Where can I find support?

We know that being involved in a fitness to practise case can be a difficult and stressful time, whether you are a registrant, a witness, or someone who has raised a concern.

A member of the GOC team will support you throughout the process. You will be able to find the name and contact details of your GOC contact in the correspondence we have sent you. They can:

answer questions about the case
provide you with regular updates about the case
adjust the way they work with you to make sure it’s fair and workable
signpost you to external support

External Support

Independent support service

Our independent support service, run in partnership with Victim Support, is available to people who have raised a fitness to practise concern, agreed to be a witness, or are registrants going through the fitness to practise process.

The service is free, independent, confidential and non-judgemental, and offers support, guidance and signposting.

Case support for registrants

If you are a member of a professional body or union, we recommend contacting them as soon as you are notified that a concern has been raised.

A professional body or union can support you during the case by:

providing legal advice
assisting with responses to the concerns
representing you during the investigation and any hearings
providing well-being support to help you manage the personal impact of the process

These bodies include:

If you are not a member of a union or a professional body, the following organisations may be able to support you:

Advocate: Finding free legal help from barristers
This charity matches members of the public who need free legal help with barristers who are willing to donate their time and expertise in deserving cases for those who are unable to obtain legal aid and cannot afford to pay.
Telephone: 020 7092 3960 (Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 10:15 AM - 12.45 PM)

Citizens Advice
Provides free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone. They provide advice on a range of topics including benefits, work, debt, money, consumer rights, family and housing, law and the courts, immigration and health matters. They may also be able to connect you to the Free Representation Unit (FRU).

Specialist support services

There are a range of specialist organisations who can offer:

confidential advice
emotional support
advocacy

Age UK
A charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most out of later life. They provide advice and support to over 60’s.

Alcoholics Anonymous
Community of individuals who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
Helpline: 0800 9177 650

AOP Peer Support Line (helpline for optical professionals)
Calls to the anonymous peer-to-peer helpline are answered 24 hours a day, by an external answering service, with volunteers on duty to return calls between 8am and 8pm.
Telephone: 0800 870 8401

British Dyslexia Association (BDA)
Provide impartial and objective advice and support to dyslexic people and those with whom they come into contact.
Helpline: 0333 405 4567

Dyspraxia UK
A specialist Occupational Therapy service, focused on supporting people with symptoms of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) which is commonly known as Dyspraxia.
Telephone: 01223 967897 (Monday - Friday 9am – 5pm)

Mind
Provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. Local Minds support people across England and Wales. Their services include supported housing, crisis helplines, drop-in centres, employment and training schemes, counselling and befriending.
Support line: 0300 102 1234
Legal line: 0300 466 6463

NHS Practitioner Health
Practitioner Health is a free, confidential NHS primary care mental health and addiction service with expertise in treating health and care professionals.
Telephone: 0300 0303 300

Scope
Scope is the disability equality charity. They provide practical advice and emotional support whenever people need it most. They aim to achieve a society where all disabled people enjoy equality and fairness.
Telephone: 0808 800 3333 (9am to 5pm weekdays)
Email: [email protected]

Samaritans
Samaritans is a charity aimed at providing emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide throughout the UK and Ireland.
Telephone: 116 123
Email: [email protected]

SANE
Provide care and emotional support for people with mental health problems. They have a Caller Care service led by professional staff provides ongoing support to help people alleviate a crisis phase or get through difficult circumstances.
Telephone: 0300 304 7000 (every day 4.30pm – 10.30pm).