39 Essex Chambers are leading legal chambers, based in London (at 81 Chancery Street). They specialise in Mental Capacity Law, as well as a wide range of civil, commercial and public law. Leading barrister Alex Ruck Keene publishes bulletins and newsletters on mental capacity, deprivation of liberty and issues relating to disability
Advice Now is an independent not-for-profit website: provides accurate helpful information on rights and legal issues for the general public
Community Care Online 'magazine' for those working or interested in the social care sector: some content is subscription only, BUT also offers some excellent free resources e.g. news stories and blogs
The Counselling Directory's logo has the strapline 'Connecting you with Professional Support'
The site will connect with you a counsellor, but also offers free advice online (issues covered include disability, autism and many aspects of mental health):
"If you are ready for change, knowledge is power. Having access to the right information is key. There is a lot of conflicting information available online, and this in itself can cause confusion and anxiety. Here at Counselling Directory we have a dedicated team to ensure we provide accurate, up-to-date information. Lots of our counsellors provide insight and advice too, you can find this in our Expert articles section. Read as much or as little information that feels right for you.
Our What's worrying you? section contains some of the most common reasons for seeking help. For many of us, just realising that what we're going through is a shared human experience is a relief. It can also be useful to identify what's worrying you so that if you do decide to try counselling, you can ensure the counsellor you see is experienced in this area. It's certainly not necessary to know this before having counselling though, as your counsellor will help to guide you in the right direction.
If you're not sure one-to-one counselling is right for you, you can still seek support here. Our Local events section lists workshops, talks and support groups covering a wide range of subjects, from stress and anxiety to art therapy and general well-being".
Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities (FPLD): works to influence government and local authority policies and services so that they better meet the needs people with learning disabilities their families and carers; raise awareness of learning disability issues amongst the wider public
Lords Select Committee on Mental Capacity Act 2005: official site of the House of Lords Select Committee appointed in 2013 to consider and report on the Mental Capacity Act 2005, and which reported back in February 2014
MIND the national mental health charity; information on Mental Health and Learning Disability; excellent guides to Mental Health legislation
The National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTi ) is a not-for-profit organisation concerned with promoting inclusion and equality for people who risk exclusion and who need support to lead a full life; has a particular interest in issues around age disability mental health and children and young people
POhWER is a charity and membership organisation, providing information, advice, support and advocacy to people who experience disability, vulnerability, distress and social exclusion.
The King's Fund is an independent charity working to improve health and health care in England; helps to shape policy and practice through research and analysis; promotes understanding of the health and social care system; brings people together to share knowledge and debate; publishes wide range of articles and research papers