See also legal issues, stress & depression.

• Directgov, the Government portal, has the following advice on the advice and support available from public services and your legal rights should you become sick or disabled:
  
  
  • If you are in work and become disabled
    
  • Sick pay rights
    
  • Who to contact about disability, sickness and carers benefits 
    
  • Statutory Sick Pay 
    
    
• Help in dealing with problems with insurance firms in relation to Private Health Insurance agreements may be obtained from the Financial Ombudsman.   Where medical and financial disputes have arisen, advice on your rights to obtain access to your medical and insurance/employment data under the Data Protection Act is available from the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). 
  
  
• Veterinary Benevolent Fund (VBF)
  
  Available to support those who are on or have been on the RCVS register, or their dependents, if they experience financial difficulty due to sickness or disability.
  
  
• Vet Helpline
  
  Friendly listening service staffed by friendly volunteers with wide experience of the veterinary profession who are there to talk to you in complete confidence about whatever is troubling you. 
  Tel: 07659 811 118 (local call rates apply, 24hr rapid response answer phone)
  
  
• Samaritans 
  
  Available 24 hours a day to provide confidential emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide.
  Tel: 08457 90 90 90
  Email: jo@samaritans.org