Plain-speaking US site on all things optical. Offers explanations of contact lens and spectacle types and advice on choosing face-flattering frames. Corrective surgery is covered, along with eye care nutrition, diseases and age-specific problems. There's a link to a self-testing page to see if you suffer from computer vision syndrome.

An entertaining and busy site on all aspects of physical well-being, with information on cooking foods for maximum nutrition, various calculators to show you how unhealthy you are, plus a five-step weight loss programme and self-exercise slideshows to guide you back to optimum fitness. Try the Snack Bandit for advice on burning off junk food.

The online version of this annual directory covers most requirements of parents or parent to be. Click on the UK map to bring up your chose area and you can use the alphabetical index for names and addresses of everything from midwives to baby massage. 

Terrence Higgins Trust

Vital for information on all aspects of HIV and AIDS. Includes a full press release archive, advice on housing, benefits and insurance, plus legal and support links. Its online library of downloadable booklets and papers is unsurpassed.

Cancer Research Campaign

Gives straightforward information on one of our biggest health concerns. Supplies sensible advice on smoking, diet and sun exposure, plus self-examination, how to recognise early warning signs, links and updates on research into the disease.

The Samaritans

Help and advice for the suicidal and overwhelmed, the Samaritans' sober, no-nonsense site gives phone numbers, email access and nearest branch details. It also tells you how to become a volunteer and offers a downloadable Youth Suicide pack. 

Consumer Gateway

One-stop consumer rights advice site run the DTI. It includes in-depth guides on your rights, guarantees and warranties, and how to complain. Full links to other government sites and consumer organisation plus an array of fact sheets covering all areas of consumer law.

Citizens Advice Bureau

Provides links to local bureau sites (some of which supply advice by email), this site offers an extensive library on social policy, health, tax, discrimination, social security, and gives full details on how to become a volunteer. It also links to its sister site, Advice.

The Site

A youth-oriented one-stop free advice centre from Martyn Lewis. Email questions to experts for a response within 48 hours, or access the back catalogue of responses on topic such as sex, money, legal matters, health and careers, It also runs a volunteer centre called Do-It and a range of discussion panels.

Success Unlimited

The Web site of the UK National Workplace Bullying Advice Line includes sound advice on all aspects of harassment including racism, sexism and homophobia as well as ways to deal wit near-psychotic bosses, copious links for support groups, Government Acts and a welcome page of workplace jokes.

Accident Compensation Network

A site to guide you through the difficult process of claiming for compensation due to accident or neglect. Includes a sear-engine and links to personal injury solicitors operating on a 'no-win, no-fee' basis in your area.

Divorce.co.uk

From solicitors Mills & Reeve, this sober site covers the legal, personal and emotional process of divorce and separation, and offers links to counselling, meditation and legal service in your area as well as sound advice for helping your children get through it all.

Legal Aid

The first stop for anyone seeking legal aid. Lots of advice, plus the criteria you need to tell whether you're eligible. There's a range of useful leaflets online, including information on repaying legal costs and contact details for your nearest legal aid board office.

LawRights

Covers the full range of legal advice in well-arranged Q&A sections and online fact sheets. It also has personalisable forms for wills, business and employment that, for a small payment, can be printed off for completion. You'll find useful tips on consulting lawyers and court fees here too.

Legal Resources Online

A portal site to UK legal resources, linking you to solicitors and barristers available online. An index of sites offering free legal information is organised by subject area, and there's a guide to the Internet for lawyers, links and legal software.

UK Legal

A wealth of legal resources. It has everything from geographical and by specialism lists of solicitors, barristers and private investigators to information and advice on UK trading standards, e-0commerce, email and privacy issues, and online legal journal availability.