Different types of support

Are self-help support groups made up of people with hepatitis C, that meet at regular intervals. There are not any other criteria for attending, and families and friends are usually welcome too. As mentioned earlier, hepatitis C support groups can be one of the best sources of information and peer support - a place to give and get information, share experiences, tips, feelings and thoughts with others who know what youre going through. Some support groups are set up independently of clinics, hospitals or other agencies, whilst others are initiated by or held within them.

See UK Support Groups for details of support groups in the UK
and Hepatitis C Trust support groups for details of all the groups which run at the Trust's offices in London.

Are usually there to offer two kinds of support: empathic listening and information. They are often a good source of frontline information after diagnosis, on hepatitis C and on related issues such as how to prevent infection, where to find further support, legal rights, testing, treatment, and so on. The obvious advantage of helplines is that they are specifically geared to help people with hepatitis C, and will therefore have access to specific information - but they tend to be useful for short-term rather than long-term support.

The Hepatitis C Trust Helpline is staffed by people who either have or had and cleared hepatitis C and can be used for long-term support expecially if you are on treatment.

0845 223 4424
Open 10.30 to 4.30 Monday to Friday (except Bank Holidays)

Calls cost 3.5p per minute (more if you are calling from a mobile)

Are medical doctors, trained in all aspects of mental health. As such, they are able not only to assess people in terms of their mental and emotional needs, and if appropriate refer you to counsellors or psychotherapists, but when necessary are also able to prescribe medication such as antidepressants. You can be referred to a psychiatrist by your GP, if you feel you need some additional help or support in coping with anxiety, depression, addictions, mood swings or any other emotional or mental concern.

Counselling and psychotherapy are terms used to describe two disciplines that are often very similar, and may overlap in their purpose and practice. Both should provide a safe, non-judgmental place for you to explore thoughts and feelings you have about your illness or any other concerns. Generally speaking, counsellors and therapists are not there to give advice but rather will support you in making your own decisions and working through whatever you need to deal with. As a rough generalization, psychotherapy tends to be longer term and may involve looking at issues on a deeper level than counselling. However, both can be short or long term, and can focus on a specific issue (such as hepatitis C) or be more general in nature. To some extent, this may be up to you to decide - although individual therapists may have their own specific ways of working.

Some counsellors and psychotherapists will have experience (and therefore greater awareness of relevant issues) in working with people with chronic illness: you can either check their resume in the BACP or UKCP directories, or ask them yourself when you first speak to them on the phone or at an initial meeting.

The trainings of both counsellors and psychotherapists vary enormously, and there are many trainings and qualifications in both fields: if you want to check that they are fully qualified, you can ask them whether they are accredited by one of the recognized professional bodies such as BACP or UKCP.
Both can be accessed on the NHS, but you will need a referral from your doctor. Within the private sector, many therapists have sliding scales and fees can be discussed at your first meeting - do check the cost of the initial session before booking it, however.

For details of organisations to contact about counselling and psychotherpy see emotional and psychological support

Are self-help groups based along spiritual (but not religious) principles. The only requirement for attending meetings is a desire to recover from the relevant addiction. They are named Anonymous because members identify themselves at meetings by first name only: confidentiality is held to be very important. The focus is on recovery from addiction - be it drugs, alcohol, destructive relationships, food, gambling or sex: however, people can and do talk about any aspect of their lives and recoveries, and that can certainly include illness.

You will find that some of the Fellowships, in particular NA (Narcotics Anonymous), have many members with hepatitis C, so although its not their primary purpose, meetings can be a good source of information and support if you also happen to be (or aim to be) a recovering addict. If so, NA and AA both have special topic Illness in Recovery meetings, where there is a focus on living with and dealing with illness in recovery.

For details of how to contact the 12 step fellowhips: NA (Narcotics Anonymous), Cocaine Anonymous and AA (Alcoholics Anonymous)
see Drug and alcohol support listing

Your own GP can be a source of both information, referral, and even emotional support. If they do not have much experience of patients with hepatitis C (some may have none) they should be willing to learn in order to support you. Although you will probably find that your hepatitis C is managed mostly via specialist clinics, consultants and hospitals, your GP is responsible for your general health care and should be an important part of the team that is looking after you.

Some hospitals or clinics have Health Advisors, and many of them are trained in counselling skills and able to offer short-term counselling. Depending on the clinic they work from, they may be experienced in working with people with hepatitis C, and have a good knowledge of the illness and its management. In some cases, they may run support groups, but generally speaking can be seen on a one-to-one basis.

Are a charitable organization that run a telephone Helpline that anyone can call at anytime of the day or night. Volunteers are trained to listen, rather than give advice or information, and there are times when being listened to - and heard - is the best kind of support possible. Although often thought of as the kind of support one goes to in a crisis, people can and do call regularly whilst going through a particularly hard time.
Tel: 0845 790 9090