NHS HEALTHCARE

What Health Care Can I Get On the NHS?

Information on the range of services provided by the NHS and how to access these services can be found here

Source: NHS

Help Finding an NHS Service Near You

Information that can help you find your local GP surgeries, hospitals and consultants, opticians, NHS dentists, and pharmacies can be found here
Source: NHS

NHS Patients' Rights

Information on your rights within the National Health Service including access to GPs, hospital services and refusal of treatment can be found here
Source: Advicenow.org.uk

North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board

North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) is now responsible for commissioning most healthcare services across the Tees Valley.

Find out more information here
Source: North East and North Cumbria ICB

HELP WITH THE COST OF HEALTHCARE

If You Need Help With Health Costs

Most NHS treatment is free, but there are a number of things for which there may be charges.

Click here for information on what help you might be entitled to.
Source: Citizens Advice

NHS Low Income Scheme

If you have a low income, you may be able to get help with NHS costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS).

Find out more information here
Source: NHS

Prescription Charges

Find out if you are entitled to free prescriptions, and how a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) could help save you money, here
Source: NHS

Free Prescriptions and NHS Dental Care in Pregnancy

Pregnant or just had a baby? When you’re trying to keep costs down, every little helps, so it’s good to know that in England, prescriptions are free while pregnant and for a year after the birth.

Find out more information here
Source: Money Helper

NHS Charges for People from Abroad

Click here for information on charges for NHS treatment for people from abroad including who is entitled to receive free NHS treatment and which treatment is always free.
Source: gov.uk

Help With the Cost of Dental Treatment

Dental charges vary, depending on the particular treatment you need, and some minor treatments are free.

Find out more information here 
Source: NHS

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

How to Access Mental Health Services

Read information about the support on offer if you need to access Mental Health Services here
Source: NHS

Help and Advice in a Mental Health Emergency on Teesside

If a person's mental or emotional state suddenly deteriorates, this can be called a mental health crisis or a mental health emergency. It may be a person’s first such crisis or a relapse of an existing condition.

For details of who to contact click here
Source: Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS

Community-Based Mental Health and Social Care

For information on community-based mental health and social care in England and how to access it, click here
Source: MIND

Talking Therapies 

There are a number of Psychological Therapy services available to people on Teesside who are experiencing mental distress. This includes the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) Programme, which aims to make talking therapies more widely available to anyone who needs them. These therapies include guided self-help, stress- and mood management and one-to-one Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

Find out more information here
Source: Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS

DENTAL TREATMENT

Finding a Dentist

For information on how to find an NHS dentist, click here
Source: NHS

Dental Charges

For information on the likely charges for treatment, click here
Source: NHS

OPTICAL TREATMENT

To search for a registered optician in your area, click here

If you wish to make a complaint against an optician, click here

Sources: NHS, General Optical Council

EASY TO READ GUIDES TO HEALTH

Easy Health

Easy Health was created so that people know where to find 'accessible' health information. 'Accessible' means that the information is presented in easy words with pictures.

For a website developed for those with learning disabilities, click here
Source: Easy Health

YOUNG PEOPLE’S HEALTH

Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing 

For information about mental health and emotional wellbeing for children and young people, click here
Source: Young Minds

HEALTH OF VETERANS

Veterans' Community Mental Health Services

The NHS provides dedicated mental health services across England that offer a range of treatments and support for veterans and those soon to leave the Armed Forces.

For more information on this service click here
Source: NHS

SEXUAL HEALTH

Sexual Health Teesside

Sexual Health Teesside provides free and confidential sexual health services in Teesside including information and advice on all types of contraception and STI testing and treatment.

Find out more information here

Source:  Teesside Sexual Health Service

NHS Sexual Health Services

Whether it’s knowing about your contraceptive choices, explaining STIs, coping with emotions or understanding your body, you'll find straightforward information and advice to make it easier to discuss everything to do with sexual health, right here.

Source: NHS

Sexual Health Information 

For links to information and advice on sexual health click here

Source: Stockton Information Directory

DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

Drinking and Alcohol

For information on health issues related to drinking and alcohol, and an interactive tool to calculate alcohol units and track consumption over time, click here

Source: NHS

Talk to Frank

General advice and information about drugs can be found here
Source: Talk to Frank

Information on Support Services

For links to information and further help with drug or alcohol issues click here
Source: Stockton Information Directory

NEEDING HELP ACCESSING SERVICES BECAUSE OF A HEALTH PROBLEM

Pioneering Care Partnership

The Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP) is for anyone living in the Tees Valley aged 16 or over with common mental health problems such as stress, depression, anxiety, and those with long term health conditions such as diabetes. The PCP can help those people who find it difficult to access services because of a health problem.

Find out more information here
Source: PCP

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

Regulatory Bodies

If you are thinking of seeing someone privately who offers complementary or alternative treatments, it's a good idea to check their credentials.  The Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) is the independent UK regulator for complementary healthcare practitioners and was set up with government support to protect the public by providing a UK voluntary register of health practitioners. CNHC's register has been approved as an Accredited Register by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care, a body accountable to Parliament.

Find out more information here
Source: CNHC

Information on Alternative and Complementary Medicines

For links to further information on alternative and complementary medicines click here

Source: Stockton Information Directory

PRIVATE HEALTH CARE

Private Health Insurance

For information on what to think about when buying private health insurance, and to download a free guide, click here 

Information on how to complain about a private health care provider can be found here

Source: privatehealth.co.uk

HAVING A SAY IN LOCAL HEALTH SERVICES

North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board

North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) is now responsible for commissioning most healthcare services across the Tees Valley. You can get more information about how to have a say about local health provision by clicking here

Source: North East and North Cumbria ICB

Healthwatch

Healthwatch England is the national consumer champion in Health and Care. They have significant statutory powers to ensure the voice of the consumer is strengthened and heard by those who commission, deliver and regulate Health and Care services.

Find out more information here
Source: Healthwatch

COMPLAINTS

You will also find sample letters under our `tools` section

NHS and Adult Social Care Services Complaints

Healthwatch is an independent statutory body with the power to make sure NHS leaders and other decision makers listen to local feedback and improve standards of care. They can also help you to find reliable and trustworthy information and advice. Last year, the Healthwatch network helped nearly a million people have their say and get the support they needed.

For more information on Healthwatch and what they do, and how to make a complaint or provide other feedback on healthcare services, click here
Source: Healthwatch

Complaints Process Flowcharts

Click here to view a flowchart showing the likely procedure when you make a complaint about health- or social care

Source: MIND

For a flowchart that explains the NHS complaints procedure, Click here 
Source: NHS

Complaints Against Doctors

For information about where to start when you want to sort out a problem with a GP, click here
Source: Which?

Complaints Against Dentists

If you have a problem with an NHS- or private dentist, click here for information on how to make a complaint
Source: General Dental Council

NHS hospital Complaints

For more information about where to start when you want to sort out a problem with a NHS hospital, click here 
Source: North East and North Cumbria ICB

Mental Health Service Complaints

If you’re unhappy about your treatment for a mental health problem, you may be able to make a complaint. This applies whether you’ve given consent to be treated or whether you’ve been admitted to hospital for treatment without your consent under the Mental Health Act (that is, you’re a detained, or sectioned patient).

For more information on complaints about mental health services and also an explanation about how you can challenge a decision to detain you, click here
Source: Care Quality Commission

Complaints About Other NHS Services

For more information about how to raise concerns about health services that aren’t GPs, hospitals and dentists, click here
Source: Healthwatch

Dos and Don'ts of Making a Complaint About a Health Service

For tips about how you should make a complaint and what not to do, click here
Source: Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman

North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board

North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) is responsible for planning and buying local healthcare services on behalf of patients across the Tees Valley.

To download a leaflet giving information about complaints on local services, click here
Source: North East and North Cumbria ICB

Action Against Medical Accidents

(AvMA) is the UK charity for patient safety and justice. They provide free and confidential advice and support to people affected by medical accidents.

Find out more information here
Source AvMA

HEALTH AND WELLBEING INFORMATION

Stockton Information Directory

For links to support groups that may be available to you, information about healthy lifestyles and disability information click here

Source: Stockton Information Directory

Stockton Public Health Information Library

Stockton Public Health Information Library is available to anyone in Stockton who requires information about health. This includes schools, NHS organisations and relevant voluntary and community sector services. Whether its a book on preparing healthier packed lunches or reading up more on your child's illness, the Information Library is a good place to start.

To view the catalogue and find out more click here

Source: NHS

SUPPORT WITH BEREAVEMENT

There is information about paying for a funeral in our MANAGING YOUR MONEY section. Information about assistance through the benefit system is available under the BENEFITS (Social Fund) section of this site. Information on dealing with someone’s debts after they have died is in our DEBT section and information about practical arrangements under our FAMILY AND RELATIONSHIPS section.

If you are struggling to cope with a bereavement there are services who may be able to help. Click here for information on local services

Source: Stockton Information Directory 

BLISS
Bliss offers a wide range of free services for the families of premature and sick babies

For information on their services click here.
Source: BLISS

CRUSE
Cruse Bereavement Care is the leading national charity for bereaved people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. They offer support, advice and information to children, young people and adults when someone dies and work to enhance society’s care of bereaved people.

For more information on their services, click here.
Source: Cruse

GETTING HELP IN THE HOME

If You Want to Live Independently at Home
Most of us want to live independently in our own homes for as long as possible, but as we get older we may need some support and assistance. You may need help with personal care, such as getting in and out of bed, washing and bathing, preparing meals, shopping or cleaning. 

Find out more information here
Source: Age UK

Your Right to Social Care and Support
If you think you need social care support, you will need to think about what type you need – be it homecare workers, equipment or respite breaks.

Find out more information here
Source: NHS

Care Home or Home Care?
The most important decision to make when considering your care needs is whether you can remain in your own home or need to move into a care home.

The decision will be based on what you want and what care you need, but you’ll also need to consider how much it will cost.

Find out more information here
Source: Money Helper

Paying for Care and Support at Home
You may have concerns about the costs involved in getting care and support at home. But if you have been assessed as needing care, you will also be assessed to see how much you can afford to pay towards the cost of services, while still having enough money to live on.

Find out more information here
Source: Age UK

Personal Assistance Network
Whether you receive a self-managed Personal Budget from Stockton Borough Council or self fund your own care and support, employing your own Personal Assistant can increase the choice and control you have over deciding how your support needs are met.

Find out more here
Source: Stockton Information Directory

Adaptations to Your Home
Simple adaptations could enable you to stay in your own home for longer. 

Find out more information about your options here
Source: Age UK

How to Request a Care Assessment in Stockton Borough
If you think you may need help and support and believe you meet the eligibility criteria then the first thing to do is to request a Care Assessment.

To find out more if you live in the Stockton Borough, click here
Source: Stockton Borough Council

Equipment and Adaptations 
For information on how to get equipment and adaptations locally, click here
Source: Stockton Borough Council

Local Organisations - Remaining in Your Own Home
Find out about organisations that can help you to stay in your own home here
Source: Stockton Information Directory

PERSONAL BUDGETS AND DIRECT PAYMENTS

 Direct Payments

Direct payments are payments a local authority makes to a person so they can choose and buy their own care services. The link below explains who can have direct payments, how much they should be, how you can use them and how to solve any problems with direct payments.

Find out more information here
Source: Citizens Advice

Personal Budgets/Direct Payments

For information about arranging personal budgets and direct payments in Stockton, click here
Source: Stockton Borough Council

Personal Assistant Network

Led by the Stockton Personalisation Support Service, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council have created a register of Personal Assistants who are actively looking for care and support roles. Known as the Personal Assistant Network, all individuals who would like their details added need to undergo basic training modules, an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and agree to our PA code of conduct before their profile can be released for you to view.

Find out more here

Source: Stockton Information Directory

HOUSING OPTIONS WHEN YOU NEED MORE CARE

There is more information on supported housing under our HOUSING section

Your Housing Options

General information to help you decide whether you should move in with family, downsize or consider sheltered housing can be found here
Source: Age UK

CARE HOMES AND RESIDENTIAL CARE

Introduction to Care Homes
Moving to a care home may seem like a big step, but they can offer the opportunity to form new friendships and provide a safe, comfortable place to live.

Find out more information on care homes here
Source: Age UK

Protecting your home if you go into care
Information on what happens to your home, money and pets if you have to go into hospital or residential care - and have no-one to look after them - can be found here

Source: Mental Health & Money Advice

Choice of care home
If you're a local authority-funded care home resident, the link below can help explain what rights you have when choosing which home you live in.

Find out more information here
Source: Age UK

Finding a care home
Enter your postcode and find out where the nearest care home is by clicking here

Source: FirstStop

Residential care homes in Stockton-on-Tees
Information on residential care homes in Stockton on Tees can be found here

Source: Stockton Information Directory

Checklist for choosing a care home
For a checklist of what you should consider when choosing a care home, click here

Source: Age UK

Paying for a care home
Most people will be expected to pay something towards the costs of their accommodation and personal care from their income and capital.

For more information on the means test applied click here
Source: Age UK

Paying for care if you have a partner
Being part of a couple can affect a care home resident’s eligibility for local authority assistance with care home fees.

Find out more information here
Source: Age UK

Paying for temporary care in a care home
Local authority charging rules differ when a stay in a care home is temporary, rather than permanent.

Find out more information here
Source: Age UK

The means test and your property
Each local authority has to carry out a means test on property, in order to assess the provision of care home accommodation.

For more information on how this is calculated, click here
Source: Age UK

Deprivation of assets and the care home means test
The rules for deprivation of assets - meaning the reduction of your assets by spending, gifts, certain investments etc - can be quite complicated and will affect your local authority means test for care home provision.

Find out more information here
Source: Age UK

Are you eligible for Continuing Healthcare?
Continuing healthcare is a free package of care arranged and funded by the NHS. It’s for adults who are not in hospital but have substantial and ongoing healthcare needs. It is not means-tested.

Find out more information here
Source: NHS

COMPLAINTS ABOUT ADULT SOCIAL CARE SERVICES

You will also find sample letters under our HELPFUL TOOLS section

Where to start if you have a problem with adult social care

Adult social care is usually very good and most people don’t have any problems, but occasionally things can go wrong.

For more information about where to start when you want to sort out a problem, click here
Source: Care Quality Commission 

How to Complain About Adult Social Care and Support

Click here for information from the Local Government & Care Ombudsman on how to make a complaint about Adult Social Care and Support.  There are also details of what the Ombudsman can and can’t do together with information on how your complaint will be dealt with and what the result might be, and some examples of past complaints and their outcomes.

Source: Local Government & Care Ombudsman

Complaints About Adult Social Care Arranged by Councils

For information specific to making a complaint about Adult Social Care arranged by the Council, click here 

Source: Local Government & Care Ombudsman

Complaints About Privately-Arranged Adult Social Care

For information specific to making a complaint about privately-arranged Adult Social Care, click here

Source: Local Government & Care Ombudsman

Making a complaint to Stockton Borough Council

For information on how to complain about a service from Stockton Borough Council, click here

Source: Stockton Borough Council

THE CARE ACT: CHANGES FROM APRIL 2015

Information on the changes

Care and support has changed to be more consistent across England. The changes started on 1^st April 2015.

Care and support is the help some adults need to live as well as possible with any illness or disability they may have. It can include help with things like washing, eating and keeping in touch with friends and family.

Read more about the changes here

Source: gov.uk

SUPPORT SERVICES AVAILABLE

Links to support services available

For links to a wide variety of support services available within the Borough of Stockton-on-Tees click here

Source: Stockton Information Directory

List of Disability Support Services

Stockton Borough Council has a range of teams delivering support to people with disabilities, which you will find by clicking here.

Source: Stockton Borough Council

GETTING AN ASSESSMENT AS A CARER

Most carers have a legal right to an assessment of their own needs. It is your chance to discuss with the Social Services department of your local authority what help you need as a carer.

Find out more information here
Source: Carers UK

CARING FOR SOMEONE COMING OUT OF HOSPITAL

The link below suggests some things to do if the person you care for is about to come out of hospital. It also contains an explanation of how the discharge from hospital should happen so you can challenge decisions should you feel that you are not being listened to or involved sufficiently.

Find out more information here
Source: Carers UK

A GUIDE TO CARER’S RIGHTS

As a carer you have specific legal rights and entitlements. Knowing your rights can help you to get the support that you need.

Find out more information here
Source: gov.uk

CARING FOR A DISABLED CHILD

Information and advice

Caring for a disabled child can make your daily parenting duties, such as feeding, toilet training and getting them to sleep, more challenging.

Find out more useful information and further advice here
Source: NHS

Special Educational Needs

Stockton Borough Council provide a wide range of services for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and their family. These services cover support with all aspects of care and development and specialist education support.

Find out more information here
Source: Stockton Borough Council

Stockton’s Local Offer

Stockton’s Local Offer provides information to parents and carers of children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities, aged 0 – 25, to help them to understand what services and support, they and their family can expect from a range of local agencies within the local authority and neighbouring area.

Find out more information here
Source: Stockton Information Directory

CARERS: MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

For information about the support on offer if you look after someone who has a mental health problem, click here 
Source: MIND

HELPING SOMEONE ELSE WITH A MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEM

It can be hard to know what to do when supporting with a mental health problem. The link below contains information aimed at helping friends, family, carers and others to give support and take care of themselves too.

Find out more information here
Source: MIND

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR CARERS

For a range of information on relationships, finance, support and looking after your health, click here 
Source: Carers UK

Carers: Help and Support

You can get help and support if you're responsible for looking after someone who has a disability, is getting old or has become ill. This can range from practical help to make day-to-day life easier to benefits like Carer's Allowance.

For more information click here
Source: Citizens Advice

CARE ACT: CHANGES FROM APRIL 2015

An introduction to the Care Act 2014
From April 2015, care and support in England is changing. If the person you care for is an adult (aged 18 or over) you may be able to get more help to carry on caring and look after your own wellbeing.

Read more about the changes here
Source: gov.uk

SUPPORT SERVICES FOR CARERS

If you are a carer of someone, this link describes services that will give you support and an opportunity to have a break from caring and have time for yourself. 

Click here for further information 

Source: Stockton Information Directory

Caring for someone
Read information about advice and support services for those who are carers here

Source: Carers UK

Financial support for young carers
Looking after a member of your family who has a disability, illness, mental-health condition or drug or alcohol problem can be a massive commitment. Fortunately there’s financial support available, and support services to help share the load.

Find out more information here
Source: Money Helper

Stockton Dementia Services Guide
Information and support for those with dementia and their carers. 

Find out more information here
Source: Stockton Information Directory

YOUNG CARERS

There are lots of organisations that can help you if you are a young carer or young adult carer.  For links to Young Carer services near you, click here 

Source: carers.org

INTERACTIVE TOOLS

If you wish to make complaint to the Parliamentary & Health Service Ombudsman, they have a tool to help you know whether your complaint is something they can deal with.

To access the tool, click here
Source: Parliamentary & Health Service Ombudsman

Does your home suit you?
This questionnaire is for older people and will help you think about different aspects of your home and how you live in it. You can either pick topics from the list on the left, or be guided through the whole questionnaire. Once you're done, it will suggest ways of tackling any concerns you have identified.

Find the questionnaire here
Source: Housing Options for Older People

APPS TO DOWNLOAD

Mental health awareness app for veterans

A free, unique mental health awareness app is available for armed forces veterans to download.

Find out more information here
Source: gov.uk

NHS App

Owned and run by the NHS, the NHS App is a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services on your smartphone or tablet.

Find out more information here
Source: NHS

Carers' App - Jointly

Designed by Carers UK, Jointly is a mobile and online application created by carers for carers. It is designed to make caring a little easier, less stressful and a lot more organised. It combines group messaging with other useful features including to-do and medication lists, calendar and more! Use it with others or on your own.

Find out more information here
Source: Carers UK

SAMPLE LETTERS

For a guide to making a complaint about a health service - either for yourself, or on behalf of someone else - together with some sample letters, click here

Source: Advocacy for All

FURTHER TIPS

Making a complaint about health or adult care services

If you have to make a written complaint about a health or adult care service, you should structure your thoughts carefully.

For some further tips on how to write a letter and get you the result you want, click here
Source: Citizens Advice

NATIONAL HELPLINES

Action against Medical Accidents

AvMA provide free and confidential advice and support to people affected by medical accidents, via our helpline and casework service and can refer to our panel of specialist clinical negligence solicitors or other sources of support where appropriate. 
Telephone: 0845 123 2352

Citizens Advice

Advice by phone is available from Citizens Advice
Telephone: 0808 278 7986

MIND Infoline

MIND provides information on a rangeof topics including, types of mental health problem, where to get help and medication and alternative treatments
Telephone 0300 123 3393

MIND Legal Advice Line

We provide legal information and general advice on mental health related law covering mental health, mental capacity, community care and human rights and discrimination/equality related to mental health issues.
Telephone 0300 466 6463

Rethink

We are the largest voluntary sector provider of mental health services with over 200 services in England. Founded 40 years ago through voluntary groups for people affected by mental illness, we have over 100 groups in England.
0121 522 7007 Supporter Care 
0300 5000 927 Advice Service

Carers Direct

NHS has a helpline for carers called Carers Direct which gives information and advice about community care services, benefits and other matters.
Telephone 0808 802 0202

Carers UK

An advice line giving information and support for carers
Telephone: 0808 808 7777

FirstStop

Provides a helpline which gives general advice to older people about care, housing and finance
Telephone: 0800 377 7070

Local Government Ombudsman

If you have a complaint about social care, the first thing to do is complain to the council or care provider. For help with making a complaint 
Telephone: 0300 061 0614

SCOPE- Information, advice and support on disability issues

SCOPE provide free, independent and impartial information and support on issues that matter to disabled people and their families.
Telephone: 0808 800 3333

FACTSHEETS AND LEAFLETS

Carers

For factsheets giving information on a range of mental health conditions, symptoms, possible treatments and support for carers, click here

Source: Rethink

Dental care – NHS and private treatment (PDF)

This factsheet explains what you can expect if you receive NHS dental treatment, the charging system for NHS treatment and what you can do if you are dissatisfied with the care you receive. It also briefly looks at private dental treatment.

View the factsheet here 
Source: Age UK

Easy Read information on health issues

This link provides a choice of leaflets and videos which have been prepared specially for people with learning disabilities. There are guides about things like visiting your doctor or complaining about the care you get. It also tells you about lots of illnesses and where to get help.

Download the factsheets and view the videos here
Source: easyhealth.org.uk

Easy Read information on personal budgets and support

For an Easy Read guide to personal budgets from Stockton Borough Council, click here 

Source: Stockton Borough Council

Older people: care, housing and finance

For leaflets for older people on care, housing and finance, click here
Source: First Stop

Older people: NHS services

For a factsheet about NHS primary care services for older people, click here
Source: Age UK

Support plans

In Control have factsheets on a range of different subjects, such as an introduction to self-directed support; how to make a support plan; organising your money; housing; jobs; opening a bank account; wills and trusts; person centred planning plus much more.

View the factsheets here
Source: In Control

FAQs

Low income scheme – help with health costs

The NHS Business Services Authority is a Special Health Authority and an Arms Length Body of the Department of Health which provides a range of critical central services to NHS organisations, NHS contractors, patients and the public.

Find out more information here
Source: NHS Business Services Authority

MIND FAQs

FAQs about mental health service can be found here
Source: MIND

NHS Dental Services

Commonly asked questions about NHS dentistry can be found here
Source: NHS

WEBSITES USED IN THIS SECTION

Action against Medical Accidents

(AvMA) is the UK charity for patient safety and justice. They provide free and confidential advice and support to people affected by medical accidents.
Source AvMA
www.avma.org.uk

AdviceNow

Advicenow is an independent, not-for-profit website, run by the charity Law for Life: the Foundation for Public Legal Education.
www.advicenow.org.uk

British Dental Association

Founded in 1880, the British Dental Association (BDA) is the professional association and trade union for dentists in the United Kingdom.
www.bda.org

Carers Direct

Carers Direct is the NHS service for carers
http://www.nhs.uk/carersdirect/Pages/CarersDirectHome.aspx

Citizens Advice

The Adviceguide website is the main public information service of Citizens Advice, providing people with round-the-clock access to CAB information on their rights - including benefits, housing and employment, but also on debt, consumer and legal issues.
www.adviceguide.org.uk

Easy Health

Easy Health website has been written specially for people with learning disabilities. It tells you about things like visiting your doctor or complaining about the care you get. It also tells you about lots of illnesses and where to get help.
www.easyhealth.org.uk

General Dental Council

The General Dental Council is the organisation which regulates dentists and dental care professionals in the United Kingdom.
www.gdc-uk.org

General Optical Council

The regulator for the optical professions in the UK.
www.optical.org

Gov.uk

The websites of all government departments and many other agencies and public bodies 
www.gov.uk

Hartlepool and Stockton on Tees Clinical Commissioning Group

NHS Hartlepool and Stockton-on-Tees Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is responsible for planning and buying local healthcare services on behalf of patients across Hartlepool and Stockton. You can get more information on complaints on local services through this link:
www.hartlepoolandstocktonccg.nhs.uk

MIND

MIND provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
www.mind.org.uk

Money Advice Service

The Money Advice Service helps people manage their money. They do this directly through their own free and impartial advice service, and also by working in partnership with other organisations to help people make the most of their money. They are an independent service, set up by Government.
https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en

NHS

For everything you need to know about NHS Choices, its services and how to get the most out of it, click the link below.
www.nhs.uk

NHS Business Services Authority

The NHS Business Services Authority is a Special Health Authority and an Arms Length Body of the Department of Health which provides a range of critical central services to NHS organisations, NHS contractors, patients and the public.
www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk

Rethink

Rethink are the largest voluntary sector provider of mental health services with over 200 services in England. Founded 40 years ago through voluntary groups for people affected by mental illness, they have over 100 groups in England.
www.rethink.org

Scope

Scope provides support, information and advice to more than a quarter of a million disabled people and their families every year. 
www.scope.org.uk

Sexual Health Teesside

Sexual Health Teesside provides free and confidential sexual health service in Teesside including information and advice on all types of contraception and STI testing and treatment.
http://www.sexualhealthteesside.co.uk

Starfish Health and Wellbeing

Health and Wellbeing is an organisation that is dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of the communities it serves.
www.starfishhealthandwellbeing.co.uk

Stockton Borough Council

The Local Authority site for Stockton-on-Tees
www.stockton.gov.uk

Young Minds

YoungMinds is the UK’s leading charity committed to improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people. Driven by their experiences they campaign, research and influence policy and practice.
www.youngminds.org.uk