Local and national support for your health and wellbeing.
Abuse
Domestic Abuse: Get help during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak
Find out how to get help if you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse.
Dash
The Dash Charity (formerly Berkshire East & South Bucks Women’s Aid). We’re here for one reason, to help individuals and families affected by domestic abuse with confidential advice and support.
Phone
01753 549865
Website
www.thedashcharity.org.uk
Berkshire Womens Aid (BWA)
BWA works throughout Bracknell, Reading and Wokingham, and we are affiliated to the Women’s Aid Federation of England (WAFE).
BWA provides advice, support and refuge services to victims of domestic abuse and provides information and education on the subject to make the case for effective action against domestic violence, intimidation and psychological abuse and for policies that support victims of abuse.
Helpline
0118 950 4003
Alana House West Berkshire
The Alana House West Berkshire satellite service is supported by the centre in Reading and works in partnership with organisations and agencies locally to provide women only targeted support for vulnerable women with complex needs in the West Berkshire area.
Phone
0118 921 7640
Website
Alana House – PACT
Email
Alana.house@pactcharity.org
Men’s Advice Line
Men’s Advice Line: confidential helpline for men experiencing domestic violence from a partner or ex-partner (or from other family members).
Phone
0808 801 0327
Website
www.mensadviceline.org.uk
Email
info@respectphoneline.org.uk
West Berkshire Local Safeguarding Children Board
The purpose of the West Berkshire Local Safeguarding Children Board (WB LSCB) is to ensure that everyone is working together towards the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.
Are you worried about a child?
Phone
01635 503090
Website
Berkshire West Safeguarding Children Partnership – scp
Trust House Reading
The centre in Reading offers a safe place for those affected by rape and sexual abuse.
Helpline
0118 958 4033
Website
Trust House
National Centre for Domestic Violence
The National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV) provides a free, fast emergency injunction service to survivors of domestic violence regardless of their financial circumstances, race, gender or sexual orientation.
Phone
0800 970 2070
Karma Nirvana – Honour Based Abuse
Karma Nirvana is an award-winning British Human Rights Charity supporting victims of honour-based abuse and forced marriage. Honour crimes are not determined by age, faith, gender or sexuality, we support and work with all victims.
Phone
0800 5999 247
Website
www.karmanirvana.org.uk
If you are in immediate danger call 999.
Helplines
Oxfordshire / West Berkshire Helpline
0800 731 0055
Freephone 24 hour National Domestic Violence Helpline
0808 2000 247
Police (non emergency)
101
Victim Support
0808 168 9111
Kiran Asian women’s aid
0208 558 1986
Men’s advice line
0808 801 0327
LGBT helpline
0300 999 5428
Elder abuse
0808 808 8141
Childline
0800 1111
Bereavement
Daisy’s Dream
Established in 1996, Daisy’s Dream is a professional support service which responds to the needs of children and families affected by life threatening illness or bereavement. We work across Berkshire and the surrounding areas.
Originally set up to meet the needs of children who had been bereaved, over recent years we have expanded our service to encompass families where there has been a serious illness diagnosis.
Phone
0118 934 2604
Website
www.daisysdream.org.uk
Sands
Sands is the stillbirth and neonatal death charity. We operate throughout the UK, supporting anyone affected by the death of a baby, working to improve the care bereaved parents receive, and promoting research to reduce the loss of babies’ lives.
Phone
0808 164 3332
Website
www.sands.org.uk
Daisy’s Dream
Cruse Bereavement Care is the leading national charity for bereaved people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We offer support, advice and information to children, young people and adults when someone dies and work to enhance society’s care of bereaved people.
Phone
01344 411919
National helpline
0808 808 1677
Website
www.cruse.org.uk
Carers
Carers UK
They’re here to make sure that no matter how complicated your query or your experience, you don’t have to care alone.
Phone
0808 808 7777
Website
Carers UK
Email
info@carersuk.org
Social care and support guide
If you or someone you know needs help with day-to-day living because of illness or disability, this guide explains your options and where you can get support.
Berkshire Care Services Directory
This guide can help you make informed decisions about your care.
It contains information on care in Berkshire, including having a care assessment, funding social care and supporting carers.
There is also a comprehensive list of social care services in Berkshire, including care homes for the elderly, home care for people with learning or physical disabilities and dementia nursing homes in Berkshire.
Phone
01223 207770
Reading & West Berkshire Carers Hub
Carers Trust provides timely, personalised information and support via the Reading & West Berkshire Carers Hub to make caring for a loved one easier.
Phone
0118 324 7333
Website
www.berkshirecarershub.org
This service is provided by Carers Trust
Carers Direct Helpline
You can call the Carers Direct helpline if you need help with your caring role and want to talk to someone about what options are available to you.
Phone
0300 123 1053
Website
NHS UK: Carers Direct
Carers Trust
Carers Trust provides a range of support and services which can be accessed via the Carers Hub – funded by Reading Borough Council, West Berkshire Council, North & West Reading CCG, South Reading CCG and Newbury & District CCG.
Phone
0118 324 7333
Carer’s Registration
- It is important that we know if you are a carer so that we can make sure you receive information, services and the help that is available. If you are a carer please complete our form.
Register a carer
Cervical Screening
Cervical screening explained in 10 languages
This leaflet explains NHS cervical screening.
It includes information about:
– who is eligible for screening
– the cervical screening process
– what screening looks for
– primary human papillomavirus (HPV) testing
– what HPV is
It is available in:
Child Health
Rashes in babies and children
Many things can cause a rash in babies and children, and they’re often nothing to worry about.
The NHS provide support for identifying some of the common rashes in babies and children.
NHS vaccinations and when to have them
It’s important that vaccines are given on time for the best protection. Check the dates your child needs to have their vaccinations by and contact your GP.
Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
We support children and young people (up to the age of 25) who have special educational needs or disabilities (SEND). We provide advice, information and can carry out specialist assessments and give ongoing support where necessary.
Phone
0118 937 3641
Website
Special educational needs and disabilities
Start for Life
Trusted NHS help and advice during pregnancy, birth and parenthood.
Website
Start for Life
Continence
BCAS
If you have problems with bladder or bowel control, we can provide you with a variety of specialist continence treatments and advice.
Our nurse specialists offer confidential advice by telephone and at our clinics by appointment.
Phone
0118 949 5145
Dementia
Age UK Berkshire
The Age UK Berkshire service provides ongoing one-to-one support for people with memory loss or living with dementia, and can give some respite to carers.
Phone
0118 959 4242
Website
www.ageuk.org.uk/berkshire
Alzheimer’s Society UK
Alzheimer’s Society provide information, advice and support to help those affected by dementia live as well as possible with the condition.
National dementia helpline
0300 222 11 22
Website
www.alzheimers.org.uk
Young People with Dementia Berkshire
YPWD (Berkshire) provide a range of support and ancillary services to younger people with dementia (those diagnosed below the age of 65), and to their families and carers, within the Berkshire West area covering Wokingham, Reading and Newbury.
Phone
0118 949 5286
Website
www.ypwd.info
Email
contact@ypwd.info
Dementia UK
Dementia UK offers specialist one-to-one support and expert advice for people living with dementia.
Phone
0800 888 6678
Website
www.dementiauk.org
Drugs and Alcohol
Drinkaware
Digital tools to help you assess, track and set goals to reduce your drinking.
Website
Drinkaware tools
Drinkline
If you’re worried about your own or someone else’s drinking, you can call this free helpline, in complete confidence.
Phone
0300 123 1110
Talk to Frank
If you have a problem with drugs, you can Talk to Frank for friendly, confidential drugs advice.
Phone
0300 123 6600
Text
82111
Website
Talk to Frank
NHS Drink Free Days
Drink Free Days is for people who like a drink but want some support in tracking and cutting down on the booze as well as better understanding the risks.
Google Play Store
Download NHS Drink Free Days on the Google Play Store
Apple App Store
Download NHS Drink Free Days on the Apple App Store
Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.
Phone
0800 9177 650
Website
Alcoholics Anonymous Great Britain
Email
help@aamail.org
SOURCE – Young People’s Drug & Alcohol Service
SOURCE is Reading’s Young Person’s drug & alcohol service, we work with young people under 18 years old or up to 25 if they are vulnerable adults or have LDD. We also offer family work support for our clients.
Phone
0118 901 5666
IRiS Reading
IRiS Reading is an adult alcohol and drug treatment service available to anyone over the age of 18 who lives in Reading. We also have services available for family members of drug and alcohol users who need support.
Phone
0118 955 7333
Website
www.uk-rehab.com
Elderly Care
Age UK
Age UK is the country’s largest charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life. They believe in a world where everyone can love later life and we work every day to achieve this.
Phone
0800 055 6112
Website
Age UK
Dementia UK
Dementia UK offers specialist one to one support and expert advice for people living with dementia.
Phone
0800 888 6678
Website
Dementia UK
Email
helpline@dementiauk.org
The Silver Line
Free phone support for older people, 24 hours a day.
Phone
0800 470 80 90
Website
The Silver Line Helpline
Alzheimer’s Society
Living with dementia can be overwhelming, but you’re not alone. From a listening ear on the phone, to a visit in person. From practical tips and advice, to opportunities to connect with others.
Phone
0333 150 3456
Website
Alzheimer’s Society
Crossroads Care Reading
Crossroads Care Reading offers a full range of services for all groups, disabilities or health conditions. We also provide special care services.
Phone
0118 945 4209
0118 945 4218 (out of hours)
Website
www.readingcrossroads.org
Readibus Reading
ReadiBus is the dial-a-ride bus service for people with restricted mobility in and around Reading, UK.
Phone
0118 931 0000
Website
www.readibus.co.uk
Learning disabilities
Vocational Training for Adults with Special Needs
This site identifies the best vocational training programs for the disabled this year. Vocational training for the disabled offers a chance for employers to bring diversity into the workplace. People living with disabilities also need to know that there are specific laws which protect them.
Website
www.vocationaltraininghq.com
SEND Local Offer
We support children and young people (up to the age of 25) who have special educational needs or disabilities (SEND). We provide advice, information, and can carry out specialist assessments and give ongoing support where necessary. We provide some services ourselves, and arrange and fund other services.
Phone
0118 937 3641
Website
www.reading.gov.uk
Wokingham Local Offer for 0-25 year olds with Additional Needs
For children and young people aged 0 to 25 with special educational needs and disabilities and their families
Website
www.wokingham.gov.uk
West Berkshire Directory
West Berkshire Directory – Your one-stop shop for help and support in West Berkshire.
Guide to Remodelling a Home for Adults with Special Needs
This guide offers comprehensive solutions for families who care for young adults with special needs.
Website
www.bigrentz.com/how-to-guides
Renters Rights for People with Disabilities
Living independently is a goal for many young adults with disabilities. It’s an important part of having a fulfilling life, and the drive for freedom exists regardless of ability.
Talkback Reading
Talkback in Reading focuses upon supporting and developing self advocacy, participation and involvement across the Borough. These groups empower people to raise issues and concerns about their lives, their services or their communities.
Website
www.talkback-uk.com
Reading Mencap
We provide services for children and adults with learning disabilities and their parents and carers.
Phone
0118 966 2518
Website
www.readingmencap.org.uk
Berkshire Healthcare: Learning Disabilities (CTPLD)
Our team is made up of experienced healthcare professionals who will work together to give you a personalised care plan.
We also work in partnership with social workers and social service assessment officers to make sure you’re getting the best support possible.
Phone
01189 373742
Website
www.berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk
Local Directories
West Berkshire Directory
Your one-stop shop for help and support in West Berkshire!
Reading Services Guide
A website full of useful information and services in and around Reading.
Website
Reading Directory
Maternity
Tommy’s
Tommy’s provides information and support to empower parents during pregnancy.
Website
Tommy’s
Start for Life
Trusted NHS help and advice during pregnancy, birth and parenthood.
Website
Start for life
Baby Buddy: Pregnancy & Parent
Baby Buddy is an award winning mobile phone app for new parents and parents-to-be, created by mums, doctors and midwives.
Google Play Store
Download Baby Buddy on the Google Play Store
Apple App Store
Download Baby Buddy on the Apple App Store
MAMA Academy
MAMA Academy’s mission is to empower all maternity professionals and expectant parents on stillbirth prevention methods to help more babies arrive safely.
Phone
07427 851670
Website
MAMA Academy
Email
contact@mamaacademy.org.uk
NHS Pregnancy
This guide includes all you need to know about trying for a baby, pregnancy, labour and birth.
Website
NHS: Pregnancy
Antenatal Care
Royal Berkshire Maternity Services
The Royal Berkshire Hospital has a range of Maternity Services available to residents in Berkshire. If you are newly pregnant, then you can register with the midwives team using the link below.
Phone
0118 322 7296
Website
Maternity – Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust
Mental Health
NHS Mental Health
Find information and support for your mental health.
Website
NHS: Mental health
Kooth
Free anonymous online chat for young people to discuss their mental health issues.
Website
Kooth
Samaritans
Samaritans offer a safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way – about whatever’s getting to you. You don’t have to be suicidal. Call Samaritans free, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Phone
116 123
Website
Samaritans
Email
jo@samaritans.org
Rethink Mental Illness
Rethink Mental Illness provide expert, accredited advice and information to everyone affected by mental health problems.
Phone
0121 522 7007
Website
Rethink Mental Illness
Email
info@rethink.org
Mind
Mind provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
Phone
0300 123 3393
Website
Mind
BEAT
National charity for eating disorders and support
Phone
0845 634 1414 (over 25’s)
0845 634 7650 (under 25’s)
Text message support
07786 201 820
Berkshire Healthcare
Discuss your mental health issues with someone locally.
Phone
01344 823333
Mental Health Crisis Service
For those at risk of self harm.
Phone
0300 365 9999
British Pregnancy Advisory Service
If you discover that you have a pregnancy that you feel you are unable to continue with, BPAS will be here to support you to make a decision that is right for you.
Phone
03457 30 40 30
Website
www.bpas.org
Breathing Space Service (mental health crisis offering short term crisis support)
The Berkshire West Breathing Space service is a safe, welcoming and supportive space for anybody aged over 18 experiencing emotional distress and struggling to cope. Whatever the reason for you feeling distressed or in crisis – they’re there to help you.
Phone
0800 002 9091
Website
Berkshire West Breathing Space
Email
breathing-space@together-uk.org
Recovery in Mind
Learn how to improve your mental health with their free courses.
Available to adults aged 18 or over living in West Berkshire.
Website
www.recoveryinmind.org
No GP referral needed.
Heads Together
Heads Together is a mental health initiative spearheaded by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, which combines a campaign to tackle stigma and change the conversation on mental health with fundraising for a series of innovative new mental health services.
Website
www.headstogether.org.uk
Young Minds
We’re leading the fight for a future where all young minds are supported and empowered, whatever the challenges. We’re here to make sure they get the best possible mental health support and have the resilience to overcome life’s difficulties.
Parents helpline
0808 802 5544
Website
www.youngminds.org.uk
National Centre for Eating Disorders
Treatment and carer support.
Phone
0845 838 2040
Website
www.eating-disorders.org.uk
Sport in Mind
Sport in Mind® is the independent Berkshire mental health sports charity formed in Reading in 2011 to use sport and physical activity to help aid the recovery of people experiencing mental health problems and encourage individuals to move their lives forward in a positive direction.
Phone or text
07341 267740
Website
www.sportinmind.org
Email
info@sportinmind.org
Berkshire Children, Young Peoples and Families Services
We provide care and support to children, young people and their families in Berkshire. We offer Specialist Children’s Services, Mental Health & Therapy Services.
Phone
0300 365 1234
Time to Talk: West Berkshire
Time to Talk West Berkshire provides free confidential counselling services to young people in need aged 11 to 25.
Phone
01635 760331
Website
www.t2twb.org
Email
office@t2twb.org
Relate Berkshire
Relate Berkshire offers relationship counselling, sexual therapy and family counselling for couples, families and singles to help make relationship changes for the better.
Phone
0118 987 6161
Website
www.relateberkshire.org
CALM
The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is an award-winning charity dedicated to preventing male suicide, the single biggest killer of men under the age of 45 in the UK.
Phone
0800 58 58 58
Website
www.thecalmzone.net
Emotional Health Academy
Helping children, young people and families find support for emotional well-being earlier, faster and more easily within West Berkshire.
Phone
01635 519018
Website
www.info.westberks.gov.uk
No5
No5 offers confidential listening to support children and young people and those around them, through our free counselling service for those aged 10-25 in the Reading area.
Phone
0118 901 5668
Text
07984 357551
Website
www.no5.org.uk
Email
info@no5.org.uk
BEAT Eating Disorders
We are a champion, guide and friend to anyone affected by eating disorders, giving individuals experiencing an eating disorder and their loved ones a place where they feel listened to, supported and empowered.
Helpline
0808 801 0677
Youthline
0808 801 0711 (for under 25s)
Website
www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk
MindEd UK
MindEd is a free educational resource on children and young people’s mental health for all adults.
Website
www.minded.org.uk
Sexual Health
Brook
Brook provides free and confidential sexual health and wellbeing services for nearly 250,000 young people UK-wide, each year.
Website
Brook
Sexual Health Helpline
The National Sexual Health Helpline provided by Public Health England is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm.
Phone
0300 123 7123
Family Planning Association
A sexual health charity, the Family Planning Association gives straightforward information and support on sexual health, sex and relationships to everyone in the UK.
Phone
020 7608 5240
Website
Family Planning Association
British Pregnancy Advisory Service – Reading
BPAS (British Pregnancy Advisory Service) cares for women with an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy.
Phone
03457 30 40 30
Website
www.bpas.org
NHS Sexual Health Guide
Everything you need to know about sexual health, including contraception and STIs.
Website
NHS UK: Sexual Health Guide
Social Prescribing
RVA
Social Prescribing is linking people up with activities or services in the community that they might benefit from. It’s about connecting people to non-medical sources of support. We aim to help people live well and safely, and to maintain healthy lives, through non-medical support offered by Reading’s voluntary and community groups.
List of local services and national helplines
List of local services* and national helplines
*NB: those marked with an * on the list are only available for residents of Reading Borough Council
Non-urgent advice: In case of emergency
*Reading Borough Council out-of-hours emergency: over the weekend & 5pm – 9am on weekdays 01344351999 for homelessness & social care issues, including child protection
https://www.reading.gov.uk/contact-us/main-contact-details/
Children & Adolescents Mental Health Out-of-hours Crisis Team 0300 3659 999
Benefits & finance
Carers
*Reading Borough Council, Adult Social Care, 0118 937 3747
*Reading Carers Partnership:
Clothing, toiletries, laundry & Furniture
Dementia support
Domestic abuse & victim support
Drug & alcohol support
Food providers
Homelessness & housing support
Mental health support
Utilities support
*Reading Borough Council Winter Watch is run by the Council and a number of local voluntary and health services to make sure you do not suffer from cold in your home during the winter months.
Winter Watch is available to Reading residents who are on a low income and either over 60, have very young children, have a disability or health concerns, have never lived independently, or struggle financially. You can apply for Winter Watch all year round by phoning 0118 937 3747.
Help from your energy company – Reading Borough Council
Our sincere thanks go to Sadaka, a local volunteer-run charity, who provided most of the content for this list.
https://www.sadakagives.org.uk/
This is not an exhaustive list and was correct at the time of printing (May 2023). Reading Voluntary Action does not endorse and cannot be responsible for the services listed in this guide.
Stop Smoking
Smokefree Life Berkshire
Smokefreelife Berkshire is a free service from Solutions 4 Health serving Bracknell, Reading, Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead, West Berkshire & Wokingham and we offer support that works!
Phone
0800 622 6360
Text
Quit to 66777
NHS Quit smoking
Quitting is much easier when you get the right support and there are lots of options to choose from. Check out their advice, tools and tips.
Website
NHS: Quit smoking
Weight management and keeping healthy
Slimming World
You’ll find delicious recipe and menu ideas at your local group, along with all the help you need to get started and reach your target weight.
Website
Slimming World
Weight Watchers
Meetings, online or a little bit of both. They’ve got options and support, whatever your lifestyle.
Website
Weight Watchers
BMI calculator
The body mass index (BMI) is a measure that uses your height and weight to work out if your weight is healthy.
Couch to 5K
Taking up running can seem like a scary prospect, especially if you feel out of shape or unfit.
NHS Couch to 5K will help you gradually work up towards running 5km in just 9 weeks.
Get Active
No matter how much you do, physical activity is good for your body and mind. Adults should aim to be active every day. Some is good – more is better still.
Gov.uk Physical activity guidelines: infographics
Infographics explaining the physical activity needed for general health benefits for all age groups, disabled adults, pregnant women and women after childbirth.
Website
www.gov.uk – Physical activity guidelines: infographics
Fitness Studio exercise videos
Take your pick from 24 instructor-led videos across our aerobics exercise, strength and resistance, and Pilates and yoga categories.
NHS Weight Loss Plan
The plan is designed to help you lose weight at a safe rate of 0.5kg to 1kg (1lb to 2lb) each week by sticking to a daily calorie allowance.
Website
NHS UK: Weight Loss Guide
Get Berkshire Active
Get Berkshire Active have created a page to make it easier for you to access lots of useful material to support you:
– Being Active at home
– Looking after your mental wellbeing
– Working From Home
Websites
www.getberkshireactive.org – Active at Home
www.getberkshireactive.org – Activity Finder
www.getberkshireactive.org – Get More Active Guide