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Where to Get Help: Every Resource You Need

A comprehensive directory of organisations that support care workers, including ACAS, CQC, unions, legal aid, and whistleblowing charities.

When you are facing problems at work, knowing where to get help can be overwhelming. There are many organisations, but which one is right for your situation?

This guide lists every resource available to care workers in the UK, with contact details and when to use each one.
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ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service)

What they do: Free, impartial advice on employment rights and workplace disputes.

When to contact them:

  • You are considering raising a grievance

  • You have been dismissed and think it was unfair

  • You are being discriminated against

  • You need to start early conciliation before a tribunal claim

    • Contact: 0300 123 1100 | www.acas.org.uk

    CQC (Care Quality Commission)

    What they do: Regulate health and social care services in England.

    When to contact them:

  • Your workplace is unsafe for residents or staff

  • You have reported concerns internally and nothing has changed

  • You are whistleblowing about abuse or neglect

    • Contact: 03000 616161 | www.cqc.org.uk/give-feedback-on-care

    Protect (Whistleblowing Charity)

    What they do: Free, confidential advice for whistleblowers.

    When to contact them:

  • You want to report wrongdoing but are worried about retaliation

  • You have been treated unfairly after whistleblowing

  • You are unsure whether to report externally

    • Contact: 020 3117 2520 | www.protect-advice.org.uk

    Citizens Advice

    What they do: Free advice on legal, financial, and employment issues.

    When to contact them:

  • You need help understanding your rights

  • You cannot afford a solicitor

  • You are facing debt or housing problems alongside work issues

    • Contact: 0800 144 8848 | www.citizensadvice.org.uk

    Trade Unions

    What they do: Represent workers, provide legal support, and negotiate with employers.

    Which union for care workers:

  • Unison: www.unison.org.uk | 0800 0857 857

  • GMB: www.gmb.org.uk | 020 7391 6700

  • Unite: www.unitetheunion.org | 020 7611 2500

    • When to join: Before you have a problem, not after. Unions often cannot represent you for issues that happened before you joined.

    Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS)

    What they do: Advice and support on discrimination.

    When to contact them:

  • You believe you are being discriminated against because of race, gender, disability, age, or other protected characteristics

    • Contact: 0808 800 0082 | www.equalityadvisoryservice.com

    Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

    What they do: Enforce health and safety law.

    When to contact them:

  • Your workplace is unsafe (e.g., broken hoists, no PPE, dangerous working conditions)

  • Your employer is ignoring safety concerns

    • Contact: 0300 003 1647 | www.hse.gov.uk/contact

    Local Safeguarding Adults Board

    What they do: Investigate abuse and neglect of vulnerable adults.

    When to contact them:

  • You have witnessed or suspect abuse of a resident

  • Your employer is not taking safeguarding seriously

    • Contact: Search online for [your local authority] + safeguarding adults board

    Mental Health Support

    Care work is stressful. If you are struggling:

  • Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7)

  • Mind: 0300 123 3393 | www.mind.org.uk

  • Anxiety UK: 03444 775 774

    • Legal Aid and Pro Bono Advice

    If you need a solicitor but cannot afford one:

  • Law Centres Network: www.lawcentres.org.uk (free legal advice)

  • Employment Law Clinic (LawWorks): Free advice for low-income workers

    • When to Contact Each Organisation

    | Situation | Contact |
    |-----------|---------|
    | Unfair dismissal or grievance | ACAS |
    | Unsafe care or abuse | CQC, Local Safeguarding |
    | Whistleblowing | Protect, CQC |
    | Discrimination | EASS, ACAS, Union |
    | Health and safety | HSE |
    | Legal representation | Union, Citizens Advice, Law Centre |

    You do not have to face workplace problems alone. These organisations exist to help you.