Helpline
0845 223 4424 Open 10.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday (except Bank Holidays)
Calls cost 3.5p per minute (more if you are calling from a mobile)
Our Helpline is staffed solely by people with hepatitis C, some of whom have been through/or are currently undergoing treatment.
The Hepatitis C Trust offers a confidential service - nothing you tell the Hepatitis C Trust will be shared by us in a manner which identifies you with any other organisation or individual without your expressed permission unless we believe you, or someone else, is in serious danger. Copies of our full confidentiality procedure are available on request from the Hepatitis C Trust.
We are also happy to act as a resource for professionals or students who may need information about hepatitis C for their clients or studies, or in the course of their work.
Calls may be monitored for training purposes. If this is the case, the caller will be advised at the beginning of the call.
Our aim is:
- to provide you with the support and information you need to reach an understanding of hepatitis C and its possible implications
- to ensure you are aware of all the possibilities for taking care of yourself or deciding on whether treatment is appropriate for you.
- if we are unable to assist you directly to signpost you to an organisation who may be able help.
If you want to find out information on any aspect of hepatitis C or just need someone to talk to who understands the various issues surrounding diagnosis, symptoms, treatment etc, then we are here to take your call.
Patient Advocacy
We can make referrals to our Patient Advocacy service if the nature of your problem needs further investigation or direct action – e.g. if your PCT is refusing to give you treatment because of lack of funds.
click here more information about the patient advocacy service
Benefits Advice
We can also make referrals to our Benefits Advice service if you need help filling in forms or information about benefits you may be entitled to.
Helpline Closed?
If you need any information outside of the Helpline opening hours you can leave a message and someone will call you back as soon as the Helpline re-opens. Please let us know if it will be alright for us to leave a message if you don’t answer when we call. Or email us at helpline@hepctrust.org.uk
Please note - we are not medically qualified. If there are any questions that we cannot help you with we do have access to a range of specialist consultants and nurses whom we can discuss your case with (in confidence) if we need to find out more on your behalf.
We can also provide further written information on any subjects discussed if requested by you.
Want to Volunteer for the Helpline?
click here for more information or contact Helpline Manager, Samantha May, on 0845 223 4424
This essential service has received thousands of calls from patients, professionals and the general public. Staffed by our Helpline Manager Samantha May and a team of trained volunteers, (all of whom are patients) we have received excellent feedback from callers.
Here are some of the comments made about the service:
"It felt good talking to someone who understands hepatitis C, it made me feel better”.
“Excellent, friendly and professional service”
“We will use you as a resource for clients and professionals to maximise the health gains for those with hepatitis C”
“Very approachable, enthusiastic staff, very quick response to enquiries and good information material”
“Excellent service and a huge relief to find a source of reliable and comprehensive information”
The Helpline was launched in July 2004 with the help of the following organisations, who gave us their generous support:
The Henry Smith Charity,The Trusthouse Charitable Foundation, CHK Charities, Schering-Plough Ltd, Roche Products Ltd.
In the unlikely event of a complaint about any aspect of the helpline please ask to speak to the Helpline Manager and/or request a copy of our complaints procedure.
