Directory of Advice and Support Organisations

The service offers:
Advocacy – an advocacy service to accompany people experiencing homelessness through their homelessness application with the Local Housing Authority.
Support – follow on support for people we help once accommodated.
Consultancy – a consultancy and training program for professionals and organisations in the homelessness and periphery sectors to help them support homeless applicants.

Referral Criteria:
Anyone experiencing, or threatened with, homelessness in Norwich.
Particularly people rough sleeping or sofa-surfing.
Referrals will be considered on a case by case basis and not restricted to the above criteria.

Service Offer & Criteria:
For ages 8-24, alternative provision for mainstream schools, and vocational study programs, including college equivalent alternatives.

For ages 18+, a range of funded adult support programs including numeracy skills and skills bootcamps offering up to 16 weeks of flexible training.

SERVICE OFFER:
We offer advice and support to people ages 50+ throughout Norfolk. We have teams specialising in Information and Advice, Digital Inclusion, Telephone Befriending, Advocacy, Financial advice and Travelling Companionship.

For more information, please check our main page and follow the links to our different services.

CRITERIA:
We support people aged 50 and over, including carers and families (excludes Norwich city council area for Advice service). Users of Telephone Befriending and Money Matters must be 65 or over

SERVICE OFFER: We offer help and advice about benefits, housing, debt, money, lasting power of attorney, social care and support, telephone befriending and activities. We also offer Health Coaching (during periods of illness or injury, or to adjust to long-term conditions), Complex Community Care Support (helping people living with complex health and/or social conditions who need regular practical and emotional support to live as independently as possible), Social activities and events and Telephone Befriending and Active Befriending services. In addition, Vera, our virtual assistant, is available to give information via our website.

CRITERIA: Our services are for people aged 50 and over, including carers and families, in the Norwich and Greater Norwich area.

Service Offer:
• Benefits – Maximising Income
• Advice around warm home discounts and basic energy efficiency measures
• Home Aids and Adaptations
• Options for Care within the home
• Information on Rights and Housing Options
• Support around Isolation and Loneliness   

Criteria:
Must live in Lowestoft and be aged 50+

SERVICE OFFER: Our project provides free football sessions across Norwich which help connect men with additional support services if requested, including wellbeing, employment, addiction, financial.

CRITERIA: This project is for men (18+) suffering with mental health problems.

SERVICE OFFER: We provide information, advice and support on living with dementia, including equality issues, family support, healthcare and welfare benefits.

CRITERIA: We offer support to people with dementia, their families and carers in Norfolk.

SERVICE OFFER: We offer regular sessions and projects using the visual arts to develop wellbeing.

CRITERIA: Our sessions are for women with mental health issues, young people, people with dementia and people with learning difficulties.

SERVICE OFFER: Our services offer support against the physical and mental health impacts of loneliness and isolation.

CRITERIA: We can support people in Great Yarmouth, Norwich, South Norfolk and Broadland.

SERVICE OFFER:
Big C offer a holistic whole person approach and have many different support options and services for both patients and families, including.
Complementary Therapies, Support groups, Welfare Advice, one to one time with our Big C clinical nurse specialists, nutritional sessions, Gentle exercise classes, Emotional support including counselling, Information resources, Relaxation sessions, Bereavement programme, plus other workshops, and events.

CRITERIA:
Big C services are for people in Norfolk and surrounding areas, with a cancer diagnosis, their carers and families. From point of diagnosis and beyond.

SERVICE OFFER: We offer debt and mental health advice from experienced counsellors to help overcome gambling problems.

CRITERIA: Our service is for people who gamble and for those who are affected by the gambling of someone they know.

SERVICE OFFER:
If you are experiencing low mood, high worry, loss, loneliness, or just not feeling yourself, we can help. Our wellbeing team are here to listen and offer support over the phone and online through a range of signposting, wellbeing calls and/or counselling. This service meets the needs of people experience mild to moderate mental ill-health. We can accept a small number of referrals from non-orbit residents, but our priority are those living within Orbit housing.

CRITERIA:
People living in Norwich (and surrounding areas), Broadland, Waveney, Great Yarmouth.

SERVICE OFFER
Brighter Futures is a bespoke service with the goal of breaking down barriers preventing people from employment.
We also help those who are long term unemployed to improve wellbeing and give them the skills to improve their employability.

REFERRAL CRITERIA
Norwich only. Unemployed.

SERVICE OFFER:
We offer free, confidential, non-judgemental advice about financial matters and debts to Norwich City Council tenants. We give advice on entitlement to benefits & income maximisation. We also help clients design a sustainable, manageable budget.

CRITERIA:
1) We can only accept referrals for Norwich City Council tenants.
2) Clients must consent to our support towards budgeting and debts.

SERVICE OFFER:
CAN Connect offers support to those feeling lonely and isolated, we can help to connect you with people and activities in your community as well as provide a range of support to help you achieve your goals. We are currently able to offer some face-to-face appointments again.

CRITERIA:
We support anyone over the age of 18 who is lonely or isolated in Breckland and the North Norfolk area.

SERVICE OFFER:
We provide and install equipment within the home to support people to live independently.

CRITERIA:
We offer our services to older people, people with disabilities and people with dementia across Norfolk (except Norwich & Great Yarmouth).

SERVICE OFFER: Catch22 is a social business: a not-for-profit business with a social mission. We deliver high-quality, tailored programmes that equip individuals facing barriers to work with the support they need for a path into sustainable employment or training. Connecting people aged 18+ who face barriers to work to entry-level energy transition jobs and apprenticeships. Every service user who participates in the programme will be given a dedicated Employability Coach who will offer tailored one-to-one support.

REFERRAL CRITERIA: Anyone living in Norfolk who is aged 18 and above and has at least one barrier to employment.

SERVICE OFFER:
Money-management and budgeting support and advice, involving helping people identify income and outgoings, supporting grant applications, providing cost comparisons for utilities and supporting with switching to cheaper providers or tariffs.
Assess hardship support requests to see if individuals are eligible for essential household items
Connecting people to debt agencies and supporting them with any initial appointments
Warm referrals to support workers, advice organisations and voluntary agencies to provide a wraparound support service and prevent further the situation re-occurring.
Support to re-enter employment through Adult Learning Employability skills and other employability organisations.
Support people with Disability Related Expenses claims – these can reduce the amount that people must pay towards their care.

CRITERIA:
You could be eligible if you fall into any of these groups:
• Working and receiving a means tested benefit
• Claiming benefits
• Disabled/pensioner
• Caring for someone

SERVICE OFFER: We provide support in family matters, employment, finances and loneliness and isolation.

CRITERIA: We offer our services to people in the area of Lakenham and Tuckswood, Norwich.

Service Offer:
As part of our ‘Arts for Health’ Programme we offer:
1. ‘Creative Socials’ which are free monthly arts workshops with professional artists which run across Norfolk. These sessions aim to improve wellbeing, increase social connections, and decrease feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Criteria:
* Open to all aged 50+, however sessions are particularly targeted towards and are inclusive for those living with early to mid-stage dementia, carers, those with a long-term health conditions and those experiencing loneliness and isolation.
* Carers are welcome to attend.

2. ‘Afternoon Events’ are free high quality live performances and cinema screenings, which run every other month across Breckland.

Criteria:
*Open to anybody 50+, who might be experiencing loneliness and isolation.
* Sessions are inclusive for those living with dementia or other degenerative diseases.
* Carers are welcome to attend.

SERVICE OFFER:
We offer advice on discrimination, education, healthcare and welfare benefits.

CRITERIA:
Our advocacy service is for people in Norwich and East Norfolk.

SERVICE OFFER:
We offer free, confidential, impartial, accredited debt advice.

CRITERIA:
We can help all adults and families in Norfolk

SERVICE OFFER:
We offer free confidential information and advice to disabled and vulnerable people across the Borough.
We can offer support on: Benefits & entitlement; Money, Debt and finances; Help to find employment; Non-Medical Health support e.g registering at a GP, getting Covid vaccine; Digital Inclusion; Budgeting and Financial Awareness.

CRITERIA:
We offer services to: Parents/carers; Carers; People with learning disabilities; People with physical disabilities; People in social isolation; Other vulnerable people in Great Yarmouth Borough Council.

SERVICE OFFER: We offer a 1:1 support with one of our Digital Champions at your local library to help improve your digital skills.

CRITERIA: This service is open to all people across Norfolk.

SERVICE OFFER: We offer 1:1 support to access the online services offered by the NHS or GP surgeries, such as how to make online appointments or order repeat prescriptions. The 1 to 1 sessions are currently delivered online over Zoom, or in person in Norfolk Libraries. We can even help you get started with Zoom

CRITERIA: This service is open to all Norfolk residents.

SERVICE OFFER: We offer a broad range of advice including debt, welfare benefits, housing, employment, immigration, health, consumer and family.

CRITERIA: This service is for the Diss and Thetford area only.

SERVICE OFFER:
We are a Disabled Persons’ Organisation run by disabled people for disabled people. We offer information and advice in areas such as welfare rights and disability benefits, health and social care needs and other issues related to disability such as accessibility and employment.

CRITERIA:
We are Equal Lives, a disability rights organisation based in Norfolk and Suffolk. Our organisation exists to support people of any age who face disabling barriers and we are dedicated to making their voices heard. We are a user-led organisation, meaning we are led by people who access care and support services themselves.

We do not accept referrals for advocacy via the NCAN website.

SERVICE OFFER:
We offer professional and impartial mediation for people who are going through or are/ have been affected by a divorce or separation.

CRITERIA: Our service is available to anyone in Norfolk affected by divorce or separation. Mediation is free for those eligible for Legal Aid.

Service offer: We provide a safe space for women to come together and support each other at their own pace. We aim to help women build confidence, resilience and develop friendships in ways that work for them. Our collaborative, co-produced services include social groups, specialist support, peer mentoring, signposting and courses.

Criteria: Women living within the borough of Great Yarmouth

SERVICE OFFER:
Fresh Start are a lived experience charity that offers advocacy, advice and guidance to anyone who has been involved with the criminal justice system, or at risk of offending, as well as helping them access services that may be of help to them. We offer a bespoke service, which is person centred. We provide workshops aimed at encouraging people to be job ready, live independently and ultimately create foundations that reduce the risks to re-offending.

CRITERIA:
Our service is available to anyone living in Norfolk, or intending to live in Norfolk, aged over 18 years of age, involved in the Criminal Justice System or at risk of becoming involved.

SERVICE OFFER:
Through our various programmes we provide advice and support on education, employment, welfare benefits and wellbeing, aiming to empower our clients to improve their confidence and skills and overcome exclusion. In addition to our one-to-one support, we offer a wide range of group based activities.

CRITERIA:
We offer support to families and individuals who are facing mentally and financially challenging situations. We only operate in Norwich and the immediate local area.

SERVICE OFFER:
The Green Light Trust offer free wellbeing courses in our woodland spaces for adults.

CRITERIA:
Our courses are suitable for Adults* in Norfolk who have experience of the following types of issues: Poor mental health and emotional wellbeing; Social isolation/social anxiety; In recovery from alcohol or substance misuse; Victims of violence, trauma or abuse; Behavioural problems; Long term unemployment; Chronic illness or physical disabilities; History of offending; Ex-military personnel.

SERVICE OFFER:
We can provide different kinds of free support, whether that’s advice on paying off debt with energy or water companies, or spotting other concerns for a referral to other services. For anyone struggling with energy bills, fuel debt, having to choose between heating and food, mould and damp issues and respiratory problems such as asthma or persistent cough.

REFERRAL CRITERIA:
Any household experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, fuel poverty.
Any household experiencing damp or mould with consequential or affected health conditions.
Please note: this service is available to households in Norwich or Broadland local authorities only.

SERVICE OFFER: We support adults impacted by Brain Injury, resulting from, but not limited to stroke, road traffic accident, trips and falls. Our aim is to improve day-to-day life for every individual we work with; to improve their confidence, independence, empower them to access community assets, to socialise, enhance their wellbeing, provide them with tools and techniques to manage their symptoms and to support them in setting and achieving person centred goals.
CRITERIA: Adults over 18 who have sustained an acquired brain injury after birth. Conditions include: trauma from road traffic collisions and assaults, illness such as encephalitis and viruses, tumours or surgery and strokes.

Hebron Housing are an all-female supported living service for vulnerable women. We provide supported housing for women who are committed to building a positive future for themselves.

SERVICE OFFER: 3 or 4 bedroom shared housing in Norwich city, with regular 1:1 support. Empowering women step by step, we provide tailored support through mentorship, skill-building workshops, and a nurturing community. From personal growth to professional development, we’re committed to helping women overcome challenges, gain confidence, and achieve their aspirations, fostering a journey of strength and success.

REFERRAL CRITERIA: Female only, in receipt of Universal Credit or ESA, No history of sexual offences, arson or recent history of violence or severe mental health. Agree to adhere to our house rules (will be sent prior to interview)

Main Service Offer: Henderson Trust offers a range of free weekly sessions at the Cadge Road Community Centre, Cadge Road, Norwich, NR5 8DD. Our sessions are for those 50 and over, unless otherwise specified. We offer free arts and crafts workshops, social afternoons and a Sit Fit class.

Criteria: We support those aged 50 years and over. Our arts/crafts session is available to women over the age of 18.

SERVICE OFFER: Norfolk Libraries work with the Royal Voluntary Service delivering books on wheels to people who would like to use the library service but are unable to get to a branch or mobile library due to disability, mobility, or caring commitments.

CRITERIA: This service is open to all Norfolk residents who are housebound, have mobility issues or caring commitments that would prevent them from visiting a library

SERVICE OFFER:
We offer support into paid employment through one to one coaching and employer contacts made specifically on behalf of each individual. We also support people already in work to retain employment.

CRITERIA:
1) Open to those whose GP Surgery falls within Norfolk and Waveney and have the right to work in the UK.
2) Individuals must have been receiving clinical support for their mental health for 6 months (including receiving medication), or have a diagnosis such as; psychosis, bipolar, anxiety disorder, eating disorder or personality disorder.
3) Aged 18+

SERVICE OFFER:
We offer support and advice in befriending, family, loneliness and social isolation and mental health.

CRITERIA:
Our service is offered to all adults in West Norfolk.

SERVICE OFFER:
We offer advice in the following areas: housing; money and benefits; employment, education and training; being a young parent; relationships, sex and sexual health; gender identity; mental health; drugs and alcohol.

CRITERIA:
We offer this service to 11–25-year-olds.

SERVICE OFFER:
We offer advice to men on subjects such as mental health, loneliness and social isolation and domestic abuse.

CRITERIA:
We offer our support to men and boys within Norfolk and surrounding areas.

DadsOnside offers support for dads experiencing challenges in relation to their role as fathers. (Support is for all dads, including stepdads, adoptive dads, expectant dads and those in a fathering role.) We cover the whole of Norfolk, providing tailored one-to-one support for men who might be experiencing challenges relating to contact, for new and expectant dads and for dads where there may be concerns about harsh or abusive behaviour

*N.B. MensCraft only accepts referrals of individuals who are settled and housed in the community.

Service Offer
A weekly space where young men can gather, socialise and meet new people in a friendly and fun environment.

One-to-one mentoring where positive male influence is fostered, self-awareness is grown and personal development is encouraged. Maximum of 1hr per week & minimum of 1hr per month – duration of support time will vary from client to client.

Criteria
Must identify as male and be 18-25
Live within the borough of Great Yarmouth
Could lack positive male influence and/or social network
Could lack general motivation or life direction.

Service Offer:
We support vulnerable clients in applying for the EU Settlement Scheme at OISC Level 1, as well as understanding the rights that their status grants them and viewing and proving their status.

Criteria:
We support clients across Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.

SERVICE OFFER:
We offer a dedicated programme of music, movement and arts based activities designed to enable participants to learn new skills, build confidence and improve motor skills and coordination through enjoyable and interactive sessions.

CRITERIA:
We provide our service to people with disabilities and/or additional needs in Norfolk and the surrounding region (all ages welcome).

SERVICE OFFER:
We provide support on matters such as education, employment, equality issues, discrimination, housing, immigration, loneliness and social isolation, and mental health and physical health.

CRITERIA:
We support refugees, asylum seekers and migrants in Norwich.

SERVICE OFFER:
We offer healthcare and mental health advice, supporting issues relating to drug/ alcohol misuse and mental wellbeing through our six week Recovery Support Programme.

CRITERIA:
We support young people, veterans, professionals, people in recovery, and the family and carers affected by substance misuse in Norfolk.

SERVICE OFFER:
As we get older, we have a higher risk of developing some health conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease or Type 2 diabetes.
An NHS Health Check can help you reduce these risks and live a better life for longer.
If you are 40-74 please visit www.norfolkhealthchecks.reedwellbeing.com or give the team a call on 08081750413 to check your eligibility and book an appointment

CRITERIA:
• Are aged 40-74
• Live in Norfolk or are registered with a Norfolk GP
• Have not had an NHS Health Check in the last 5 years
• Do not have any pre-existing conditions in the exclusion criteria, including:
Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Hypercholesterolemia, Kidney Disease, Stroke, Angina

SERVICE OFFER:
– Courses for adults, including vocational qualifications and apprenticeships,
– One-to-one Skills and Career Advice
– Information, Advice and Guidance on further learning and training, employment, jobs and starting a new business.

CRITERIA:
Norfolk residents aged 19 plus. Please check our courses for up-to-date eligibility. Family Learning programmes for parents and carers aged 16 plus with their children. Many of our courses can be free.

Norfolk Advocacy Partnership advocates for systems-wide change across Norfolk. We aim to disable barriers for people of protected characteristics, from disability to age and race.
Our Partners include Equal Lives, Age UK Norwich, Age UK Norfolk, Deaf Connexions, MAP, Opening Doors, The Bridge+ and West Norfolk Deaf Association.

SERVICE OFFER:
We offer free, confidential support to any victim or witness of a crime. We also co-ordinate the Scams Prevention Service in partnership with the Norfolk Police, Trading Standards and the Police and Crime Commissioner.

CRITERIA:
We cover adults and children (over 4yo) over the whole of Norfolk and Suffolk.

SERVICE OFFER: We offer short-term healthcare support and companionship to help rebuild independence and confidence.

CRITERIA: Support can be provided to residents of Norfolk and Waveney who are 18 or over. We cannot accept requests for personal care, respite or support for those with complex needs. 

As the suicide bereavement service we offer support to those bereaved to suicide living in Norfolk or Waveney and aged 18 or above. We offer a range of support and are proud to be a zero wait list service for one to one support aiming to make first contact within 2 working days of initial referral.

Suicide Bereavement 1:1 Support. Criteria: Must be within 3 months of loss or before inquest has been held. This service is open to anyone that has experienced the adverse effects of suicide bereavement in the immediacy of loss.

Suicide Bereavement Group Support. Criteria: Participants must be over 18, be bereaved to suicide (no time frame) and live within Norfolk or Waveney.

Suicide Bereavement Cafe.

Suicide Bereavement Youth Support Group. Criteria: Must be 18-25 and be affected by suicide.

For more information on each service click on the full Directory Listing.

Service Offer:
Our Norfolk Befriending Service offers an inclusive, trusted service that matches volunteers with unpaid carers to help reduce loneliness and social isolation, build confidence, and improve wellbeing.

Any carer looking after someone can be referred if the person who would like befriending is able to manage well day-to-day, is interested in building a friendly relationship with a new person, and would benefit from company and conversation.

Please note, Norfolk the Befriending Service is not a sitting service or replacement for paid care. Our volunteers cannot assist with mobility, personal care or with administering medication and all referrals will be subject to assessment and evaluation of risk.

Referral Criteria:
-Unpaid carers living in Norfolk
-Aged 18 years and over
-Person seeking befriending must be able to manage well day-to-day
-Lacks social connections/ network of support
-Interested in building a friendly relationship with a new person
-Would benefit from company and conversation

SERVICE OFFER:
We offer a broad range of advice including debt, welfare benefits, housing, employment, immigration, health, family and consumer.

CRITERIA:
Our service excludes Diss and Thetford areas.

Our advisers can help clients who are struggling with their energy costs or energy debts. They can also help with problems clients may be having with their energy supplier as well as providing information on switching, energy efficient measures and applying for benefits and grants to help with energy bills.

SERVICE OFFER:
We offer free, confidential, and independent legal advice in the following areas: employment law, family law, general law, discrimination, domestic abuse, debt, immigration and welfare benefits (appeals and tribunals only).

CRITERIA:
Our services are open to anyone who lives in Norfolk, in particular to those who may not otherwise be able to access legal assistance or debt advice. We do not advise on criminal law (unless relating to Domestic Abuse).

For more information about each service, please click the links in our profile.

Service Offer:
We can offer financial assistance with food and energy if you are eligible. We might be able to:
Give you a food voucher to spend at a supermarket, Make a gas or electricity meter payment via Paypoint if you have run out. (please check your meter uses PayPoint vouchers)

Referral Criteria:
Be 16 years old or over
Live in Norfolk
Be claiming means tested benefits eg Universal Credit, Employment Support Allowance, Pension Credit, Tax Credits
Working on a low income or be able to demonstrate you are in financial hardship

Service Offer:
We provide early intervention and prevention support services and information to all age groups so we can help empower individuals to improve their mental and emotional wellbeing and to reduce social isolation of LGBT+ individuals living in Norfolk and Waveney.

Criteria:
We accept referrals from individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender+ as well as those questioning their sexuality or gender identity. We also accept referrals from parents/carers of LGBT+ individuals who are seeking advice and support.

SERVICE OFFER: We offer a warm welcome in libraries around the county for residents to enjoy our library spaces with no obligation. Free social events and activities are available including Just A Cuppa sessions. Family history research resources are also available along with Norfolk Heritage collections and of course free access to books and computers.

CRITERIA: All individuals and families across Norfolk

Service Offer:
We offer free data to people who are 18+ years old from low income households.

Criteria:
Must be 18+ from a low income household. Have limited access to the internet and struggle to afford monthly contracts or top-ups.
You must have access to a SIM capable device that is unlocked and able to take Vodafone or O2 cards.

Norwich Consolidated Charities REFERRAL ACCEPTED THROUGH NCAN FROM NAS ONLY

We consider grants to individuals with children for essential household items such as cookers, beds, washing machines and flooring. We are unable to help with regular household bills.  We welcome enquiries from people with children who have identified ways that they could escape poverty but need some financial support to achieve their goals.

We can also help with Bankruptcy or Debt Relief Order (DROs) fees if you are referred by one of our trusted partner organisations (please ask your debt advisor).

We are the official charity of Norwich City Football Club. We use the power of sport to support and inspire our community. Our charitable objectives are driving inclusion for people with disabilities, boosting mental health and wellbeing, and supporting disadvantaged people to raise their aspirations.

Please check the main page for a full list of referral criteria.

Here to listen to anyone who is going through a difficult time, face-to-face or on the phone.

SERVICE OFFER: OCD Action’s Online Support Groups (Zoom or Phone) are peer led and provide a safe and welcoming space where those with OCD (or a related disorder) can connect with others. We also have a range of support groups for parents or partners of those caring for someone with OCD (or a related disorder).

SERVICE OFFER:
We are a user-led organisation run by and for people with learning disabilities. We offer information, advice and support on discrimination, healthcare, welfare benefits social care and advocacy.

CRITERIA:
We support adults with learning disabilities in Norfolk.

Service Offer:
For Orbit residents, we can offer support with wellbeing, budgeting and money advice, education and employment support & digital inclusion.

Criteria:
Clients referred to our service must already be an Orbit customer

SERVICE OFFER: We will call service users and read to them from books, magazines or newspapers depending on their interests for up to half an hour, once a week. Reading Friends at Home is dementia friendly and the calls will be adapted to suit the participant’s needs.

CRITERIA: All Norfolk residents.

SERVICE OFFER: We offer literacy support through a free dyslexia-friendly programme, to any adult who would like to become a more confident reader.

CRITERIA: Our service is available to adults, via all Norfolk Libraries.

SERVICE OFFER:
Our services include relationship counselling for individuals and couples, family counselling, mediation, children and young people’s counselling and sex therapy.

CRITERIA:
Our support is open to everyone. However there is a charge for our services. We are happy to work in partnership with referrers to make our services affordable to people referred to us who are on a low income, where possible. However this means that referrers need to check with us and provide support to enable funding for the person’s support before we can accept the referral.

SERVICE OFFER:
Our Day Time Hub (9:30am – 4:30pm Monday – Friday Thetford & 11:00am – 6:00pm Sunday – Monday Aylsham) is open to people ages 18+ who require wellbeing support either as a one-off sessions, or for extended periods of time. Access via direct walk-in, or by professional referral, or by calling 111 Mental Health.
Support is given 1-2-1 and group support is also available.
Our evening Sanctuary in Aylsham provides crisis support during periods of time when most people would be going through difficulties alone. We offer bother referral and appointment only sessions between 6:30pm – 12:00am. These sessions are provided by trained intensive crisis workers.

CRITERIA:
• Aged 18+
• Have shown willingness to engage with support
• Have given consent for referral
We must also have the name of the client’s GP Surgery and details of any other professionals involved in the case, such as psychiatrists, wellness professionals, etc.

SERVICE OFFER:

We provide ‘culture therapy’ for people with mental health problems, working in partnership with heritage/arts and social prescribing to deliver projects using resources and expertise from archives, archaeology, historic landscapes, libraries and local heritage organisations.

CRITERIA:

We support people aged 18 + living in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, Lowestoft and Waveney.

SERVICE OFFER
We offer advocacy covering many areas including.
• NHS complaints Advocacy
• Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA)
• Care Act Advocacy
• Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA)
• Relevant Paid Persons Representative

CRITERIA
Over 18yrs
Deaf / Hard of Hearing / Deafblind
Cover all area in Norfolk

SERVICE OFFER:
We offer specialist housing advice including evictions and homelessness. We also offer accredited debt advice. Advocacy and representation are available at court.

PLEASE READ OUR CRITERIA BELOW BEFORE REFERRING—
Many general housing issues are addressed by self-help guides on our website shelter.org.uk which is full of detailed template letters and advice e.g., about how to get a deposit back. (We cannot accept cases about how to initially join housing lists, and questions around deposit protection and low-level disrepair issues – please refer to our Website/Webchat/Helpline instead) Home – Shelter England

CURRENT CRITERIA:
Legal Aid cases: Shelter’s legal team can do Legal Aid work for eligible clients, but this is subject to capacity and the nature of the issue. Please refer in cases related to homelessness applications and Homelessness Decisions, also court rent possession/evictions cases, but be aware we may need to signpost elsewhere if not in scope or due to capacity.
–Debt Advice for Clients with Housing related Debt, rent arrears, Council Tax arrears, Utility Bills.
–We no longer offer a Social Prescribing service
–Housing Advice cases for written Housing Allocation Banding or Qualification Decisions, and complex Housing or Homelessness cases (subject to capacity and merit of case) for King’s Lynn council area only.

Service Offer:
The Norfolk Smoking Service is a support program designed to help individuals quit smoking through personalised plans, coaching support, and access to resources like nicotine replacement therapy.

Referral Criteria:
Must be over 18.
Must live in Norfolk or are registered with a Norfolk GP

Service Offer:
Within the Gorleston PCN our social prescribers are here to listen, talk things through, support and encourage your readiness for change and put you in touch with or whatever you need to do to support that change.

Criteria:
Our service is open to any age group, for people who are registered at either The Millwood partnership GP Practice or the Beaches Medical Centre which covers the Gorleston PCN. Please note we do not cover Great Yarmouth. To find out more please email gywccg.sp.hwbc@nhs.net.

SERVICE OFFER: STEAM is a space, that is tailored to offer holistic assistance from fully trained multidisciplinary teams to adults experiencing a mental health crisis – day or night. They can arrange access to guidance across housing, benefits, domestic abuse, LGBTQ+ and more. There are 2 sites: one in King’s Lynn, and another one in Gorleston, near Great Yarmouth.

CRITERIA FOR ACCEPTING REFERRALS: Adults in King’s Lynn & West Norfolk; or Great Yarmouth and East Norfolk.

Service Offer:
Give clients the skills and confidence to be safe online and use their tablet, laptop, or smartphone however they want
Help clients find out how to borrow a smartphone, tablet or laptop or even get one to keep forever (for free!) if they need one
Help clients get internet services like free mobile data, cheap broadband tariffs, and much more
Suggest other things, like social groups or learning, to help clients along the way

Criteria:
Currently for clients in West Norfolk
NHS, volunteer groups and local community organisations in West Norflk

Service Offer: We offer home visits, hospital visits, care home visits, and can often provide transport to bring beneficiaries to our centre (within 15 – 20 miles radius of King’s Lynn) We offer mental health support and focus on loneliness and depression and healthy living. Our drop in centre provides lunches and drinks and all of our services are free of charge. 

Referral Criteria: The person referred must have completed at least 1 day’s service in HM Armed Forces – which includes Reservists, and Territorial Army, or have been in the Merchant Navy in an area of conflict that our Armed Forces served in, or be an immediate family member of someone who qualifies as above. (Family members should either have supported or be supporting the qualifying person, or be being supported by the qualifying person – this includes, partners, husbands, wives, widows, widowers and even divorcees)

SERVICE OFFER:
We are an independent provider of services for refugees and people seeking asylum. Offering emergency help, one-to-one support and casework, special services for children and families, and help reuniting families.

CRITERIA:
We support refugees and people seeking asylum in Norfolk.

Service Offer:
We run a community hub which includes a Social Supermarket — offering free and low cost groceries and hygiene products—and cafe space to host activities, workshops, clubs and 1:1 support. Each of these areas combine to reduce health inequalities, improve quality of life, and create stronger, more connected communities in Norwich. At our hub, members can speak with someone to ensure they are getting the right support in the community. They can also take part in our fortnightly cooking sessions, which teach members to cook from scratch using ingredients in our supermarket. We run a trauma-informed programme – for women, by women, called Bloom.

Criteria:
We support those who are at risk of needing emergency food provision – aiming to get people the right support before they reach the point of emergency.

SERVICE OFFER:
We are a housing charity which provides accommodation for up to seventeen men within five homes in Norwich.

CRITERIA:
Our service is available to men who have been released on license from prison, street homelessness, self-referral and those who have experienced alcohol and substance misuse. The men need to demonstrate that they are abstinent from illicit substances or on a reduction programme

SERVICE OFFER:
We provide information, support and advice around substance misuse, for wellbeing, better mental health and employment opportunities.

CRITERIA:
We provide support to young people, veterans, professionals, people in recovery, and the family and carers of those affected by substance misuse in the East of England.

Service Office: Help and support for substance and alcohol misuse.

Criteria: Must be for those going through the criminal just system.
Must download the linked forms as part of the referral process. Please attach them to any referrals made.

SERVICE OFFER: We provide free support to people who have been affected by pregnancy loss, an unexpected pregnancy or pregnancy related issues. We support those with a mild or moderate mental health challenge related to pregnancy. 

CRITERIA: All across Norfolk who have been affected by pregnancy loss, an unexpected pregnancy or pregnancy related issues.

Versus Arthritis runs a number of different services for people of all ages with arthritis, including helplines, peer support groups, online community, award-winning publications, campaigns, workshops and training.

SERVICE OFFER:

NHS service offering talking therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy; Counselling; EMDR as well as a range of online workshops ideal for everyone to access. We also offer social recovery interventions including peer support, employment advice and social events.

CRITERIA:

Age 16+ presenting with stress, anxiety or depression and not requiring specialist mental health services.
Please note: once a referral is accepted our admin team will make contact with the client via text, email or phone within a week to offer them an appointment for an initial assessment. Our usual waiting times for initial assessment are 2-3 weeks. If your client has not heard from us, please do not hesitate to get in touch. You or the client can contact us directly on admin@wellbeingnandw.co.uk or 0300 123 1503.

SERVICE OFFER:
We offer an adaptation and handy person service throughout West Norfolk to ensure people’s homes continue to meet their needs.

CRITERIA:
We provide our service to anyone with disabilities or eligible health conditions, older people and people on low incomes in King’s Lynn, West Norfolk and Fenland.

SERVICE OFFER:
WNDIS (West Norfolk Disability Information Service) provides information, advice and an advocacy service for disabled people and carers.

CRITERIA:
We offer our service to disabled people and carers in West Norfolk.

SERVICE OFFER: We help with a wide range of energy related consumer advice including billing issues/queries, reviewing tariffs, switching, dealing with fuel debts, benefit entitlements, grants and energy efficiency improvements – and help customers to access extra support.

CRITERIA: Operating in the Diss and Thetford area

SERVICE OFFER:
Wonder+ offers advocacy, advice and guidance to women offenders, or at risk of offending, as well as helping them access services that may be of help to them.

CRITERIA:
Our service is available to women living in Norfolk, or intending to live in Norfolk, aged over 18 years of age, involved in the Criminal Justice System or at risk of becoming involved.

Service Offer
We understand that taking those last steps into work is not always easy – particularly if you are managing a disability or health condition.

Our dedicated Employment Advisers are here to support you to return to work quickly and offer one to one advice and coaching to help you stay there!

Referral Criteria

Individuals must live in Norfolk.
Individuals must be 18 or over.
We can support anyone with a long-term health condition.
(that’s any health condition that effects the individuals’ daily lives. Including conditions such as stress, anxiety, depression, diabetes, and any other physical or mental health conditions).
Individuals must not be engaging on another employment scheme funded by DWP or NHS.
If an individual is in-work, they must have been employed for at least 6 months and working at least 7 hours per week.

SERVICE OFFER: We support all young carers and their families, providing whole family support, 1:1 support to the young carer, groups and more.

CRITERIA: all young carers (below 19 yo) and their families across Norfolk

Referral Criteria:
We welcome referrals for young people who are:
● Care experienced, including unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC)
● Aged 16-25
● Based in Norfolk

Service Offer:
We believe everyone should have a safe and secure home, so we work one-to-one with people to build their skills, knowledge and confidence about money and housing. We work alongside people, don’t give advice, and support them to find their own solutions.

We also offer small (3-5 people), informal 2-hour group workshops, which facilitate knowledge sharing between peers and helps build confidence in social situations.

Criteria:
We support people living in the Diss, Wymondham and Thetford areas (18+) who have accessed help from a food bank or are at risk of needing to.

We believe everyone should have a safe and secure home, so we work with people to build their skills, knowledge and confidence about money and housing. We work alongside people, don’t give advice, and support them to find their own solutions.

We offer Group workshops (open to all on NCAN). At our small (3-5 people), informal 2-hour group workshops, we facilitate knowledge sharing on: budgeting, debts, benefits, where to find specialist help.
We run workshops during the week in central Norwich locations. We can offer one-to-one support following on from our workshops.

We provide One-to-one support: (Open to: ‘British Red Cross – foodbank support’ ‘NCA Foodbank Advisor Norwich’ (Citizens Advice Norwich foodbank) ‘Shelter Norwich foodbank’, ‘Age UK Norwich’) where we work one-to-one with people to build their skills, knowledge and confidence about money and housing

Criteria: We support people living in Norwich and Greater Norwich area (18+) who are accessing help from a food bank or at risk of needing to.