Useful Links for Users and Carers

Action on Elder Abuse (AEA) is a specialist organisation that operates across the four nations of the United Kingdom. It also provides support within Ireland. “Unlike other ‘older people’s organisations’ we focus exclusively on the issue of elder abuse, not as one issue among many, but as a single focus to our work. For this reason we have extensive expertise that is not available from any other charity or agency.”

Carers Direct – Offers Free, confidential information and advice for carers. 0808 802 0202. Lines are open 8am to 9pm Monday to Friday, 11am to 4pm at weekends. Calls are free from UK landlines.

Carers UK – Carers UK is the voice of carers and is the only carer-led organisation working for all carers in the UK.

Citizens Advice Bureau – The Citizens Advice service helps people resolve their legal, money and other problems by providing free, independent and confidential advice, and by influencing policymakers.

Commission for Patient & Public Involvement in Health – The Commission’s role is to make sure the public is involved in decision making about health and health services in England, and to encourage patient and public involvement within the health service.

Counselling Directory – A directory of counsellors designed to help people find a counsellors in their local area. A free, confidential service. Also contains information about emotional issues and provides statistics.

Crossroads – Crossroads is the largest charity in the world, providing ‘in the home care’ for carers.

Patient Advice and Liaison Services – PALS help patients and their families resolve concerns quickly and data from PALS help trusts identify areas where patients’ experiences need to be improved. PALS also act as a signpost for other services such as the Independent Complaints Advocacy Service (ICAS).

Patient Opinion – Patient Opinion is all about enabling patients to share their experiences of health care, and by doing so help other patients – and perhaps even change the NHS.

The Patients Association – The Patients Association offers advice and a number of booklets and publications which can help you to make the right decision about your health care and that of your family. The association also offers advice and information on how to make a complaint, plus there is also a comprehensive database of organisations that provide useful information.

Primary Care Electronic Library (PCEL) – PCEL aims to link to quality assured primary care resources on the internet.

The Princess Royal Trust for Carers – The Princess Royal Trust for Carers’ website aims to offer useful information and support for all unpaid carers throughout the UK.

The Relatives & Residents Association – The Relatives and Residents Association remains committed to endeavouring for the quality of life for older people in care. The helpline offers information and support to all involved with long term care, ideally with the aim of avoiding problems that commonly arise.