Local Support Groups

Supporting children who experience Social and Communication Difficulties

If your child has been identified as having social and communication difficulties, there is an 8 week course that will provide practical advice and strategies. Please click here to find out more information. If you are interested in attending the course and receiving support from the team, please contact the course facilitator - Alex Dimond at croydonscd@nas.org.uk

South East Cancer Help Centre

SECHC aims to support any person affected by cancer (patients, their carers and close relatives) by the provision of confidential individual and group support, complementary therapies and information within a friendly and caring environment. 

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Help for those Helping Others

Figures show that 1 in 8 adults in Croydon is a carer. If you are looking after a relative, friend or neighbour who is elderly, ill or disabled, the Croydon Carers Centre is there to support you. The charity is free to join and they provide advice on benefits, day trips, counselling and support. To find out more call 020 8688 7219.

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Free, Quick & Confidential Chlamydia & Gonorrhoea Screening

Approximately 1 in every 14 young people under 25 have chlamydia. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea often have no symptoms and if left un-treated can lead to serious long-term health complications. If you are aged between 15 and 24, you can order a free, quick and confidential test kit from www.youngandfree.org.uk or click here for further information.

Are You Safe? Say 'No' to Domestic Violence

At least 1 in 4 women experience domestic violence in their lifetime and between 1 in 8 and 1 in 10 women experience it annually. If you are a victim of domestic violence, you can access support via the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or via the Family Justice Centre Helpline on 020 8688 0100.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALs)

PALs is a service which provides 'on the spot advice', help and support for patients and their relatives. The service is free and confidential and can help if you have a query or concern about treatment or care at Croydon University Hospital or Purley Hospital. You can contact PALs on 020 8401 3210 or via email at pals@croydonhealth.nhs.uk 

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Learning Disabilities

If you have a learning disability and need to go to hospital, you can get help from our local Acute Liaison Nurse. She can help you to get the best out of your appointments, understand what's happening at hospital and ensure that you get the right support when you leave hospital. 

Free Help for People Affected by HIV

The Terrence Higgins Trust offers a range free counselling and group courses for people in South London who are affected or infected by HIV, including:

• Free counselling services for anyone affected by HIV (this could be someone who is HIV+, their partners, family members or friends)
• Free Newly Diagnosed Groups for people who have been diagnosed with HIV in the last few years covering topics such as treatment, disclosure, transmission and impact of diagnosis
• An emotional support group called Maisha Mema for African people affected by HIV. This group helps people to learn to deal with anxiety, depression, family issues and relationships.
• Free online counselling service for peple living with HIV. Clients can self register at www.myhiv.org.uk

To find out more about any of these services or to make an appointment, please call 020 7812 1777 or email info.counselling@tht.org.uk.