Useful links
This content applies to England only.
Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. Get advice relating to Scotland
This section contains links to organisations and websites offering more advice and information on getting support at home or moving into supported or sheltered accommodation.
Older people
Age UK (formerly Age Concern and Help the Aged)
Advice, information and services for older people. Age UK have an advice line line on 0800 169 6565, offering free advice on a range of issues. They also publish lots of free online information.
Elderly Accommodation Counsel
If you need support or care at home or are thinking of moving, this site aims to provide the information you need to weigh up all your options and arrive at your own decisions. If you would like help, it will guide you to the most appropriate advice service. You can also call the advice line on 0800 377 70 70.
Alzheimer's Society
Support and advice for people with all types of dementia and their carers, including information on services, money and legal matters. It also has a helpline on 0845 300 0336.
People with disabilities
DIAL UK
Go to the DIAL UK website to find your nearest Disability Information and Advice Line service. DIAL information and advice services are run by and for disabled people, and are based throughout the UK. They provide information and advice on all aspects of living with a disability.
Disabled Living Foundation
Charity that helps people cope with disability and achieve greater independence. The website includes advice and information on independent living. You can also call their helpline on 0845 130 9177 for advice and information on equipment to help older or disabled people live independently.
Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities
Information for people with learning disabilities, their families and carers. Includes useful information and links on accommodation issues.
Disability Rights UK (formerly National Centre for Independent Living)
The NCIL works to help disabled people live independently. Use the website to find your nearest Centre for Independent Living, where you can get advice on direct payments, personal assistance and other independent living issues.
Royal National Institute for the Blind
Information and support to help people with visual impairments live independent lives. Visit the website or call the helpline on 0303 123 9999.
People with drug or alcohol dependency issues
Al-Anon
Al-Anon Family Groups is a worldwide organisation providing support to the relatives and friends of alcoholics. They provide support to anyone whose life is, or has been, affected by someone else’s drinking. They have a confidential helpline - 020 7403 0888.
Alcohol Concern
Information and advice on alcohol and alcohol-related issues, as well as a comprehensive list of residential and community organisations that can help you.
Drinkline
Confidential help and advice on all aspects of alcohol, including where to get help and support. Call 0800 917 8282.
Frank
The 'getting help' section of this drug information website has a searchable database of services for people with drug dependency issues, including support services. You can also call Frank on the free 24-hour helpline 0800 77 66 00 or email for confidential help and advice.
People with mental health issues
MIND
Information on a range of mental health issues. You can also call Mindinfo line on 0845 766 0163 for confidential information.
Mental Health Foundation
Information on mental health problems and treatments, and a directory of organisations that can help.
SANE
Information and emotional support is also provided to anyone affected by mental illness via the helpline on 0845 767 8000 and by email at sanemail@sane.org.uk.
Single parents
Gingerbread
Organisation offering advice and support for lone parents and their families. The factsheet section includes information on housing options. You can also call the helpline on 0808 802 0925.
Young people
The Foyer Federation
Information on foyer accommodation for young people across the UK.
Complaints about care services
Care Quality Commission
Care services in England are regulated by the Care Quality Commission. Care services include care homes, housing support services, rehabilitation homes and respite care. The website has more information about the Commission, including how to make a complaint about a care service. You can also call the helpline on 03000 616161.
Campaigns to improve the social care system
Three of the UK’s largest charities – Age UK, Counsel and Care and Carers UK – have formed a coalition and launched a campaign website.
Visit the Right care, Right deal website for information about this national campaign, which aims to build public awareness and support for the need to find brave and innovative solutions for the social care system for older and disabled people, their families and carers.
