Congenital & Genetic Conditions

Contact 
https://contact.org.uk 
Contact a Family give information and support for all conditions affecting children. A directory of specific conditions and rare disorders can be found online.
Helpline: 0808 808 3555 (lines open Monday – Friday 9.30am - 5pm)
Email: helpline@contact.org.uk

Well Child
https://www.wellchild.org.uk/
Support for families caring for a seriously ill child or young person.

Unique - The Rare Chromosome & Gene Disorders Support Group
http://www.rarechromo.org
Unique provide support and information to families of children with rare chromosome and gene disorders, and professionals. Downloadable leaflets are available online for individual chromosome disorders.
Email: info@rarechromo.org

SPECIFIC CONDITION SUPPORT

Achondroplasia
https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/conditions-and-treatments/conditions-we-treat/achondroplasia
Information from Great Ormond Street Hospital on Achondroplasia, the most common type of short limb condition.

BSS – Bernard-Soulier Syndrome
Bernard-Soulier syndrome is a rare inherited disorder of blood clotting characterised by unusually large platelets, low platelet count and prolonged bleeding time. Affected individuals tend to bleed excessively and bruise easily. For information on blood disorders go to http://haemophilia.org.uk/

Bubble Foundation UK
http://www.bubblefoundation.org.uk/
Support for families of children born with Severe Combined Immune Deficiency Syndrome (SCID) or other conditions requiring bone marrow transplants.

Brittle Bone Society
http://www.brittlebone.org/
Membership organisation providing support to people affected by the bone condition Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI).

Cerebral Palsy – SCOPE
http://www.scope.org.uk/support/families/diagnosis/cerebral-palsy
Information about Cerebral Palsy from SCOPE.

Children’s Heart Federation
http://www.chfed.org.uk/
Supporting children and young people with congenital and acquired heart conditions, as well as their families.
Information Line: 0300 561 0065 (lines open Monday – Friday 9.30am – 5pm)

NHS – Congenital Heart Disease
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/congenital-heart-disease/Pages/Introduction.aspx
Information on heart conditions present at birth, and treatments.

Lagan’s Foundation
http://www.lagans.org.uk/
Supporting parents at home, and in hospital, with babies and children under 5 who are diagnosed with Heart Defects (CHD) or feeding difficulties.

CLAPA - The Cleft Lip and Palate Association
http://www.clapa.com
CLAPA offer information and answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about cleft lip and palate.

Cystic Fibrosis Trust
https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/
Provides information about Cystic Fibrosis.
Helpline: 0300 373 1000 (lines open Monday - Friday 10am – 4pm)

Bullosa (EB)
https://www.debra.org.uk/
Information and support on the group of genetic skin conditions known as EB.

Dyspraxia
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Dyspraxia-in-adults/Pages/Introduction.aspx
NHS information on Dyspraxia, a common disorder that affects movement and coordination.

Dyspraxia Foundation
http://www.dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk/
Information on sources of local support, features a range of leaflets and books

Down’s syndrome Association
http://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk
Information and support across all aspects of living with Down’s syndrome.
Information: 0333 1212 300 (lines open Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm)
Email: info@downs-syndrome.org.uk

Klinefelter’s Syndrome Association
https://www.ksa-uk.net/
Support and information for those affected by Klinefelter’s Syndrome (KS or XXY). An under diagnosed congenital condition caused by an additional chromosome.

Marfan syndrome - NHS
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/marfan-syndrome/
Information about Marfan syndrome.

Muscular Dystrophy
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Muscular-dystrophy/Pages/Introduction.aspx
NHS information on the group of inherited genetic conditions called MD – Muscular Dystrophy.

Muscular Dystrophy UK
http://www.musculardystrophyuk.org/
Information and support for those affected by a muscle wasting condition.
Helpline: 0800 652 6352 (lines open Monday – Friday 10am – 2pm)

Noonan Syndrome Association
https://www.noonansyndrome.org.uk/
Advice and support for families affected by Noonan Syndrome.
Email: info@noonansyndrome.org.uk

Pfeiffer’s Syndrome - Headlines
http://www.headlines.org.uk/
The UK craniofacial support group
Email: info@headlines.org.uk

Rett Syndrome Research Trust
http://www.reverserett.org.uk/
Providing information about Rett Syndrome and its treatment.
Email: enquiries@reverserett.org.uk

The Restricted Growth Association
https://rgauk.org/
Supporting families of children diagnosed with achondroplasia or restricted growth.
Helpline: 0300 111 1970 (Monday - Friday 9am-5pm, leave message and you will be called back)
Email: office@restrictedgrowth.co.uk

Shine - Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus
http://www.shinecharity.org.uk/
Offering supporting to individuals and families who are coping with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus.

Sickle Cell Disease
http://sicklecellsociety.org/
Support and information for Sickle Cell Disease.

Scoliosis Association
http://www.sauk.org.uk/
Providing support and advice for anyone affected by scoliosis.
Helpline: 0208 964 1166 (lines open Monday – Friday 9.30am – 5.30pm)

The Arthrogryposis Group - TAG
https://www.arthrogryposis.co.uk/
TAG is a support group for anyone who has the condition Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita.
Email: help@arthrogryposis.co.uk
 
Tourette Action
http://www.tourettes-action.org.uk/
Information and support for anyone affected by Tourette Syndrome.
Email: help@tourettes-action.org.uk
Live chat: Monday – Friday 10am – 3pm

Tourette Syndrome Information
https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/medical-information/search-medical-conditions/tourette-syndrome/tourette-syndrome-information-pack
Great Ormond Street Hospital series of information packs on TS for families, young people and teachers.

Tuberous Sclerosis Association – TSA
http://www.tuberous-sclerosis.org/
TSA support for anyone affected by TSC as well as their families and carers. 

Usher Syndrome
https://www.sense.org.uk
Information and support for Usher Syndrome from Sense.
Information line: 0300 330 9256 (Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm)
Sign Language interpreter available online. (Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm)

Weaver Syndrome
https://childgrowthfoundation.org/conditions/weaver-syndrome/
Information and support from Child Growth Foundation on this newly recognised syndrome caused by a genetic mutation. 

Williams Syndrome Foundation
http://www.williams-syndrome.org.uk/
Providing support advice for this rare disorder.

Zika Virus
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/zika-virus/Pages/Introduction.aspx
NHS information on Zika virus disease and it’s possible effects, particularly for pregnant women.

OTHER ORGANISTIONS

Intensive Care Units
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Intensive-care/Pages/Introduction.aspx
NHS information on Intensive Care Units – ICUs ,also called ITUs and CCUs.

Together For Short Lives
http://www.togetherforshortlives.org.uk/
Working for all children with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions and all those who support, love and care for them.Website includes search for palliative care in your area and an information request form.
Helpline: 0808 8088 100 (lines open Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm)
Live Chat: Online Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm