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About Links
Advance is not responsible for the contents or reliability of any linked web sites listed here, and does not necessarily endorse the views expressed in them.

We cannot guarantee that these links will work all of the time, and we have no control over the availability of the linked pages.

Some links appear in more than one category.

Assistive technology and accessibility	Health	Mental health
Disability	Housing	Our partners
Employment	Inclusion	Social care
Government	Learning disabilities

Assistive technology and accessibility
Website	Description
FAST	The Foundation for Assistive Technology (FAST) works with the Assistive Technology (AT) community to promote useful research and development for disabled and older people.
Multikulti	Website containing information, advice, guidance and learning materials in community languages.
Signalong	Signalong is a communication system based on British Sign Language
Sensory World	Innovative sensory site provided by Elizabeth Fitzroy
Photosymbols	Photosymbols is a photograph resource to help create accessible communication.
Makaton	Makaton is a symbol-based communication programme.

Disability
Website	Description
Ableize - Disability and Mobility Directory	A comprehensive resource of UK adult and childrens disability information. Includes access, education, recreation and sports, plus the arts and the largest information base on specific disabilities.
Equality and Human Rights Commission	The Equality and Human Rights commission says: Our job is to promote equality and human rights, and to create a fairer Britain. We do this by providing advice and guidance, working to implement an effective legislative framework and raising awareness of your rights.
Leicester Disability Information Network	Information portal providing general information for people with a disability.
Disability Now	Website for DN online, the website for the UKs biggest selling disability related newspaper.
Ricability	Website for the Research Institute for Consumer Affairs, a national research charity dedicated to providing independent information of value to disabled and older consumers.

Employment
Website	Description
Work in Progress	Advance’s employment service. NB this site has a fuller list of links to employment websites.
IIP	Website for Investors in People, the accreditation by which organisations can improve its performance through its people.
JobCentre Plus	Jobcentre Plus is a government agency supporting people of working age from welfare into work, and helping employers to fill their vacancies.
Matrix Standard	Website for the Matrix Standard, which is the national quality standard for any organisation that delivers information, advice and/or guidance on learning and work.
Nextstep	Nextstep promotes learning and work to all adults aged 20 and over.

Government
Website	Description
Department of Health	Website for the Department of Health.
Department for Communities and Local Government	Website for the new Department for Communities and Local Government, which has responsibility for Housing.
Home Office	Website for the Home Office
Directgov	Website for Directgov - the widest range of government information and services online.
IDeA: Improvement and Development Agency	The IDeA works with councils to support partnerships and develop good practice.

Health
Website	Description
NHS	Website for the NHS in England.
NHS Direct	The online health information enquiry service.
NICE	NICE stands for the National Institute for Clinical Excellence, which is an independent organisation responsible for providing national guidance on promoting good health and preventing and treating ill health.
The Information Centre	Website collating information and statistics about the various health and social care communities in the UK.

Housing
Website	Description
The Audit Commission	The Audit Commission is an independent public body responsible for ensuring that public money is spent economically, efficiently, and effectively in the areas of local government, housing, health, criminal justice and fire and rescue services.
National Housing Federation	The National Housing Federation represents 1400 independent, not-for-profit housing associations in England and is the voice of affordable housing. Its mission is to support and promote the work that housing associations do and campaign for better housing and neighbourhoods.
Tenant Services Authority	The Tenants Services Authority (TSA) is the new regulator for affordable housing. Its goal is to raise the standard of services for tenants.
Homes and Communities Agency	The new Homes and regeneration agency. Our role is to create opportunity for people to live in high quality, sustainable places.
Housing Options	A housing advisory service for people with learning disabilities.
SITRA	SITRA is the leading agency in the provision of training, consultancy and information to the Supported Housing Sector.
TPAS	TPAS stands for the Tenant Participation Advisory Service. It is a not for profit membership organisation that provides information, advice, consultancy, training and conferences on all aspects of involving tenants in their housing management.
Inside Housing	Online version of the housing sector’s leading magazine.
Housing News	Newsletter for the affordable and social housing sector.
Affordable Home Advice	Independent, not-for-profit focused on advice to help finding, buying or renting affordable housing in the uk
Housing Exchange	A national service for social housing tenants looking to move or exchange homes.

Inclusion
Website	Description
Social Exclusion Taskforce	Website for the Social Exclusion Taskforce, part of the Department for Communities and Local Government.
Speaking Up	Self-advocacy organisation, based in Cambridge.

Learning disabilities
Website	Description
The Ann Craft Trust	A UK based organisation working with staff in the statutory, independent and voluntary sectors to protect people with learning disabilities who may be at risk from abuse.
Aspergers Syndrome Foundation	The website for the The Aspergers Syndrome Foundation, which is committed to promoting awareness and understanding of Aspergers Syndrome.
The Big Tree	A way in to the internet for people with learning disabilities.
BILD	BILD stands for the British Institute for Learning Disabilities. It works with the government and other organisations to improve the lives of people with learning disabilities.
Information for All	Website for the ‘Information For All’ project run by the Norah Fry Research Centre at Bristol University.
The Challenging Behaviour Foundation	Website that provides families with useful information about the types of bahaviour that can be associated with severe learning disabilities.
Change	Change is a national campaigning organisation working for equal rights for people with learning disabilities.
Check the Map	Information and directory of learning disability services in the UK.
Connects	Portal site run by the Foundation for Learning Disabilities designed to help individuals find and share information.
Easy Info	A website about making information easier, bringing people together, finding out about good ways of working and sharing ideas.
Easy Words	Website for the Oxfordshire Learning Disability Partnership Board.
Hands off my Plan!	New website created by and for people with learning disabilities. It looks particularly at person centred planning.
HILT	Website of the Hilt Support, which helps adults live as part of the community as independently as possible. Hilt Support is part of the Advance group.
Home Farm Trust	Website of the Home Farm Trust, which provides long-term care and support for people with learning disabilities.
Housing Options	A housing advisory service for people with learning disabilities.
In Control	The website for all information about individualised budgets and self-directed support.
PARIS	A directory, run by the National Autistic Society, helping find services for people with autism (including Asperger’s Syndrome) across the UK.
Keyring	Website for Keyring, who provide housing and support in the community for people with learning disabilities.
Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities	Website for the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities, which promotes the rights, quality of life and opportunities of people with learning disabilities and their families.
Mencap	Website for the UK’s largest campaigning learning disability charity.
National Autistic Society	Website for the National Autistic Society, which exists to champion the rights and interests of all people with autism and to ensure that they and their families receive quality services appropriate to their needs.
One For Us	A website for people who have a learning difficulty, run by advocacy charity Speaking Up.
Paradigm	Paradigm is a consultancy which specialises in inclusive services for people with learning disabilities.
Plain Facts	Plain Facts is a magazine and tape produced for people with learning disabilities by the Norah Fry Research Institute.
Skillnet Group	Website for the Kent Learning Disability Partnership Board.
The Powerhouse	Website of The Powerhouse, an organisation for women with learning disabilities.
Understanding Individual Needs	Website designed with the purpose of providing basic information that may be required by a parent with a child who has been newly diagnosed with a learning disability, or a parent of a young person reaching adulthood.
United Response	Website for United Response, which works nationally supporting people with learning disabilities or mental health problems.
Valuing People	Website about the governments plan for making the lives of people with learning disabilities and their families better.
VIA	The website for Values Into Action, which has been working since 1971 to support and promote the right of people with learning difficulties to enjoy, and to be treated with the same respect due to all citizens.

Mental health
Website	Description
BBC	Page on the BBC website giving general information about mental health issues.
BME Mental Health	The National Black and Minority Ethnic Mental Health Network aims to reduce inequality and promote good practice in mental health for racialised groups. It is open to all BME voluntary and statutory sector organisations, carers, users and anyone concerned with poor BME Mental Health.
Connects	Portal site run by the Mental Health Foundation designed to help individuals find and share information.
Counselling Directory	A support network of UK counsellors and psychotherapists, with information on their training and experience, areas of counselling covered, fees and contact details. This service is free, confidential and easy to use.
Society Guardian	The Guardian newspaper’s page giving general information on mental health issues.
Mental Health Alliance	The Mental Health Alliance is a unique coalition of 78 organisations from across the mental health spectrum and beyond, working together to secure better mental health legislation for England and Wales.
Mental Health Foundation	Website for the Mental Health Foundation, which exists to help people survive, recover from and prevent mental health problems.
MIND	Website for Mind, the national organisation campaigning to create a better life for everyone with experience of mental distress.
Mind Out for Mental Health	Website for an active campaign to stop the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health.
NHS Mental Health services	A searchable list of Mental Health NHS services.
National Mental Health Development Unit	The National Mental Health Development Unit was formed in April 2009. It will provide national support for implementing mental health policy by advising on national and international best practice to improve mental health and mental health services.
New Horizons	The New Horizons programme aims to revolutionise mental health care. It is run by the National Mental Health Development Unit.
Rethink	Rethink is the largest severe mental illness charity in the UK, dedicated to improving the lives of everyone affected by severe mental illness.
Richmond Fellowship	The Richmond Fellowship is one of the biggest providers of mental health care in the country.
Shift	Shift is a five year initiative (2004-2009) in England to tackle stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health issues.
Sainsburys Centre for Mental Health	Site for the Sainsbury’s Centre for Mental Health, which works to improve the quality of life for people with mental health problems by removing barriers and achieving change.
Social Inclusion	The National Social Inclusion Programme is is committed to delivering the recommendations of the 2004 Mental Health and Social Exclusion report.
Mental Health First Aid England	Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is the help given to someone experiencing a mental health problem before professional help is obtained.

Our partners
Website	Description
This is a list of Advance’s partner local authorities, voluntary and charitable organisations, housing associations and consortia, and membership organisations.
Development partners
Sovereign	Website for the Sovereign consortium, providing housing in the South East.
MCCH	Website for the MCCH Society, which provides support services in the South East of England for people with mental health problems or learning disabilities.
The Brandon Trust	Website for The Brandon Trust, which provides support for vulnerable people in Gloucestershire and the South West of England.
Memberships
ASL	Website for the Association for Supported Living, an association of organisations providing supported living for people with learning disabilities.
MHPF	Website for the Mental Health Providers Forum
Strategic partners
Mind in Birmingham	Mind in Birmingham, a Strategic Network for Mental Health partner
Resource Directory	Printing and design business run by Mind in Birmingham
Second Step	Second Step, a Strategic Network for Mental Health partner operating in Bristol.
Sussex Oakleaf	Sussex Oakleaf, a Strategic Network for Mental Health partner operating in Sussex. Find out more about the Strategic Network for Mental Health here.
Streetwise	Website for the Streetwise Safety Centre, consultants on Advance’s Coast 2 Coast project.
Employment
Jobcentre Plus	Jobcentre Plus is a government agency supporting people of working age from welfare into work, and helping employers to fill their vacancies.
Matrix Standard	Website for the Matrix Standard, which is the national quality standard for any organisation that delivers information, advice and/or guidance on learning and work.
Councils
Centralbedfordshire.gov.uk	Central Bedfordshire Council
Bexley.gov.uk	Bexley Council (London Borough)
Birmingham.gov.uk	Birmingham City Council
Blaby.gov.uk	Blaby District Council
Bournemouth.gov.uk	Bournemouth Borough Council
Bromley.gov.uk	Bromley Council (London Borough)
Buckscc.gov.uk	Buckinghamshire County Council
Cornwall.gov.uk	Cornwall County Council
Coventry.gov.uk	Coventry City Council
Dartfordbc.gov.uk	Dartford Borough Council
Derby.gov.uk	Derby City Council
Derbyshire.gov.uk	Derbyshire County Council
Devon.gov.uk	Devon County Council
Dorsetforyou.com	Dorset County Council
Essexcc.gov.uk	Essex County Council
Hants.gov.uk	Hampshire County Council
Herefordshire.gov.uk	Herefordshire Council
Hertsdirect.org	Hertfordshire County Council
Kent.gov.uk	Kent County Council
Leicester.gov.uk	Leicester City Council
Leics.gov.uk	Leicestershire County Council
Lincolnshire.gov.uk	Lincolnshire County Council
Luton.gov.uk	Luton Borough Council
Northamptonshire.gov.uk	Northamptonshire County Council
Nottinghamcity.gov.uk	Nottingham City Council
Nottscc.gov.uk	Nottinghamshire County Council
Nuneatonandbedworth.gov.uk	Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council
Oxford.gov.uk	Oxford City Council
Oxfordshire.gov.uk	Oxfordshire City Council
Poole.gov.uk	Poole Borough Council
Portsmouth.gov.uk	Portsmouth City Council
Reading.gov.uk	Reading Borough Council
Rutnet.co.uk	Rutland County Council
Slough.gov.uk	Slough Borough Council
Staffordshire.gov.uk	Staffordshire County Council
Surreycc.gov.uk	Surrey County Council
Swindon.gov.uk	Swindon Borough Council
Warwickshire.gov.uk	Warwickshire County Council
Rbwm.gov.uk	Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead
Worcestershire.gov.uk	Worcestershire County Council
Westsussex.gov.uk	West Sussex County Council
Health authorities
Bhha.nhs.uk	Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Strategic Health Authority
Herefordshire.nhs.uk	Herefordshire Primary Care Trust
NHS East Midlands	NHS East Midlands (formerly Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland Strategic Health Authority)
lcrpct.nhs.uk	Leicstershire County & Rutland PCT (formerly Melton, Rutland and Harborough Primary Care Trust)

Social care
Website	Description
CQC	CQC stands for the Care Quality Commission. It is the independent regulator of health and social care in England.
IAPT	Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) is a programme of talking therapies for people experiencing depression or anxiety.
Independent Living Fund	The Independent Living Fund helps people with a disability live indpendently in the community.
GSCC	GSCC stands for the General Social Care Council. It is the register for social care workers, and it monitors their standards and training.
SCIE	SCIE stands for the Social Care Institute for Excellence. Its aim is to improve the experience of people who use social care by developing and promoting knowledge about good practice in the sector.
Social Care Online	Social Care Online is the UKs most extensive database of social care information, with everything from research briefings, to reports, government documents, journal articles, and websites.
Supporting People Directory of Services	Searchable directory provided by Supporting People, which makes it easy to find housing-related support services across England. It can be used to search for services that help people live more independently.
Supporting People	Home page for Supporting People, the programme that offers vulnerable people the opportunity to improve their quality of life by providing a stable environment which enables greater independence.

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