Where to access free support services in the UK, and how Releaf can help

Support and your health journey

When receiving a diagnosis for a chronic illness or health condition, it can be easy to underestimate how much of a toll this can have on your life. While physical and mental symptoms can be a significant burden, many patients may experience other problems associated with their condition and treatment. 

The symptoms associated with a chronic condition or its treatment can see some patients having to cut back their work hours or being left unable to work at all. In these cases, mental health and financial support services can be a vital lifeline. Yet, many may be unsure how to access these services, or even unaware that they exist.

So, we’ve put together a list of free support services in the UK, from organisations that specialise in free mental health support and financial support for chronic illness to providing help for those struggling with addiction. 

Support for specific health conditions

A number of organisations aim to provide support for individuals with specific health conditions. 

For example, Macmilllan Cancer Support provides physical, emotional, and financial support for cancer patients, while Versus Arthritis aims to offer support and information to patients with arthritis-related conditions. Similarly, Pain Concern is a charity dedicated to helping patients living with arthritis-related and pain conditions. 

Many of these services also offer help to carers and family members who may otherwise be unsure how to support someone with a chronic illness. 

Mental health support

Mental health problems, including anxiety and depression, can present a significant burden on everyday life, whether they are a primary health concern or a co-occurring issue alongside other conditions. Several organisations and charities provide free and confidential support services for individuals struggling with these problems. They include:

Mind

Mind is a mental health charity dedicated to providing helpful information to improve public understanding of mental health. They also provide support, including local Mind counselling and therapy services, and a telephone support line (0300 102 1234) with advisors who are trained to listen and recommend specialist support services when required.

Visit Mind.org.uk for more information.

NHS Talking Therapies

The NHS is a vital service for almost everyone in the UK. In addition to providing free diagnosis and treatments, its mental health and addiction support services, include NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression. Patients can refer themselves to this service and find support in their local area.

For more information, visit the NHS Talking Therapies page.

Turning Point

Turning Point is a social organisation that provides a range of health and social care services, including support for drug and alcohol misuse and addiction, and mental health issues. In addition to their education initiatives and online support, Turning Point also helps individuals locate services in their local area, including talking therapies and drug and alcohol treatment.

For more information about Turning Point’s services, visit their website.

Samaritans

Samaritans is charity that offers suicide prevention support across the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Health-related challenges such as barriers to effective treatments can leave patients feeling hopeless, making services such as those provided by Samaritans essential. These include connecting people in crisis with trained volunteers and the appropriate health services.

For more information about the Samaritans support services, visit their website.

More Support Services

Frank

Frank is a national drug advisory service established by the Department of Health in 2003. It provides advice and information about drugs and their potential harms, in addition to directing individuals towards local centres who can provide additional support. 

Visit talktofrank.com for more information. 

Crisis

Crisis is a charity that offers support for individuals facing homelessness, helping to find safe and affordable housing. With a large majority of homeless people living with a long-term health condition, Crisis aims to support people facing the most complex barriers to ending their homelessness. Crisis can help patients access the support they are entitled to from local authorities and connect individuals with specialist clinical psychologists. 

Learn more about these vital services through the Crisis website.

Living with a chronic health condition can often have an impact on more than just your physical and mental well-being. 

Several organisations provide advice and support for individuals facing financial problems or homelessness which can often create barriers to effective treatments. If you are facing financial concerns or issues related to employment or housing, services such as Citizens Advice and Stepchange may also be able to provide advice and assistance. 

Medical cannabis as part of a wider care journey

Medical cannabis treatment became available in the UK in 2018, following the rescheduling of cannabis-based medicines. As a result, patients can now access medical cannabis for a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. For many, accessing medical cannabis has helped to improve their symptoms and quality of life; however, it is important to remember that cannabis-based medicines are only part of a wider healthcare journey. 

At Releaf, we aim not only to provide high-quality cannabis-based medicines to patients, but also to provide free and comprehensive support while they navigate their new treatment plan. Our fully trained staff are on hand to discuss your medication, help you with your prescriptions, discuss any uncertainties or worries you might have, and direct you to external services when we feel it may be beneficial. 

We believe in a holistic approach to health and wellness, which focuses not only on addressing physical symptoms, but also prioritises emotional and social well-being. For more information about our treatments and services, get in touch today.