Long Term Health Conditions

Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s Society
Alzheimer’s Society is an organisation which works to improve the quality of life of people affected by dementia in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
30 Skegoneill, Balfast, BT15 3JL
Tel: 028 9066 4100
Email: nir@alzheimers.org
For more information go to www.alzheimers.org.uk/northernireland/

One to One Dementia Support
Support provided to anyone affected by dementia. This can be in person, with safety measures, virtually through a video call or on the telephone and via email. This support is offered right through the dementia journey from when someone might be worried about their memory, to getting a diagnosis, to managing life with dementia, planning for the future, and into end of life.

Virtual Carer Support Groups
There are two groups carers can attend throughout the Northern Trust area.

These groups give carers the opportunity to meet other people who are also supporting someone with dementia. They can talk about their caring role in a safe and relaxed environment. They will also receive helpful information and advice from our experienced staff.

Morning Meeting
Third Thursday of the Month
10:30am – 11:30am
Valerie Guthrie – 079 1866 1823
valerie.guthrie@alzheimers.org.uk

Evening Meeting
Second Wednesday of the Month
7:00pm – 8:00pm
Hannah Coleman – 077 1011 9366
hannah.coleman@alzheimers.org.uk

There is also a virtual carer support group specifically designed for carers of those who have young onset dementia. This group is made up of people under 65 who are supporting their spouse with early onset dementia. This group was set up as challenges for younger people with dementia can be different to those experienced by older people with a diagnosis.

Aoife McMaster – 077 1037 9947 – aoife.mcmaster@alzheimers.org.uk

Virtual Singing for the Brain
Music singalong sessions via Zoom.

Group sessions are structured to include a range of activities including vocal warm-ups and singing a variety of familiar and new songs. You will also have opportunity to talk to other people affected by dementia.

Dementia Voice
We offer opportunities for people with a diagnosis of dementia and their family/carers to use their personal experiences, to help shape our work here at Alzheimer’s Society, as well as with external organisations.

Arthritis

Versus Arthritis 
Versus Arthritis has over 20 local branches and groups across Northern Ireland providing support and encouragement for their members through a range of activities and social events. They offer the opportunity to meet other people in a similar situation, share experiences and build friendships.
Helpline Tel: 080 8800 4050/ 028 9441 6515
For more information go to www.versusarthritis.org

Versus Arthritis Ballymoney Branch
Versus Arthritis has over 20 local branches and groups across Northern Ireland providing support and encouragement for their members through a range of activities and social events. They offer the opportunity to meet other people in a similar situation, share experiences and build friendships.
Millbrook Resource Centre, Old Ballymoney Rd, first Wednesday of each month at 7:30pm
Tel: 028 9078 2940

Versus Arthritis Coleraine Branch
Versus Arthritis has over 20 local branches and groups across Northern Ireland providing support and encouragement for their members through a range of activities and social events. They offer the opportunity to meet other people in a similar situation, share experiences and build friendships.
West Bann Development Centre, 8 Killowen Court, Coleraine, first Friday of every month 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Tel: 028 9078 2940

Chest, Heart and Stroke

Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke
NI Chest Heart and stroke seeks to help those with chest, heart and stroke illnesses through a number of services such as Care Services, Support Groups, Health Promotion, Information and Advice.
Tel: 028 9032 0184
For more information please go to www.nichs.org.uk/

Stroke Association
The Stroke Association provides a number of vital support services across the country to help those affected by stroke to regain their lives.
Tel: 028 9050 8020
Helpline tel: 030 3303 3100
For more information go to www.stroke.org.uk

Hearing Loss

Action On Hearing Loss (previously RNID) provides a range of services for people who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus. We provide information about hearing loss and equipment that can help and deliver basic hearing checks. We also run local Hearing Aid User Support Sessions in association with the Northern Trust at various locations where NHS hearing aid users can receive free one to one support with hearing aids.

For more information about Action on Hearing Loss services visit www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/northernireland, call 028 9023 9619 or email information.nireland@hearingloss.org.uk.

To find details of your nearest Hearing Aid User Support Session visit www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/hearing-aid-support-service-ni

Diabetes

Diabetes UK
Diabetes UK is a charity which aims to support people living with diabetes.
Tel: 028 9066 6646
For more information see www.diabetes.org.uk

Disability

Cedar Foundation
Cedar delivers a range of services that enable people with disabilities to get the most out of life and to be fully included in their communities. Our services are centred around the individual needs of each person and are delivered throughout Northern Ireland. Supported Living, Housing Support, Floating Support, Residential Care, Activities, Employability and Inclusion.
1a Woodside Road Industrial Estate, Woodside Road, Ballymena, BT42 4QJ
Tel: 028 2565 9111
For more information go to www.cedar-foundation.org/

RNIB Northern Ireland
RNIB (Royal National Institute of the Blind) in Northern Ireland provides people recently diagnosed with loss of sight with support to help them adapt to difficult circumstances, retain confidence and quickly regain their independence. They have a number of eye clinic liaison officers.
If you would like to speak to someone from the RNIB eye health information team or have any queries about your sight contact RNIB helpline.
Tel: 028 9032 9373
Helpline tel: 030 3123 9999
Coleraine/ Ballymoney/ Ballymena Tel: 077 1119 0440
Email: johnathan.adams@rnib.org.uk
For more information go to www.rnib.org.uk

Epilepsy

Epilepsy Action
Epilepsy Action Northern Ireland. Raises awareness and increases understanding of epilepsy, Lobbies and campaigns for a better future for people with epilepsy. Supports people through our network of volunteers, branches and groups. Organises information events for both people living with epilepsy and health professionals. Organises and supports local fundraising events. Epilepsy Action Northern Ireland provides epilepsy awareness training sessions to groups who want to learn more about epilepsy. These include private employers, healthcare and service providers and schools.
Tel: 028 9063 4942
Email: cwatson@epilepsy.org.uk
For more information go to www.epilepsy.org.uk

Huntingtons

Huntingtons Disease Association Northern Ireland
Huntingtons Disease Association Northern Ireland provides support to individuals, families and carers living with Huntington’s disease in N. Ireland and also provides information, advice and signposting for health and social care professionals.
Tel: 028 2177 1812
Email: errol@hdani.org.uk
For more information go to www.hdani.org.uk

Mobility Issues

Motor Neurone Disease

Motor Neurone Disease Association NI
Advice, Support and Information for those suffering from MND and their families.
Tel: 074 3483 9842
Email: mndni@hotmail.co.uk
For more information go to www.mndani.com

Multiple Sclerosis

Action MS
Information and support for people with MS and their families. Luncheon Club, Reflexology, Drop In, Advocacy, Holiday Home.
Location: Belfast
Tel: 028 9079 0707
Email: info@actionms.co.uk
For more information go to www.actionms.co.uk/

MS Society
Northern Ireland’s leading charity dedicated to beating MS.
We provide support and services to people affected by MS including advice, counselling, physiotherapy and financial support. We raise awareness of MS and make MS a priority at political level.
Tel: 028 9080 2802
Email: nireception@mssociety.org.uk
For more information go to www.mssociety.org.uk/near-me/branches/ms-society-northern-ireland

Parkinsons

Parkinsons UK Northern Ireland
Our Parkinsons local advisers provide one-to-one information and support to people with Parkinson’s, their families and carers. This includes helping people understand the impact of their condition and their rights, benefits advice and accessing local support and services.
Tel: 0844 225 9823
Email: jlennox@parkinsons.org.uk
For more information go to www.parkinsons.org.uk/content/northern-ireland-local-contacts