We provide a free and confidential health, social care and disability information service for both the public and professionals. We deal with 1,000 enquiries each month, mainly by telephone but also by letter, fax and email. GUiDE aims to respond to enquiries immediately or within the same working day. However, enquiries requiring more detailed research may take longer. Information can be made available in other formats and languages as required.

GUiDE was established in 1991 and is funded by Gloucestershire Health and Social Services.

GUiDE also incorporates a number of SPECIALIST SERVICES:

Our database has over 4,000 local and national services and organisations. The database is available on this web site, as well as in 140 locations around the county.

www.gloshealthservices.org.uk hosts details of all the county's GP practices, dentists, pharmacies and most of the county's hospitals. It comprises sites for all five Primary care Trusts - with information on who they are and how they work, plus current news form each area. The site has been produced by GUiDE for Gloucestershire Health and Social Services.

GUiDE is continually striving to improve its services and carries out regular satisfaction surveys. Please feel free to use the Feedback Form, we would welcome comments or ideas for improvements from anyone using our services. (Click on Feedback Form button on contents menu).

Families and Children's Information Service is a countywide service, which provides information on many aspects of family life. FACS can provide information on childcare, family health, benefits, education, employment and training in childcare.

The Key is a special information service for any family in Gloucestershire with a disabled child. Members can receive information on services and benefits for disabled children and young people, customised to the child or young person's needs.

The GUiDE Web Team is able to develop individual web sites for any NHS Practice (GP Surgery, Pharmacy etc).

Our Web Team can design your site for you and provide full training and support.

Please click on the following link for more information.

A range of more than 50 leaflets outlining the standards of service agreed by Gloucestershire Social Services, Health Services and Housing Departments (listed in Better Care, Higher Standards in Gloucestershire - available from GUiDE) e.g. Services for People with Physical Disabilities, Charges for Services, Choosing a Day Nursery, Housing Services for Young People.

Also, a listing of all the public service leaflets available countywide - produced by Gloucestershire County Council, district councils and the emergency services (listed in Community Services in Gloucestershire - available from GUiDE).