Charities and organisations providing support at the end of life

Help and support at the end of life

Alzheimer’s Society 

A charity aimed at improving the lives of people living with dementia. It operates a national telephone helpline and Talking Point, an online community where you can get advice, share experiences and connect with others. 

National Dementia Helpline:

0300 222 1122

 

Mon–Wed, 9am–8pm; Thu and Fri, 9am–5pm; Sat and Sun, 10am–4pm

If you have speech or hearing difficulties and have a textphone or an adapted computer, you can use Text Relay to call our helpline on:

18001 0300 222 1122

 

Cancer Research UK 

A charity working to fight cancer. It pioneers research and funds scientists, doctors and nurses to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured. Their helpline is staffed by nurses and provides information and support to the public.

Chat to others in your cancer community on the Cancer Chat forum. 

If you or someone close to you have been affected by cancer, call:

0808 800 4040

Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm

You can also email a question  via their website.

Compassion in Dying 

National charity providing information and resources to help you talk about and plan for the end of life.

Free information line for advice about end of life matters:

0800 999 2434

9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday

Dementia UK

Provides specialist dementia support for families through the Admiral Nurse service.

For anyone with a question or concern about dementia, call the helpline:

0800 888 6678

Mon–Fri, 9am–9pm; Sat–Sun, 9am–5pm

Hospice UK

The national charity for hospice care. Search its online directory to find your local hospice.

Macmillan Cancer Support 

Practical, medical and financial support for people facing cancer. The charity provides training and funding for specialist Macmillan nurses, including palliative care nurses.

Share experiences, ask questions or find others who understand via the Online Community.

Practical and emotional support at the end of life and through bereavement. Call:

0808 808 0000

Mon–Fri, 9am–8pm

Marie Curie

Care, information and support to people with a life-limiting illness, their carers and families. Visit the Marie Curie Community to find support from people like you. 

Call the support line team:

0800 090 2309

Mon–Fri 8am–6pm; Sat 11am–5pm

Parkinson’s UK

National charity providing support for people with Parkinson’s and their carers. Join their online community on the Parkinson’s UK forum to talk to others about your experiences.

Helpline and local advisers to support anyone with Parkinson's, their family or friends:

0808 800 0303

Mon–Fri, 9am–7pm; Sat, 10am–2pm; closed Sun and public holidays

Or email:

hello@parkinsons.org.uk

Sue Ryder

Provides support for people living with a terminal illness or neurological condition as well as bereavement support. Palliative and neurological services are delivered at specialist centres across the country and in people's homes. Visit the online community to chat to others who understand.

Support for carers

Carer’s UK

A national membership charity that champions carers’ rights, connecting and supporting carers online and in local communities. Join the Carers UK online forum for chat and support.

Advice line for benefit checks and advice on financial matters:

0808 808 7777

Normally open Mon and Tue, 10am–4pm

Carer’s Trust

Works with a network of partners to support carers in their homes and communities by providing replacement care, advice and emotional support. Hosts an online directory where you can search for local carers’ organisations.

Dementia Carers Count 

Offers free training courses for family carers of people with dementia.