Support resources
Handy links for patients and carers in the UK. We only list official sites — GOV.UK, the NHS and established charities.
For patients
NHS services, health information and support if you're managing your own care.
NHS services
Where to go when you need care or advice.
- NHS 111 Call or go online when you need urgent advice but it's not a 999 emergency.
- Find GP and NHS services Search for GPs, pharmacies, hospitals and other services near you.
- NHS App Book appointments, order repeat prescriptions and view your health record.
- Register with a GP How to sign up with a surgery if you're not registered yet.
Health information
Reliable information on conditions and medicines — not a substitute for seeing your GP.
Mental health
If you're struggling, you don't have to cope alone.
Benefits and financial help
Eligibility and rates change — always check the official page before you apply.
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Help with extra living costs if you have a long-term health condition or disability.
- Attendance Allowance If you're state pension age or over and need help with personal care.
- Help with health costs NHS Low Income Scheme, prescription prepayment certificates and exemptions.
Prescriptions and pharmacy
Ordering repeats, charges and what your pharmacist can help with.
Your rights and complaints
How to raise concerns and get independent help if something goes wrong.
- NHS complaints How to complain about NHS care and what to expect from the process.
- Patient Advice and Liaison (PALS) On-the-spot help at hospitals when you have questions or worries about care.
- Find your local Healthwatch Independent champion for people who use health and social care services.
- Citizens Advice — health Free help with NHS charges, disability benefits and social care.
For carers
Money, practical help and someone to talk to when you look after someone else.
Financial support
Rates and rules change. Use the official pages below for current eligibility — don't rely on amounts you see elsewhere.
- Help for carers (overview) Starting point on GOV.UK — benefits, assessments and local support.
- Carer's Allowance If you care for someone at least 35 hours a week. Check who qualifies and how to apply.
- Carer's Credit National Insurance credits if you care for someone at least 20 hours a week but don't get Carer's Allowance.
- Carer Support Payment (Scotland) Scotland's main carer benefit — rules differ from England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Practical help
Local council support, breaks from caring, and day-to-day guidance.
- Carer's assessment Ask your council for a free assessment of your needs as a carer — separate from the person you care for.
- Support and benefits for carers NHS guide to carer's assessments, respite breaks and getting help at home.
- Carer breaks and respite care How to arrange time off from caring, including council-funded respite.
- Carers UK — help and advice Guides on benefits, work, equipment and looking after yourself.
Emotional support
Looking after someone can be isolating. These organisations offer listening and peer support.
Health and GP care
MediBuddy is a planning tool — health decisions belong with clinicians.
Rights and advocacy
Free, independent advice on benefits, work and your rights as a carer.
- Citizens Advice — carers Free guidance on benefits, debt, housing and employment when you're caring for someone.
- Flexible working Your right to request flexible hours if you care for someone — including how to apply.
- ACAS — flexible working Employer and employee guidance on flexible working requests.