
P0 Box 989
Steyning BN44 3HS
Aims to inform and educate people about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Offers advice and support to members. There is information about the symptoms and treatments for the disorder.

 

Terrence Higgins Trust www.tht.org.uk
52-54 Gray's Inn Road
London WC1X 8JU.
Tel: 0845 12 21 200
email: info@tht.org.uk
The Terrence Higgins Trust was set up to spread information about HIV and AIDS, and to promote safer sex. There is information about the disease, as well as testing and living well with HIV/AIDS.

 

Obsessive-Compulsive disorder

OCD action www.ocdaction.org.uk/home.htm
Aberdeen Centre
22 - 24 Highbury Grove
London, N5 2EA
Tel: 207 226 4000
The national charity for OCD and related disorders. OCD action provides information, advice, and support to those with OCD and their families, and acts to raise awareness about the condition. The site offers information about getting help, and where to find it, as well as providing support groups and space on the website for individuals to share their experiences.

 

OCD-UK www.ocduk.org
PO Box 8955

Nottingham

NG10 9AU

0845 120 3778

email: admin@ocduk.org
OCD-UK aims to improve awareness of the condition both amongst the general public and within the medical community, with the long term aim of ensuring every sufferer receives the quality of treatment they deserve. The site offers information for patients and carers on the condition as well as a location finder service for support groups.

 

Patients' Rights

Direct Government 

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/HealthAndSupport/MentalHealth/index.htm
The government's website, providing information about all aspects of legislation and opportunities.

 

Patient's Association www.patients-association.com
PO Box 935
Harrow
Middlesex
HA1 3YJ
Tel: 08456 084455
The Patient's Association works to be the voice of patients in the UK. The site provides information on making complaints or changes in medical care, accessing medical records, and finding support groups. There are also campaigns for various healthcare issues.

 

Phobia

Dental Fear Central www.dentalfearcentral.org

Useful site full of information for anyone with: an extreme phobia of dentists, with specific dental fears, or for dental professionals and dental students with an interest in dental anxiety management.

 

Virgin Atlantic’s ‘Flying Without Fear' www.flyingwithoutfear.info

Tel: 01423 714900

Leaders in the industry providing free newsletters, website help and courses from 10 UK airports to help overcome fears of flying.

 

Flying Without Fear www.flyingwithoutfear.com

This informative site is filled with useful tips to help anyone overcome the debilitating fear of airline travel.

 

National Phobics Society www.phobics-society.org.uk
Tel: 0870 7700 456
email: nationalphobic@btconnect.com
National membership organisation providing help and advice for sufferers, their carers and families. Offers information factsheets and self-help guides for a wide range of phobias.

 

Social anxiety.org www.social-anxiety.org
Information on social anxiety disorder, and tips for living with the condition. There are also frequently asked questions, information on getting help, and comments from other visitors.

 
Social Anxiety Assist www.socialanxietyassist.com.au
Shyness & Social Anxiety Treatment Australia.
Information about social anxiety, the treatment options, group therapy & workshops, support groups, articles, resources and links to other sites.
 

The Thanet Phobic Group

Thanet Phobic Group

3 Hamilton Court

Mill Row

Birchington

Kent, CT7 9TR
email: thanetphobicgroup@lineon.net

Helpline: 01843 231 783 (9am-9pm

 

Triumph Over Phobia www.triumphoverphobia.com
TOP UK
PO Box 3760
Bath, BA2 3WY
Telephone: 0845 600 9601.
email: info@triumphoverphobia.org.uk
Triumph Over Phobia runs a series of self-help groups to help people with phobia learn to overcome their fears through small interactions with their phobias. Includes some information on phobias, but the focus is on the self-help groups.

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Professional bodies

British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy www.bac.co.uk
BACP House
35-37 Albert Street
Rugby, Warks CV21 2SG
Tel: 0870 443 5252
A member group for counsellors and psychotherapists. The site offers a training directory, information on finding a therapist, and information about the organisation itself. There are also sections on professionalism and ethics.

 

British Association of Psychopharmacology www.bap.org.uk
36 Cambridge Place
Hills Road
Cambridge CB2 1NS
Tel: 01223 358 395
This site provides information on psychopharmacology, which is aimed primarily at professionals in the field. There is information about conferences and educational opportunities. There are also several consensus statements on things such as anti-depressants, which people may find interesting.

 

British Psychological Society www.bps.org.uk/index.cfm
St Andrews House
48 Princess Road East
Leicester, LE1 7DR
Tel: 0116 254 9568
email: enquiry@bps.org.uk
This site offers information about training as a psychologist, how to find a psychologist, and career development events. In addition, there is some recent research on psychological topics, and an FAQ section about the Society and psychology in general.

 

General Medical Council www.gmc-uk.org
Regent's Place
350 Euston Road
London NW1 3JN
Tel: 0845 357 8001
email: gmc@gmc-uk.org
The GMC sets and enforces standards for medical doctors within the UK. It provides both standards which must be followed, and guidelines for good and ethical practice. It is also the regulatory body for medicine in the UK, and handles complaints against doctors or health professionals once other forms of regulation have been exhausted.

 

Irish College of Psychiatrists
121 St. Stephen's Green
Dublin 2
Rep. of Ireland.
Tel: 353 1 402 2346
email: icpsych@eircom.net
The Irish Branch of the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

 

Royal College of General Practitioners www.rcgp.org.uk
14 Princes Gate
Hyde Park
London SW7 1PU
Tel: 020 7581 3232
email: info@rcgp.org.uk
The professional member body for general practitioners in the UK. Information on becoming a GP, professional standards, and College publications.

A comprehensive resource offering authoritative and evidence-based information on individual disease and health related topics.

 

Royal College of Physicians www.rcplondon.ac.uk
11 St Andrews Place
Regent's Park
London NW1 4LE
Tel: 020 7935 1174
The professional member body for physicians in the UK. Information on becoming a physician, professional standards, and College publications.

 

Royal Society of Medicine www.roysocmed.ac.uk
The Royal Society of Medicine
1 Wimpole Street
London W1G 0AE
Tel: 020 7290 2900
Interdisciplinary organisation for all medical practitioners, offering continuing professional development, multidisciplinary viewpoints and conferences for members.

 

United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy www.psychotherapy.org.uk
167-169 Great Portland Street
London W1W 5PF
Tel: 020 7436 3002
email: ukcp@psychotherapy.org.uk
A voluntary regulatory body for psychotherapy in the UK. Provides information on using and practicing psychotherapy. The frequently asked questions section differentiates the different types of psychotherapy and discusses the merits of each. There is also a section to help individuals locate an appropriate psychotherapist in their area.

 

Psycho-biography

Boswell, James www.peele.net/lib/boswell.html
James Boswell, Samuel Johnson's biographer, famous diarist, and possible manic-depressive, was a heavy drinker. This page is an attempt to put 'drunkenness in a biographical context'.

 

Carlyle,Thomas ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/malcolmi
the Scottish historian and 'sage of Chelsea' was famously hypochondriacal, and had problems in his marriage with Jane Welsh Carlyle. This is a new psychiatric assessment of his health and personality.

 

Hitchcock, Alfred www.peele.net/lib/hitch.html
A detailed account of the film director's 'Personality, Pathology and the Act of Creation'.

 

Nijinsky www.nybooks.com/articles/article-preview?article_id=610
This site contains details of the life and career of this ballet dancer, who developed schizophrenia. Like many similar sites, not specifically psychobiographical, it points the reader to the relevant literature in print.

 

Woolf, Virginia ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/malcolmi
The novelist and diarist, who suffered from manic-depressive psychosis. This site offers a psychobiography, including details of her family history, her psychiatrists, and contemporary views of affective illness.

 

Relationships

RELATE www.relate.org.uk
Herbert Gray College
Little Church Street
Rugby CV21 3AP.
Tel: 0845 130 4016
email: enquiries@relate.org.uk
Information on relationships, including counselling. Relate can be contacted by phone, online, or in person. There are frequently asked relationship questions. Sections are separated into relationships, sex problems, and family life.

Schizophrenia

National Schizophrenia Fellowship Scotland www.nsfscot.org.uk
Claremont House
130 East Claremont Street
Edinburgh, EH7 4LB
Tel: 0131 557 8969
email: info@nsfscot.org.uk
The NSF offers support for individuals affected (as patients, carers, or families) by schizophrenia. There are support and information sections, as well as useful sections on legal matters and treatments for schizophrenia.

 

People Who www.peoplewho.org
People Who is for people who experience mood swings, fear, voices and visions. It is produced by Sylia Caras, who is a user representative on the board of the World Federation for Mental Health.

 

Schizophrenia.com www.schizophrenia.com
Is probably the best-established "user-centred" site. Provides lots of information about the condition as well as contact details for suport groups, online discussion forums, and a large variety of other materials dealing with schizophrenia.

 

Schizophrenia World www.schizophrenia-world.org.uk/
An interactive site that offers helpful information including: forums, chat-rooms, journals and blogs.

 

Self Harm

LifeSIGNS www.lifesigns.org.uk/

Provides information about self-injury to those who self-injure, their family/friends, schools, and healthcare professionals (they regularly provide training for the NHS).

 

National Self Harm Network www.nshn.co.uk/index2.html
PO Box 7264
Nottingham
NG1 6WJ
email: info@nshn.co.uk
The NSHN promotes understanding about self-harm, and supports people who self-harm. Their site provides information about the condition, and a support service.

 

Sleep

Insomniacs www.insomniacs.co.uk

A website that offers expert advice on how to treat and cure insomnia. Includes over 90 articles covering topics such as sleep patterns, stress, counselling and overcoming problems.

 

The Narcolepsy Association (UKAN) www.narcolepsy.org.uk
UKAN
PO Box 68
Lewes BN7 2UX
Tel: 0845 4500 394
email: info@narcolepsy.org.uk
Information about narcolepsy including causes, diagnosis, and the effects on everyday life.

 

Sleepnet www.sleepnet.com
Information is provided about sleep disorders, sleep deprivation, support groups, research centres, organisations and links to other sites with relevant resources. There are also public discussion forums and tips for sleeping better.

 

Stress

International Stress Management Association www.isma.org.uk/index.htm
PO Box 348
Waltham Cross EN8 8ZL
Tel: 07000 780430
An easy-to-use site offering information pages about various types of stress, as well as stress-relief tips and a referral service for stress counsellors. Lists of conferences and events, as well as a very extensive links section.

 

Women/childbirth

Association for Post Natal Illness www.apni.org
145 Dawes Rd
London SW6 7EB
Tel: 020 7386 0868
email: info@apni.org
Support site for those suffering from postnatal illness. Offers leaflets on postnatal depression, links to related websites and publications, and a newsletter. There is also a system pairing sufferers with volunteer supporters.

 

Meet-A-Mum-Association (MAMA) www.mama.co.uk
7 Southcourt Rd
Linslade
Leighton Buzzard
Beds, LU7 2QF
Tel: 020 8768 0123
email: meet-a-mum.assoc@blueyonder.co.uk
Provides support for all new mothers, but especially those experiencing post natal depression. There are some publications about post natal illness, but the main focus is on the regional support groups for new mothers.

 

Motherisk www.motherisk.org
Motherisk provides evidence-based information about the safety of drugs, chemicals, and disease during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The site addresses issues such as cancer and HIV during pregnancy, as well as the effects of things such as folic acid and nicotine.

 

National Association For Premenstrual Syndrome www.pms.org.uk
41 Old road
East Peckham
Kent, TN12 5AP
Tel: 01732 741 709
Information about PMS, it's symptoms, causes, and treatments. There is an 'ask the expert' feature, as well as an online forum

 

National Childbirth Trust www.nctpregnancyandbabycare.com
Alexandra House
Oldham Terrace
London W3 6NH.
Tel: 0870 444 8707
email: enquiries@national-childbirth-trust.co.uk
Very informative site on all aspects of pregnancy and childbirth. Sections on child development by age, support for breastfeeding, and information on becoming a father.

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© 2008 Royal College of Psychiatrists