National charities that support people after workplace accidents

Updated: September 27, 2025
By Chris Salmon

Recovering from a workplace accident can involve more than medical treatment. Many people face financial hardship, emotional trauma and long-term care needs. Several national UK charities provide free advice, financial support and rehabilitation services to help injured workers and their families.

At a glance

National charities provide financial, emotional and practical support after a workplace accident.
Services may include grants, counselling, rehabilitation and legal guidance.
Support is usually free and available across the UK.
Many charities also campaign for better workplace safety and workers’ rights.

Key national charities offering support

Citizens Advice: Offers free, impartial guidance on benefits, debt, employment rights and housing after an accident. Visit Citizens Advice.
Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA): Provides resources on accident prevention and post-accident support. More at RoSPA.
Cruse Bereavement Support: Helps families coping with bereavement after fatal workplace accidents. See Cruse Bereavement Support.
Headway: Supports people living with brain injuries and their families, offering rehabilitation and advocacy. Learn more at Headway.
Back Up Trust: Provides support, peer mentoring and activity programmes for people with spinal cord injuries. Visit Back Up Trust.
Turn2us: Offers financial support and grants for people facing hardship after an accident. See Turn2us.

What type of help is available?

Depending on the charity, support may include:

Grants to cover emergency expenses or essential household costs.
Counselling and therapy for trauma, anxiety or bereavement.
Rehabilitation programmes and support groups for ongoing conditions.
Help with applying for benefits such as Statutory Sick Pay or Universal Credit.
Practical advice on managing debt and accessing community support services.

Real-world example

A construction worker suffered a spinal injury after a fall. Unable to return to work, he faced significant financial pressure. With the help of Turn2us, he accessed a grant to cover rent and bills. The Back Up Trust then connected him with a mentor who had experienced a similar injury, helping him adapt to his new circumstances and maintain independence.

How to access support

Most charities allow you to contact them directly through helplines or online forms. You usually do not need a referral from a doctor or solicitor. In many cases, charities work alongside the NHS, social services and legal professionals to provide joined-up support.

If you are recovering from an accident and unsure where to start, contacting Citizens Advice is often a good first step. They can help you understand your rights and signpost you to other organisations for more specific support.

About the author

Chris Salmon is a legal commentator and co-founder of Quittance Legal Services. He has written extensively about workplace accidents, employment rights and the claims process. Chris's work has been cited in national media and he regularly contributes practical guidance to help injured workers understand their options.

More about Chris and WAAC

Last reviewed September 2025 by Chris Salmon

Have you been injured at work?

If you have been injured at work in the last 3 years, you may be able to claim financial compensation.

Find out more about making a work accident claim:

Do you qualify?
How much compensation could you get?
How does No Win, No Fee work?

External references

Spinal Injuries Association - national charity supporting people affected by spinal cord injury.
Headway - the brain injury association offering rehabilitation, information and family support.
Headway: Brain injury statistics - national data on the prevalence and impact of brain injuries.
Leonard Cheshire - charity supporting disabled people with independent living, care and employment.