Support for those facing a fitness to practise investigation

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership.

The BDA Benevolent Fund is an independent charity for dentists, both past and present, providing support in times of need or crisis. They support dentists who are in serious financial need as a result of illness, accident, unemployment or other adversity.

The BDA Benevolent Fund can provide grants, interest-free loans and occasionally financial support with career transition. Each case is dealt with on an individual basis, and assistance is tailored to individual needs.

Phone: 020 7486 4994
Email:  info@bdabenevolentfund.org.uk 
Website: bdabenevolentfund.org.uk

The British Doctors and Dentists Group provides support for those who are recovering from chemical, alcohol or drug (prescription and non-prescription) addiction.

Groups tend to meet monthly for mutual support, to discuss alcohol and drug related problems to maintain sobriety, and to offer help to those still suffering, including their families.

Carers UK is both a supportive community and a movement for change.

If you have caring responsibilities, Carers UK can help by sharing experiences and offering support. They are rooted in the real experiences of their members and they are available to make life better for carers
　
Phone: 020 7378 4999
Phone (Northern Ireland): 028 9043 9843
Email: info@carersuk.org
Website: carersuk.org

Citizens Advice provides free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities. They can provide advice on topics including benefits, work, debt and money, consumer rights, family and housing, law and the courts, immigration and health matters. 

Visit: your local Citizens Advice branch 
Chat online: Citizens Advice web chat service
Phone: 
England: 0800 144 8848 
Scotland: 0800 028 1456
Wales: 03444 772 020Relay UK: 18001 then 0800 144 8884
Website
England and Wales citizensadvice.org.uk
Scotland cas.org.uk
Northern Ireland Advice NI or Gov.uk for other sources of support in Northern Ireland.

ConfiDental is a confidential listening ear and signposting helpline available all day every day. The charity offers support to all dental professionals. ConfiDental’s helpline is staffed by volunteers who are all practising or retired dental professionals. ConfiDental can help you if you’re in emotional distress or just need someone who understands to talk to.

Phone: 0333 987 5158
Email: confidental.helpline@gmail.com
Website: confidental-helpline.org

The Dentists’ Health Support Programme (DHSP) provides dental professionals and dental students with free advice and support on alcohol, drugs, eating disorders and other health issues.

Phone: 020 7224 4671 
Email: dentistsprogramme@gmail.com
Website:  dentistshealthsupporttrust.org

Mind provides supportive and reliable information to support you if you are experiencing a mental health issue. Mind empowers people to understand their condition and the choices available to them.

Mind offers:

• Infoline offering confidential help for the price of a local call
• Legal Line providing information on mental health related law
• Certified standard information on their website. 

Phone: 0300 123 3393 (office hours)
Text: 86463
Email: info@mind.org.uk
Website: mind.org.uk

Narcotics Anonymous is a non-profit fellowship or society of people for whom drugs have become a problem. They are recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean. It is a programme of complete abstinence from all drugs. There is only one requirement for membership, the desire to stop using.

Phone: 0300 999 1212
Website: ukna.org

The NHS Practitioner Health Programme is a free and confidential NHS service for those with issues relating to mental or physical health and addiction, particularly if these issues are affecting you at work.

The Practitioner Health Programme is a service for doctors and dentists who are unable to access confidential care through mainstream NHS routes due to the nature of their role and/or health condition.

The Practitioner Advice and Support Scheme (PASS) or Dental Advice and Support Scheme (DPASS) provides support for dentists, particularly those facing complaints or performance issues. The ambition is to support dentists to improve and to restore their confidence.

PASS or DPASS provides support and mentoring for dentists by experienced colleagues who work in the same region. In most cases PASS will be facilitated by the Local Dental Committee in your area. Funding will vary from one scheme to another, but you may need to pay a contribution towards the costs. 

Phone: 020 7935 0875
Email: advice.enquiries@bda.org
Website: Find your Local Dental Committees

The Queen Mary, University of London, Legal Advice Centre offers fitness to practise support services, including free practical support and advice to those under investigation.

The Legal Advice Centre is a student led service providing assistance to those who do not have union representation or cannot afford private legal support. The students are supervised and assisted by lawyers with fitness to practise experience.

Phone: 020 7882 3931
Email: legal-advice-centre@qmul.ac.uk
Website: lac.qmul.ac.uk

You can talk to Samaritans at any time about anything troubling you. Anything disclosed is completely confidential. Samaritans can help you explore your options, understand your problems better, or just be there to listen. Samaritans are available all day, every day.