Overview
Sometimes the most appropriate support sits outside of the LMC. Alongside our own support services, we can help signpost you to trusted external organisations that offer specialist advice, professional guidance, or wellbeing support.
This page brings together external sources of support that may be helpful depending on your circumstances. These services are not delivered by Devon LMC, but are widely recognised, reputable, and commonly used by those working in General Practice.
If you are unsure where to start, or whether external support is right for you, you’re always welcome to contact us first and we can help guide you.
When external support may be helpful
External support may be appropriate if you are:
- seeking specialist or highly specific advice
- looking for support outside our core services
- experiencing issues where independent or third-party input is helpful
- exploring wellbeing, mental health, or professional guidance options
- wanting to access national or profession-wide support services
Everyone’s situation is different, and there’s no right “right” route; the most important thing is accessing support that feels right for you.
What you’ll find here
On this page, we signpost to a range of external organisations and services that support those working in General Practice, including:
- professional and pastoral support services
- wellbeing and mental health services
- leadership, career, and professional development support
- specialist advisory and guidance services
Where possible, we aim to provide clear descriptions so you can decide whether a service feels relevant before accessing it.
A note on confidentiality and independence
External support services operate independently of Devon LMC. Each organisation will have its own confidentiality arrangements, eligibility criteria, and access processes.
We encourage you to view the information carefully and choose the option that best meets your needs.
Not sure where to start?
If you are unsure which type of support would be most helpful, or whether an external service is the right next step, you don’t need to decide alone.
You’re welcome to contact us and a member of our team can help you think through your options and signpost appropriately.
Wellbeing, Mental Health and Emotional Support
Balloons
Balloons provides specialist bereavement support for children, young people, and their families, both before an expected death and following the death of someone significant in their lives.
They offer a wide range of practical, emotional, and social support, including telephone guidance, email support, face-to-face sessions, and opportunities to connect with others in similar situations. Balloons also provides guidance to professionals supporting bereaved children.
Telephone: 01392 826265
Website: Balloons – Bereavement and loss looking onwards.
NHS GP Health Service
A confidential NHS service for GPs and GP trainees in England, providing access to mental health support where mental ill-health may be affecting work.
The service offers assessment, treatment, and ongoing support in a confidential and supportive setting.
Telephone: 0300 0303 300
Website: Practitioner Health
Samaritans
Samaritans provides emotional support to anyone experiencing distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide. Support is available 24 hours a day, offering a safe space to talk and be listened to without judgement.
Telephone: 11 123
Website: Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen
Professional, regulatory and occupational support
Doctor Support Service (BMA)
A confidential support service for doctors facing General Medical Council (GMC) investigations or concerns relating to their licence to practise.
The service provides emotional and practical support to help doctors navigate challenging and stressful professional situations.
Telephone: 020 7383 6707
Website: GMC investigation support – Doctor support service
GP Occupational Health Service
A commissioned occupational health service available to NHS GPs and dentists working across the South of England.
The service provides responsive and supportive occupational health input, including support around ill health, early retirement, and associated pension processes.
Telephone: 0844 842 1755
Website: Heales Medical – Leading Innovation in Occupational Health Care
Financial and Benevolent Support
Royal Medical Benevolent Fund (RMBF)
The RMBF supports doctors and their families throughout all stages of their career and beyond. Support ranges from financial assistance, including grants and loans, to telephone befriending for those experiencing isolation or hardship.
Telephone: 020 85409194
Website: Royal Medical Benevolent Fund – Help for Doctors in Need
Society for Assistance of Medical Families (SAMF)
SAMF supports medical practitioners and their families who are experiencing severe financial hardship. They also work with partner charities to help individuals find new paths where careers or circumstances have changed.
Telephone: 07894 299755
Website: The Society for Assistance of Medical Families – Doctors Helping Doctors & Doctors Families
The Cameron Fund
The Cameron Fund is the GPs’ own charity and supports general practitioners and their dependants during times of financial difficulty. Support may relate to ill health, disability, bereavement, loss of employment, or ongoing financial hardship.
Telephone: 020 73880796
Website: The Cameron Fund
Joint Charities Portal – Financial Support
A central portal designed to help doctors identify charitable financial support available to them. The portal assists in matching individual circumstances to charities that may be able to offer help and signposts directly to those organisations.
Website: Financial support for doctors and their families
Pensions, Tax, and Financial Advice
Pensions advice
The NHS Pension Scheme is complex, with multiple schemes operating under different rules. Independent financial advisers and practice or personal accountants can provide valuable support, particularly in relation to ill health or early retirement.
The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) website and member helpline are also useful and supportive resources, providing access to pension valuations, scheme guidance, and further assistance.
Website: Welcome | NHSBSA
Taxation Support
Financial pressures mean some GPs experience difficulty managing tax liabilities. Early engagement with a practice or personal accountant is strongly advised, as these professionals can support discussions with HMRC and help identify solutions before issues escalate.
Career and Employment Support
National Association of Salaried GPs
An independent membership organisation representing salaried GPs and locums across the UK. The association provides support, advocacy, and resources tailored to doctors working outside traditional partnership roles.
Website: NASGP the UK’s independent membership body for GP locums
Important Information
The organisations listed on this page operate independently of Devon LMC. Inclusion here does not constitute endorsement, and Devon LMC is not responsible for the delivery, advice, or outcomes of external services.
Each organisation will have its own eligibility criteria, confidentiality arrangements, and access processes. We encourage our members to review this information carefully before engaging with any external service.
If you’re unsure which type of support may be most appropriate, you’re welcome to contact us first and we can help you think through your options.