What We Do

LIFE Caring comprises two elements; our counselling service and our support service. Diploma counsellors are able to offer one-off sessions and contract counselling free of charge. LIFE uses a person-centred, non-directive approach. Counselling can be conducted face-to-face or over the telephone. LIFE counsellors are professionally trained and supervised and have a wealth of experience in before and after abortion counselling.

The LIFE support service, which offers emotional as well as practical support, is provided by volunteers trained in counselling and listening skills.

In all areas of LIFE Caring these two elements compliment each other.

Pregnancy Care Centres

"I just wanted to say thanks for being there at a very lonely time. You and a handful of very special friends were in a minority".

Our counsellor’s and skilled helpers work in our Pregnancy Care Centres.

We offer a holistic approach to caring for woman in crisis. Usually this means helping women with the issues that make their pregnancy a problem. These might include a lack of emotional support from families and partners, fears about pregnancy and childbirth, or worries about how to provide for and look after a child. Some women just want someone to listen to them in a safe and non-judgmental environment.

We also see a large number of women who have had an abortion and are suffering in some way as a result. Many of these women need counselling and on-going support. Some of them have had abortions many years ago, but they still struggle with the after-effects. LIFE Caring meets them where they are and provides a safe space for them to talk and discuss their feelings.

Where appropriate, we signpost or refer to other organisations or LIFE services.

National Helpline

"Thank you so, so much just for giving me your Helpline card. Just the thought that somebody was there to talk to and that I could turn to you for support helped me stay optimistic."

LIFE’s National Helpline - free-phone 0800 915 4600 - is staffed 9am-9pm weekdays and 9am-5pm Saturday (except Bank Holidays and other National Holidays). It is staffed by our most experienced counsellors and skilled helpers. Clients can use this service if they have a quick query or would like in-depth counselling or our skilled listening service.

Text-To-Talk

"I’ve found the (Text-to-Talk) service very helpful for a couple of months now. Whenever I have problems I text in. I’m so grateful that you’ve listened and helped me. I think it’s fantastic!"

Text-To-Talk allows clients to access LIFE Caring via their mobile ‘phone. This is our most anonymous service and is popular with clients who feel unable to speak directly to someone. They can express their thoughts and feelings privately and in confidence. A counsellor/skilled helper replies directly via text message to the client’s mobile ‘phone. Text-to-talk is particularly popular with young adults. The cost for this service is the standard text message charge on the client’s own network. LIFE does not charge an additional fee.

The Gemma Fund

"I have received a very wide range of help- emotional, financial and practical. The help from LIFE was literally life-saving. I won’t forget the help LIFE has given me in a hurry!"

The Gemma Fund offers financial assistance to women and their families in times of hardship arising from pregnancy, parenthood, or after abortion.

Examples of financial assistance provided by LIFE include help with travel costs, housing costs, tuition fees, or the purchase of baby equipment. The grants are non-repayable. Applications to the Gemma Fund are made to LIFE Head Office and occasionally involve a follow-up appointment at a local LIFE Pregnancy Care Centre. For more information about the Gemma Fund, please contact LIFE Head Office.

LIFE Alternative Gifts

"She was delighted with the Moses basket Your organisation has been a real godsend, thank you so much."

Clients can apply for a ‘New Mum Pack’ or a ‘Mum to be Pack’ tailored to their needs and paid for by the LIFE Alternative Gift Scheme. A New Mum Pack usually includes items such as new baby grows, a shawl, a bath towel, bibs etc. To apply for, or to buy, LIFE Alternative Gifts please contact LIFE Head Office:

Tel: 01926 421587
Email: info@lifecharity.org.uk

How can I access LIFE Caring?

Many of LIFE’s clients are self-referred, although a sizable proportion of clients are referred by GPs, Midwives, Health Visitors, other health professionals or schools.

LIFE Pregnancy Care Centres (LPCC) operate on a drop in or appointment basis. For your nearest LPCC and opening hours please contact us on 01926 421587 or email caring@lifecharity.org.uk

The National Helpline and Text-To-Talk service can be accessed directly on 0800 915 4600 and 07786 200330 respectively.

We are offering a professional and irreplaceable service. For many women, choice can be an illusion because of a lack of support and knowledge. With the help of LIFE Caring, women are in a position to make a considered and well-informed decision about their child and their future.