Voluntary organisations
Charities and other organisations providing support and information as well as lobbying for change in children's services:
Action for Sick Children (ASC) - Charity with many years experience in improving the care that children receive when they are ill. Issues publications and guidance on hospitalisation for all ages.
Association for Children with Life-threatening or Terminal Conditions and their Families (ACT) - Promotes improvements in care and services for all children in the UK with life-threatening or terminal conditions and their families.
The Child Bereavement Trust - Provides specialised training and support for professionals to improve their response to the needs of bereaved families. The charity produces resources and information for children and families and all the professionals who come into contact with them in the course of their work.
Children's Rights Alliance for England - Over 180 organisations committed to children's human rights. Committed to improving the lives and status of all children in England through the fullest implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Contact a Family (CAF) - A charity which provides support and advice to parents whose child has a disability, whatever the condition. Their directory also contains information on over 1000 rare syndromes and disorders and can put families in touch with one another.
National Children's Bureau (NCB) - A charity with links to many other children's pressure and campaigning groups that is committed to the development of policy research and practice related to children and young people. Includes information on its extensive library and publications list.
National Inquiry into self-harm - The two year inquiry into self-harm found that health, education and social care professionals are not receiving the guidance or formal training they need to support young people who self-harm. The report produced, "Truth hurts", reveals that young people who self-harm are more likely to turn to friends their own age for help, rather than relatives, teachers or GPs.
National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) - A charity specialising in child protection and the prevention of child abuse. Includes an information resource and pas well as providing training and advice.
Young Minds - A charity committed to improving the mental health of all young people. Its information centre holds leaflets and booklets for young people and their parents.
Youthhealthtalk.org - A collection of interviews with young people about their experiences of health or illness. This website aims to identify the issues, questions and problems that matter to young people. You can watch videos, listen to audio or read interviews about how young people feel and what really matters to them. The website also includes reliable information, questions and answers and links to other useful websites and support groups.