Resources
The NHS provides information about many conditions, including symptoms, medicines, tests and treatment, including what to do and when to get help.
Website: NHS Conditions
The pages below contain information about stroke and some of the neurological conditions we see. They include links to other organisations and charities which you may find useful. There is also a page containing other useful information such as how to organise care support, mental health support, community transport and more.
Stroke
Stroke
The Stroke charity websites will provide you with information such as what a stroke is, the different types of stroke, advice around living with a stroke and what local services are available.
Stroke Charities and Support Groups
Stroke Association:
Stroke information and support page, for anyone seeking knowledge on strokes. Discover insights into causes, symptoms, prevention, and rehabilitation, but also what services and support the Stroke Association offers for stroke survivors or anyone involved with stroke.
Website: www.stroke.org.uk
Helpline: Stroke support helpline 0303 3033 100
Email: helpline@stroke.org.uk
Different strokes:
Different Strokes is run by younger stroke survivors for younger stroke survivors. They have personal experience of the realities of life after stroke.
Website: www.differentstrokes.co.uk
Helpline: Freephone 0345 130 7172
Email: info@differentstrokes.co.uk
Activity and Exercise
The Different Strokes charity provide online exercise classes for stroke survivors. Classes are available in five different levels, recognising the large variation in stroke survivors’ physical condition and mobility post-stroke.
Website: www.differentstrokes.co.uk/exercise-for-stroke/
The Stroke Association in collaboration with the charity ‘A Stroke of Luck’ provide free online exercise sessions focussing on exercise-based recovery. The exercises include strength, stability, stamina, and flexibility with the sessions being split into three different mobility levels.
Website: Exercises for stroke survivors
Common problems after stroke
The Stroke Association have created some useful guidance on some of the common problems stroke survivors experience.
- Energy conservation and managing fatigue
- Problems with memory and thinking (cognitive problems)
- Sleep problems
- Mood and emotional changes
- Sex and relationships
- Driving after a stroke
- Returning to work
Local Support
The Stroke Association charity have a list of local support groups across the UK. Use the postcode finder to see what support is available near you.
Website: Support groups in your area | Stroke Association
Last reviewed August 2025. Review due August 2026.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Multiple Sclerosis
If you have received a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), you may be under the care of a consultant neurologist and MS Nurse Specialist.
Multiple Sclerosis Charities and Support Groups
The MS charity websites are simple to navigate and will provide you with information such as what MS is, advice around living with MS and what local services are available including MS nurse specialist contact details.
MS Trust:
Website: MS Trust
Helpline: Freephone 0800 032 3839 (Mon-Fri 10am – 4pm)
Email: ask@mstrust.org.uk
MS Society:
Website: MS Society
Helpline: Freephone 0808 800 8000 (Mon-Fri 9am – 7pm)
Email: helpline@mssociety.org.uk
MS Together (focus on 18-35yr olds):
Website: MS Together
Email: hello@mstogether.org
MS Therapy Centre, Leicester
The MS Therapy Centre in Leicester supports people with MS and other neurological conditions with their physical and mental wellbeing.
Website: Leicester MS Therapy Centre
Apps:
The ‘Shift.MS’ app is described as ‘Your MS community’ and is a free app to help you connect and manage MS from diagnosis. Get support, find answers and make decisions. It is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Website: Shift MS
Last reviewed July 2025. Review due July 2026.
Parkinson's
Parkinson’s
If you have received a diagnosis of Parkinson’s, you may be under the care of a consultant neurologist and Parkinson’s Nurse Specialist.
Parkinson’s Charities and Support Groups
The Parkinson’s charity websites are simple to navigate and will provide you with information such as what Parkinson’s is, advice around living with Parkinson’s and what local services are available.
Parkinson’s UK:
Website: Parkinson’s UK
Helpline: 0808 800 0303
Email: hello@parkinsons.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 800 0303
My Parkinson’s Journey:
The aim of this website is to give you practical information about the support and resources available to you, all in one place. It’s designed to help you navigate your way through some of the difficult questions you might have on your Parkinson’s journey. This website will offer you links to other websites & organisations to find information.
Website: My Parkinson’s Journey
Cure Parkinson’s:
Information on research and finding a cure.
Website: Cure Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s Care & Support UK
Parkinson’s Care and Support UK is dedicated to enhancing the lives of people affected by Parkinson’s through care, wellness, and integrative therapies. The charity offers the following:
- free Parkinson’s exercise programs both online and face-to-face;
- mental health support hub offering cognitive behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and bereavement support;
- respite care for Parkinson’s carers providing relief to families in need;
- home-based neurological physiotherapy improving movement & daily function;
- occupational therapy to enhance safety, independence, and reduce falls;
- community support via Parkinson’s together groups reducing isolation & promoting well-being.
Website: Parkinson’s Care
Email: enquiries@parkinsonscare.org.uk
Parkinson’s Together
This is a site that will signpost you to quickly find information about living with Parkinson’s. It provides links to information, activities, meetings and events from several other organisations.
Website: Parkinson’s Together
Local Parkinson’s Nurse Specialists Contact details
Website: Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland
Website: Derby
Website: Nottingham
Website: Coventry and Warwickshire
Website: Northamptonshire
Website: Lincolnshire and Grantham
Last reviewed July 2025. Review due July 2026.
Motor Neurone Disease (MND)
Motor Neurone Disease
If you live in Leicester, Leicestershire or Rutland and have received a diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease (MND), you should have been referred to the LOROS Motor Neurone Disease Multi-Disciplinary Team Clinic and have access to an MND specialist nurse. The LOROS MND Team can be contacted on 0116 231 8402 (Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm).
MND Charities and Support Groups
The MND Association website is simple to navigate and will provide you with information such as what MND is, advice around living with MND and what local services the charity offer.
The website has a care information finder and leaflets covering a wide range of issues for people living with, or affected by, MND.
Website: MND Association
Helpline: 0808 802 6262
Email: mndconnect@mndassociation.org
Matt Hampson Foundation
Based in Melton Mowbray the Matt Hampson Get Busy Living Centre offers support to those diagnosed with MND who want to continue living an active lifestyle.
Website: The Matt Hampson Foundation
Website: The Matt Hampson Foundation – Get Busy Living Centre
Telephone: 01664 454155
Email: info@hambo.co.uk
Last reviewed July 2025. Next review due July 2026.
Neuromuscular Conditions
Neuromuscular Conditions
A Neuromuscular condition (NMC) is a broad term that covers many different diseases and conditions. There are over 70 different known neuromuscular conditions. NMC’s can be caused by a problem:
- in the muscle;
- at the neuromuscular junction;
- in the nerve supplying the muscle or;
- in the anterior horn cell in the spine.
NMC’s result in progressive muscular weakness making everyday activities such as walking or getting dressed more difficult.
Here are some of the more common neuromuscular conditions:
- Becker Muscular Dystrophy
- Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
- Limb girdle Muscular Dystrophy
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy
- Fascioscapulohumeral dystrophy
- Myotonic Dystrophy
- Charcot Marie Tooth
- Myasthenia Gravis
- Inclusion Body Myositis
- Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)
- Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP)
Support and information
If you have been diagnosed with a Neuromuscular condition a charity called Muscular Dystrophy UK has a wealth of information about different conditions and support available.
Website: Muscular Dystrophy UK
Helpline: 0800 652 6352
Email: info@musculardystrophyuk.org
Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP)
If you have been diagnosed with GBS or CIDP a charity called GAIN offers useful information and support on their website.
Website: GAIN Charity
Leicestershire Support Services
The Muscular Dystrophy Support Centre is a small independent charity offering specialised physical therapies and support to people in the Midlands living with neuromuscular conditions, which cause progressive muscle-wasting. Locations include Coventry, Birmingham, Leicester and Daventry.
Website: MD Support Centre
Email: getintouch@mdsupportcentre.org
The Muscular Dystrophy Support Centre has a range of videos on topics such as employability, mental health, nutrition and exercise which you can access.
Website: MD Support Centre resources
Last reviewed July 2025. Review due July 2026.
Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal Cord Injury
We see patients who have damage to their spinal cord and are experiencing neurological signs and symptoms as a result. Some of our patients have damaged their spinal cord due to an accident. Others have spinal cord damage due to other medical conditions such as surgery complications, neurological conditions etc.
The Community Integrated Neurology and Stroke Service accept referrals for people with spinal cord injury living in (and have a GP registered in) Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Some people are referred directly from specialist spinal injury units, whilst others are referred directly from health professionals in other health services.
Here are some resources that you may find useful if you have, or care for someone, with a spinal cord injury.
Spinal Cord Injury Charities and Support Groups
Spinal Injuries Association (SIA):
Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) is a national user-led spinal cord injuries charity. SIA offer support, advice and information through their free advice line. SIA’s Support Network Coordinators all have a spinal cord injury (SCI) so can talk from personal experience.
Website: Spinal Injuries Association – SIA
Telephone advice line: 0800 980 0501
Back Up Trust:
Back Up Trust is a national charity and campaign group that supports people with a spinal cord injury.
Back Up provide many services, all led by people with SCI, including mentoring for people with SCI and their family members, residential courses, and support going back to work, school or college.
Website: www.backuptrust.org.uk
Telephone: 020 8875 1805
Aspire:
Aspire is a national charity that provides practical help to people who have been paralysed by spinal cord injury.
Website: Aspire
Telephone for Independent Living advice: 020 8420 6731
Telephone for Assistive Technology advice: 020 8420 6732
WheelPower:
WheelPower is a national charity that provides opportunities for disabled people to get into sport and lead active lives.
They also provide general information and advice on sport, physical activity, keeping active and being healthy after discharge from hospital.
Website: WheelPower
Telephone: 01296 395 995
Email: info@wheelpower.org.uk
Patient support leaflets from Spinal Injuries Association
A range of leaflets about living with a spinal cord injury. Includes topics relating to body, mind and life matters.
Website: Living with a spinal cord injury
Last reviewed August 2025. Review due August 2026.
Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)
Functional Neurological Disorder
Functional neurological disorder (FND) describes a problem with how the brain receives and sends information to the rest of the body.
It’s often helpful to think of your brain as a computer. In someone who has FND, there’s no damage to the hardware, or structure, of the brain. It’s the software, or program running on the computer, that isn’t working properly.
The problems that cause FND are going on in a level of the brain that you cannot control. It includes symptoms like arm and leg weakness and seizures. Other symptoms like fatigue or pain are not directly caused by FND; but are often found alongside it.
FND can have many symptoms that can vary from person to person. Some people may have few symptoms, and some people may have many.
Reference: Information obtained with permission from NHS inform Scotland
Functional Neurological Disorder Information, Charities and Support Groups
FND Guide neurosymptoms.org:
Provides information on Functional and Dissociative Neurological Disorders, including what is FND, what causes FND and how FND is treated.
Website: FND Guide neurosymptoms.org
FND Action:
A patient-led organisation for Functional Neurological Disorders and dissociative (non-epileptic) attacks.
Website: FND Action
FND Hope:
A charity promoting awareness and support for individuals and carers affected by Functional Neurological Disorder.
Website: FND Hope
FND Dimensions:
A charity offering peer support for people with FND and their carers.
Website: FND Dimensions
Other useful resources
Videos:
FND self-help videos created by University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Videos contain information around normal movement strategies.
Website: FND self-help videos
Apps:
My FND – An app which helps you to track and understand your symptoms and learn techniques to manage them. It is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Website: My FND
FND Guide Neurosymptoms.org – An app version of the neurosymptoms.org website. It is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Website: FND Guide Neurosymptoms.org
Last reviewed August 2025. Review due August 2026.
Acquired Brain Injury
Acquired Brain Injury
An acquired brain injury (ABI) refers to an injury to the brain that has occurred after birth. Commons causes of an acquired brain injury include trauma, strokes, tumours, infections and lack of oxygen to the brain. An acquired brain injury can affect a persons memory, mobility, emotions and their independence.
Acquired Brain Injury Charities and Support Groups
Headway:
A national charity with local groups and activities.
Website: Headway – the brain injury association
Telephone: 0808 800 2244
Website: Headway – Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland
Telephone: 01162739763
The Brain Charity:
A charity supporting anyone with a neurological condition, their friends, family and carers too. Based in Liverpool however they offer support online, via email and on the phone.
Website: The Brain Charity
Telephone: 01512982999
Email: hello@thebraincharity.org.uk
Brain and Spine Foundation:
A national charity for anyone affected by any neurological condition.
Website: Brain & Spine Foundation
Telephone helpline: 0808 8081000
Brake:
A road safety charity for road crash victims.
Website: Brake
Telephone: 0808 8000401
UK Acquired Brain Injury Forum:
A charity promoting a better understanding of Acquired Brain Injury.
Website: UK Acquired Brain Injury Forum
Telephone: 0845 608 0788
Brain Injury Rehabilitation and Development:
A charity offering treatment to people with brain injuries and people with learning difficulties.
Website: Brain Injury Rehabilitation and Development
Telephone: 08000 286256
SameYou:
A charity for young adults with brain injury and stroke.
Website: Same You
Meningitis
Meningitis Now:
A charity offering support for people as well as raising awareness and funding research.
They have a nurse-led helpline and a range of support services including local support officers and online forums.
Website: Meningitis Now
Helpline: 0808 80 10 388
Email: helpline@meningitisnow.org
Encephalitis
Encephalitis International:
A charity providing support and information to those affected by encephalitis.
Website: Encephalitis International
Email: support@encephalitis.info
Telephone: 01653 699599
Autoimmune Encephalitis Alliance:
A US based charity offering a supportive community of patients, families and caregivers so no one faces autoimmune encephalitis alone.
Website: Autoimmune Encephalitis Alliance
Last reviewed October 2025. Review due October 2026.
Brain Tumour
Brain Tumour
Brain tumour Charities and Support Groups
The Brain Tumour Charity:
The Brain Tumour Charity offer advice and support around signs and symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, living with a brain tumour and more.
Website: The Brain Tumour Charity
Telephone: 0808 800 0004
Brain Tumour Support:
A charity that provides information and support for people with brain tumours, their friends and families. Support ranges from information around finance, benefits and palliative care, to creative sessions for wellbeing.
Website: Brain Tumour Support
Email: support@braintumoursupport.co.uk
Telephone: 01454 422701
Cancer Research UK:
A charity that provides information and support for people with many types of cancer, including brain tumours in adults and children. Practical and emotional support is available to help patients cope with a brain or spinal cord tumour.
Website: Cancer Research UK
Nurse helpline: 0808 800 4040
Also available on their website is a cancer chat forum described as a place to ‘talk to other people affected by cancer’.
Brainstrust:
Brainstrust aims to improve care, give support during treatment and help people affected by a brain tumour. It has a support line and organises regular meet ups in various areas of the UK.
Website: Home – Brainstrust, brain tumour charity
Phone: 01983 292 405
Email: hello@brainstrust.org.uk
Macmillan:
A charity offering help to people affected by cancer by providing physical, financial and emotional support.
Website: Macmillan Cancer Support
Helpline: 0808 80 80000
The Respite Association:
A charity providing short term assistance by funding respite care for people with disabilities, long term physical or mental health conditions and those who are terminally ill in order that their regular unpaid carer can take a break.
Website: The Respite Association
Last reviewed October 2025. Review due October 2026.
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy Charities and Support Groups
Up: The Adult Cerebral Palsy Movement – a charity supporting adults with cerebral palsy in the UK in accessing equitable health and social care.
Website: Home – UP – The Adult Cerebral Palsy Movement
Cheyne Charity – provide support for children and young adults with cerebral palsy through the provision of essential equipment via specialist equipment grants.
Website: Cheyne Charity
Scope – Cerebral Palsy network.
You can join the network if you have Cerebral Palsy, are aged 18 or over or support someone with Cerebral Palsy.
Website: Scope – Cerebral Palsy Network
Email: networkcp@scope.org.uk
Last reviewed October 2025. Review due October 2026.
Other Useful Information
Other Useful Information
Getting care and support
Visit Leicester City Council, Leicestershire County Council and Rutland County Council webpages below for further support with accessing care, equipment and home adaptations.
Leicester City Council
Website: Leicester City Council
Telephone: 0116 454 1004
Monday to Thursday 8.30am – 5pm
Friday 8.30am – 4.30pm
Leicestershire County Council
Website: Leicestershire County Council
Telephone: 0116 305 0004
Deaf or hard of hearing: text 07949 633 788 instead
Monday to Thursday 8.30am – 5pm
Friday 8.30am – 4.30pm
Rutland County Council
Website: Rutland County Council
Telephone: 01572 758341
Local Support for Carers
Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust – our trust webpage has lots of information on our commitment to supporting carers, including a downloadable carers pack with information about services that provide support for mental health and wellbeing.
Our commitment to carers – Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust
VASL – A charity supporting carers of Leicestershire.
Website: Leicestershire Support for Carers
Telephone: 01858 468543
Email: maureen@supportforcarers.org
Providing Care.Net
The Providing Care website has been developed to support care providers and carers in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland with access to a range of useful and practical information and resources.
Website: ProvidingCare.net Care and Support
Community Transport
Age UK, the Royal Voluntary Service, and local council websites below have information around community transport support.
Websites:
Community Activities and Services to Improve Health and Wellbeing
The Joy app website gives details of local services available for people to access to support their health and wellbeing.
Website: Joy – The right support is just a few clicks away
Exercise Groups and Support
Steady Steps – Exercise programme for over 65’s to help develop strength and balance.
Website: Steady Steps | Active Together (active-together.org)
Neuroheroes – Neurophysiotherapy online exercise classes.
Website: Neuroheroes
MS Therapy Centre, Leicester – supporting people with MS and other neurological conditions with their physical and mental wellbeing.
Website: Leicester MS Therapy Centre
WheelPower – WheelPower is a national charity that provides opportunities for disabled people to get into sport and lead active lives.
They also provide general information and advice on sport, physical activity, keeping active and being healthy after discharge from hospital.
Website: WheelPower
Telephone: 01296 395 995
Email: info@wheelpower.org.uk
The Brain Charity – Help people with all forms of neurological conditions to lead longer, healthier, happier lives. They are able to support with a range of things including rehabilitation and fitness, getting out and about, employability and more..
Website: The Brain Charity
Telephone: 0151 298 2999
Support for Sight and Hearing Loss
VISTA – Vista is a charity supporting people of all ages living with sight or dual sensory loss in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
Website: Vista – Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland’s leading charity for people with sight loss
Telephone: 0116 249 8839
Action Deafness – Based at Peepul Centre, Leicester. A charity providing specialist, accessible and equal services so that Deaf people can lead full, independent lives.
Website: Action Deafness | Deaf-led UK Charity
Telephone: 0116 253 3213
Text: 07528 551162
Mental Health Support
Talking Therapies
NHS Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland Talking Therapies provided by Vita Health Group. This is a free and confidential service for adults aged 16 and over, who live and are registered with a GP in Leicester, Leicestershire or Rutland.
Website: NHS Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland Talking Therapies
Tel: 0330 094 5595
Mental Health Central Access Point
For anyone needing mental health support for themselves or others. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the telephone number is free and confidential. Call the service using NHS 111 and select the mental health option.
You can also text 0748 063 5199 and someone will get back to you within 12 hours.
Website: Mental Health Central Access Point – Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust
Alcohol and Drug Misuse
Turning Point is a substance use service, offering support for alcohol and drug use of any and all kinds.
Leicester city residents
Tel: 0300 303 6000
Website: Leicester | Turning Point
Leicestershire and Rutland residents
Tel: 0300 303 6000
Website: Leicestershire & Rutland | Turning Point
Return to Work Support
Jobcentre Plus
Website: Jobcentre Plus GOV.UK
Citizens Advice
Website: Citizens Advice
Driving
Driving Vehicle Standard Agency
Website: Driving with medical conditions, Blue Badges and transport for disabled people
Telephone: Drivers Medical Enquiries: 0300 790 6806
Driving Mobility
A network of driving and mobility assessment centres across the UK.
Website: Driving Mobility
Regional Driving Assessment Centre (RDAC)
A charity providing assessments and advice for people with medical conditions or disabilities to help them regain or maintain their independence.
Assessment service in Leicester operates from Tuesday to Friday.
Assessment service in Northampton operates from Monday to Thursday.
At these satellite centres, you can take car driving assessments and basic adaptation assessments.
Website: RDAC
Telephone: 0300 300 2240
Derby Drivability
Derby DrivAbility is a specialist NHS service, primarily offering a medical ‘fitness to drive’ assessment service.
Website: Derby DrivAbility
Telephone: 01332 788300
Email: dhft.driving@nhs.net
Wheelchairs and Orthotics
Opcare provide assessment for wheelchairs and orthotics following referral made by a healthcare professional. Opcare support with repairs or replacements for wheelchairs and orthotics they have provided.
Website: Opcare Leicester
Telephone: 0116 296 8400
Medequip
NHS equipment loan provider for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Contact Medequip regarding repair/maintenance/technical issues of equipment loaned to you and to organise any returns.
Website: Medequip Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland
Tel: 0116 216 8686
Last reviewed October 2025. Review due October 2026.