Physical Health Conditions

National Helplines and Websites

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s Society
Website: Alzheimer’s Society
Helpline: 0300 222 11 22 (Mon-Wed 9-8, Thur-Fri 9-5, Sat-Sun 10-4)

Angina

British Heart Foundation: Provides information on angina. Also has a helpline.
Website: BHF
Heart helpline: 0300 330 3311 

Arthritis

Arthritis Care: Provides high quality information and support to empower individuals to take control of their arthritis. Also has a helpline.
Website: Arthritis Care
Helpline: 0808 800 4050 (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-5pm)

Asthma

Asthma UK: Provides information and resources on asthma. Also has a helpline
Website: Asthma UK
Helpline: 0300 222 5800 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)

Atherosclerosis

Heart UK: provides support, guidance and education services to healthcare professionals and people and families with concerns about cholesterol.
Website: Heart UK
Helpline: 0345 450 5988 (Mon-Fri, 10am-3pm)

Back Pain

Backcare:  aims to significantly reduce the burden of back pain by providing information and advice to all people and organisations affected by back pain.
Website: Backcare

Cancer

MacMillan Cancer Support: provides help with a range of issues for individuals with cancer from help with money worries and advice about work, to someone who’ll listen if you just want to talk.
Website: MacMillan 
Help Line: 0808 808 00 00 (Mon-Fri, 9am-8pm)

Maggie’s Centre: At Maggie’s you can talk to, and get support from, a range of professional people.
Website: Maggie's (centres around the UK – see website for more information)
Maggie’s Online Centre

Cancer Research UK: This is a national charity. Visit the patient information section to find reliable and easy to understand information about all types of cancer.
Website: www.cancerresearchuk.org

The National Cancer Institute: This organisation provides information on the causes, symptoms and treatment for all types of cancer. This is an American site but it is still informative
Website: www.cancer.gov/cancertopics

The British Lung Foundation: Provides information on lung cancer and other lung conditions affecting adults and children.
Website: www.blf.org.uk
Tel: 03000 030 555

Bowel Cancer UK: This organisation aims to save lives by raising awareness of bowel cancer, campaigning for best treatment and care. Visit their website for practical support and advice.
Website: www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk
Tel: 020 8973 0011

Pancreatic Cancer UK: This is a national charity with a very informative site on this type of cancer.
Website: www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk
Tel: 0808 801 0707

The Prostate Cancer Charity: This charity can help you understand more about the disease, symptoms and treatment options. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men.
Website: www.prostatecanceruk.org
Tel: 0800 074 8383

Breastcancer.org: This non-profit organisation dedicated to providing the most reliable, complete, and up-to-date information about breast cancer.
Website: www.breastcancer.org/

Breast Cancer Care: This is an informative website for anyone affected by breast cancer.
Website: www.breastcancercare.org.uk/

Chronic Fatigue

ME Association: provides information and support, education and training
Website: ME Association
Helpline: 0844 576 5326 (everyday 10am-12am, 2pm-4pm, 7pm-9pm)

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

British Lung Foundation (COPD section): In this section you can learn more about COPD, read advice on how to manage breathlessness and exacerbations, learn about the support available, and order our COPD publications.
Website: BLF COPD
Helpline: 03000 030 555 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)

Chronic Pain

Pain Association: provides a self-management training programme for those burdened with Chronic Pain.
Website: Pain Association

Cleft Lip and Palate

Cleft Lip and Palate Association: provides support for new parents, and for people with the condition and their families, from infancy through to adulthood
Website: CLAPA

Changing Faces: a charity for people and families who are living with conditions, marks or scars that affect their appearance.
Website: Changing Faces
Helpline: 0300 012 0275 (Mon-Fri 10am-4pm)

Cluster Headaches

Ouch UK: provides support, information, advice, understanding and encouragement to cope with the devastating condition of Cluster Headaches
Website: OUCH UK
Helpline: 01646 651 979

Coeliac Disease

Coeliac UK: Provide expert and independent information to help people manage their health and diet
Website: Coeliac UK
Helpline:0333 332 2033

Congenital Heart Disease

NHS Choices (Congenital Heart Disease): provides information on Congenital Heart Disease
Website: NHS Choices (congenital heart disease)

The Somerville Foundation: works with patients born with a heart condition (congenital), providing practical and emotional support, and enabling them to take control of their lives and manage their own heart condition.
Website: Somerville
Helpline: 0800 854 759

Crohn’s Disease and Colitis

Crohns and Colitis UK: raises awareness, provides information and support, funds crucial research, and campaigns and speaks up for change
Website: Crohns and Colitis UK 
Phone (Information service): 0300 222 5700 (Mon-Wed and Fri, 9am-5pm; Thurs 9am-1pm)
Helpline: 0121 737 9931 (Mon-Fri, 1pm-3.30pm and 6.30pm-9pm)

Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis Trust: offers practical support through their helpline, and offer a range of welfare grants
Website: CF Trust
Helpline: 0300 373 1000 or 020 3795 2184

Dermatological/skin problems

The Primary Care Dermatological Society: Founded by GPs, the website provides information on a range of dermatological conditions.
Website: PCDS

British Skin Foundation: has information on skin cancer and a range of skin problems.
Website: British Skin Foundation

NHS Choices (Common Skin Conditions): provides information on common skin conditions.
Website: NHS Choices

Diabetes

Diabetes UK: Provides care and support and is involved in prevention, campaigning, fundraising and research.
Website: Diabetes UK
Helpline: 0345 123 2399 (Mon-Fri, 9am-7pm)

Deafness (Hearing Loss)

Action on Hearing Loss: are experts in providing support for people with hearing loss and tinnitus
Website: Action on Hearing Loss
Helpline: 0808 808 0123

Disfigurements to face, hands and bodies

Changing Faces: a charity for people and families who are living with conditions, marks or scars that affect their appearance.
Website: Changing Faces 
Helpline: 0300 012 027 (Mon-Fri 10am-4pm)

Dystonia

The Dystonia Society: Provides support, advocacy and information for anyone affected by the neurological movement condition known as dystonia.
Webiste: www.dystonia.org.uk
Helpline: 0845 4586322 (Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm)

 

Endometriosis

Endometriosis UK: The UK organisation provides information, support and advice for individuals who are struggling with endometriosis.  A helpline and online support groups are available.  There are also local support groups run in areas across the UK (please see below for local Fife group)

Website: https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/get-support 

Helpline: 0808 808 2227 Click here for details when this helpline is available.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy Society: aims to enhance the quality of life of people affected by epilepsy by promoting public awareness and education, by undertaking research and by delivering specialist medical care and support services
Website: Epilepsy Society
Helpline: 01494 601 400 (Mon-Tues, 9am-4pm; Wed 9am-7.30pm)

Epilepsy Action: exists to improve the lives of everyone affected by the condition.
Website: Epilepsy Action
Helpline: 0808 800 5050

Fibromyalgia

Fribromyalgia UK: Provides information and support for people with fibromyalgia
Website: Fibromyalgia UK
Helpline: 0844 887 2444 (Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm)

Functional and Dissociative Neurological Symptoms

Functional and Dissociative Neurological Symptoms:Provides information with the aim to give individual’s a better understanding of their symptoms
Website: Neurosymptoms

 

 

Heart Attack

British Heart Foundation: offers reliable and easy to understand information about heart disease and advice on how it can be prevented
Website: BHF
Helpline: 0300 330 3311 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)

Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland: aims to improve the quality of life for people in Scotland affected by chest, heart and stroke illness, providing advice and information and support in the community
Website: CHSS  
Advice Line Nurses: 0808 801 0899 (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-4pm)

Hepatitis

The Hepatitis C Trust: Provides information, support and representation for people with hepatitis C
Website: www.hepctrust.org.uk
Helpline: 020 7089 6221 (Mon-Fri, 10.30am-4.30pm)

British Liver Trust: website, information line, a range of informative and detailed publications and a network of patient support groups.
Website:  www.britishlivertrust.org.uk
Helpline: 0800 6527330 (Mon-Fri, 10.30am-4.30pm)

Hepatitis B Positive Trust: A charity that raises awareness about the prevention, treatment and management of hepatitis B and offers advice, information and facilitates networking between patients, their families and professionals
Website: www.hepbpositive.org.uk
Helpline: 0800 206 1899

HIV

AIDS Alliance: provides information and resources
Website: AIDS Alliance

National AIDS Trust: Campaigns for the rights of people living with HIV in the UK.
Website: NAT

Sexual Health Line: 24hrs a day 365 days a year providing advice & information about HIV/Aids & sexual health/local services.  All calls are confidential.
Phone:  0800 567 123 (24/7)

Positively UK: Offers one-to-one phone support from people living with HIV.
Website: Positively UK
Helpline: 020 7713 0444 (Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm, Thurs until 8)

Hypertension

British Hypertension Society: Provides information for health professionals
Website: BHS

Stroke Association: provides information and support for people affected by stroke
Website: Stroke Association
Helpline: 0303 3033 100 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)

Incontinence

NHS Choices (Incontinence): provides information on incontinence
Website: NHS Choices

Bladder and Bowel Foundation: B&BF provides information and support services, including a confidential helpline, for anyone affected by these conditions as well as their families, carers and healthcare professionals.
Website: Bladder and Bowel Foundation
Helpline: 0845 345 0165

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (general and specific conditions)

NHS Choices (Inflammatory Bowel Disease): provides information on inflammatory bowel disease
Website: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Irritable-bowel-syndrome/Pages/Introduction.aspx

Kidney Failure/Disease

Kidney Health Information: Kidney health information is a free web-based information service for kidney patients, their families and carers, as well as medical professionals and researchers. 
Website: Kidney Research UK
Information line: 0300 303 1100

Liver Disease

British Liver Trust: provides information on keeping your liver health through lifestyle choices.
Website: British Liver Trust
Support group information: 0800 652 7330

Motor Neurone Disease

Motor Neurone Disease Scotland: Provides care and support to everyone affected by Motor Neurone Disease
Website: MND Scotland 

Motor Neurone Disease Association: Information and support alongside fighting for improved services
Website: MND Association (England, Northern Ireland, Wales)
Motor Neurone Disease Connect Helpline: 0808 802 6262

Multiple Sclerosis

MS Society: provides information and support, funds research and fights for change
Website: MS Society
Helpline: 0808 800 8000 (Mon-Fri, 9am-9pm)

MS UK: dedicated to giving support and information to anyone affected by MS
Website: MS UK
Helpline: 0800 783 0518 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)

Osteoporosis

National Osteoporosis Society: dedicated to improving the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and fragility fractures
Website: NOS 
Helpline: 0808 800 0035

Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s UK: We provide expert information and training on every aspect of Parkinson's.
Website: Parkinson’s UK
Helpline: 0808 800 0303 (Mon-Fri, 9am-7.45pm; Sat, 10am-2pm)

Pancreatic Disease / Pancreatitis

Pancreatic Cancer UK: provides support and information on pancreatic cancer.
Website: Pancreatic Cancer UK
Support Line: 0808 801 0707 (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-5pm)

Psoriasis

Psoriasis Association: helps people whose lives are affected by psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis through research, information and raising awareness.
Website: Psoriasis Association
Helpline: 01604 251 620 (Mon-Thurs, 9am-5pm; Fri 9am-4.30pm)

Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless Leg Syndrome UK: aims to improve quality of life for people living with RLS and to raise awareness of RLS among medical practitioners and the general public.
Website: RLS UK

Sexual difficulties

Relationship Scotland: counselling, mediation and support for families.
Website: Relationships Scotland
Helpline: 0345 119 2020 (Mon-Fri 9.30am-4.30pm)

NHS Choices (Female Sexual Problems): provides information on female sexual problems.
Website: NHS Choices

NHS Choices (Male Sexual Problems): provides information on female sexual problems.
Website: NHS Choices

Sexual Advice Association: aims to help improve the sexual health and wellbeing of men and women and to raise awareness of the extent to which sexual conditions affect the general population.
Website: Sexual Advice Association 
Helpline: 0207 486 7262

Stroke

Stroke Association: provides information and support for people affected by stroke
Website: Stroke Association
Helpline: 0303 3033 100 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)

Thyroid Disease

The British Thyroid Foundation: provide support and information based on reliable medical evidence and personal experience
Website: BTF

Visual Impairment

Royal National Institute for Blind People: provides practical and emotional support for everyone affected by sight loss
Website: RNIB
Helpline: 0303 123 9999 (Mon-Fri, 8.45am-5.30pm)

Weight

Take Life On: Provides information on losing weight and getting active.
Website: Take Life On 

Weight Wise: provides information on diets and losing weight.
Website: Weight Wise

NHS Choices (Obesity): provides information on obesity
Website: NHS Choices

British Cardiovascular Society: provides information on cardiovascular disease including how to keep your heart healthy through diet.
Website: BCS

Groups and Services in Fife

Cancer

Maggie’s Fife: Drop into Maggie’s for practical, emotional and social support from our professional staff.
Website: Maggie’s Fife
Phone: 01592 647997 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)
Email: fife@maggiescentres.org

Epilepsy

Quarriers: Supports people with epilepsy (Fife and Grampian)
Website: https://www.quarriers.org.uk/

 Endometriosis

Fife Support Group:  If you are interested in joining the Fife Support Group or finding out more information

Website: https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/fife-support-group

Heart Attacks

British Heart Foundation (Fife Project): provides health coaching services focused on cardiac rehabilitation in areas of Fife with high levels of deprivation and heart disease.
Website: BHF (Fife) https://www.bhf.org.uk/heart-health/how-we-can-help/hearty-lives/fife  (Fife)

Sexual Problems

Relationship Scotland: provide couple counselling and psychosexual therapy
Website: Relationship Scotland (Fife) http://www.relationships-scotland.org.uk/find-a-local-service/counselling-services/fife
Phone: 01592 597444

 

Other Illnesses

Go to www.nhs.uk/Conditions and search for the illness you would like more information about.