Patient support groups - non NHS

Here you will find information and contact details for support groups and voluntary organisations which you may find useful

If you would like to recommend a support group to be included here. please do so by emailing your suggestions to communications.team@nhsleeds.nhs.uk

Local Support Groups

Addiction Dependency Solutions
This service provides one to one sessions for people with alcohol/drug problems and concerned others, a women's group, advice and information clinics, acupuncture and community care assessments for alcohol.
Contact Information:
Telephone: 0113 247 0111
Email: leeds@adsolutions.org.uk
Address: 18 East Parade
               Leeds, LS1 2BH
Website: www.adsolutions.org.uk

After Adoption, Yorkshire
A team of workers with personal and professional experience of adoption, funded by grants from local authorities, the community fund and donations. They provide personal appointments; confidential advice and counselling; support group for adopted people, adotive parents and birth parents; intermediary service for people who have traced a relative and are writing to make contact and consultation/training for professionals.
Contact Information:
Telephone: 0113 230 2100
Email: info@aay.org.uk
Address: 31 Moor Road
              Headingley
              Leeds, LS6 4BG
Website: www.afteradoptionyorkshire.org.uk

Alzheimer's Society
This organisation provides advice, information and support to carers of people with dementia; a day centre for people under 65 who have dementia; outreach service for people under 65 who have dementia and a carers support group which meets monthly.
Contact Information:
Telephone: 0113 231 1727
Email: leeds@alzheimers.org.uk
Address: Armley Grange
              Armley Grange Drive
              Leeds, LS12 3QH
Website: www.alzheimers.org.uk

Beeston Action for Families
This is a social group set up for people with learning difficulties in Beeston. The group currently has 25 members made up of carers and their families. The members run day trips, groups and support each other.
Contact Information:
Website:  www.beestonactionforfamilies.org.uk

BHAWNA
Asian women's stress management support group for women with emotional and mental health difficulties in South Leeds.
Contact Information:
Telephone: 0113 224 3080
Address: Tunstall Road Community Centre
              Tunstall Road
              Beeston
              Leeds, LS11 5JF

Community Alternatives Team
This team runs several projects around Leeds for adults (16+) with mental health problems, including support groups, drop-ins, employment/education support, sport and social and leisure groups
Contact Information:
Telephone: 0113 214 5030

Cruse Bereavement Care - Leeds
Cruse Bereavement Care exists to promote the wellbeing of bereaved people and to enable anyone bereaved by death to understand their grief and cope with their loss. The Leeds branch offers a helpfline for support and information, a drop in centre, one to one bereavement support, a crisis support team and a bereavement support group.
Contact Information:
Telephone: 0113 234 4150
Email: cruse@bcare.fsnet.co.uk
Address: Centenary House
              North Street
              Leeds, LS2 8AY

Ebor Health Matters
This organisation provides an information/signposting and support service, training courses, counselling service and children's and family services. They work with anyone in East Leeds and will help you find the service you are looking for.
Contact Information:
Telephone: 0113 235 0913
Email: eborhealthmatter@btconnect.com
Address: Ebor Gardens Community Centre
              179 - 181 Haslewood Drive
              Leeds, LS9 7PS

GASPED (Greater Awareness and Support for Parents Encountering Drugs)
Gasped provides information, advice, help and support for parents, carers and families of drug misusers in the Leeds, Wakefield and Kirklees areas including a 24 hour helpline - 0845 146 0002, support groups, counselling, drug awareness courses and a well-being centre providing complimentary therapies.
Contact Information:
Telephone: 0113 245 0100
Email: gaspedleeds@gasped.co.uk
Address: Suite 5, The Basement
              Oxford Place Centre
              Leeds, LS1 3AX
Website: www.gasped.org.uk

Henshaws Society for Blind People
Henshaws is a visual impairment organisation operating across the North of England. They provide a range of services relevant to the identified needs of visually impaired people of all ages including parents support groups, youth groups, advice and guidance and family events.
Contact Information:
Telephone: 01423 541 558
Email: knaresborough@henshaws.org.uk
Address: 50 Bond End
              Knaresborough
              North Yorkshire, HG5 9AL
Website: www.henshaws.org.uk

Inkwell Arts

Inkwell Arts provide aims to encourage wellbeing and positive mental health through engagement with arts.  We do this though providing a range of classes, tutorials and events in a safe creative environment such as painting, ceramics,photography and creative writing.  We also run a Craft Café, gardening group and regular social events (e.g. an acoustic night).  Some classes are available to service-users by referral only, though many are open to the community and, if you fancy volunteering for us, we have a number of spaces.  Our service is currently expanding, so keep an eye on our website, Facebook page  and Twitter feed for news and updates.  Please get in touch if you want any more information or have any questions.

Blog and website: www.inkwellarts.org.uk/  (which has a link to our Facebook page)
Twitter: @Inkwellarts
Telephone: 0113 3070108 (office hours are 9.00 – 4.30 tues – fri.answerphone outside office hours)
Email:  inkwell@leedsmind.org.uk

Leeds Citizen Advice Bureau
Leeds Citizen Advice Bureau has developed a new website where people can access welfare advice on financial, legal and consumer issues.
Contact Information:
Website:  www.leedscitizensinfo.org

Leeds and District Autism, Behaviour, Communication Support Group
A support group for families of children and young people who are on the autistic spectrum.
Contact Information:
Telephone: 0113 218 0131
Email: info@abcleeds.org.uk
Address: Suite 3, Cubic Business Centre
              533 Stanningley Road
              Leeds, LS13 4EN
Website: www.abcleeds.org.uk

Leeds ME Network
The Leeds ME Network is a patient self-help network sharing information of interest to people with ME/CFS in Leeds and surrounding parts of Yorkshire. Our website has details of local meetings, services, courses etc.

Contact Information:
Email: leedsmenetwork@gmx.com
Website: www.leedsmenetwork.yolasite.com

Leeds Mind Peer Support Project:

• Email: wellbeing@leedsmind.org.uk  
• Phone: 0113 305 5802
• Address: Clarence House, 11 Clarence Road, Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 4LB
• Website: www.leedsmind.org.uk  

The Peer Support project provides a safe and supportive environment in which anyone who has experienced emotional distress can share their experiences, identify and develop their strengths and resources and use them to improve and maintain their mental health wellbeing.  Groups are participatory, with members being encouraged to share experiences and learn from others.  All groups are facilitated by people who use, or have used, peer support group work themselves.

Leeds Mencap
Contact Information:
Telephone: 0113 235 1331
Email: info@leedsmencap.org.uk
Address: Londesboro Terrace
              East End Park
              Leeds, LS9 9NE
Website: www.leedsmencap.org.uk

Leeds Miscarriage Support Group
Providing support and information to women and their families who have experienced a miscarriage.
Contact Information:
Telephone: 0113 286 8409

MAN-Age men's peer led mental health support group
A men's peer-led mental health support group run by the Leeds Survivor Led Crisis Service. Traditionally men have been brought up not to talk about their problems and express emotions and as a result men are less likely to seek help for mental health issues. Due to this, statistics show that 3/4 of the suicides in the UK are by men and depression is as prevalent in men as in women but women are twice as likely to seek help.
 
Peer-led groups are experts by experience of their lives and as such, a men's group of this type is a safe space for men of all ages to share experiences and not face their issues in isolation.
Contact Information:
Telephone: 0113 260 9328
Website: www.lslcs.org.uk

Mesmac Sexual Health Project
A community based sexual health organisation offering practical and emotional support including one to one support, information about sexual health, HIV, free condoms and support groups.
Contact Information:
Telephone: 0113 244 4209
Email: leeds@mesmac.co.uk
Address: PO Box 417
              Leeds, LS1 5PN
Website: www.mesmac.co.uk

Ohmed
Generic care and support for Asian women.
Contact Information:
Telephone: 07745 675 927
Address: 63 St Wilfrid's Drive
              Harehills
              Leeds, LS8 3PE

Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre
Information and supportive services for people affected by cancer, including patients, their carers, family and friends.
Contact Information:
Telephone: 0113 206 6498 / 0113 206 6500
Email: cancerpatientinformation@leedsth.nhs.uk
Address: St James University Hospital
              Beckett Street
              Leeds, LS9 7TF
Website: www.leedsth.nhs.uk

Rothwell Parents Support Group
A support group for young parents and individuals.
Contact Information:
Telephone: 0113 288 7077
Address: Rose Lund Community Centre
              Sixth Avenue
              Rothwell
              Leeds, LS26 0HD

S.C.A.R.D (Support and Care after Road Death and Injury)
Helpline and support group for all persons affected by road crashes including verbal support, peer support, free initial legal support information.
Contact Information:
Telephone: 0845 123 5541 / 0845 123 5542
Email: info@scard.org.uk
Address: PO Box 62
              Brighouse, HD6 3YY
Website: www.scard.org.uk

South Seacroft Friends and Neighbours
Aims to provide networks of care within the community for older people.
Contact Information:
Telephone: 0113 273 4979
Email: ssfn@btconnect.com
Address: The Methodist Church Hall
              1071 York Road
              Seacroft
              Leeds, LS14 6JB
Website: www.ssfn.co.uk

Support Group for Epilepsy Leeds Branch
This is a support group for sufferers of epilepsy and their families and carers.
Contact Information:
Telephone: 0113 226 4288
Address: 3 Crossflatts Drive
              Beeston
              Leeds, LS11 7HY

ZigZag Leeds
A parent led support group offering parents and carers advice, support and guidance.
Contact Information:
Telephone: 07733 129 695
Email: ljanejames@yahoo.co.uk
Address: 12 Aspen Mount
              Cookridge
              Leeds, LS16 6RT

 

Voluntary Organisations

Abortion Help
24-hour abortion information service run by Marie Stopes International clinics
Contact Information:
Telephone: 0845 300 8090
Email:  services@mariestopes.org.uk
Address:  45 Barrack Road
               Leeds, LS7 4AB
Website:  www.mariestopes.org.uk

Age Concern
Information and advice on a broad range of topics affecting older people
Contact Information:
Telephone: 0800 009 966
Email:  ageconcern@leedssilversurfers.net
Address:  188a Woodhouse Lane
               Leeds, LS2 9DX
Website:  www.ageconcernleeds.org.uk

Alcoholics Anonymous
For those who think their drinking is becoming a problem, Alcoholics Anonymous offers the chance to talk to someone who knows the issues through personal experience
Contact Information:
Telephone: 0845 769 7555
Website:  www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Asthma UK Advice Line
Asthma nurse specialists provide independent, confidential advice and information, advice and support for people with autism spectrum disorders, their families, professionals, researchers and students
Contact Information:
Telephone: 0845 701 0203
Website:  www.asthma.org.uk

Autism Helpline
The National Autistic Society Autism Helpline provides impartial, confidential information, advice and support for people with autism spectrum disorders, their families, professionals, researchers and students
Contact Information:
Telephone: 0845 070 4004
Email (enquiry form):  www.autism.org.uk/enquiry
Website:  www.nas.org.uk

Back Care Helpline
Speak to someone at this registered charity who has experienced back pain. The helpline provides support and information and explains your options
Contact Information:
Telephone: 0845 130 2704

Beating Eating Disorders
Confidential helpline offering support and advice for anyone affected by an eating disorder
Contact Information:
Telephone: 0845 634 1414
Email:  help@b-eat.co.uk
Website:  www.b-eat.co.uk

Beaumont Society
Advice and support for transgender, transvestite, transsexual and cross dressing people to reduce emotional stress and increase understanding
Contact Information:
Telephone: 0158 241 2220
Email:  email@beaumontsociety.org.uk
Website:  www.beaumontsociety.org.uk

Breast Cancer Care Helpline
Nurses and trained workers with personal or professional experience of breast cancer offer information and support on any aspect of breast cancer or breast health
Contact Information:
Telephone: 0808 800 6000
Email:  nrc@breastcancercare.org.uk
Website:  www.breastcancercare.org.uk

Brook Advisory Centres
Free and confidential sexual health advice and services for under 25s
Contact Information:
Telephone: 0800 0185 023

Cancer backup
Information from nurses about all types and aspects of cancer - diagnosis, treatment, sympton control, clinical trials, support groups and where to get practical and emotional help
Contact Information:
Telephone: 0808 800 1234

Carers Direct
Confidential information and advice for anyone looking after someone else
Contact Information:
Telephone: 0808 802 0202
Email:  CarersDirect@nhschoices.nhs.uk
Website:  www.nhs.uk/Carersdirect

Childline
Support, information and advice for children on any topic they want to talk about - bullying, gangs, puberty, sexual abuse, alcohol, drugs or anything else that worries them
Contact Information:
Telephone: 0800 11 11
Website:  www.childline.org.uk

Condom essential wear
Free and confidential sexual health information and advice
Contact Information:
Telephone: 0800 567 123

Contact a Family
Information on specific conditions and rare disorders for families with disabled children
Contact Information:
Telephone: 0808 808 3555
Email:  helpline@cafamily.org.uk
Website:  www.cafamily.org.uk

Cruse Bereavement Centre
Help and support for people who are bereaved
Contact Information:
Telephone: 0844 477 9400
Email:  helpline@cruse.org.uk
Website:  www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk

Diabetes UK

The Diabetes UK Leeds group meets monthly at the West Yorkshire Playhouse on the first Monday of the month from 7pm to 9pm.

Contact Information:
Email: diabetesleeds@hotmail.co.uk

Domestic Violence Helpline
National Domestic Violence 24-hour helpline for those who require an urgent response or need in-depth support. The helpline is run by Women's Aid and Refuge
Contact Information:
Telephone: 0808 2000 247
Website:  www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk

Drinkline
Information and self-help materials, help to callers worried about their own drinking, support for family and friends of people who are drinking and advice on where to go for help
Contact Information:
Telephone: 0800 917 8282

Family Planning Association
For information and advice on contraception, sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy choices, abortion or planning a pregnancy
Contact Information:
Telephone: 0845 122 8690
Website:  www.fpa.org.uk

Frank
Call for confidential and friendly advice about drugs from professional advisors who wil give you straight up, unbiased information
Contact Information:
Telephone: 0800 776 600
Website:  www.talktofrank.com

Health talk online
Healthtalkonline is an award-winning website that lets you shae in other people's experiences of health and illness.You can watch or listen to videos of the interviews, read about people's experiences and find reliable information about conditions, treatment choices and support.
Contact Information:
Website: www.healthtalkonline.org

Heart Helpline
British Heart Foundations cardiac nurses and information officers provide information to help support any medical advice you have already had from your GP or consultant
Contact Information:
Telephone: 0845 070 8070
Website:  www.bhf.org.uk

Learning Disability Helpline
An advice and information service from Mencap for people with a learning disability, their families and carers
Contact Information:
Telephone: 0808 808 1111
Email:  help@mencap.org.uk
Website:  www.mencap.org.uk

Macmillan Cancer Line
Information and advice for anyone with concerns about living with cancer
Contact Information:
Telephone: 0808 808 2020
Textphone service: 0808 808 0121
Website:  www.macmillan.org.uk

Meningitis Research Foundation
Trained staff and qualified nurses offer information on meningitis and septicaemia to anyone concerned about or affected by these infections
Contact Information:
Telephone: 0808 800 3344
Website:  www.meningitis.org

Mind Info Line
Mind's helpline gives confidential advice and help for people with mental health problems
Contact Information:
Telephone: 0300 123 3393
Email:  info@mind.org.uk
Website:  www.mind.org.uk

Rethink
Helpline services offering practical and emotional support to those experiencing severe mental illness, their carers and relatives
Contact Information:
Telephone: 0845 456 0455
Website:  www.rethink.org

Shelter
Free housing advice from the homelessness and housing charity
Contact Information:
Telephone: 0808 800 4444
Website:  www.shelter.org.uk

Stroke Helpline
Advice from the Stroke Association which helps stroke patients and their families through its support services and funds research into prevention, treatment and rehabilitation
Contact Information:
Telephone: 0845 303 3100
Website:  www.stroke.org.uk

The Patients Association
For concerns about healthcare in general, this national charity provides patients with a way to raise issues and share experiences as it works to improve the care we all receive
Contact Information:
Telephone: 0845 608 4455
Email:  helpline@patients-association.com
Website:  www.patients-association.org.uk

The Samaritans
Confidential non-judgemental, emotional support, 24-hours a day, for people who feel distressed, despairing or suicidal
Contact Information:
Telephone: 0845 790 9090
Email:  jo@samaritans.org
Website:  www.samaritans.org

THT Direct
Information, support and advice from the Terrence Higgins Trust on all aspects of HIV and sexual health
Contact Information:
Telephone: 0845 1221 200
Website:  www.tht.org.uk

Youth health talk
Youthhealthtalk is a website about young people’s real life experiences of health and lifestyle. This is not just a website about the medical facts, this is about real people and real lives.
Contact Information:
Website: www.youthhealthtalk.org