Resources for families and carers
Practical guides written for families navigating the NHS, hospital discharge, appointments and care planning — alongside a curated directory of national organisations and charities.
Guides for families
Plain-English guides covering the situations families contact us about most often. Written by InKindRa and updated as the site grows.
Hospital discharge
What to do when an elderly parent is being discharged from hospital
What to check, questions to ask, and who to contact before a parent leaves the ward.
Read guide →Hospital dischargeHow to understand a hospital discharge letter
What discharge letters usually contain, what to check carefully, and what to do if something seems incomplete.
Read guide →Hospital dischargeWhat questions should I ask before someone comes home from hospital?
A focused list of questions to ask the discharge team before someone leaves the ward.
Read guide →Appointments and letters
Who can go to a hospital appointment with someone, and what can they do?
Your rights, what to ask in advance, and how to make the most of the appointment.
Read guide →Appointments and lettersHow to prepare for a GP or consultant appointment when you’re supporting someone
What to bring, what to say, and how to make sure the most important concerns are heard.
Read guide →Care planning
What is a care needs assessment and how do I ask for one?
How assessments work, who carries them out, and what can happen as a result.
Read guide →Care planningHow to start planning ahead when someone you love has a serious illness
Key conversations, Lasting Power of Attorney, advance care planning and practical steps.
Read guide →Supporting someone you love
Supporting a parent, partner or close family member through a serious diagnosis
What changes, how to navigate the medical system together, and how to look after yourself too.
Read guide →Supporting someone you loveWhat to do when you’re worried someone isn’t coping at home
Signs to watch for, how to start the conversation, and what help might be available.
Read guide →Need help applying this to your own situation?
You do not need to have everything organised before getting in touch. InKindRa can help you make sense of what is happening, prepare questions and understand what practical next steps may be needed.
Not sure if this is the right kind of support? Send a short message — no pressure to continue.
National organisations and guidance
Click any category to expand it.
These are external organisations. InKindRa does not endorse or have any commercial relationship with any of them. Links are for information only — always verify directly with the relevant organisation. Arrangements can differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Guidance on lasting power of attorney, future planning and preparing for changes in health or care needs.
GOV.UK – Lasting power of attorney
Official government guidance on setting up a lasting power of attorney (LPA) for property and financial affairs, or health and welfare decisions.
gov.uk/power-of-attorney
Age UK
Practical information, factsheets and guidance for older people and their families — including later-life planning, care and financial topics.
ageuk.org.uk
These links may help people and families understand palliative care, end-of-life care, planning ahead, companionship and bereavement support. Services and routes vary across the UK, so please check the relevant NHS, hospice or charity service for where the person lives.
NHS — End of life care
Public information about what end-of-life care involves, where care can happen, planning ahead and what support to expect.
nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/end-of-life-care/
Marie Curie — Information and support
Practical and emotional support for people living with a terminal illness, carers, family and friends.
mariecurie.org.uk/information
Hospice UK — Information and support
Information about hospice and end-of-life care, bereavement, caring for family or friends, and finding hospice support.
hospiceuk.org/information-and-support
Compassion in Dying
Support for making informed choices, starting conversations and recording wishes for future care.
compassionindying.org.uk/
Anne Robson Trust
Support and resources for people nearing the end of life and those close to them, including companionship-focused support through healthcare partners. Provided for signposting only — InKindRa has no affiliation with this organisation.
annerobsontrust.org.uk/
NHS inform Scotland — Palliative care
Public guidance on palliative care in Scotland and how it can support people, families and carers.
nhsinform.scot/care-support-and-rights/palliative-care/
NHS Wales — Palliative and End of Life Care Programme
National information about palliative and end-of-life care improvement in Wales.
performanceandimprovement.nhs.wales/functions/networks-and-planning/peolc/
nidirect — End of life care and palliative care
Public information about end-of-life care and palliative care in Northern Ireland.
nidirect.gov.uk/conditions/end-life-care-and-palliative-care
Support and information for unpaid carers and family members looking after someone.
Carers UK
The leading charity for unpaid carers. Provides advice, information and practical support on rights, benefits and looking after your own wellbeing.
carersuk.org
Carers Trust
A UK charity working with a network of local carer organisations to support unpaid carers, including young carers and young adult carers.
carers.org/
Scope
Support and information for disabled people and their families, including practical guides to care, independence and navigating services.
scope.org.uk
Useful health information and condition-specific support from national organisations.
NHS
Official NHS information on conditions, treatments, social care and care planning — a reliable starting point for any health-related question.
nhs.uk
NHS Health A to Z
Public information about health conditions, symptoms, medicines, tests and treatments, including when to seek help.
nhs.uk/health-a-to-z/
Macmillan Cancer Support
Practical, financial and emotional support for people affected by cancer, and guidance on navigating treatment and care.
macmillan.org.uk
Alzheimer's Society
Support for people with dementia and those who care for them — including help understanding a diagnosis, care options and legal planning.
alzheimers.org.uk
Information about health and social care feedback, complaints and local advocacy. Routes differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. InKindRa does not make or manage complaints for external organisations. The links below are provided for signposting only.
Health and social care complaints routes differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. InKindRa does not make or manage complaints for external organisations.
NHS England — Feedback and complaints
Information about giving feedback or making a complaint about NHS care, treatment or services in England.
england.nhs.uk/contact-us/feedback-and-complaints/complaint/
Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman
The independent ombudsman for unresolved complaints about NHS services in England and UK government departments.
ombudsman.org.uk/making-complaint
NHS Wales — Listening to People
Information about raising concerns about NHS services in Wales through the current Listening to People process.
gov.wales/listening-people-nhs-wales-complaints-incidents-and-redress-process
NHS Wales — Putting Things Right legacy guidance
Legacy guidance for NHS Wales complaints and concerns raised before 31 March 2026.
gov.wales/nhs-wales-complaints-and-concerns-putting-things-right
Patient Advice and Support Service (PASS) — Scotland
Free independent advice and support for people raising concerns, giving feedback or making complaints about NHS services in Scotland.
pass-scotland.org.uk/
nidirect — Health and social care complaints
Guidance on raising concerns or complaints about health and social care services in Northern Ireland.
nidirect.gov.uk/articles/how-complain-or-raise-concerns-about-health-services
Information on NHS care funding, entitlements and personal budgets for people with complex or ongoing health needs — including how to navigate assessments and understand your options.
NHS Continuing Healthcare, NHS-funded nursing care and Personal Health Budgets are England-specific arrangements. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have different continuing-care and care-funding pathways. Check your local NHS or health and social care guidance for the relevant national route. InKindRa does not make eligibility or funding decisions.
NHS Continuing Healthcare
Official NHS England guidance on NHS Continuing Healthcare — the funding arrangement for people with complex ongoing health needs. Includes information on eligibility, assessments and the process.
nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/money-work-and-benefits/nhs-continuing-healthcare/
Beacon CHC — NHS Continuing Healthcare advice
Free information and advice about NHS Continuing Healthcare in England, including help understanding the assessment process, reviews and appeals. Beacon also offers paid representation and casework, so please check the service details carefully.
beaconchc.co.uk/how-we-can-help/free-information-and-advice-on-nhs-continuing-healthcare/
NHS-funded nursing care
Official NHS England information on NHS-funded nursing care — a contribution towards nursing costs in a care home for people assessed as needing nursing care but not eligible for full NHS Continuing Healthcare.
nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/money-work-and-benefits/nhs-funded-nursing-care/
NHS Personal Health Budgets
England NHS information on Personal Health Budgets — available to some people eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare, allowing greater choice and control over how their care is arranged and funded.
england.nhs.uk/personal-health-budgets/
Resources for people using private medical insurance, self-funding care, or navigating between NHS and private treatment.
PHIN — Private Healthcare Information Network
The independent source of information on private healthcare in the UK, including data on private hospitals, consultants, procedures and waiting times. Useful when considering or comparing private treatment options.
phin.org.uk/
Association of British Insurers (ABI)
Guidance on health insurance policies, making claims and understanding your rights as a policyholder. A useful starting point if you have a question about your health insurance cover.
abi.org.uk/
Financial Ombudsman Service — medical insurance complaints
Information about complaints the Financial Ombudsman Service can consider about health-related insurance policies, including private medical and dental insurance.
financial-ombudsman.org.uk/consumers/complaints-can-help/insurance/medical-insurance
Information about care quality and regulatory bodies across the UK. These organisations inspect and regulate health and social care services.
Care regulation differs across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Each nation has its own independent regulator. InKindRa is not currently regulated by these bodies, as we provide independent guidance and coordination services rather than regulated care. These links are provided for signposting only.
Care Quality Commission (CQC) — England
The independent regulator of health and social care services in England. Information about inspections, ratings and how to raise concerns about care quality.
cqc.org.uk/
Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW)
The independent regulator of healthcare services in Wales. Information about inspections, standards and how to raise concerns.
hiw.org.uk/
Care Inspectorate — Scotland
The independent regulator of care services in Scotland. Information about inspections, gradings and how to provide feedback or raise concerns.
careinspectorate.com/
Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) — Northern Ireland
The independent regulator of health and social care services in Northern Ireland. Information about inspections, standards and how to raise concerns.
rqia.org.uk/
For times when the emotional weight becomes hard to carry alone.
If you have an urgent concern about an adult's safety or welfare, the routes below are the right starting point. InKindRa is not an emergency service and cannot investigate or determine safeguarding concerns. The links below are provided for signposting only, and local statutory safeguarding arrangements vary by nation.
If someone is at immediate risk of harm or there is a life-threatening emergency, call 999.
For urgent medical advice that is not life-threatening, contact NHS 111. For non-emergency police concerns, call 101.
To report a concern about an adult’s welfare, contact your local authority adult safeguarding or adult social care team. If you are unsure who to contact, your local council’s website is the right starting point.
The Mental Capacity Act 2005 applies in England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate capacity and adult protection frameworks. InKindRa does not provide legal advice; where capacity, consent or decision-making is unclear, families should seek appropriate statutory, clinical or legal guidance.
GOV.UK — Find your local council
Find the relevant local council website, including adult social care and safeguarding routes.
gov.uk/find-local-council
NHS England — How to raise a safeguarding concern
Plain-English guidance on what to do if you are worried that someone is being abused or neglected.
england.nhs.uk/safeguarding/how-to-raise-a-safeguarding-concern/
Safeguarding Wales
Wales-wide safeguarding procedures and guidance, including how to report a concern about a child or adult in Wales.
safeguarding.wales/
Adult support and protection — Scotland
Scottish Government guidance on adult support and protection under the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007.
gov.scot/policies/social-care/adult-support-and-protection/
nidirect — Who to contact if you suspect abuse, exploitation or neglect
Public guidance on who to contact in Northern Ireland, including Adult Protection Gateway Services.
nidirect.gov.uk/articles/who-contact-if-you-suspect-abuse-exploitation-or-neglect
Department of Health NI — Adult Safeguarding: Prevention and Protection in Partnership
Northern Ireland adult safeguarding policy framework for organisations working with adults at risk.
health-ni.gov.uk/articles/adult-safeguarding-prevention-and-protection-partnership
Department of Health NI — Adult safeguarding key documents
Key adult safeguarding policy documents for Northern Ireland.
health-ni.gov.uk/publications/adult-safeguarding-prevention-and-protection-partnership-key-documents
Ann Craft Trust — Safeguarding Adults
A specialist safeguarding adults organisation offering guidance, resources and information to help organisations recognise, respond to and report adult safeguarding concerns. Provided for signposting only — InKindRa has no affiliation with this organisation.
anncrafttrust.org/
Ann Craft Trust — Safeguarding policy and procedure templates
Template safeguarding adults policies, procedures, reporting forms and safeguarding lead role guidance, primarily intended for organisations and referrers wanting to understand or establish their own safeguarding framework.
anncrafttrust.org/resources/safeguarding-adults-policy-procedures-templates/
Safeguarding responsibility
Kate Phillips is InKindRa’s safeguarding lead and has completed Level 3 Safeguarding for Managers and Designated Safeguarding Leads. David Culling has completed Level 1 Safeguarding Awareness. InKindRa keeps safeguarding responsibilities, boundaries and escalation routes under review as the service develops. See our Safeguarding Policy.
Specialist support for serving personnel, veterans and their families.
These links are provided for information only. InKindRa has no affiliation with these organisations and does not control their services. Availability and eligibility may change, so please check directly with the relevant organisation.
SSAFA
The Armed Forces charity providing lifelong support for serving personnel, veterans and their families — practical, financial and emotional help.
ssafa.org.uk
Royal British Legion
Support for the Armed Forces community, including welfare advice, financial assistance and help navigating health and care services.
britishlegion.org.uk
Royal British Legion Battle Back Centre
Recovery and wellbeing support for members of the Armed Forces community, including wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans. Eligibility and access routes may apply, so please check directly with the Royal British Legion.
britishlegion.org.uk/get-support/how-we-help/recovery-services/battle-back-centre
These links may help families explore practical support such as parking concessions, travel support, disability-related benefits and carer benefits. Eligibility and application routes vary across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. InKindRa does not provide welfare benefits advice or decide eligibility, but we can help you identify what information may be useful to gather and where to seek appropriate advice.
If awarded, benefits such as Attendance Allowance or Carer's Allowance may help families manage wider care-related costs. InKindRa does not provide welfare benefits advice or decide eligibility, but we can help you identify what information may be useful to gather and where to seek appropriate advice. These links are provided for signposting only. InKindRa does not control these services and eligibility can vary. Please check directly with the relevant organisation or government service.
Benefits and calculators
Citizens Advice
Independent guidance on benefits, rights, debt, housing and more. A good first stop when you are not sure what support is available.
citizensadvice.org.uk
Benefits calculators — GOV.UK
Use free, independent and anonymous calculators to estimate what benefits you may be entitled to.
gov.uk/benefits-calculators
Attendance Allowance — GOV.UK
Information about Attendance Allowance for people of State Pension age who need help or supervision because of a disability or health condition. This reserved UK benefit is signposted here, but local guidance and advice pathways vary by nation.
gov.uk/attendance-allowance
Carer's Allowance — GOV.UK
Information about Carer's Allowance for people who provide regular care and meet the eligibility criteria. This reserved UK benefit is signposted here, but local guidance and application support varies by nation.
gov.uk/carers-allowance
Blue Badge
Apply for or renew a Blue Badge — GOV.UK
Check eligibility and apply for or renew a Blue Badge in England.
gov.uk/apply-blue-badge
Blue Badge information from your local council — GOV.UK
Find local council information about the Blue Badge scheme.
gov.uk/blue-badge-scheme-information-council
Apply or renew a Blue Badge — GOV.WALES
Apply for or renew a Blue Badge in Wales.
gov.wales/apply-or-renew-blue-badge
Apply or reapply for a Blue Badge — mygov.scot
Apply for or reapply for a Blue Badge in Scotland.
mygov.scot/apply-for-blue-badge
Apply for or renew a Blue Badge — nidirect
Apply for or renew a Blue Badge in Northern Ireland.
nidirect.gov.uk/services/apply-or-renew-blue-badge-online
Travel concessions
Disabled person's bus pass — England
Find out how to apply for a disabled person's bus pass through your local council in England.
gov.uk/apply-for-disabled-bus-pass
Welsh Concessionary Travel Card — Transport for Wales
Information about the concessionary travel card for eligible people in Wales.
portal.tfw.wales/en
Concessionary Travel Card eligibility — Transport for Wales
Check eligibility for concessionary travel in Wales.
tfw.wales/travelcard/eligibility
Concessionary travel — Transport Scotland
Information about the National Entitlement Card and free bus travel for eligible people aged 60 or over, or with a disability, in Scotland.
transport.gov.scot/concessionary-travel/60plus-or-disabled-free-bus-travel/
Free and concessionary bus and rail travel — nidirect
Information about free and concessionary travel schemes in Northern Ireland.
nidirect.gov.uk/articles/free-and-concessionary-bus-and-rail-travel
Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin local resources
InKindRa is based in Shropshire and supports families across the UK. For families in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, these local links may be a useful starting point.
These links are provided for signposting only. InKindRa does not control these services and availability may change. Please check directly with each organisation.
Healthwatch Shropshire
Local health and social care champion for Shropshire. Healthwatch Shropshire gathers people's experiences and provides information, advice and NHS complaints advocacy.
healthwatchshropshire.co.uk/
Healthwatch Telford & Wrekin
Independent local champion for people using health and social care services in Telford and Wrekin, helping people share experiences and access advice and information.
healthwatchtelfordandwrekin.co.uk/
Shropshire Council services
A broader starting point for Shropshire Council information and services, including adult social care, carers, safeguarding, community support and local service routes.
next.shropshire.gov.uk/
Shropshire Together Community & Family Directory
A local directory for finding community services, family information, activities and support across Shropshire.
directory.shropshire.gov.uk/
Shropshire Council Adult Social Care
Information about adult social care, assessments, Care Act support, first point of contact routes and support services in Shropshire.
shropshire.gov.uk/adult-social-care
Telford & Wrekin Adult Social Care
Information about adult social care, safeguarding, independent living, carers, care and support, housing and local factsheets in Telford and Wrekin.
telford.gov.uk/adult-social-care/
Live Well Telford
A local directory for Telford and Wrekin services, activities and support organisations.
livewell.telford.gov.uk/
Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH)
The main NHS acute hospital trust for Shropshire, covering the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford.
sath.nhs.uk/
Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT)
Provides community health, mental health and learning disability services across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and a wider area.
mpft.nhs.uk/
Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Integrated Care Board
The local body responsible for NHS planning and commissioning across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin. A useful starting point for understanding how local NHS services are organised.
shropshiretelfordandwrekin.nhs.uk/
Severn Hospice
A local charity providing palliative and end-of-life care, support and advice for people with life-limiting conditions and their families across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, and Mid Wales.
severnhospice.org.uk/
Nuffield Health Shrewsbury
A private hospital in Shrewsbury offering consultations, diagnostics, treatments and physiotherapy — one option for people using private medical insurance or self-funding care locally.
nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/shrewsbury
Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin
Information, advice and support for older people, families and carers across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, including benefits advice, wellbeing support and dementia-related support where available. Contact them directly to find out what is currently available in your area.
ageuk.org.uk/shropshireandtelford/
Shropshire Carers
Information and support for unpaid carers in Shropshire, including carers' assessments, adult carers, young carers, emergency planning and local support routes.
next.shropshire.gov.uk/adult-social-care/schemes-and-teams/shropshire-carers/
Telford All Age Carers Centre
Support for unpaid family carers in Telford and Wrekin, including adult carers, young carers and young adult carers.
telfordcarers.org.uk/
Community Resource
Community Resource, formerly Shropshire RCC, is a local charity supporting people and communities across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin. It helps connect people with community support, local organisations and resources.
community-resource.org.uk/
Shropshire VCSA / VCS Voice
A network and representative voice for voluntary and community sector organisations across Shropshire, helping connect local groups, share information and support collaboration.
vcsvoice.org/
Telford and Wrekin CVS
A local voluntary and community sector organisation supporting communities across Telford and Wrekin, including services connected to carers, autism, independent living and SEND.
telfordandwrekincvs.org.uk/
What happens if you contact InKindRa?
Step 1
You tell us briefly what is happening.
Step 2
We help work out whether InKindRa is the right fit.
Step 3
If we can help, we suggest the most proportionate next step.
Step 4
You receive clear scope and costs before deciding anything.
Step 5
If we are not the right fit, we will signpost where possible.
When to signpost to InKindRa
Signpost to InKindRa when someone says:
“I don't know what happens next.”
“They're talking about discharge but we don't feel there is a safe plan.”
“I'm trying to support Mum or Dad from a distance.”
“There are letters, appointments and decisions piling up.”
“No one seems to own the whole picture.”
“We need to plan ahead before this becomes a crisis.”
“I don't know what questions to ask.”
If you are working with InKindRa, we will help you identify which of these — or others — are most relevant to your situation.
Need help applying this to a real situation? Start with a conversation, or send InKindRa a short outline of what is happening.
Something missing? Let us know and we will consider adding it.