Paths to Support

External support, information and accessible routes to help.

WovenAware explores experiences that may connect with difficult or sensitive subjects.

This page brings together external organisations, support services and communication-access information that may be useful.

WovenAware does not provide crisis, clinical, legal or safeguarding support.

Presented in BSL with English subtitles.

Important Information

The organisations listed here are external services and are not operated by WovenAware.

Availability, eligibility, communication access and response times may vary.

Most services listed are UK-based. If you are outside the UK, local services may be more appropriate.

Last reviewed: September 2026

Communication Access

Communication access varies between services.

Some organisations may offer BSL, video relay, text-based communication, live chat, email or other accessible contact options.

Check the organisation’s current accessibility information before contacting them, particularly where access arrangements or opening hours may change.

Support Categories on This Page

Jump to a section:

⚠︎ Crisis & Urgent Support

Support for urgent situations, immediate safety concerns or crisis.

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 medical help when it’s not a life-threatening emergency. 24/7 BSL video relay is available.

Rape Crisis England & Wales

Specialist support for survivors of sexual violence and abuse.

Refuge (Domestic Abuse Helpline)

24/7 confidential support for women experiencing domestic abuse, including help to find refuge accommodation.

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

Information, support and services relating to mental health, emotional distress and difficult experiences.

Black Minds Matter UK

Mental health resources and culturally appropriate support for Black communities in the UK.

Mind

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

NAPAC

Confidential support and resources for adults affected by childhood abuse.

National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK

Free, confidential support for anyone feeling suicidal, overwhelmed or needing someone to talk to.

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, Deaf-focused and BSL-accessible organisations and services.

Action Deafness

Deaf-led services including care, sensory support, community hubs and interpreting.

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 & Safeguarding

Support relating to children, parenting, families and safeguarding concerns.

Childline

Free, confidential support for children and young people, including BSL access.

Contact

Advice and guidance for families with disabled children.

Coram Family Lives

Helpline and resources offering parenting and family support.

Home-Start UK

Practical and emotional support for families facing challenging times.

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.

⚖︎ Rights, Work & Discrimination

Information, advice and support relating to rights, employment, discrimination and advocacy.

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.

Citizens Advice

Free, independent advice on workplace rights, discrimination, employment problems and other legal or practical issues.

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.

Galop

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

Protect

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

❦ Relationships, Bereavement & Other 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 under-25s, including counselling, peer support and online communities.

Safety Reminder

If you are in immediate danger or unable to keep yourself safe, use an appropriate emergency or urgent crisis service in your area.

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