Useful Links Directory
Links to useful websites and resources
The Association for Young People’s Health (AYPH)
The Association for Young People’s Health (AYPH) is a progressive new charity and membership forum, creating a focus for everyone working in the field of young people’s health across the UK.
The Centre for Disability Research (CeDR)
We are an active Centre for research and teaching on disability and disablism. Pride is taken in the impact of our research and scholarship on policy making and social practices in disability arenas – regionally, nationally and internationally. Our core members and supporters bring a mix of disciplines, research methods, and skills to the study of disability and disablism. Sociology, psychology and social policy are our particular strengths. But we welcome the ideas and projects brought by other disciplines, perspectives and personal experiences: inclusion dedicated to enhancing the equality and human rights of disabled people is our watchword
The Children's Improvement Board (CIB)
The Children's Improvement Board (CIB) leads sector-led improvement in children's services. The Children's Improvement Board is a partnership between the LGA, the Association of Directors of Children's Services (ADCS) and the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives (SOLACE), supported by funding from the Department for Education (DfE). All partners on the Board are committed to supporting local government to take charge of its own performance and improvement in the interests of children and young people.
The Fostering Network
The Fostering Network is the leading charity for foster care in the UK.
The Home Office
We're the lead government department for policies on immigration, passports, counter-terrorism, policing, equality, drugs and crime.
The Improving Health and Lives Learning Disabilities Observatory
The Learning Disabilities Observatory was set up, in April 2010, as a three year programme following one of the recommendations of the Report of the Independent Inquiry into Access to Healthcare for People with Learning Disabilities, the Michael report. It is a collaboration between the three organisations: the NHS North East Public Health Observatory based at the Wolfson Research Institute at the University of Durham Stockton campus, the Centre for Disability Research at the University of Lancaster and the National Development Team for Inclusion. The name, Improving Health and Lives, was suggested for the Observatory together with its sister project the Confidential Enquiry into the Deaths of People with Learning Disabilities, at a consultation with self-advocates organised for the Department of Health by Mencap.
The National Autistic Society
We are the leading UK charity for people with autism (including Asperger syndrome) and their families. We provide information, support and pioneering services, and campaign for a better world for people with autism.
The National Council for Palliative Care (NCPC)
The National Council for Palliative Care (NCPC) is the umbrella charity for all those involved in palliative, end of life and hospice care in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We believe that everyone approaching the end of life has the right to the highest quality care and support, wherever they live, and whatever their condition. We work with government, health and social care staff and people with personal experience to improve end of life care for all.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE)
Providing guidance to ensure quality and value for money NICE guidance supports healthcare professionals and others to make sure that the care they provide is of the best possible quality and offers the best value for money. We provide independent, authoritative and evidence-based guidance on the most effective ways to prevent, diagnose and treat disease and ill health, reducing inequalities and variation Our guidance is for the NHS, local authorities, charities, and anyone with a responsibility for commissioning or providing healthcare, public health or social care services. We also support these groups in putting our guidance into practice.
The Network of Public Health Observatories
Public Health Observatories (PHOs) produce information, data and intelligence on people's health and health care for practitioners, commissioners, policy makers and the wider community. Our expertise lies in turning information and data into meaningful health intelligence. This website brings together the national work and products developed by the network of nine PHOs in England (formerly the Association of Public Health Observatories - APHO)
The Schizophrenia Commission
It’s 100 years since the Swiss Psychiatrist, Bleuler coined the term schizophrenia. Affecting 1% of the population, it ranks among the top 10 causes of global disability, yet remains misunderstood and surrounded by stigma. Prognosis depends on the individual and their environment, but also available treatment. This presents an opportunity to intervene. In November 2011 Rethink Mental Illness launched our independent commission, chaired by Professor Sir Robin Murray. With expertise spanning health and social care, research, and lived experience of mental illness, we reviewed the capacity to support people with schizophrenia and psychosis in England. Recommendations arising from our inquiry call for a radical overhaul of the current system of care.
The University of Edinburgh/NSPCC Child Protection Research Centre
The University of Edinburgh/NSPCC Child Protection Research Centre was set up in 2007. Our research is designed to generate a more integrated and deeper understanding of child protection in the UK and internationally, in order to strengthen policy and practice. Vision and Mission Through our research we contribute information and insights to ensure child protection systems are able to respond effectively to children in need of protection wherever they live. Ultimately we want all children in the UK to be safe from all forms of abuse and neglect.
UCL Institute of Health Equity
The Institute was launched in November 2011, to build on previous work to tackle inequalities in health led by Professor Sir Michael Marmot and his team, including the ‘Commission on Social Determinants of Health’ and ‘Fair Society Healthy Lives’ (The Marmot Review). Current work includes a review of Social Determinants of Health and the Health Divide for the WHO European Region. The Institute is supported by the Department of Health, University College London and the British Medical Association. It will seek to increase health equity through action on the social determinants of health.
UK Drug Policy Commission
The UK Drug Policy Commission (UKDPC) is an independent body providing objective analysis of UK drug policy. We aim to improve political, media and public understanding of drug policy issues and the options for achieving an evidence-led, rational and effective response to the problems caused by illegal drugs.
Understanding Self Harm
This booklet is for anyone who self-harms, their friends and family. It should give readers a greater understanding and knowledge of the condition and of what they can do to help overcome it.
United Kingdom Disabled People's Council
We are working with over 300 disabled people’s organisations, and are running consultation and capacity building events all over the country. These events aim to strengthen the role of disabled people’s organisations, as it is only through them that we can achieve true equality.
United Response
United Response is a national charity that supports people with learning disabilities, mental health needs and physical disabilities to take control of their lives. We do this in many different ways – from supporting people to live as independently as possible in their own homes to helping them access their community, get training and seek work opportunities. We also campaign with, and on behalf of, the people we support on the issues that affect their lives. We believe that people with disabilities are equal participants in society and should have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.
Voluntary Organisations Disability Group
The VODG is a grouping of over 60 leading voluntary sector and not-for-profit disability organisations that works on behalf of its members to influence and develop social care policy, build relationships with government and other key agencies, promotes best practice and keep members up-to-date on matters that have an effect on service delivery
What is self harm?
Self-harm or self-injury is a way some people use for dealing with difficult or painful feelings that they find difficult to talk about. It is a lot more common than people realise – partly because it is often so hidden and is not something people will talk about. It has been estimated that up to one in ten young people will harm themselves at some point, and it is thought to be more common amongst teenage girls.
