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Health and wellbeing

Helplines and advice lines 

Helplines and advice lines offer a safe, confidential space where people can access information, guidance and support on a wide range of issues.

Some provide emotional support, while others offer more specialist advice on topics such as:

  • health

  • domestic abuse

  • legal matters

National Lottery funding has supported the development and delivery of many of these services, which are a key part of the work of many organisations we fund.

This resource brings together 10 key lessons from established providers to help inform the design and delivery of other remote support services. 

Men’s sheds

Men’s sheds are an important grassroots movement, particularly among older men who are often less likely to join other social groups.

By providing a sense of purpose, routine, and belonging, they play a valuable role in supporting wellbeing and social connection. Here we share learning from the men’s sheds we've funded across the UK.

Social prescribing

Social prescribing links patients to community-based support to improve their health and wellbeing.

Charities and community groups play a vital role in designing and delivering social prescribing schemes, often running prescribed activities and providing link worker support. Here we share what we've learned from this work.