Eye health
RNIB's Eye Health Information service provides you with the latest information about eye conditions, visiting an optician or eye hospital, eye examinations and looking after your eyes. If you have a concern you would like to discuss. You can contact us via the RNIB helpline on 0303 123 9999 or email eyehealth@rnib.org.uk
If you have any serious concerns about your eyes go to your nearest GP. Most universities can recommend your nearest surgery. Make sure you register with your doctor as soon as you start university.
Patient UK Eye Health - website has information leaflets on a wide range of eye conditions and an extensive directory of patient support and self help groups. In addition, they have a web directory to sites which provide information and support on specific eye conditions.
General Health
NHS Direct Online - provides information about health and related issues.
Student Health - weekly news, also A - Z advice on conditions, links to university and college health centres, links to student & medical sites, sections on a range of medical conditions
Emotional Health
RNIB Emotional Support Service
The RNIB Emotional Support Service offers confidential telephone support, information and counselling to people who, because of sight loss, are experiencing emotional difficulties.
RNIB's Talk and Support
Tele Befriending - Social groups over the telephone.
Tele Support - Telephone information programmes based on issues around sight problems.
Contact both the Emotional Support Service and Talk and Support through RNIB's Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or email helpline@rnib.org.uk.
The Samaritans
The Samaritans aim is to provide confidential emotional support to everyone feeling despairing or suicidal. They won't tell you what to do and won't judge. You don't have to be suicidal to call The Samaritans, you can contact them if you're worried about something, feel upset or confused.
United Kingdom
Telephone 08457 90 90 90
Textphone 08457 90 91 92
Ireland
Telephone 1850 60 90 90
Textphone 1850 60 90 91
By calling the numbers above you can contact a Samaritan volunteer immediately, however, you might prefer to write down how you are feeling than pick up the phone. You can email The Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org or if you prefer, send a letter send it to "Chris", P.O Box 9090, Stirling, FK8 2SA - letters and emails are usually responded to 24 hours after receipt.
Nightline
Nightline is a helpline offered by many colleges and universities around the country. Nightlines are run by students for students. They offer a confidential listening and support service. To find out the number for your local Nightline check the Nightline website or contact your union or college welfare service.
Support for lesbians, gay men and bisexual people
London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard
London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard
PO Box 7324
London N1 9QS
Helpline 020 7837 7324
Admin Line 020 7837 6768
Fax 020 7837 7300
Email admin@llgs.org.uk
Regard
Regard is a lesbian, gay and bisexual organisation for people with disabilities. They can be contacted on 020 7738 8097 or email regard@dircon.co.uk
Gemma
Gemma is an organisation for lesbians or bisexual women with disabilities. Their newsletter is available on tape, and in braille and large print on request.
Gemma
BM Box 5700
London
WC1N 3XX
For new enquirers there is an email address, gemmagroup@hotmail.com
National Friend's Bisexual Helpline
National Friend run a National Bisexual Helpline open Tuesday and Wednesday 7.20pm - 9.30pm, and Saturday 10.30am - 12.30pm. Telephone 020 8569 7500.
Sexual health
Brook Online - sex and contraception advice, especially for young people, section for under-16s, information on contraception, emergency contraception, and sex infection.