Specialist Support

Some people are affected by challenges that need specialist or additional support, such as trauma, abuse, homelessness, self-harm or severe mental health difficulties. This page lists trusted organisations with expertise in specific areas, who can offer tailored help, advice and safeguarding support. You do not need to cope with these experiences on your own.

Support Directory

How we can help

Counselling

One-to-one sessions with a trained and experienced therapist focuses on helping individuals cope with the emotional, psychological, and practical challenges of a cancer diagnosis or a bereavement.

Complementary therapy

We offer a wide range of complementary therapies that are designed to complement clinical treatment. These therapies include massage, reiki, nutritional therapy and much more, delivered at our various centres across the patch.
Support Group Stock

Volunteer-led support groups

The aim of these drop-in sessions is to provide people with a safe, relaxed and supportive space where they can meet others going through similar experiences.

How other organisations can help

Birchall Trust

Empowering people affected by rape, sexual abuse, or sexualised violence to recover from their trauma so they can lead safe and fulfilling lives.

Location: North Lancashire and Cumbria

CALM: Campaign Against Living Miserably

A suicide prevention charity that provides life-saving services and practical mental health support to anyone who needs it.

Location: National

Childline NSPCC

Childline is there to help anyone under 19 in the UK with any issue they’re going through. You can talk about anything. Whether it’s something big or small, their trained counsellors are there to support you. Childline is free, confidential and available any time, day or night.

Location: National

Furness Prostate Cancer Support Group

Aim to provide emotional and practical support to men with prostate cancer and their families, and to raise awareness about the disease, including campaigning for the PSA blood test for early detection. They offer a non-medical environment for individuals and their partners to share experiences, gain reassurance, and connect with others who are going through or have been through a similar journey.

Location: Barrow-in-Furness and Ulverston

Growing Well

Offering support to people experiencing mental ill health to activate their own recovery and live a healthier life.

Location: South Cumbria

Harmless

Harmless is the national centre of excellence for self harm and suicide prevention. They save lives by providing support, information, training and consultancy about self harm to individuals who self harm, their friends, families and professionals.

Location: National

Health Watch

The aim of Healthwatch is to champion the public's voice in health and social care by gathering feedback on people's experiences to help improve services. It aims to ensure that the views of the public are heard by decision-makers, provide information to people about accessing services, and work towards making care better for everyone.

Location: National

Lancaster City Council

Offer support if you’re homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Their team of experienced officers can provide you with advice and assistance to resolve your housing issue - whether it's to help you remain in your current accommodation or to find a suitable alternative.

Location: Lancaster

Let's Be Friends

Providing a befriending service to people in the Lancaster and Morecambe district who are homeless, at risk of becoming homeless, or recently rehoused after a period of homelessness.

Location: Lancaster and Morecambe

Mind Lancashire

Mind Lancashire is an independent mental health charity dedicated to improving the mental health and wellbeing of the people of Lancashire.

Location: Lancashire

Morecambe Bay Respiratory Network

The vision for the Morecambe Bay Respiratory Network (MBRN) is simple – to dramatically improve care for patients with respiratory disease in Morecambe Bay with a seamless, integrated care pathway.

Location: Morecambe and Lancaster

MS Society

The aim of the MS Society is to create a world without the effects of MS by funding research for better treatments, providing support to those affected by the condition, and campaigning for improved care and awareness.

Location: National

Out in the Bay

Offering support and empowerment the LGBTQIA+ community and the wider community within the Lancaster district by promoting equality and diversity for the public benefit.

Location: Lancaster and Morecambe

Positive Futures

Positive Futures is a mental health and mental illness charity for the people of Lancaster and its surrounding areas. They are a friendly and experienced team who support people with a range of mental health needs.

Location: Lancaster and Morecambe

SAFA

SAFA is committed to making a positive difference to the lives of individuals, in Cumbria, who self harm and to those who support them. Their primary goal is to empower individuals to take responsibility for their own lives and we do this through non-judgmental counselling and trusting support.

Location: Cumbria

Safety Net

Provide help after domestic or sexual abuse. They understand that it can be difficult to take the first step and reach out for support. They are here to listen and to help you find the best approach to your recovery.

Location: Cumbria

St Mary's Hospice Community Hub

Offering support to individuals living with long-term and life-limiting conditions, their families, carers, and those who are bereaved, by providing a welcoming space focused on maintaining independence, enhancing well-being, and connecting the community.

Location: Barrow-in-Furness and Ulverston

The Well Communities

Supporting people in their recovery and wellbeing by providing a range of services for those dealing with addiction, mental health issues, and other challenges, helping them build a healthier, happier life.

Location: Lancaster and Morecambe