Support Services

(Note – In addition to the support information and links given below, you will find more information in our FAQs and more links in our Useful Links page and in our Find Out About pages.)

Support following diagnosis (adults)

is available through the SAANS service – see Diagnosis

Adult Autism Support Hub

https://www.mhm.org.uk/adult-autism-support-hub
Address: MHM Building, 44 Bank Street, Sheffield, S1 2DS (Monday & Wednesday only)*
Who can access this service: Anyone 16+ can access this service
Referral criteria: People can self-refer or be referred from a professional source
Support available: One to One and Group support via phone calls, face to face appointments, online video consultation and email.
Get in touch: 07811 589 909 or email: adultautismsupporthub.mhm@nhs.net

Website:  https://www.mhm.org.uk/adult-autism-support-hub

Sheffield City Council Adult Social Care

https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/home/social-care
You could be entitled to support from Adult Social Services for support and services that are specific to your needs.

To get a referral to the Specialist Autism Social Work Team within Adult Services you first need to contact the Adult Social Services helpline on 0114 273 4567 and choose option 5, then option 2
Or email adultaccess@sheffield.gov.uk
Alternatively you can write to Adult services at Howden House, Sheffield S1 2SH

Sheffield City Council Supported Living Information Sheet

Sheffield’s Independent, Safe and Well Report:
A report about Adult Social Care and support in Sheffield (2017)

https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/content/dam/sheffield/docs/social-care/social-care-policies-and-plans/Local%20account%20ASC17.pdf

(NB For information about the adult social care system generally in England see this page.)

Challenging Adult Social Care Decisions

In the first instance see Sheffield’s complaints procedure:
https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/home/your-city-council/complaints
and their Sheffield Adult Social Care Complaints Procedure January 2019

Disability Rights UK says
“Each local authority in England, Northern Ireland ,Scotland and Wales has a complaints procedure. Each must publicise its complaints procedure and provide you with information regarding the action you can take if you are unhappy about the assessment or the services to be provided at the time of the care assessment or when you are informed of any charge. You should always complain to your local authority in the first instant.”

See https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/complaining-about-local-authority-decisions

See also:
https://www.mencap.org.uk/advice-and-support/social-care/challenging-decisions-social-care
(The Mencap one is relevant not just for people with LD)

https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/how-to-challenge-your-local-authority-over-your-care

Support for Children

Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust

Information resources

An important source of new information and help for parents and carers of children with autism and other neurological disorders is now available on the Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust website. You can find it here:

https://www.sheffieldchildrens.nhs.uk/services/child-development-and-neurodisability/social-communication-disorders/autism-resources/

The authors say:

We hope that the information on our website can help with strategies, and support you and your family with the difficulties that lots of young people with neurodevelopmental conditions experience. There are a number of pages filled with resources to manage difficulties around sleep, mood, anxiety, sensory issues and going back to school. Additional information and resources are also available on our DCD webpage (DCD is Developmental Coordination Disorder / Dyspraxia).”

There is also a child autism Mythbuster, developed in conjunction with various partners including the Sheffield Parent Carer Forum:

https://www.sheffieldchildrens.nhs.uk/services/child-development-and-neurodisability/social-communication-disorders/autism-resources/mythbuster/

Single Point of Access for children’s ADHD and Autism referrals

The Trust has launched a Single Point of Access (SPA) for all ADHD and autism referrals to make sure patients and families’ needs are supported straight away and the right team is put in place for the assessment.

You can find more information about the referral process at https://www.sheffieldchildrens.nhs.uk/services/child-development-and-neurodisability/autism-home/

Sheffield City Council support for children with disabilities

https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/home/disability-mental-health

Sheffield Autism Team – Children

We support schools and settings in order to meet the needs of social communication difficulties including autism. We also offer direct work with children and provide advice and support to parents and professionals.
Please contact Sheffield Autism Team for more information on 0114 2736412. Phone service is manned by experienced teachers from the team Monday to Thursday during term time from 1.00pm to 4.00pm.
Address: Sheffield Education Autism Team, Floor 4, North wing, Moorfoot building, Sheffield S1 4Pl

For Support in Schools and Education see Education page

ACCT (Asperger’s Children and Carers Together)

http://acctsheffield.org.uk
Telephone 0114 223 0242
Email: enquiries@acctsheffield.org.uk

Address: St Mary’s Community Centre, Bramall Lane, Sheffield, S2 4QZ

For more organisations in Sheffield which support children on the autistic spectrum and their families

see https://sheffieldautisticsociety.org.uk/useful-links/#local_children

Mental Health Support

Sheffield Support Hub (operated by Mental Health Matters)

Phone: 07890 987 384
Email: sheffieldsupporthub.mhm@nhs.net
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 6pm – midnight, Saturday and Sunday, 2pm – midnight
Address: 44 Bank Street, Sheffield, S1 2DS

Website:https://www.mhm.org.uk/sheffield-support-hub

If you require support, we advise that you telephone the Support Hub for an appointment.

Calls and emails are monitored by staff during opening hours. You may email/leave a message at any other time of day and these will be responded to during opening hours.

How do we offer support: Clients have a choice of how they can receive support from our staff, and this can be either face to face, phone calls, email or video consultation.

Sheffield Mental Health Guide

Sheffield Mental Health Guide is an on-line resource featuring a comprehensive searchable directory of mental health and wellbeing related services and groups in Sheffield, as well as providing other useful information and self-help resources.
The Guide contains a large directory of organisations and services, all providing support for particular issues or working in specific areas of the city. The purpose of the directory is to enable individuals to find out what is available in Sheffield and make informed choices that suit them best.”

Sheffield Mind

“We have a wide choice of services available to anyone in Sheffield. These range from counselling and psychotherapy to anger management courses and workshops on topics such as emotional wellbeing and living a healthy lifestyle. You can access all our services yourself and if you’re unsure which would be most useful give us a call to talk it through.”
See the Sheffield Mind website  for contact details and a full list and description of their services.

Mental Health Matters Sheffield Support Hub

see leaflet Sheffield Support Hub – A5 Leaflet

and website for more information: https://www.mhm.org.uk/sheffield-support-hub

Sheffield IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies)

http://iaptsheffield.shsc.nhs.uk

NoPanic Sheffield

http://www.nopanicsheffield.org.uk
We are a registered charity (No 1160004) providing help and support for people who have panic attacks, phobias, OCD and other related anxiety disorders. We also offer support to families and carers.

See also the charity Rethink Mental Illness
https://www.rethink.org/about-us

Welcome to Rethink Mental Illness. We help millions of people affected by mental illness by challenging attitudes, changing lives. Here is just a selection about what we do, and what it means for you.

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Financial Support

– see the Benefits page for help with making claims for benefits.
For help with managing your money the National Autistic Society has a very useful section of its website on this subject.

Advice Sheffield (the Citizens Advice Bureau) offer help on benefits, money and debt problems.
See their website here.

Money and Mental Health is an independent charity, committed to breaking the link between financial difficulty and mental health problems. It was founded by Martin Lewis. You can download Martin’s free guide for everyone struggling with their finances and a mental health problem. It will provide useful resources whether you’re looking for advice for yourself or for someone you care about.

See also the government supported Money Advice Service for help on a wide range of financial issues

Student Support – see Education page

Employment Support – see Employment page

Improved Access to Sheffield City Council Services

for autistic people and their families: Sheffield Autistic Society have been talking to people at Sheffield City Council to try and make things easier for people on the autism spectrum and have put together a guide. Please see this page for more details.

Sheffield Recognised Provider Scheme

The Recognised Provider List (RPL) is set up, monitored and updated by Sheffield City Council. If you are an adult in Sheffield who is looking for packages of care and support, you can choose from the list of providers who follow a clear quality framework. The RPL aims to ensure that you receive good quality services from these providers.

In order to gain Recognised Provider status and the RPL quality mark, providers must meet a number of quality standards, including:

-clear agreements with customers
-a welcoming approach to customer comments and complaints
-considerate and respectful conduct of staff and volunteers
-a robust Adult Safeguarding Policy

Adults who purchase care and support services using their own money, or through a Direct Payment, are free to choose providers who are not included on the Recognised Provider List.

If an organisation on the Sheffield Directory is a Recognised Provider you will see the Recognised Provider quality mark logo in their entry a list of services and providers awarded the RPL quality mark can be found on the Sheffield Directory via the following link:
http://www.sheffielddirectory.org.uk/kb5/sheffield/directory/advice.page?id=t1e0HIEv4Ww

For further information about supported living and some local service providers see this page

Housing and Accommodation Support – see Housing page

Sheffield Guide to Independent Living

Sheffield City Council’s Guide to Independent Living can be downloaded here:
Guide to independent living in Sheffield Jan 2017

Sheffield City Council Supported Living Information Sheet

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Sheffield Adult Safeguarding Partnership

“Our website provides a wide range of useful information and resources for members of the public and professionals who may be concerned about adult abuse or neglect. You will find general information on keeping safe and how to report concerns”: https://www.sheffieldasp.org.uk/sasp/sasp

Autism Alert Card (from South Yorkshire Police)

South Yorkshire Police offer a free Autism Alert Card to help autistic people. The scheme has been developed with the help of the National Autistic Society – “The free, credit-card sized, Autism Alert cards are now in circulation to help police and other emergency services workers communicate with autistic residents more effectively, helping those on the autism spectrum feel more comfortable in what perhaps could potentially be an extremely stressful or frightening situation.”

For details of how to obtain your card see: https://southyorks.police.uk/sign-up/autism-alert-or-learning-disability-alert-card/

Sheffield Safe Places Scheme

“Sheffield Safe Places are a network of businesses and organisations dedicated to providing temporary safe refuge and assistance for adults who find themselves in difficult situations whilst out and about.”

For more information see: https://www.heeleyfarm.org.uk/safe-places/4594634861 and https://www.sheffieldsafeplaces.co.uk/

Support for Carers – See Carers Page

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Support for Older Adults

There is a very useful list of links and resources on this page

Minority Communities Support Groups

Pakistan Advice Community Association (PACA)
PACA offers a monthly carers group as well as a craft group and, benefits
and housing advice. See this Sheffield Directory page

Roshni Sheffield Asian Women’s Resource Centre
Roshni runs a number of support groups and projects for Asian Women.
www.roshnisheffield.co.uk/carers_project (0114) 250 8898

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Other Support for Individuals (national organisations in alphabetic order)

ACAS (Advisory Conciliation & Arbitration Service)

Provision of information, advice, training, conciliation and other services for employers and employees to help prevent and resolve workplace problems

Tel: 0300 123 1100 (Mon-Fri 8.00am-8.00pm; Sat 9.00am-1.00pm)

Click here to access website

Anxiety Care UK

Anxiety Care UK is a non-profit registered company based in East London that specialises in helping people to recover from anxiety disorder and to maintain that recovery. This involves helping to plan, initiate and carry through personal recovery programmes. Research shows that most sufferers are able to undertake this structured work without input from the psychiatric services, although it can be a lot easier to do with the help of a skilled recovery support worker such as can be provided by Anxiety Care UK.

Anxiety Care UK offers support which can be long or short term according to the client’s need. Locally, we offer support & recovery groups. Nationally and locally we offer support through our recovery information email service and on-line chat room.

Contact details for office administration and general information Tel: 07552 877219 or email admin@anxietycare.org.uk

Email: recoveryinfo@anxietycare.org.uk

Click here to access website

Anxiety UK

Anxiety UK works to relieve and support those living with anxiety disorders by providing information, support and understanding via an extensive range of services, including 1:1 therapy. They work regularly with external agencies and healthcare professionals to improve services for those living with anxiety disorders. They also campaign to raise awareness of anxiety disorders. Anxiety UK can provide support and help if you’ve been diagnosed with, or suspect you may have an anxiety condition. We can also help you deal with specific phobias such as fear of spiders, blushing, vomiting, being alone, public speaking, heights – in fact, any fear that’s stopped you from getting on with your life.

Click here to access website

Tel: 08444 775774 (Mon-Fri 9.30am-5.30pm)

BACP (British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy) Register

The BACP Register provides information regarding therapists and their registration. There is also a wealth of supporting information regarding types of therapist and what they do, and how to choose the most appropriate type of therapist for you.

Tel: 04155 883344 or  01455 883393

Email: ask@bacp.co.uk or info@bacpregister.org.uk

Click here to access BACP register

 

Bipolar UK

Bipolar UK is the national charity dedicated to supporting individuals with the much misunderstood and devastating condition of bipolar, their families and carers. We provide a range of services to enable people affected by bipolar and associated illnesses to take control of their lives.

For practical advice you can contact us on 020 7931 6480 Mon-Fri 9.00am to 5.00pm.

Click here to access website

 

Body Dysmorphic Disorder Association

Our charity is dedicated to the relief of suffering from BDD. It aims to advance education and understanding of BDD. It supports research into BDD and its treatments. Whilst we are based in the UK, our reach is international and we are proud to be the only charity for BDD in the world. The charity offers resources, self-assessments, videos, books, and other support.

Click here to access website

 

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)

The Campaign Against Living Miserably is targeted at all men in the UK.  The campaign offers men help, information and advice via a phone and web service, although anyone, regardless of age, gender or geographic location can call the line.

Tel: Nationwide 0800 585858; London 0800 802 5858

Click here to access website

Depression Alliance

At Depression Alliance we bring people together to end the loneliness and isolation of depression. We also campaign to end the stigma of depression and to raise awareness of what it means to live with it.

Email: info@depressionalliance.org

Or alternatively you can call us during office hours on 0207 407 7584

Click here to access website

Equality & Human Rights Commission (EHRC)

The EHRC is responsible for monitoring and protecting human rights in Britain. It has useful advice and information about legal rights and discrimination on its website. There are also copies of statutory documents, for example, the Equality Act 2010.

Click here to access website

Fit for Work (Employees)

Fit for Work is here to support you in work, and if you’re off sick, in a way that’s right for you. Whether you work for yourself, or an organisation, you can access our expert and impartial advice delivered by our team of occupational health professionals. You can chat on-line to a specialist advisor or speak to an advisor over the telephone.

This website also offers a browsable library of advice for different illnesses and work-related health matters.

Advice Line: 0800 032 6235

Click here to access website

Mental Health Foundation

We are working towards a world with good mental health, and ending the inequalities that face people experiencing mental health problems, living with learning disabilities or reduced mental capacity.

Click here to access website

Tel: 020 7803 1100

Mind

https://www.mind.org.uk/

We provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. We campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding. We won’t give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect.

National Phobics Society

(See Anxiety UK above)

National Self Harm Network

The forum provides crisis support, information and resources, advice, discussions and distractions.

The on-line forum is available 24/7 and is closely monitored

Helpline: 0800 622 6000

Click here to access website

 

NHS Choices

Advice and guidance on health and social care issues, contact details for health support in your area.

Click here to access website

NHS 111 (for non-emergencies, if you concern needs urgent emergency attention call 999)

 

NHS Stressline

People worried about debt, housing and unemployment can get support from the NHS Stressline. Callers will receive information and help from trained health advisers. If suffering from stress, anxiety or depression, they will be directed to a wider package of financial and mental health support services.

Tel: 0300 123 2000. It is open 8.00am-10.00pm daily.

 

No Panic

We provide information and advice for the carers of and people with Panic, Anxiety, Phobias, Obsessive Compulsive Disorders and the effects of Tranquiliser withdrawal. We can provide treatment and support over the telephone so that all sufferers can be helped. Please take all information and advice in tandem with the support from your local GP.

Click here to access website Helpline: freephone 0808 808 0545

 

OCD Action

We provide support and information to anybody affected by OCD, work to raise awareness of the disorder amongst the public and front-line healthcare workers, and strive to secure a better deal for people with OCD. We are a dedicated charity with a clear vision, solid objectives and a real understanding of OCD and the impact that it has. OCD Action is recognised as a strong voice for people with OCD, a vital source of help and the Charity that makes a real and lasting difference to anyone affected by OCD.

Click here to access website

Helpline: 0845 390 6232

 

OCD-UK

We work with, and for children and adults with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, health professionals and researchers to develop and share our experiences and knowledge to help people increase their understanding about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and to help reduce the effect of OCD on the lives of those that suffer with this debilitating illness.

Tel: 0345 120 3778 or 0845 120 3778

Click here to access website

 

Overeaters Anonymous Great Britain

Overeaters Anonymous offers a program of recovery from compulsive eating using the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of OA. The Twelve Steps work for anyone with any eating issues including over eating, under eating, obesity, anorexia and bulimia. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop eating compulsively.

Tel: 07000 784985

Click here to access website

 

PAPYRUS – Prevention of Young Suicide

We provide confidential support and advice to young people and anyone worried about a young person. We run a national helpline, HOPELineUK, including text and email services, staffed by a team of mental health professionals who provide practical help and advice to vulnerable young people and to those concerned about any young person who may be at risk of suicide.

Click here to access website

Helpline: HOPELinkUK 0800 268 4141 (Friday 10.00am-5.00pm and 7.00pm-10.00pm; Weekdays 2.00pm-5.00pm)

Rethink

Welcome to Rethink Mental Illness. We help millions of people affected by mental illness by challenging attitudes, changing lives. We offer a range of services including, advice and information, services and groups, campaigning, awareness raising, and fundraising.

Click here to access website

info@rethink.org

0845 456 0455

National Advice Service: 0207 843188 (Mon-Fri 10.00am-3.00pm)

 

Samaritans

Talk to us any time you like, in your own way, and off the record – about whatever’s getting to you. You don’t have to be suicidal.

Click here to access website

Tel: 116 123

Email: jo@samaritans.org

 

Saneline

SANE runs a national, out-of-hours mental health helpline offering specialist emotional support and information to anyone affected by mental illness, including family, friends and carers. We are open every day of the year from 6.00pm to 11.00pm.

Click here to access website

Tel: 0845 767 8000

 

Self Injury Support

Self injury Support (formerly Bristol Crisis Service for Women) is a national organisation that supports girls and women affected by self-injury or self-harm.

Self injury Support run a helpline, and text support service for girls and young women up to 24 years in the UK affected by self-harm. They are open Sun-Fri 7-9pm

Text us on 0780 047 2908  If you don’t know how to start talking, just text or email “hello”. Texts and emails will be replied to within 24 hours during opening times.

CASS – Women’s Self-injury Helpline 0808 800 8088

Click here to access website

 

Time to Change

Mental Health problems are common, but nearly nine out of ten people who experience them say they face stigma and discrimination as a result. This can be even worse than the symptoms themselves. Time to Change is England’s biggest programme to challenge mental health stigma and discrimination.

Click here to access website

Tel: 020 8215 2356

Email: info@time-to-change.org.uk

 

YoungMinds

YoungMinds is the UK’s leading charity committed to improving the emotional well-being and mental health of children and young people. Driven by their experiences we campaign, research and influence policy and practice. We also provide expert knowledge to professionals, parents and young people through our Parents’ Helpline, on-line resources, training and development, outreach work and publications.

Click here to access website

Parents’ Information Service: 0808 802 5544 (Mon-Fri 9.30am-4.00pm)