Useful links
The Gosport Independent Panel recognises that, for the families who have been affected by past events at Gosport War Memorial Hospital, re-visiting their concerns could bring back difficult memories. This is a list of contact information for external organisations and charities that can provide support and advice.
AGE CONCERN HAMPSHIRE
Age Concern Hampshire’s Information and Advice service offers independent, impartial and confidential support to people over 50, their friends, family and carers, and to professionals working with older people.
Information and advice line: Freephone 0800 328 7154
General enquiries: 01962 868 545
AGE UK
Age UK is the country’s largest charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life. The free national information line is open 365 days a year from 8am to 7pm. Local Age UKs also offer an information and advice service.
National
Tel: 0800 169 6565
www.ageuk.org.uk/services/age-uk-advice-line
Age UK Portsmouth
Tel: 023 9286 2121
Or find your local Age UK at: www.ageuk.org.uk/no-one/we-provide-advice
CITIZENS ADVICE
Citizens Advice aims to provide the advice people need for the problems they face and improve the policies and practices that affect people’s lives. It provides free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities.
Citizens Advice Gosport
Adviceline: 03444 111 306
(Calls to this service cost the same as calling 01 or 02 numbers.)
Administrative line: 02392 520 112
(If you are experiencing any issues with the adviceline.)
Citizens Advice Portsmouth
Tel: 03444 111 306
www.caportsmouth.org.uk (includes webchat facility)
Citizens Advice Southampton
Tel: 03444 111 306
www.citizensadvicesouthampton.org.uk
Or, if you are outside Hampshire, search for Citizens Advice local to you:
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/how-we-provide-advice/advice
A web chat service is also available where you can chat online with an adviser (usually available between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Friday) at:
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/web-chat-serviceCRUSE BEREAVEMENT CARE
Cruse provides support after the death of someone close. Face-to-face and group support is delivered by trained bereavement support volunteers across the UK.
National
Tel: 0808 808 1677
South Hampshire Cruse
Tel: 0844 879 3448
Email: southhampshire@cruse.org.uk
You can also view a regional or alphabetical list of areas and branches at: www.cruse.org.uk/cruse-areas-and-branches
GOSPORT VOLUNTARY ACTION (GVA)
GVA is an independent charity providing voluntary sector support, community development, domestic help, information, Volunteer Driving Force and a range of other services for the residents of the borough of Gosport. GVA is the Council of Voluntary Service (CVS) for the Gosport area, with a membership made up of voluntary and community organisations operating for the benefit of local residents. GVA’s aim is to improve the quality of life for residents of Gosport, in particular older people and people with disabilities. GVA has an older person’s advocacy service and is able to signpost to many other support services.
Tel: 02392 583836
COMMUNITY FIRST FAREHAM
Community First Fareham works with community groups and delivers services to individuals in the Fareham borough. Community First’s Help and Support Directory is an easy to use directory of local community services. It has been created to help people connect with support services and community groups where they live.
Tel: 01329 231899
Email: admin@cfirst.org.ukPSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPIES (IAPT) SERVICES
The NHS Choices website lists services available in your area, or you can contact your GP:
www.nhs.uk/Service-Search/Psychological-therapies-(IAPT)/LocationSearch/10008
http://www.nhs.uk/Service-Search/Psychological-therapies-(IAPT)/LocationSearch/10008
MIND
Mind provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. Mind’s Infoline provides information on a range of topics, including where to get help in your local area, types of mental health problems and advocacy.
National
Tel: 0300 123 3393
A network of more than 140 local Minds offer specialised support and care based on the needs of the communities they support.
Solent Mind
Solent Mind’s Wellbeing Service offers one to one and group work to help people to better manage their mental health. The Centre is based in Fareham and is open to people in the boroughs of Fareham and Gosport. Clients can refer themselves to this service by calling the number below.
Tel: 01329 281 445
Email: info@solentmind.org.uk
SAMARITANS
The Samaritans is available around the clock, every single day of the year. Talk to the Samaritans any time you like, in your own way, about whatever’s getting to you.
Tel: 116 123
Email: jo@samaritans.org
To visit, find your nearest branch on www.samaritans.org
SSAFA (SOLDIERS, SAILORS, AIRMEN AND FAMILIES ASSOCIATION)
SSAFA is a national charity committed to helping and supporting those who serve in the UK’s Armed Forces, those who used to serve, and their families. SSAFA provides lifelong support for serving personnel, veterans and their families. Trained volunteers provide practical and emotional support if and when people need it.
Forcesline: 0800 731 4880
Email: Forcesline@ssafa.org.uk
SSAFA Hampshire Branch
Tel: 02380 704978