On this page you will find links to organisations that offer support to parents throughout the antenatal testing process including those facing the devastating news that their unborn baby has an abnormality.

Antenatal Results and Testing (ARC)

ARC is the only national charity that provides non-directive support and information to parents throughout the antenatal testing process. Their role is to help parents arrive at the most appropriate decision for them in the context of their family life.

ARC offers information and support to parents who are:

• making decisions during the antenatal testing process;



• told that their unborn baby has an abnormality;



• having to make difficult decisions about continuing the pregnancy;



• having to make difficult decisions about ending the pregnancy.

They provide a range of services including a national helpline, national support network of trained volunteers who have had similar experiences, regional parent's meeting and an email support group.

Antenatal Results and Choices
73 Charlotte Street
London
W1T 4PN

Tel: 0207 631 0280

Helpline: 0207 631 0285 - Monday to Friday 10am to 5.30pm

email: info@arc-uk.org

www.arc-uk.org

Downs Syndrome Association

The Down's Syndrome Association exists to support people with Down's syndrome, their family and carers as well as providing information for those with a professional interest. It also aim to improve general understanding and awareness of the condition and to champion the rights of people with Down's syndrome.

Downs Syndrome Association
155 Mitcham Rd
London
SW17 9PG

Tel: 020 8682 4001

Fax: 020 8682 4012

email: info@downs-syndrome.org.uk

www.downs-syndrome.org.uk

Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (ASBAH)

This organisation provides detailed information about the conditions spina bifida and hydrocephalus and offers further links to related organisations.

ASBAH
42 Park Road
Peterborough
PE1 2UQ

Tel: 01733 555988

Fax: 01733 555985

email: postmaster@asbah.org

www.asbah.org

Echo UK

Echo UK is an independent, international charity, led by concerned parents and supported by medical experts in the UK and Europe. Their aims are to improve the detection, care and treatment of heart disease in babies, before birth, in the most practical ways.

Echo Charity UK
Charity Office
Trafalgar Chambers
South Parade
London
SW3 6NP

email: echo1078114@yahoo.co.uk

www.echocharity.org.uk

Little Hearts Matter

Little Hearts Matter is the national voice for families where a single ventricle heart condition, such as Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, Tricuspid Atresia, Double Inlet Ventricle or Pulmonary Atresia has been diagnosed.

They offer support to families at the point where a single ventricle heart condition has been diagnosed, through the treatment choices and into life at home.

Little Hearts Matter
11 Greenfield Crescent
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 3AU

Tel: 0121 455 8982

www.lhm.org.uk

Soft UK

SOFT UK provides support for families affected by Patau's Syndrome (Trisomy 13), Edward's Syndrome (Trisomy 18) and related disorders.

They provide support, assistance and information including comprehensive FACTS FOR FAMILIES booklets provided free to parents on request: "Your Baby"; "Your Unborn Child" plus a service linking families who wish to share common problems associated with care, grief, relationships, and bereavement.

UK Helpline: 0121 351 3122

email: enquiries@soft.org.uk

www.soft.org.uk

BDF Newlife

BDF Newlife are the UK's leading child health and research charity, helping babies and families with inborn conditions. Inborn conditions share a common feature - they all occur in utero. There aims are to fund medical research, provide nurse services and make grants for families affected by inborn conditions.

BDF Newlife
BDF Centre
Hemlock Business Park
Hemlock Way
Cannock
Staffordshire
WS11 7GF

Tel: 020 8682 4001

BDF Nurse Service: 08700 70 70 20 - Monday-Friday 9.30 am - 5.00 pm - There is an answerphone facility outside these hours

email: info@bdfnewlife.co.uk

www.bdfcharity.co.uk