Helpful Organisations & Charities
National and North East organisations that can provide advice, advocacy and practical support.
Select a category to find relevant organisations and their contact details
Age UK
The UK's leading charity for older people — advice on care, benefits, housing and wellbeing.
Advice Line: 0800 678 1602 (8am–7pm, 365 days a year)
Website: ageuk.org.uk
Independent Age
Free, impartial advice for older people and families on care, money and housing.
Helpline: 0800 319 6789 (Mon–Fri 8.30am–5.30pm)
Email: helpline@independentage.org
Website: independentage.org
Care Rights UK
Advice and support for people using care services and their families.
Helpline: 020 7359 8136
Website: carerightsuk.org
Citizens Advice
Free, confidential and independent advice on care, benefits, housing and legal matters.
Adviceline: 0800 144 8848
Website: citizensadvice.org.uk
Carers UK
National charity providing information, advice and support for unpaid carers.
Helpline: 0808 808 7777 (Mon–Fri 9am–6pm)
Email: advice@carersuk.org
Website: carersuk.org
Carers Trust
Practical help and assistance for carers across the UK.
Phone: 0300 772 9600
Website: carers.org
Alzheimer's Society
Support for people living with dementia and their carers.
Dementia Connect:
Phone: 0333 150 3456 Website: alzheimers.org.uk
Parkinson's UK
Support for people with Parkinson's and their carers.
Helpline: 0808 800 0303
Website: parkinsons.org.uk
Mencap
Support and advice for people with learning disabilities and their families.
Learning Disability Helpline: 0808 808 1111
Email: helpline@mencap.org.uk
Website: mencap.org.uk
Disability Rights UK
Information on direct payments, independent living and disability rights.
Phone: 0330 995 0400
Website: disabilityrightsuk.org
Scope
Disability equality charity providing advice and support.
Helpline: 0808 800 3333
Website: scope.org.uk
Mind
Mental health advice, information and support.
Infoline: 0300 123 3393 (Mon–Fri 9am–6pm)
Website: mind.org.uk
Samaritans
Confidential emotional support available 24 hours a day.
Phone: 116 123 (free, 24/7)
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Website: samaritans.org
If U Care Share Foundation
North East charity supporting suicide prevention and emotional wellbeing.
Website: ifucareshare.co.uk
Care Quality Commission (CQC)
Independent regulator of health and social care in England. Use their website to check inspection reports on any care provider.
Phone: 03000 616161
Website: cqc.org.uk
Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman
Investigates complaints about councils and adult social care providers.
Phone: 0300 061 0614
Website: lgo.org.uk
Parliamentary & Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO)
Investigates complaints about NHS services.
Phone: 0345 015 4033
Website: ombudsman.org.uk
Healthwatch
Independent champion for people using health and social care services.
Phone: 03000 683 000
Website: healthwatch.co.uk
Age UK Northumberland
Support and services for older people across Northumberland.
Website: ageuk.org.uk/northumberland
Age UK Gateshead
Support for older people across Gateshead and Newcastle.
Website: ageuk.org.uk/gateshead
Newcastle Carers
Independent charity supporting carers in Newcastle.
Website: newcastlecarers.org.uk
Age UK North Tyneside
Support and services for older people across North Tyneside.
Website: ageuk.org.uk/northtyneside
Sunderland Carers Centre
Support for unpaid carers across Sunderland including Washington, Houghton and Hetton.
Website: sunderlandcarers.co.uk
Grace House
Respite care and support for disabled children and families across the North East. Based in Sunderland. ]
Website: gracehouse.org.uk
Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland
Connects people and organisations with funding and support across the North East.
Website: communityfoundation.org.uk
If U Care Share Foundation
North East suicide prevention and emotional wellbeing charity.
Website: ifucareshare.co.uk