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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 

Shelter

Advice on homelessness, housing rights, and other housing issues.

  • 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)

Housing Advice NI

Independent housing advice in Northern Ireland.

  • Phone: 028 9024 5640 (Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:30pm)

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.