Advice is available from a number of sources and includes information on specific topics, including financial concerns, the role of the carer, legal rights, employment and housing.

As noted elsewhere, some of these issues can seem incredibly confusing at the outset. Having access to reliable, clear sources of advice can be invaluable.

Help for carers

The Carers UK national helpline (0808 808 7777) is a good source of advice on many issues surrounding the role of carers. Carers UK is a charity, which aims to raise the profile of carers within the United Kingdom.

Legal advice

The thought of contacting a solicitor may sound expensive and puts many people off getting the advice that they really need. Fortunately, a number of organisations do provide free legal advice and have specific expertise when it comes to dealing with disability issues.

Community Legal Advice (paid for by legal aid) offer a helpline on 0845 345 4 345. If you’d prefer to speak with an expert in person, then you may be able to make use of the 50 Law Centres that are available in the UK (note: they are not available in Scotland).

Citizens Advice are able to offer advice on legal issues, together with a broad range of other concerns that you may have.

Financial assistance

If you are struggling with debt, then the National Debtline (0808 808 4000) offers confidential and free advice on how to improve your situation. Age UK provide specific assistance to older individuals and have a free helpline, on 0800 169 6565.

Housing

Shelter, the housing charity, provide a telephone helpline service, making use of experienced housing experts. They can be reached on 0808 800 4444. Homeless UK provide online services.

Employment

If you feel that you are being discriminated against, within the workplace or elsewhere, then the Equality Advisory Support Service is a good place to start. They can be contacted on 0800 444 205. The Disability Law Service (0207 791 9800), based in London, may also be able to help, with their specialist legal service.