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Emergency support

Contacting emergency services  


If you are in an emergency situation and need immediate assistance, please use the following numbers:

999 for an emergency

For EMERGENCY calls to police, ambulance, fire brigade and rescue services.

  • Use this number only when urgent attendance is required (e.g., someone is seriously ill or injured, or a crime is in progress).
  • Calls are free, and 999 can be dialled from a locked mobile phone.

Samaritans 

The Samaritans provide confidential emotional support if you or someone else is at risk of suicide.

Local council

Use the Local Welfare Assistance Finder to locate support from your local council. They may offer help with:

Foodbanks

Some foodbanks require a voucher from your GP, social worker, health visitor, or Citizens Advice. Use the voucher to receive a minimum of three days’ emergency food from a Trussell Trust foodbank.

  • Check the opening hours of your local foodbank before visiting.
  • Many local council websites have sections dedicated to food support, where you can find nearby foodbanks and additional assistance.
  • Other foodbanks, such as those run by churches or community organisations, may not require vouchers.

Refuge

Support for women, children, and men experiencing domestic violence.

  • Freephone: 0808 2000 247 (24-hour helpline, 7 days a week)
  • Contact Form: Contact Refuge

Women's Aid

Support for survivors of domestic abuse, their friends, families, and professionals.

Non-emergency contacts


Non-emergency police support

Call 101 

Non-emergency police number.

Use 101 for situations that require support but do not involve immediate danger 

Examples include:

  • Reporting a car theft or property damage
  • Reporting a crime that has already occurred
  • General police or service enquiries

Cost: 15p per call (regardless of duration).

Non-emergency health support

Call 111

Non-emergency medical number.

  • Provides advice for illnesses and minor injuries where life isn’t threatened.
  • Calls are free.

Wellbeing support

Mind

Confidential support for mental health issues, treatments, and advocacy.

  • Freephone: 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm)
  • Text: 86463
  • Email: [email protected]

Young Minds

Support for adults concerned about children and young people under 25.

  • Textline: 85258 (24/7 support)
  • Parents Freephone: 0808 802 5544 (Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4pm)
  • Email: [email protected]

The Silver Line

A free, confidential helpline for older people offering information, friendship, and advice.

  • Freephone: 0800 470 8090 (24-hour helpline, 7 days a week)

Breathing Space (Scotland)

Support for people in Scotland experiencing low mood, depression, or anxiety.

  • Freephone: 0800 83 85 87
    • Open: 6pm Friday to 6am Monday | 6pm to 2am Monday to Thursday

Lifeline (Northern Ireland)

Crisis response helpline for those experiencing distress in Northern Ireland.

  • Freephone: 0808 808 8000 (24-hour helpline, 7 days a week)

C.A.L.L (Wales)

Emotional support and information for people in Wales.

  • Freephone: 0800 132737 (24-hour helpline, 7 days a week)
  • Text: 81066 (text "help" followed by your query)

Calm

Support for anyone in the UK feeling down or overwhelmed.

  • Freephone: 0800 58 58 58 (Open daily, 5pm to midnight)
  • Webchat: CALM Website

Papyrus

Prevention of young suicide. Support for under 35s experiencing suicidal thoughts or concerns for others.

  • Freephone: 0800 068 4141 (9am to midnight, every day)
  • Text: 07860 039967
  • Email: [email protected]

Shout

The UK’s first free 24/7 text service for anyone in crisis.

  • Text: 85258

Housing support resources

If you’re experiencing homelessness, at risk of losing your home, or facing housing issues, there are organisations that can help. Below is a list of services offering free advice, support, and emergency assistance.


Shelter
Shelter offers advice and support if you’re homeless, at risk of homelessness, or having issues with your landlord. They can help with understanding your rights and finding emergency accommodation.


Freephone:
0808 800 4444 (England and Scotland | Mon-Fri 8am to 8pm; Weekends 9am to 5pm)
08000 495 495 (Wales | Mon-Fri 9:30am to 4pm)
Visit Shelter’s website


Crisis
Crisis helps people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. They offer advice on finding a place to stay and support with long-term housing solutions.


Phone: 0300 636 1967 (England, Scotland, and Wales | Mon-Fri 9am to 5pm)
Visit Crisis’ website


Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice offers free, confidential advice on housing problems, from eviction and rent arrears to understanding your legal rights. They can also help you deal with landlord issues. You can find your nearest office on their website for local support.

Visit Citizens Advice website

Centrepoint
If you’re aged 16-25 and facing homelessness, Centrepoint can help with emergency accommodation and support to get you back on your feet.


Helpline: 0808 800 0661 (Mon-Fri 9am to 5pm)
Visit Centrepoint’s website


St Mungo’s
St Mungo’s supports people who are sleeping rough or at risk of homelessness. They can help you find emergency housing, health support, and long-term accommodation.


Phone: 020 3856 6000
Visit St Mungo’s website


Depaul UK
Depaul provides emergency accommodation and support for young people facing homelessness. They also offer family mediation if you're having trouble at home.


Phone: 020 7278 4224
Visit Depaul’s website


Shelter Cymru
If you live in Wales and need help with housing problems, Shelter Cymru offers free, independent advice on issues like homelessness, evictions, and housing rights.


Helpline: 08000 495 495 (Mon-Fri 9:30am to 4pm)
Visit Shelter Cymru’s website


StreetLink
If you’re sleeping rough in England or Wales, StreetLink can connect you with local support services that can help you find shelter and other urgent assistance.


Phone: 0300 500 0914
Visit StreetLink’s website


Housing Advice NI
If you live in Northern Ireland and need independent housing advice, Housing Advice NI can support you with issues like homelessness, housing applications, and landlord disputes.


Phone: 028 9024 5640 (Mon-Fri 9:30am to 4:30pm)
Visit Housing Advice NI’s website


Simon Community Northern Ireland
Simon Community NI offers emergency housing and support services if you’re homeless or at risk in Northern Ireland. They can help you find a safe place to stay and plan for the future.


Phone: 0800 171 2222 (24/7 Helpline)
Visit Simon Community’s website


Local Council Services
Your local council can provide emergency housing support if you’re homeless or about to lose your home. Councils often have dedicated teams that can help with temporary accommodation and longer-term housing solutions. You can find your council’s contact details on their website.

Money advice

National Debtline

Clear, confidential advice to help manage debt.

  • Freephone: 0808 808 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm | Saturday, 9:30am to 1pm)
  • Website: National Debtline

Advice NI

Financial advice and advocacy for Northern Ireland residents.