Self-Help Groups

There is probably a patient information group for most medical problems in the UK.  Most use the internet to advertise their services.

Most groups are unregulated by the NHS, but rather than this be a problem it does allow for a very wide range of help and different types of support.  You can contact most by email, and this is a fantastic way of making your first approaches without being worried what the people in the group may be like.  Most organisations offer meetings, information leaflets and often can put you in contact with local people who may have the same problems as you.

We have looked carefully at these websites and can recommend you start looking for a UK-based support group from www.patient.co.uk. This is a website sponsored by the NHS and the Royal College of GPs.