Paths to Support

A place to find support along the way.

If reading WovenAware or Becoming Aware brings up difficult feelings, please remember you are not alone.

Support can come from organisations.

From community.

From trusted people.

Sometimes from someone simply listening.

This page brings together organisations, support services, and accessibility guidance that may help at different points along the way.

You are welcome to return whenever you need to.

Support Categories on This Page

Jump to a section:

Important Information

The organisations listed on this page are external services and are not operated by WovenAware.

Support availability, accessibility, and response times may vary between organisations.

Most services listed are UK-based unless otherwise stated.

If you are outside the UK, local support services may be more appropriate for your location.

⚠︎ Crisis & Emergency Support

Immediate support for urgent or crisis situations.

999 BSL

Emergency video relay service in BSL, available 24/7 for Deaf BSL users. Hearing callers should use 999 by phone.

NHS 111

Urgent but non-emergency medical help (online or phone).

Rape Crisis England & Wales

Specialist support for survivors of sexual violence and abuse.

Refuge (Domestic Abuse Helpline)

24/7 support for anyone experiencing domestic abuse, including safe housing.

Samaritans

Free, confidential listening service available 24/7 for anyone in distress.

Shout

24/7 text-based crisis line.

Hearing: text SHOUT to 85258

Deaf or Hard of Hearing: text DEAF to 85258

◉ Mental Health & Trauma Support

Specialist support for emotional distress, trauma, and mental health concerns.

Mind UK

Information, advice, and support for anyone experiencing a mental health problem.

National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK

Free, confidential support line for anyone in emotional distress.

NHS Every Mind Matters

NHS tools and tips for managing stress, anxiety, and low mood.

PTSD UK

Information, resources, and guidance for people living with PTSD or CPTSD.

Rethink Mental Illness

Support, advice, and campaigning for people living with mental illness and their carers.

💬 Deaf & BSL-Specific Support

Deaf-led and BSL-accessible services.

Deaf4Deaf

Therapy and counselling delivered in BSL by Deaf professionals.

DeafPLUS

Independent advocacy, advice, and equipment support.

National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS)

Support and advocacy for families of deaf children and young people.

RNID

Support, information, and services for people who are deaf, have hearing loss, or have tinnitus.

SignHealth

Deaf-led charity providing mental health and wellbeing services in BSL.

👥 Family & Children Support

Support for families, parents, and children.

Contact

Advice and guidance for families with disabled children.

Coram Family Lives

Helpline and resources offering parenting and family support.

NAPAC (National Association for People Abused in Childhood)

Support for adult survivors of childhood abuse.

NSPCC Helpline

Safeguarding helpline for concerns about a child’s safety or well-being.

YoungMinds Parents Helpline

Free, confidential advice for parents worried about a child’s mental health.

⚖︎ Workplace & Rights Support

Support for workplace issues, discrimination, and rights.

ACAS

Free advice on workplace rights, fairness, and resolving disputes.

Access to Work (DWP)

Government scheme offering support for disabled people in employment, including funding for interpreters, communication support, and specialist equipment.

Coram Family Lives (formerly Family Lives / Bullying UK)

Support and guidance for anyone experiencing bullying at work, school, or online.

Disability Rights UK

Information and support on accessibility, inclusion, and disability rights.

Equality Advisory Support Service (EASS)

Free advice on discrimination, equality, and human rights.

Protect

The UK’s dedicated whistleblowing charity, offering confidential advice to workers.

Speak Out Revolution

Platform amplifying voices silenced by workplace culture.

Transparency International UK

Tackling corruption, secrecy, and systemic injustice.

Advocacy Services (local)

Independent advocacy for NHS and care issues
Find these via Healthwatch or your local NHS

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) (local NHS service)

Support with healthcare concerns
Find via your NHS Trust

◎ Identity & Inclusion Support

Support for identity, discrimination, and inclusion.

Black Minds Matter UK

Free therapy and mental health support tailored to Black communities in the UK.

Galop

National support service for LGBTQ+ people experiencing abuse, violence, or discrimination.

Inclusion London

Disability equality organisation providing advocacy, campaigning, and support.

❦ General Well-being Support

Support for general well-being and life challenges.

Cruse Bereavement Support

Support for people experiencing grief and loss.

Relate

Counselling and advice for relationships, couples, families, and individuals.

The Mix

Free, confidential support for young people under 25, including helpline and online chat.

Accessibility Notes

Some organisations offer:

  • BSL support

  • interpreters

  • text-based communication

  • live chat

  • email support

  • Relay UK compatibility

Accessibility can vary between services.

If something is not accessible, you have the right to ask for support that meets your communication needs.

You should not have to struggle to access help.

Closing Note

Whatever you are facing, you are not alone.

Support is here.
There are people ready to walk beside you.

Safety Reminder

If you are in immediate danger or feel unable to keep yourself safe, contact emergency services or a crisis support service in your area.