There are a number of tools and organisations, both local and national, that you might find useful.

This is a visual tool with guidance notes, to help people with learning disabilities tell others about their lives and their hopes for the future. It was developed by Speak Out.

This is a very useful tool for advocates and support staff.

For everyone over the age of 50 and also for people who support or care for those over this age.

They offer:

• computer drop-in
• information and advice
• nail cutting
• help at home
• counselling
• crisis help

Contact:
Age Concern
29-31 Prestonville Road
Brighton
BN1 3TJ

telephone: 01273 720603 or 01273 777852

info@ageconcern-bhp.org.uk

A regular meeting of managers of different services. They meet with the Link Group (people with learning disabilities) and with the Carers Link Group (family carers) and plan work to make public services better for people with learning disabilities to use.

Contact:
Karen Kingsland
Learning Disability Partnership Board
c/o Integrated Learning Disability Services
86 Denmark Villas
Hove
BN3 3TY

telephone: 01273 295813

A project run by the unemployed for the unemployed.

They offer:

• free children's playroom
• welfare rights advice
• temporary housing support
• computer access 
• a cheap vegan café
• free second-hand clothes and toys table
• a cheap laundry
• a range of low-cost courses in a wide range of subjects

As well as offering help and advice, it's a friendly place to hang out and make new friends. It is open from Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm.

Contact:
6 Tilbury Place
Brighton
BN2 0GY.

telephone: 01273 671213

info@bucfp.org

Offers free, confidential and impartial advice service. They can answer enquiries in person, by telephone or by letter.
Main enquiry areas include:

• welfare benefits
• employment
• housing
• money advice
• relationship breakdown
• immigration

Brighton and Hove CAB have a Money Advice Service for council tenants in rent arrears. They also offer specialist advice services in welfare, benefits and debt, for people eligible for legal aid.

Contact:
1 Tisbury Road
Hove
BN3 4AH

telephone: Advice line: 0845 120 3710
Switchboard: 01273 733390

A directory which provides information on local organisations, clubs and services across East Sussex, including Brighton and Hove.

Contact:
Library and Information Services
Brooks Road
Lewes
East Sussex
BN7 2BY

telephone: 01273 481754

Provides advice & information for people experience mental ill-health, and the people around them.

Advocacy for:

• patients in hospitals or residential units
• people living in the community
• LGBT people
• older people, including those with dementia

Services are free, confidential, independent & impartial.

Contact:
Mind in Brighton and Hove
51 New England Street
Brighton
BN1 4GQ

telephone: 01273 666950

info@mindcharity.co.uk

Offers advice and support through a range of services to people who are in financial difficulties, to help with their worries and help them to overcome problems

Contact:
24 Old Steine
Brighton
BN1 1EL

telephone: 01273 664000 or 664040
(advice line) 01273 664001

info@macss.org.uk

Aims to provide independent, impartial advice and assistance. They offer help with:

• benefit issues, including help with filling in forms
• housing issues, such as problems with tenancies, council tax or rent
• support and advice on coping with debt

They are open all day on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and on Friday mornings. They can also offer other appointments by arrangement.

Contact:
18 Exeter Street
Brighton
BN1 5PG

telephone: 01273 549203

info@stlukesadviceservice.org.uk

This website is for people with learning disabilities, family carers, and anyone who works with, or comes into contact with, people who have learning disabilities. It tells you about Valuing People Now (a government strategy). It gives you information about work that is going on nationally. It has a large section called ’Resources’ with information and guidance to help you make Valuing People Now happen.

In Control is an organisation helping people get real choice and control. It supports local authorities to deliver Self-Directed Support.

Respond provides a range of services to people who have learning disabilities and who have been victims or perpetrators of sexual abuse. They also offer support and training for families, carers and professionals.

Action for Advocacy (A4A) is a resource and support agency for independent advocacy schemes. They have a range of publications to raise awareness of, and support the development and delivery of effective advocacy. They also provide training.