Help and contacts
Real people you can call or email for free if you need help being heard — before, during or after your appointment.
This app helps you prepare and be heard. It never gives a diagnosis or medical advice.
If you need help now
Use these numbers if something cannot wait until your next appointment.
999 — emergency services
For a life-threatening emergency: severe bleeding, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or someone who is unresponsive.
NHS 111
Free, 24 hours a day. Urgent medical help or advice when it is not an emergency. You can also use 111 online.
Samaritans
Free, 24 hours a day, every day, if you are struggling to cope or need someone to talk to.
NHS helplines and feedback
For questions about your care, your records, or a service you are unhappy with.
PALS — Patient Advice and Liaison Service
Every NHS hospital in England has a PALS team. They help with concerns, questions and getting things sorted informally, often the same week. Search for the PALS team at your own hospital.
NHS England Customer Contact Centre
For GP, dentist, pharmacy and optician services, and complaints about services commissioned by NHS England. Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman
If you have already complained to the NHS and are not happy with the answer, the Ombudsman can look at it independently.
Healthwatch England
Your local Healthwatch listens to people's experiences of NHS and social care, and can point you to the right service.
Advocacy organisations near you
An advocate is free and independent. They can come to appointments with you, help you write things down, and speak up with you.
POhWER
NHS complaints advocacy, health and care advocacy and independent mental health advocacy across much of England.
VoiceAbility
Independent advocacy, including NHS complaints advocacy and support at meetings about your care.
The Advocacy People
Free, independent advocacy and NHS complaints advocacy in many parts of England.
Citizens Advice
Free advice on health services, benefits, work and housing, in person, by phone and online.
Specialist support
Organisations who understand particular situations well.
Mind Infoline
Information about mental health, treatment options and your rights. Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm.
Birthrights
Free advice on your rights in pregnancy and childbirth, including consent and choices in maternity care.
Five X More
Support and information for Black women and birthing people navigating maternity care in the UK.
Carers UK Helpline
Advice for anyone looking after a family member or friend. Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm.
Fertility and IVF support
Information, emotional support and your rights during fertility treatment and IVF.
Fertility Network UK
The national fertility charity: information, support groups and help with NHS funding questions.
HFEA — Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority
The UK regulator. Compare licensed clinics, read about treatments and how to raise a concern about a clinic.
NHS — IVF
NHS information about IVF, who can get it on the NHS, and what to expect.
British Infertility Counselling Association (BICA)
Find a specialist fertility counsellor for support before, during or after treatment.
Donor Conception Network
Support for people using donor eggs, sperm or embryos, and for donor-conceived families.
Tommy's
Support and information after miscarriage or pregnancy loss, including after fertility treatment.
Phone numbers and details are for services in England. If you are in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, ask your GP practice or hospital for the local advocacy service. See all resources.