Additional sources of support

Local free, independent NHS complaints advocacy services can support you to make a complaint about the NHS and may help compose letters and accompany you to meetings. They are commissioned and financed by local authorities across England. An NHS advocate may also speak to other agencies on your behalf, such as Avma.

Healthwatch is an independent organisation that listens to your concerns about health and social care services and can help you to make a complaint about any NHS or social care service. There is a Healthwatch in every area of England, although the services they can offer will vary regionally.

POhWER is an independent advocacy charity which helps people who are unwell, have a disability, or have difficulty expressing themselves get the support they need. They can help with complaints against the NHS and may be able to attend meetings with you. POhWER also provides an advanced advocacy service for people who are under some form of detention, for example under the Mental Health Act. These services vary regionally.

Llais provides free, confidential, independent support and advocacy with NHS complaints in Wales. They welcome calls and correspondence in Welsh.

PASS is part of Citizens Advice Scotland. The service is independent and provides free, accessible, confidential information, advice and support to anyone who uses the NHS in Scotland, including raising concerns or making a complaint about treatment and care. PASS may also help with phone calls, meetings, access to medical records, and access to treatment.

The PCC can help you make a complaint about NHS care and treatment in Northern Ireland. They offer advice and support over the phone, by email, letter, and on their website.

To find advice and information providers, you can use AdviceFinder, the only national directory of advice-giving organisations.

Self Help UK provides listings of peer support groups and access to self-help online training courses.

For information and support about medical issues or disability relating to children or young people, visit Contact, a charity providing trusted advice for parent carers.