Links

Poverty
Place
- Housing, Neighbourhoods and Regeneration
Empowerment
Research
Gateways, and other sites with multiple links

Poverty

The Bevan Foundation
The social justice think tank for Wales.

Centre for Economic and Social Inclusion

The UK’s leading not-for-profit company dedicated to tackling disadvantage and promoting social justice, delivering cutting-edge research and innovative policy solutions, organising and managing events including conferences and training, and publishing policy e-briefings and the journal ‘Working Brief’.

Child Poverty Action Group

Promotes action for the relief, directly or indirectly, of poverty among children and families with children.

Commission on Vulnerable Employment

TUC commission to look into the issues surrounding vulnerable employment.

Eaga Partnership Charitable Trust

The Eaga Partnership Charitable Trust is a grant–giving trust that currently supports projects and research in two main areas: the relief of fuel poverty and the promotion of energy efficiency; and vulnerable consumers – multiple needs and preferences.

End Child Poverty
The Campaign to End Child Poverty is working to eradicate child poverty in the UK. We are formed from children’s and other charities, social justice groups, faith-groups, trade unions and others concerned about the unacceptably high levels of child poverty in the UK.

Equality and Human Rights Commission
The Equality and Human Rights Commission champions equality and human rights for all, working to eliminate discrimination, reduce inequality, protect human rights and to build good relations, ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to participate in society.

Institute for Fiscal Studies

An independent research organisation aiming to provide high quality economic analysis of public policy.

London Advice Services Alliance

For those providing advice and information services. You can find help here on information systems and getting the best out of IT, welfare benefits (including training), and policy work in the UK advice sector.

Low Pay Commission

Monitors the impact of the national minimum wage: the effect on pay, employment and competitiveness and on different groups of workers; and reviews the levels of both the main national minimum wage rate and the development rate and make recommendations, if appropriate, for change.

A minimum income standard for Britain
Developing a Minimum Income Standard of Living in Britain for different family types.

Northern Ireland Anti-Poverty Network
Northern Ireland Anti-Poverty Network is a lead organisation working with and for those experiencing poverty in Northern Ireland.

Oxfam UK Poverty
These pages on poverty in the UK provide in-depth information on Oxfam's work in the UK for those already involved with Oxfam projects, partner organisations, other development workers, and people who simply want to know more.

The Poverty Alliance (Scotland)
The Poverty Alliance aims to combat poverty by effecting change in the policies, practices and beliefs of communities, policy makers, professionals and the general public.

The Runnymede Trust

The Runnymede Trust has campaigned against social injustice and racial discrimination since 1968. The website includes details of trustees, the latest Annual Report, current projects, publications and a calendar of events.

Scottish Council Foundation

Stimulates and influences social, cultural and economic change.

Social Exclusion Task Force

Helps improve Government action to reduce social exclusion by producing 'joined up solutions to joined up problems'. Works mainly on specific projects, chosen by the Prime Minister following consultation with other Ministers and suggestions from interested groups.

Turn2Us

Charity offering financial help, support and information to help the millions of people in need in the UK.

UK Coalition Against Poverty

The UK coalition against poverty exists to enable people who experience poverty in the UK to play an active part in developing national policies for the eradication of poverty.

Women's Resource and Development Agency

Northern Ireland regional organisation advancing women's equality and participation in society by working to bring about social, political and economic change for women.

The Work Foundation

A not-for-profit campaigning body with commitment to improve working life.

Housing, Neighbourhoods and Regeneration

Academy for Sustainable Communities

A national and international centre of excellence for the skills needed to create strong, prosperous communities.

The Accessible Property Register

The Accessible Property Register advertises property that is accessible or adapted and thus particularly suitable for disabled people (please note the Disclaimer). You can search for properties in your region. There is also a News section outlining developments in the accessible properties market.

Chartered Institute of Housing

The professional body for people working in housing. Its purpose is to maximise the contribution that housing professionals make to the well-being of communities. Has over 17,000 members who predominantly work in local authorities, housing associations and the private sector in the UK and Hong Kong.

Communityplanning.net

Communityplanning.net is a website for anyone involved in shaping their local environment. It is a comprehensive source of information on principles, methods and scenarios.

Countryside Agency

The statutory body working to conserve and enhance the countryside to promote social equity and economic opportunity for the people who live there.

Crisis

Established in 1967 Crisis is a national charity working for solitary homeless people. The website includes information on solitary homelessness, current projects, services provided, research, and publications (including free downloads).

Dataspring

Dataspring provides information services for all those working in housing. The database covers rents and house prices in all sectors, together with socio-economic data such as population, households, housing stock and tenure, employment and unemployment, incomes and earnings.

DWP Housing Benefit Site

Brings together all the information that is relevant to Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit administration in a single site. Includes good practice guidance, other guides and manuals, plus newsletters and frequently asked questions.

Exeter Community Initiative

Exeter Community Initiatives (ECI) is a partnership between the churches and the wider community, that promotes social inclusion through community development. It aims to improve the quality of life for people and communities in the Exeter area through developing and managing a range of community projects, and supporting community groups across the city.

The Glass-House

A national design service that offers design advice, training and project support to tenants' and residents' groups throughout Britain, enabling them to exert informed influences on regeneration projects. The website includes information on courses and support, fact sheets on specific projects, and a bulletin board.

Homeless link

Homeless Link is the national membership organisation supporting and representing more than 700 agencies working with homeless people across England and Wales. Provides information, advice and training, develops networks, undertakes research, brokers resources and lobbies for change.

Housing LIN (Dementia)

Bringing together information about meeting the needs of people with dementia in housing settings - particularly, but not exclusively, extra care housing.

Margaret Blackwood Housing Association

Founded in 1972 by Dr Margaret Blackwood to tackle the almost complete lack of housing in Scotland suitable for disabled people and their families.

National Housing Federation

The body that represents the independent social housing sector. Around 1400 non-profit housing organisations currently in membership which own or manage around 1.4 million homes.

Neighbourhood Initiatives Foundation

National charity based in Telford, Shropshire, specialising in community participation, training and development. Works with local authorities, housing associations, voluntary agencies and community groups.

Partnerships Online

Explains how to use the internet to build networks and benefit communities - particularly neighbourhoods and villages.

Priority Estates Project

Works to improve services, tackle social exclusion, support neighbourhood renewal and build sustainable communities

Renewal.net

This site is a guide to what works in neighbourhood renewal, including 'How To' guides, Case Studies and Project Summaries. Wherever possible, the material on renewal.net is based on evaluated evidence of what actually works - or what doesn't work.

The Shaftesbury Society

The Shaftesbury Society is one of the UK's leading Christian charities and works with disabled people and local communities to achieve social inclusion, empowerment and justice.

Shelter

A national organisation working to improve the lives of homeless and badly housed people.

Sitra

SITRA is a charitable resource centre dedicated to raising standards in Supported Housing. SITRA provides training, consultancy, information sharing and advice services to the sector.

Social Housing

A journal offering up-to-the-minute news and information on all social housing finance-related issues; includes a searchable archive of back issues to January 2001 in pdf format and a contact database.

Sustainability Works

Promotes a sustainable approach to housing development and regeneration. Intended audience includes housing associations, local authorities, consultants, contractors and developers. Site features include: EcoHomes, a Sustainability Toolkit and Housing Quality Indicators.

Sustainable Development

UK Government website reporting on progress towards sustainable development and offering contact details for sources of environmental information and advice, from litter to air and water pollution.

The House Builders Federation

The body dedicated to serving the interests of house builders.

Urban Forum

Umbrella body for community and voluntary groups with interests in urban and regional policy, especially regeneration. Set up in 1994 as the national voluntary organisation through which local and central government could relate to the community and voluntary sectors on such issues.

WWF - local matters

Special website supported by the Worldwide Fund for Nature aimed at local authorities. Includes 'News and views' from the field of local government and sustainable development; 'Resources' - briefings, case studies, and presentations on issues such as Best Value; access to WWF's Research Centre for reports on key environmental and sustainability issues, and; Discussion forums.

Children, Young People and Families

British Youth Council

Empowering young people in the UK to have a voice.

Child Bereavement Trust

Improving the care offered by professionals to grieving families in the immediate crisis and in the many months following the death of someone important in their lives.

Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS)

Promotes the welfare of children and young people involved in family proceedings, working with children and families to ensure that children's wishes and feelings are heard in court.

Children and Young People's Unit

Monthly web magazine for those working with, and caring for, children and young people.

Communities that Care

A long-term, evidence-based community programme that seeks to build safer, healthier and more cohesive communities where children and young people are valued and able to achieve their full potential.

Connexions

Offers a range of guidance and support for 13 to 19 year olds, to help make the transition to adult life a smooth one.

Growing Ambitions

The Careers Speakers Matchmaking Service for Education where the workplace shares its experiences with young people.

HandsOnScotland

HandsOnScotland is an online resource for anybody working with children and young people. The website provides practical information and techniques on how to respond helpfully to children and young people's troubling behaviour, build up their self-esteem and promote their positive mental wellbeing.

HELP yourselves

The HELP Yourselves small grant funding scheme was set up by Save The Children to fund projects to encourage children and young people to make a difference in their communities.

The Hideout

The first national website for children who may be living with domestic violence. Includes advice and support in an accessible format.

JRF Youth Arts Project

One to One Productions managed a three year project funded by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation examining whether participating in the arts can make a difference in the lives of socially excluded children and young people.

National Blind Children's Society

The National Blind Children's Society's objective is to enable blind and partially sighted children and young people to achieve their educational and recreational goals.

National Children's Bureau

Promotes the interests and well-being of all children and young people across every aspect of their lives. Advocates the participation of children and young people in all matters affecting them. Challenges disadvantage in childhood.

National Family and Parenting Institute

An independent charity set up to enhance the value and quality of family life.

National Youth Agency

Aims to advance youth work to promote young people's personal and social development, and their voice, influence and place in society. Works to: improve and extend youth services and youth work; enhance and demonstrate youth participation in society; and to promote effective youth policy and provision.

Nuffield Review of 14-19 Education and Training

A review of existing provision of education and training (including both academic and work-based provision) and relevant research and development, designed to identify where further research is needed and subsequently develop research proposals in co-operation with other bodies.

OnePlusOne

Monitors contemporary marriages and relationships, focusing on understanding the causes, effects and prevention of relationship breakdown.

Raisingkids.co.uk

Online parenting magazine. Offers support and information to everyone who's raising kids - whatever your circumstances or income.

Save the Children

Promotes programmes in education, health care, environmentally sound agriculture and economic productivity worldwide.

Voice

A national charity committed to empowering children and young people in public care and campaigning for change to improve their lives.

YouthNet

YouthNet guide and support young people, enabling them to make educated life choices, participate in society and achieve their ambitions.

Youth policies in the UK: A Chronological Map

A retrospective review of policies implemented in the UK since the late 19th century, up to the 2001 Parliament. Intended for use by policy makers, researchers, students and anyone with an interest in the development of youth policy.

Local Government

Improvement and Development Agency

Established by and for local government. Draws expertise from local authorities, the business world, professional service firms, not-for-profit organisations, as well as other parts of the public sector.

Local Government Association

Offers internet access, free email and a website containing news, information, interactivity and links to a range of sources for the local government and public sector community.

New Local Government Network

An independent organisation, NLGN works to transform public services, revitalise local political leadership and empower local communities. The site includes details of publications, conferences and other events, and access to selected articles on local government.

Office for Public Management Ltd.

An independent, not-for-profit, public interest company, working with people to develop high quality management, professional practice and public engagement in organisations that aim to improve social results. The site includes information on research programmes and e-versions of publications which can be downloaded.

Social Care, Health and Disability

Ableize Disability Directory

Resource directory of UK adult and children's disability services. Includes advice and information, access, recreation and sports, plus the arts and education also information on specific disabilities and updated news.

Ask Mencap

An online information service on anything to do with learning disability.

Age Concern

Cares about older people. Where possible, enables older people to solve problems themselves. At national level campaigns to influence government policy and bring about lasting change in the provision of information and advice, research, training and grants.

Apparelyzed

A Paraplegic and Quadriplegic support website for people with spinal cord injuries with Quadriplegia and Paraplegia. The site contains a forum area for peer support into all aspects of this injury.

Breakthrough UK

Dedicated to removing the barriers to employment and independence which disabled people face..

British Council of Disabled People

Set up by disabled people in 1981 to promote full equality and participation within society. Represents some 136 disabled people's groups (April 1999) at the national level.

British Institute of Learning Disabilities

Committed to improving the quality of life of all people with a learning disability. Offers a range of services to support learning by professionals, care staff, service users and their families.

British Red Cross

The British Red Cross provides free support in the home, on a short term basis, as well as offering other services for independent living, including transport services, therapeutic massage, and loan of medical equipment. It also sells a range of independent living aids.

The Carer

Tips and advice to all carers on getting help, everyday practicalities, accommodation, health issues, money matters and bereavement.

Carers Federation

The Carers Federation Ltd was established in 1992 and supports carers and the people for whom they care. The organisation provides a wide range of services and useful information, and is managed by a board of carers, former carers and people who use services.

Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI)

The Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) is the official watchdog for social care in England. It inspects and reports on social care services to help improve quality for people who use services.

Community Care

Community Care is the leading social care information provider - a specialist site dedicated to all areas of the social care profession, including legal updates, guides to benefits and the latest news in the care sector.

CSCI Professional

This website for social care providers and councils is from the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) – the regulator for adult social care in England.

Disability Alliance

Disability Alliance provides information and advice to professionals, disabled people and their carers on social security issues and services.

Family Fund

Works to ease the stress on families in the UK who care for severely disabled children under 16.

Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities

A registered charity aiming to improve the quality of lives through research and service development projects, listening to people with learning disabilities, seeking to influence policy, and providing appropriate information to people. Also supports 'Connects' (www.connects.org.uk) a world-wide forum for the sharing of information by people whose lives are affected by mental health problems and/or learning disabilities.

The Handsel Trust

Promotes the support needs of disabled children and their families and helps develop partnerships between parents and their health, education and social services. Site includes a newsletter, publications and introduction to a parent-led keyworker support service.

Help the Aged

Provides practical support to help older people live independent lives, particularly those who are frail, isolated or poor.

Mencap

Mencap is the leading UK charity working with and for people with a learning disability and their parents and carers.

Mentor Foundation

The Mentor Foundation is an international non-government not for profit organisation with a focus on the prevention of drug misuse and the promotion of health and well-being of young people.

National Development Team

Working for people with learning disabilities to have the same lives as everybody else.

New Health Network

Works to improve health services by identifying good practice, inspiring debate and influencing policy. The site includes a news archive, publications and events.

Norah Fry Research Institute (Plain Facts website)

One of the leading centres in the UK for research into services for people with learning difficulties.

Open Up (Mental Health Media's Anti-discrimination Toolkit)

An online and video/DVD and print resources pack aimed at giving mental health service users and groups the tools for combating stigma and discrimination around mental health issues.

Realising Potential

This website outlines the business case for creating disability confident organisations that realise the potential of all disabled stakeholders.

Social Care Institute for Excellence

Works to improve the quality and consistency of social care practice and provision through the creation and dissemination of knowledge and guidelines for social care.

UK Nursing Homes Directory

Offers information on residential and nursing homes including a description, photographs and contact information. Also features a range of general, legal and financial advice.

Unit for Development in Intellectual Disability (UDID)

Aims to enhance quality of life and quality of service provision for people with learning disabilities and their families/carers via an integrated programme of research, education and practice development.

Values into Action

UK-wide campaign with people who have learning difficulties.

Voluntary sector

Charities Aid Foundation

A non-governmental organisation aiming to increase the substance of philanthropy around the world. Aims to help donors make the most of their giving, and non-profit organisation make the most of their resources.

Charity Commission

The government department which exists to help charities use their resources more effectively and to ensure that the public's trust in charities continues to be justified.

Directory of Social Change

An independent voice for social change to help voluntary and community organisations become more effective. Provides practical, challenging and affordable information and training.

National Association of Councils for Voluntary Service

The national body supporting over 280 Councils for Voluntary Service (CVS) operating throughout England: local development agencies formed and run by local voluntary and community groups.

National Council for Voluntary Organisations

Gives a shared voice to voluntary organisations to help promote their development. Aims to help voluntary organisations achieve the highest standards of practice and effectiveness and provide leadership to the voluntary sector in tackling new issues and unmet needs.

Research

ARK: the Northern Ireland Social and Political Archive

A joint resource between the two Northern Ireland universities, ARK was established in 2000 with a single goal: to make social science information on Northern Ireland available to the widest possible audience.

Centre for Research in Social Policy

An autonomous research centre based in the Department of Social Sciences at Loughborough University, the CRSP has five main themes: Children and Families; Disability; Health Policy; Poverty and Social Exclusion; Social Security.

Economic and Social Research Council

The UK's leading research funding and training agency addressing economic and social concerns. Aims to provide high quality research on issues of importance to business, the public sector and government.

Local Authorities Research and Intelligence Association

Promotes the role and practice of research in local government and provides a supportive network for those conducting or commissioning research.

National Centre for Social Research

The largest independent social research institute in Britain. Conducts social research among members of the public to provide information on a range of social policy issues in Britain..

New Policy Institute

A progressive think tank, founded in 1996, to advance the cause of social justice in a market economy. Two major areas of interest are modern society's major services, from health to finance and the tax and benefits system. Wholly independent, they have neither financial backers nor political patrons.

Policy Studies Institute

One of Britain's leading research institutes, aiming to promote economic well-being and improve quality of life, particularly through the evaluation of policy initiatives. Provides data and analysis in support of policy-making, promotes the discussion and exchange of relevant information and research findings and organises workshops and other events at its central London conference facilities.

RDinfo

Providing health and social care researchers with direct access to up to the minute information on health-related funding and training opportunities.

Senectus project

Based at the University of Kent, the Senectus Project aims to establish a centre providing an evidence base for services delivering care to older people, to promote good practice in the assessment of older people to improve their care, and to offer performance data for organisations to support decision-making by service providers and policy makers.

Thomas Coram Research Unit

Founded in 1973, the Thomas Coram Research Unit is a multidisciplinary unit within the Institute of Education and a designated research unit of the Department of Health. The focus of its research is children and young people both within and outside their families. This includes care, education, health and social service settings.

TRUST: Thematic Research Network for Emergency and Unscheduled Treatment

TRUST has been funded by the Wales Office for Research and Development in Health and Social Care (WORD) to increase the quality and quantity of emergency and unscheduled care research in Wales.

University of York, Centre for Housing Policy

CHP was established in 1990 with the aim of being a centre of excellence in policy relevant housing research. Committed to research which explores the relationship between a wide range of housing issues and other aspects of social policy.

University of York, Social Policy Research Unit

An independent research unit within the Department of Social Policy and Social Work. Carries out research in key areas of social policy, including health and social care, and social security and employment.

What Works for Children?

A £321k project involving collaboration between Barnardo's, City University and the University of York. The project is studying levers and barriers to implementing research evidence into service planning and practice, in particular: how to make research available to those who provide or manage services; how to make the available research meaningful; how to get meaningful research into practice.

William Temple Foundation

An independent faith-based research institution that aims to continue the visionary thinking of Archbishop William Temple about the ongoing search for a just and inclusive society.

Gateways, and other sites with multiple links

CareandHealth

Database that includes around 1600 links to social work and care related sites.

Charity Library

Designed to offer a fully searchable database of all charities to anyone wishing to get involved in charity fundraising.

Community NI

The portal for the Voluntary and Community Sector in Northern Ireland

Disability Rights Commission

Links to a wide range of organisations working to eliminate discrimination against disabled people.

ePolitix

What is happening in British politics.

HousingNet

Housing community.

info4local

A one-stop portal to the web sites of more than 50 central government departments, agencies and public bodies.

Institute for Public Policy Research

A site with a wide range of links to other research institutions.

King's Fund

A health-related site with a wide range of links.

LGANet

Local government community .

Policybrief

Organises social policy research briefings .

Policylibrary

A 'library' of public policy research dissemination.

Policy Network

Policy Network is an international thinktank dedicated to promoting progressive policies and the renewal of social democracy. Policy Network facilitates the sharing of ideas and experiences among politicians, policymakers and experts on the centre-left.

Miscellaneous

Some of the imagery used on this website is provided by John Birdsall Social Images Photo Library.