The more preparation you do before the first meeting, the more you'll get out of it:

• Write down all your questions, and bring the list along to the meeting.
  
  
• Get together all the relevant paperwork you'll need in your meeting. Try to get these papers in order, by organising the letters or documents by date, for example. This will make it easier for us to understand your situation and advise you more quickly. Bring everything that we might need, you never know what will be important.
  
  
• If the problem has a history write a chronology or list of important things in order, to help us understand quickly, and so you don't forget to mention them.
  
  
• If you have any special needs, like avoiding stairs, or an interpreter let us know when you make the appointment. If necessary we will come to see you at home or a neutral venue.
  
  
• If you are planning to bring someone with you, either to offer moral support or to help remember what's said, mention this when making the appointment, so we can make sure we can accommodate them.
  
  
• Make sure you ask all your questions and that you fully understand the answers you're given. If there is anything you don't understand, ask us to explain - that's what we are here to do.
  
  
• We will ask you questions. Try to answer briefly, clearly and accurately. If we need to know more we will ask you.
  
  
• After the meeting we will send you a letter summarising the advice you've been given.