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Care, Health and Wellbeing

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When times are hard, many people have difficulties coping with the pressure. In a recession you may need help to tackle stress, relationship counselling, additional childcare support and advice on combating alcohol and drugs misuse.

Mental health

  • Your local GP surgery can offer support and advice on dealing with stress and recommend appropriate treatments.
  • The Samaritans offer confidential and emotional support to those experiencing personal crises, and help with managing stress.  Call 08457 909090.
  • MIND is the national association for mental health and provides information, support and services to those affected by mental distress.
  • The Herts Mind Network (HMN) aims to promote positive mental health and assist recovery from mental and emotional distress. To find out more about its services call 08444 772212 or email info@hertsmindnetwork.org  
  • NHS Direct has tips on coping with the pressures that the credit crunch is causing.


Alcohol and drug addiction

  • Organisations offering information and support on alcohol and drug addiction.
  • Alcoholics Anonymous offers a support network for recovering alcoholics.
  • Alcohol Concern campaigns for effective alcohol policy and improved services for people affected by alcohol-related problems.
  • Druglink is a charity aiming to make a positive impact on the lives of those misusing drugs and alcohol, their families and the communities in which they live, by providing a range of services.
  • Drinksense is a charity providing advice, information, counselling and support services for people with alcohol related problems


Family and relationship support

  • Family and relationship counselling.
  • Relate provides a wide range of services for couples, families and individuals. You can access support on your own, or with others; face to face, on the phone or through their website. Call 0300 100 1234.
  • Women's Aid is a charity that works to end domestic violence against women and children.
  • Organisations that offer care and support for children and families.
  • St Albans Community Safety Partnership works with the community to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.
  • The Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission provides information on child maintenance.
  • The Tax Credit Helpline can advise you on what payments you may be able to claim from the government. Call 0845 300 3900.
  • The Child Benefit Enquiry Line can help you claim a tax-free payment for your child. It is available to anyone who qualifies regardless of income or savings. Call 0845 302 1444.
  • The Lone Parent Helpline offers advice on maintenance, benefits and money. Call 0800 018 5026.


Childcare and advice

  • Day nurseries provide care and education for pre-school children aged from six weeks to five years old.
  • Playgroups provide early years education for children up to the age of five.
  • Directgov provides information on finding childcare and explains the financial assistance that is available.
  • Home-Start is a charity helping families with young children.


Support for young people

  • Connexions Direct provides advice, support and guidance to young people (aged 13-19 years) about a range of issues in relation to school, college, work or your personal life.
  • Herts Young Homeless Group offers advice and support about benefits, training, employment and housing to young people aged 16 to 25 years.


Advice for older people

  • Help the Aged provides information for older people and their carers on issues like housing, health and finance. Call 0808 800 6565. The local office can be found at: 16 Howardsgate, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6BQ and can be contacted on 01707 375619.
  • Age Concern provides a wide range of information and advice on issues that affect older people. Call 0800 009 966.
  • The Winter Fuel Payments Helpline helps people aged 60 years and over with the costs of keeping warm.
  • Directgov provides information to householders to make their homes more energy-efficient including details of discounts on loft and cavity insulation.
  • Meals on Wheels provides a quality meals service for vulnerable people unable to provide meals themselves. For more details of eligibility criteria and how to apply for meals, please contact Hertfordshire County Council on tel: 01923 471400 or email: hertsdirect@hertscc.gov.uk.


Healthy living

  • available in the district.
  • Change 4 Life provides information on how to live a healthier life.
  • The Five a Day Campaign offers tips on eating more fruit and vegetables.


Date of last review: 03 December 2009

Quick links

External Links

Internal Links

  • St Albans City and District Council, Civic Centre,
    St Peters Street, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 3JE, England
    For Sat Nav users, please use AL1 3LD to locate the Council Offices
  • Ph: +44 (0)1727 866100 , Email: contactus@stalbans.gov.uk
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