The National Society for Epilepsy (NSE) runs the Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy which offers nursing and residential care for people with epilepsy and other physical disabilities, together with a wide range of occupational, medical and paramedical services. It has opened the only magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning unit dedicated to people with epilepsy. The NSE also undertakes a wide range or research, provides education and information service for people with epilepsy, their carers, other professionals and the general public; and it supports local self-help groups within a community network.

Tel: 01494 601 300

The Parkinson’s Disease Society is focused on the needs of those with Parkinson’s and their carers. Its mission is the conquest of the disease and the alleviation of the suffering and distress it causes, through effective research, education, welfare and communication.

Tel: 0207 931 8080; Scotland: 0141 332 3343

SCOPE - for people with cerebral palsy aims to ensure that all people with cerebral palsy and related disabilities, their families and carers, will have access to properly resourced services which meet their needs and have full right to control their lives.

Services include: creating housing, education and support opportunities; support for families and carers; research; advocacy; information and advice services; sports and leisure services; support for self help groups; campaigning and other activities. The monthly Disability Now provides information on all forms of disability.

Tel: 0207 619 7100; Cerebral Palsy Helpline: 0800 626216

The Sickle Cell Association provides information, advice, support and financial assistance to individuals and families living with sickle cell disorders.

Tel: 0208 961 7795

Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) is the self-help group for spinal cord injured people and their families. It is run by paralysed people (paraplegics and tetraplegics), but welcome all people as members. As well as providing a range of services, SIA actively campaigns on vital issues affecting the everyday lives of disabled people.

SIA’s Information and Welfare Service provides advice: the Telephone Counselling Service lends a confidential ear; and the Personal Assistant Service provides short-term care in people’s home. SIA’s holiday facilities include a narrow boat controllable from a wheelchair, and holiday homes designed for wheelchair users.

Tel: 0208 444 2121 Counselling Tel: 0208 883 4296

The Stroke Association provides practical support for people who have had stroke, their families and carers. It funds and promotes research into causes, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and care of strokes. It also takes part in health education to help reduce the incident of strokes. Its Community Service, Dysphasia Support, works to improve the communication skills of people who have lost ability through strokes.

The Association provides advice and an information and education service; and emotional support to both families and people affected by strokes and living alone.

Tel: 0207 566 0300

The UK Thalassaemia Society offers counselling to sufferers from thalassaemia.

Tel: 0208 882 0011

Umbrella groups. As well as the larger organisations for particular physical disabilities, there are now many smaller ones dedicated to rarer disabilities. Those which share similarities are sometimes co-ordinated by ’umbrella groups’ which can be your first port of call for information.

The British Council for Disabled People (BCODP) is the national umbrella organisation representing groups run by disabled people. Individuals are also welcomed to join as associates. The Council campaigns for the full integration of people with a disability into society. BCODP runs the National Centre for Independent Living in London.

Tel: 0207 587 1663 BCODP Tel: 01332 295 551

The Long-term Medical Conditions Alliance (LMCA) has over 70 members ranging from large, established voluntary organisations to small self-help groups. It covers conditions ranging from arthritis, asthma and diabetes to back pain, eczema, and ME. These organisations work collaboratively together on the issues of common concern. LMCA aims to ensure that the voices of people with long-term medical conditions are heard, and to provide effective support for the voluntary organisations which belong to the Alliance. Contact: NHS Direct(rather than LMCA) for details of member organisations. Tel: 0845 4647

Tel: 0207 813 3637 fax: 0207 813 3640

The National Council for Hospice and specialist Palliative Care Services act as the co-ordinating organisation for these services in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Tel: 0207 723 1639

The Voluntary Organisations Disability Group (VODG) is a federation of 22 national voluntary organisations who provide direct services to support the disabled.

Tel: 0207 802 8250