Resources

My aim in this section of my website is to provide some resources relating to some of the more difficult topics touched on in my book (if you’re after my bibliography, please click here).

If you’ve come to this page, it’s likely that you’ve done so because you or someone you love is experiencing something very difficult, such as abuse, stalking, the breakdown of a relationship or bereavement. If that’s the case, it’s really important that you know that there are a number of excellent organisations around the world aimed at supporting you – so please get in touch with one or more of them. You are not alone.

Most of the charities I have listed are in the UK – but I’m working on getting links to organisations in other countries. I should add that this is not an exhaustive list: there are numerous organisations that I haven’t listed here, and the fact that I haven’t listed something doesn’t mean I’m not recommending it.

A quick note before you go any further – if you are in an abusive relationship, it’s probably a good idea to enter into ‘private browsing’ mode before clicking on any of the links below. Once enabled, ‘private browsing’ stores nothing about your activity on your computer in that browsing window. This won’t stop online services from seeing what you get up to, but it won’t leave any traces of your activity on your computer.

Internet Explorer: Go to Safety – Tools – InPrivate Browsing

Firefox: Click the Menu button with three horizontal lines – New Private Window

Chrome: Click the Menu button with three horizontal lines and select – New Incognito Window

Similar options can be found in Opera and Safari.

ABUSE SUPPORT

National Domestic Violence Helpline (0808 2000 247) is a free, confidential, national service for women experiencing domestic violence, their family, friends, colleagues and others calling on their behalf.

NHS Choices Sexual Abuse Referral Centres are specialist medical and forensic services for anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted. They aim to be one-stop service, providing the following under one roof: medical care and forensic examination following assault/rape and, in some locations, sexual health services. Medical Services are free of charge and provided to women, men, young people and children.

NSPCC is a UK charity specialising in child protection. You can call their helpline (0808 800 5000) 24 hours, every day. You can also report a concern and learn more about child grooming.

Victim Support is a free, confidential service available to anyone who’s been raped or sexually assaulted, now or in the past and can help, regardless of whether you have told the police or anyone else about the attack. Their national Victim Supportline is 0808 168 9111.

STALKING SUPPORT

The National Stalking Helpline (0808 802 0300) provides guidance and information to anybody who is or has been affected by harassment or stalking.

Action Against Stalking is a charity aimed at offering information, advice, guidance on stalking and signposting people to relevant support agencies. You can get in touch at: support@actionagainststalking.org.

RELATIONSHIP BREAKDOWN

Family Lives offers a confidential and free helpline (0808 800 2222) for families in England and Wales. They provide emotional support, information, advice and guidance on any aspect of parenting and family life, including most aspects of relationship breakdown (9am – 9pm, Monday to Friday and 10am – 3pm Saturday and Sunday).

Relate’s website provides useful information relating to break ups, separation and divorce, including practical tips, guides and videos.

Childline is run by the NSPCC and offers a free helpline (0800 1111) providing support to children whose parents are breaking up (among other issues).

BEREAVEMENT

Child Bereavement UK offers a free helpline (0800 02 888 40, 9am-5pm Monday-Friday) for children facing bereavement. They also have some useful online resources and run groups for bereaved young people to get together and meet others who have also experienced the death of someone important in their life.

Julia Samuel (Founder Patron of Child Bereavement UK) also has some useful online resources for people who have lost (or broken up with) their partner.