what is it? when you feel paranoid about people, where you think people know about you?

Question

they know that you have an illness, (borderline personality disorder)> or they know intimate details about your life. and are singling you out. treating you accordingly. i have this uncomfortable feeling everytime i go out. and it enrages me. and i feel angry towards people because of it.. because people appear to be happy getting on with their lives. and i feel im being treated different and feel outraged by it. i dont wanna be treated different. dont want people to look and stare..dont wanna be treated like a charity case...i await to be assesed for therapy to see what they can offer me, for my borderline personality disorder and inner rage and poor impulsivity when i feel in the grip of a rage..meanwhile i have socially isolated myself..what should i do? im 29 and have lived like this and had problems since 16. i dont wanna live like this anymore...i dont wanna think im being treated differently, like rocky dennis from mask. it makes me full of rage like i wanna hit out at people

i currently live in a one bedroom council flat. im on my own everyday, stay inside for weeks on end. and only go out when i have to...i have no friends or a girlfriend. and i have no life...and feel my lifes drifting no where....i feel very nervous and threatend when i have to go out..

its very hard not to have a negative attitude towards people, and im always fighting to remain in control of my rage feelings..im concerned i feel angry like this towards everyone

Answer 1

The formal term for the symptom where one believes that others can read their mind is called "thought broadcasting", but that is not exactly what you are describing. I believe that what you are describing is more akin to projection, a defense mechanism. It sounds as though you have a very deep core of shame about who you are and believe that others can intuitively see or sense what you feel inadequate about and then reject you because of it. Unfortunately, it sounds as though this belief causes your rage and prompts you to act in ways that in reality do cause people to distance, serving to further confirm your belief that the world is hostile and that other people are selfish and that you are a victim. These firmly held beliefs become self-fulfilling prophecies and I'm guessing it is rooted in some pretty disturbed interactions with your family early in your life. I understand that it is a defense against further shaming experiences in the world and that it is an attempt to protect you from further painful experiences, but at this point in your life it is actually serving to perpetuate your negative experiences with other people and it is keeping you from getting your emotional needs met. I think you have been so hurt in your young life that you developed this attitude in order to keep people at a distance so that you can keep them from ever being close enough to hurt you. Sort of like "You can't hurt me if I hate you and you don't matter". It may have served you well in order to minimize the damage from shaming parents you could not escape but it has become self-defeating.
Therapy can help you a great deal if you can allow yourself to connect with a good therapist and not distance them too and look for every possible flaw in the therapist as a reason to push them away too. In the meantime, it might be helpful for you to read the book "I Hate You, Don't Leave Me" which is one of the best books written on Borderline Personality and may help you to understand where your issues came from as well as how your strategies of trying to cope with shame are perpetuating your misery and enable you to change some of your behavior that no longer works for you. It's really hard to take responsibility for how you may contribute to your own negative experiences with others, given that you have a right to be angry about them, but it will be the necessary skill you'll need to move forward. Good Luck!

Answer 2

I live in a very small housing dept unit, the only female in a block of fourteen men because I married into the place and my husband is in and out of jail like nobodys business. Do I isolate and feel sorry for my self, no way, many days I push myself into the shower, push myself to do what I have to do, push myself to socialise, if I can do it anyone can. I am a charity case thru no fault of my own, so what, I will get back to work someday and contribute back. I am a recovering alcoholic, have had depression for 30yrs. What I am trying to say is that we all have a huge inner strength and need to draw on it. You need some kind of therapy and quick, sounds like you have a huge and very dangerous rage building inside of you, is it it fair though to hit out at people who have done you no harm. I can hear that you are really struggling, if you believe in God or a higher power take the time to ask them for help, you can't fix this on your own. Also try and tell yourself that people do not know anything about you, when you pass them in the street you are just a normal human being. Good luck to you, live the life you deserve

Answer 3

You are so into your issues. You spend so much time concentrating on what you do not have all you create is more of the same. It is draining just reading your posts - by repeating the same stuff day in day out you are constantly reinforcing it is your reality. Everything you are experiencing you are creating. I suggest you watch www.thesecret.tv - it only costs $4.95 to watch on line. Watch and listen very careful - this could make a big difference to you. Use the energy you put into raging and paranoia to some positive use. Instead of waiting to find out what other people can do for you - put some effort and energy into finding out what you can do for you.

Answer 4

Hi,

If your question is serious I think you may need to speak to someone professionally who can help you. You sound like you need to talk to someone and get things off your chest. I'm not sure it's healthy to have so much pent up emotion. Have you tried your GP or local mental health services, they would be the best people to chat too first. If you don't felel comfortable with that what about the Samaratins as a first port of call. They have helped a lot of people come to terms with difficult emotions.
I wish you well, you sound like you are quite troubled, I hope you can find some help.
xx

Answer 5

You know, what I think, I think you really do have a mental illness, but I also think you are sitting on the "pity pot" wanting us to feel sorry for you. I don't. I too have a mental illness, I am bipolar. I can also get into your frame of mind if I sit at home, isolate myself, and don't let people in my life. How do you know people don't want to be your friend, if you sit in your one bedroom flat all day and not allowing people talk to you? You are pathetic! Blaming, Blaming, Blaming, everyone else for your emotions and not taking responsibility for yourself, empowering yourself to take care of your self. You may have the paranoid feelings, but that is just that, feelings, that doesn't mean it is fact! If you are 29, then you need to take responsibility for YOURSELF and quit blaming everyone else for the way you feel, and grow up! YOU sound like a teen ager that is rebelling!
I'm sorry if this makes you mad, but I work with people that really do have problems, but they don't sit around and feel sorry for themselves.

Answer 6

paranoid schitzophrenia

Answer 7

Depression
Depression is very common and everyone feels fed up, sad, unhappy, miserable at times. Sometimes we know that there is a cause for our depression - maybe we have just broken up from a relationship, maybe someone we were close to has died, we may have failed exams, we may be ill - but other times there doesn't seem to be one cause - it may be a build up of problems, feeling unable to cope with life and we are not really sure why.

When depression is very severe some people can feel that life isn't worth living, they want to die. When depression doesn't go away it is important to ask for help. It is not a sign of weakness to ask for help but a sign of strength to recognise that you have these feelings and are unable to cope. Many people find at some stage in their life that it is hard to cope as well as they used to. You don't have to be strong all the time - recognise when you are finding it difficult to cope and need support.

People can get a variety of symptoms when they feel very depressed.

General feelings of unhappiness which don't go away.

Having no interest in life.

Finding it difficult to concentrate and make even easy decisions.

Having no feeling of enjoyment in life.

Not wanting to go out or mix with people but spending a lot of time on your own.

Feeling very tired and having no energy.

Finding it difficult to sleep and waking up frequently during the night.

Having no appetite and eating very little

Losing self confidence and feeling worthless.

Being very irritable, anxious, impatient.

Feeling very negative about life.

Having suicidal thoughts.

If you are depressed don't bottle it up - it is important you talk to someone - family, friend, teacher, youth leader, GP, organisation, helpline etc. - anyone you feel you can trust If you don't share how you are feeling you may find yourself using unhealthy coping strategies which will in the long run only add to your problems and make you feel worse - some people may start drinking alcohol more, may take drugs, may start self harming and cutting themselves, may stop eating or binge eating and making themselves sick.

You may find that counselling will help you as this will give you a safe space to talk to someone who is especially trained. This will help you to say how you really feel inside and the counsellor will work with you to help you find solutions and healthy coping strategies and to look at the reasons behind your depression. This will give you a better understanding of your feelings and some support in working through anything which is troubling you. If you find that counselling doesn't work for you then it would be an idea to see your GP and discuss with him other ways of helping you with your depression.

Talking to others and counselling and therapy can help but to pull yourself out of a depression you need to do a lot of work yourself. When you are depressed you may feel you have no control over your life but you do still have choices. You can choose to stay depressed and not eat properly, not exercise, stay in bed all day, etc. or you can choose to try and help yourself to get out of the depression . If you take care of yourself physically it will help you to feel stronger emotionally and to cope more easily with life. Just as a car needs petrol to work properly so does your body need nutrients from food so although you may not feel like eating please try and eat healthily and drink plenty of water.

Sometimes when we are depressed life can seem very negative and black - it can be easy to forget that there are beautiful things in the world surrounding us. Try and get out each day into an open space, park, forest, lake etc. and just take in the beauty of your surroundings, and try and be at one with nature. This can help keep things in perspective and lift your mood.

Set yourself small goals - maybe each day try and write down something you want to do the following day and try and follow this through. The more active you are the less time you will have to focus on your depression. Try and interact with other people when you can as if you totally isolate yourself and cut yourself off from the outside world you could find your depression gets more severe.

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What Can I do To Help Myself
Don't bottle things up - find someone to talk to about how you are feeling.
Make sure you get plenty of exercise and plenty of fresh air. You will find that even if you do a quick walk every day and a short period of other exercise each day you will start to feel physically and emotionally stronger and more able to cope.
Make sure you eat a healthy balanced diet - eat little and often and don't skip meals. If you are not eating properly you will feel more depressed and listless.
Try and keep busy - to keep your mind occupied.
Do things you enjoy to relax, treat yourself and take care of yourself.
Try and get to bed at a regular time. If you find it difficult to sleep listen to the radio/TV/read and you may find you drop off to sleep more easily.
Don't resort to unhealthy ways of dealing with your problems like drinking, taking drugs, cutting, eating disorders.
Ask for help when you need it.
Try to stop thinking in a negative way - when you think a negative thought try and replace it with a positive one.
If you need a hug ask someone you trust - this can make you feel that someone really does care how you are feeling.
Remember depression is very common - you will not always feel like this - you will come out of it and be able to enjoy life.

If your depression is severe and you are having thoughts about harming yourself or ending your life it is important you talk to someone immediately about how you are feeling. If you are a child or young person speak to your parents about how you are feeling. They would want to know how you feel and to support you and look at ways of helping. Talk to your GP and make him aware of what is going on for you. It is very difficult to deal with severe depression on your own - you need help and support and in some cases your GP may advise medication.

ENDING YOUR LIFE AND HARMING YOURSELF IS NEVER THE ANSWER. YOU HAVE YOUR WHOLE LIFE AHEAD OF YOU AND WILL NOT ALWAYS FEEL LIKE THIS.

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Agencies which offer support and information
SupportLine Telephone Helpline: 020 8554 9004 (Helpline), email [e-mail] - Confidential emotional support to Children Young People and Adults. Also keeps details of agencies, support groups and counsellors throughout UK.

Association for Post Natal Illness: 020 7386 0868, www.apni.org, [e-mail] - To advise and support women suffering from post natal illness. Running a network of volunteers to support sufferers throughout the UK.

Aware Defeat Depression: 08451 202961, email [e-mail] - Support, information or a listening ear for all those affected by depressive illnesses.

Breathing Space: 0800 83 85 87 (Area served SCOTLAND), www.breathingspacescotland.co.uk - Helpline for young men 12-40 years who are experiencing difficulties and unhappiness in their lives and for their friends and family.

CALL Community Advice and Listening Line (Wales): 0800 132737, www.callhelpline.org.uk - Mental health helpline for Wales providing confidential listening support service.

Childline: 0800 1111, www.childline.org.uk.

Crossline Central: 0845 658 0045 (Area served SCOTLAND) - Christian based helpline and counselling service for the general public and people in crisis.

DABS Mail-Order Book Catalogue: 01709 860023 - Wide range of books including those on depression, self esteem assertiveness, self harm, child abuse.

Depression Alliance: 0845 123 2320, email [e-mail], www.depressionalliance.org - Confidential listening and support service. Also offer a range of information on depression and treatment options. National network of self help groups for people experiencing depression. National pen friend scheme offering support and fellowship to people with depression and their carers. Quarterly newsletter, booklets and leaflets on depression.

Depression Alliance Scotland: 0845 123 2320 (Area served SCOTLAND), www.depressionalliance.org - Telephone information and other support for people affected by depression. Information about symptoms and treatment, listening support and signposting to other agencies.

Depression Support Group Association ( London based): 020 7328 8391, www.depressionalternatives.co.uk - Helping people whose lives have been distorted by insecurity, loneliness, shyness, unsatisfactory relationships to find alternatives to depression. Groups in London convened by professional counsellors/psychotherapists. Meet in a friendly, sociable environment and offer members route to a more fulfilling life, develop self esteem and confidence and learn how their emotional needs can be met more fully. Fee £15 per week, concessions students/unemployed. Also run Shyness & Social Anxiety Programme and Personal Relationships programme, Men's Group to strengthen men's sense of themselves. Also individual therapy.

Fellowship of Depressives Anonymous (FDA): 01702 433838, PO Box FDA, Self Help Nottingham, Ormiston House, 32-36 Pelham Street, Nottingham NG1 2EG UK wide self help organisation made up of individual members and groups which meet locally on a regular basis for mutual support. £10 yearly membership (reductions for those who cannot afford that amount).

Get Connected: 0808 800 4994, email [e-mail], www.getconnected.org.uk - Free telephone and email helpline finding young people the best help whatever the problem. Can connect a child or young person to any UK helpline where appropriate.

Hope in Crisis Telephone Line: 028 9446 9990 (Area served NORTHERN IRELAND) - Christian based organisation offering listening support and ministry for anyone in crisis.

The London Shyness Clinic: 020 7289 4317, www.shyness.co.uk - Therapy and counselling to overcome shyness and gain confidence.

Manic Depression Fellowship: 0845 634 0540, email [e-mail], www.mdf.org.uk - Advice and information for people with manic depression and their families, carers and mental health professionals. Supply a range of information leaflets, books and tapes. Network of self help groups for people with manic depression, relatives and friends. Self management training programme.

The Maytree: 020 7263 7070 - Sanctuary for the suicidal offering befriending and support (based in N.London).

The Mental Health Foundation: 020 7803 1100, email [e-mail], www.mhf.org.uk - Publish a booklet 'Understanding Depression'.

Meet A Mum Association: (MAMA) 0845 120 6162, www.mama.org.uk, email [e-mail] - To support mothers and mothers to be by putting them in touch with other mothers living nearby. Also provide one to one support and social activities.

Mind (National Association for Mental Health): 0845 766 0163, email [e-mail], www.mind.org.uk - Publish booklets relating to Depression.

Muslim Youth Helpline: 0808 808 2008, email [e-mail], www.myh.org.uk (Area served London). Helpline providing culturally sensitive support to Muslim youth under the age of 25. Outreach services including family mediation, face to face counselling and befriending.

National Youth Advocacy Service: 0800 616101, email [e-mail], www.nyas.net - Provides information, advice, advocacy and legal representation to young people up to the age of 25 through a network of advocates throughout England and Wales.

Premier Lifeline: 0845 345 0707, email [e-mail], www.premier.org.uk/lifeline - Christian run helpline offering information and a listening ear to the general public on a range of emotional and spiritual issues.

SAD Association: 01903 814 942, www.sada.org.uk - To inform the public about seasonal affective disorder. To support and advise sufferers of the illness. Limited light box hire scheme. Supply contacts list for members.

Samaritans:0845 790 90 90, email [e-mail], www.samaritans.org.

Self Help Services: (Manchester area) 0161 226 5412, email [e-mail], www.selfhelpservices.org.uk - Run over thirty support groups for people with mental health problems or are in need of emotional support, including groups relating to depression.

Stress Anxiety Depression - Confidential Helpline: 01622 717656 - Advice, information on self help strategies, relaxation, exercise, nutrition, cognitive therapy etc.

Voice for the Child In Care: 0808 800 5792, email [e-mail], www.vcc-uk.org - Telephone advice, information and advocacy services for children in care. Helpline for care leavers - 0808 100 3224. Visiting advocacy service for children in secure units and other residential homes.

Who Cares? Linkline: 0500 564 570, email [e-mail], www.thewhocarestrust.org.uk - Helpline offering information and support for young people who are or have been in care.

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Useful websites
www.channel4.com/health - information on depression, anxiety, mental health etc

www.depressioninteenagers.co.uk – An interactive site with resources for young people with depression, using self help ideas and relaxation techniques

www.foodandmood.org - a site which explores the relationship of what you eat and how you feel

www.healthyplace.com - information and support for those suffering from depression (American site)

www.netdoctor.co.uk - lots of useful information

www.patient.co.uk - self help guides under mental health leaflets on depression

www.pendulum.org (American site) - online support group for people with manic depression (bipolar disorder)

www.pni.org.uk - website set up by women who are suffering or have suffered with post natal illness, information, email support partner, chatroom

www.surgerydoor.co.uk - click on 'medical conditions', click on 'mental health', then 'depression' for information

www.theblackdog.net - supportive site for men who suffer from depression and/or suicidal thoughts

www.There4me.com - website for 12-16 year olds, confidential online advice

www.www.touchingminds.org - peer support for those who suffer from mood disorders, depression, anxiety

www.worriedneed2talk.org.uk - website for young people

Useful book


Loneliness
If you are feeling lonely you need to establish the reason for your loneliness. You may live on your own, have experienced a relationship breakdown or may have been bereaved and are looking for ways to make new friends and improve your social life. Getting involved in voluntary work in your local community is a good way of meeting new people, finding a sense of purpose by helping others. Local hospitals are often looking for volunteers to help visit patients or run the hospital shop. Local charities are often in need of volunteers to help staff charity high street shops.

You could also think about joining any clubs and societies relating to any interests/hobbies you have e.g. If you are interested in sport find out about local clubs, if you are interested in drama and theatre find out about joining a drama group or helping out behind the scenes at a local theatre. The local library, town hall information office or local paper often keep details about clubs and societies.

If you are suffering from depression and/or mental health it may be that because of your illness you have become cut off from family/friends and have become isolated in the community. You may also lack confidence and self esteem, suffer from anxiety, and may find it difficult to make friends or socialise.

It may help talking to a counsellor in the first instance and start trying to build your confidence up slowly - talking to the local shopkeepers, staff in the post office etc. just to get yourself used to talking to people and making conversation. It may help you to find out about assertiveness or confidence building classes which are often run by the local colleges or adult education centres and have a look at the pages on the website relating to self esteem, anxiety, depression as some of the resources mentioned on these pages may be helpful to you.

Adult education centres and community centres are worth checking out to see if there are any classes you may be interested in or hobbies you could take up. You may think about taking classes learning computers or a new language.

For young people there are many clubs which meet in a friendly social atmosphere while learning a variety of new skills and helping in the local community - Scouts, Girl Guides, British Red Cross, St. Johns Ambulance, Police Cadets etc.

If you are aged between 18-35 years the National Federation of 18 Plus Groups run clubs around the country where members meet in a social atmosphere and arrange a variety of activities.

Round Tables, Rotary and Inner Wheel Clubs are also an excellent way of becoming involved in the local community and at the same time meeting new people from which friendships may evolve.

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Agencies which may be useful to you
Age-Link: 01895 676689 - To act as a community resource for the elderly isolated housebound. To establish groups of volunteers who will take out, entertain and befriend people who have little opportunity of leaving their homes without help. Arranging a variety of trips, visits and recreational outings.

Association of Inner Wheel Clubs in Great Britain and Ireland (clubs for women): 020 7834 4600, www.association-innerwheel.org.uk, 51 Warwick Square, London SW1V 2AT - To promote true friendship and the development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service and the betterment of social conditions. Voluntary work includes hospital work, caring for sick, needy, handicapped, young and elderly people according to the needs of the community.

British Red Cross Society: 0870 1707000, email [e-mail], www.redcross.org.uk, 9 Grosvenor Crescent, London SWlX 7EJ - To provide caring and emergency service to those most in need in their local communities through some 45,000 volunteers and staff.

Depression Support Group Association (London based): 020 7328 8391, www.depressionalternatives.co.uk - Helping people whose lives have been distorted by insecurity, loneliness, shyness, unsatisfactory relationships to find alternatives to depression. Groups in London convened by professional counsellors/psychotherapists. Meet in a friendly, sociable environment and offer members route to a more fulfilling life, develop self esteem and confidence and learn how their emotional needs can be met more fully. Fee £15 per week, concessions for students and unemployed. Also run Shyness & Social Anxiety Programme and Personal Relationships programme. Men's Group to strengthen men's sense of themselves. Also individual therapy.

Friends of the Elderly: 020 7730 8263, email [e-mail], www.fote.org.uk - To support older people, often frail, confused or with dementia, to maintain a level of independence and choice by providing a complete range of services for them - provides home visiting services, runs day centre facilities.

Girlguiding UK: 020 7834 6242, email [e-mail], www.guides.org.uk, 17-19 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W OPT - Enables girls and young women to fulfil their potential to take an active and responsible role in society through stimulating and enjoyable activities. A challenging programme enabling girls and young women to explore and achieve in a supportive environment, growing in self esteem and confidence.

Long Distance Walkers Association: 01732 883705, email [e-mail], www.ramblers.org.uk, Bank House, High Street, Wrotham, Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 7AE x- To further the interests of those who enjoy long distance walking, promoting organised challenge walks.

London Wildlife Trust: 020 7261 0447, email [e-mail], www.wildlondon.org.uk, Harling House, 47-51 Great Suffolk Street, London SE1 0BS - To promote nature conservation within Greater London. Managing nearly 60 wildlife sites, running public participation surveys and other activities for the public, also junior Wildlife Watch groups throughout London.

National Association of Clubs for Young People: 020 7793 0787, email [e-mail], www.nacyp.org.uk - Over 3,000 throughout the country - programmes include sporting, creative, adventurous, training etc. Training is offered to club members for their personal and social development, to senior members in leadership skills and to volunteers in practical club management.

National Association of Women's Clubs: 020 7837 1434, email [e-mail], www.nawc.org.uk, 5 Vernon Rise, London WC1X 9EP - To provide facilities for social life and opportunities for informal education within the means of all women. The individual clubs are self governing. Programmes include facilities for a good social life, classes and demonstrations on a variety of crafts etc. and speakers on a wide range of subjects.

National Association of Widows: 024 7663 4848, email [e-mail], www.nawidows.org.uk, 48 Queens Road, Coventry CV1 3EH - Provides support, advice and comfort to widows. To offer a social and educational life which is within the means of widows.

National Federation of 18 Plus Groups: 01531 821210, email [e-mail], www.18plus.org.uk, Church Street Chambers, 8-10 Church Street, Newent, Gloucestershire GL18 1PP - To provide an independent social club for anyone within the ages of 18-35, helping young adults to develop a personal philosophy and social understanding. Groups are financially self supporting and have no allegiance to any political, religious or other body. Members are given the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities, carried out in a friendly social atmosphere. The activities programme is arranged by the members for the members with the emphasis on widening personal interest and social circle. Have groups around the UK. Contact Head Office for information pack and details of nearest group.

National Federation of Solo Clubs: 0121 236 2879, Ruskin Chambers, 191 Corporation Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B4 6RY - Provides social events for widowed, divorced,separated people and other single people at 64 clubs nationwide. Activities include holidays, day trips, dances.

National Federation of Women's Institute: 020 7371 9300, www.womensinstitute.org.uk - Monthly meetings, demonstrations, speakers, activities, learning experiences.

National Association of Round Table of Great Britain and Ireland: 0121 4564402, email [e-mail], www.roundtable.co.uk, Marchesi House, 4 Embassy Drive, Calthrope Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 1TP - Association of Clubs for young men aged 18-45 years that provides a selection of social and community service related opportunities for its members. Meetings include speakers, activities, entertainment, quizzes, debates, meals.

National Women's Register: 0845 4500287, email [e-mail], www.nwr.org.uk - Meet other women and make new friends, informal lunch discussion groups, social activities, quizzes, correspondence magazine, postal book group, penfriend scheme.

Police Cadets (for young people): Contact local police station for details of the nearest Police Cadet Scheme.

Ramblers Association: 020 7339 8500, email [e-mail], www.ramblers.org.uk, 2nd Floor, Camelford House, 87-89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TW.

Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland: 01789 765411, email [e-mail], www.rotary-ribi.org, RIBI, Kinwarton Road, Alcaster, Warwickshire B49 6PR - Business and professional men helping in the community and social activities.

SA-UK (Social Anxiety UK): email [e-mail], www.social-anxiety.org.uk - Volunteer led organisation, news, advice, info, meetings, chatroom, forums, support/social groups, info on cognitive behavioural therapy.

Scout Association: 0845 300 1818, email [e-mail], www.scouts.org.uk Gilwell Park, Bury Road, Chingford, London E4 7QW - To promote the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potential. Non formal personal and social education through outdoor adventure. Creative activities and community service.

Single Concern Group - (Person to Person/Future Friends): 01643 708 008, PO Box 40, Minehead, Somerset TA24 5YS - To help lonely, and socially isolated people and to address the problems and concerns of single people in general. Publishing a number of regular magazines enabling people to get in touch with each other and with professional and voluntary workers who run a help service and a phone link. Concessionary subscription rates for disabled and unwaged people.

SPICE UK: 0161 873 8788, email [e-mail], www.spiceuk.com - UK’s largest multi activity, adventure, sports and social group. Adventure group for ordinary people who want to do extraordinary things. Activities each month, subscription charge.

St. John Ambulance: 020 7324 4000, email [e-mail], www.sja.org.uk, 27 St.John's Lane, London EC1M 4BU - The uniformed members of St. John Ambulance operate worldwide as unpaid volunteers who save lives, care for the sick and injured and relieve suffering. They operate coastal and river patrols, assist in hospitals and with many community social services for the sick, disabled and lonely. Cadet divisions for 10-16 year olds and the Badgers for children aged 6-10 year olds.

St. Vincent de Paul Society: 020 7407 4644, email [e-mail], www.svp.org.uk, 5th floor, 291-299 Borough High Street, London SE1 1JG - To support the needy and marginalized by person to person contact. Activities include helping the elderly, sick, unemployed, lonely, bereaved.

Volunteering England: 0845 305 6979, email [e-mail], www.volunteeringengland.org.uk - Provide information relating to volunteering and details of volunteer bureaux across the country