CRISIS SUPPORT


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


999
For EMERGENCY calls to police, ambulance, fire brigade and rescue services.


This number should be used only when urgent attendance by the emergency services is required – for example if 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 are a confidential emotional support service for anyone in the UK where there are concerns of suicide for yourself or others.


Local council

Use this Local Welfare Assistance Finder to find support offered by your local council. They may be able to help you get hold of items of furniture – as well as helping with other issues, such as Covid-19, debt advice, food and fuel poverty.



Foodbanks

You will need a food voucher from your GP, social worker, health visitor or Citizens Advice. Hand the voucher in to your nearest Trussell Trust foodbank in exchange for a minimum of three days’ emergency food. When searching for your nearest foodbank remember to check the opening hours.

There may be other types of foodbanks locally which don’t require vouchers, for example churches or community organisations.

Refuge
Refuge supports women, children and men experiencing domestic violence with a range of services.



Women's Aid 

Women's Aid support survivors of domestic abuse, friends and families, and professionals who are in contact with domestic violence survivors.


NON-EMERGENCY CONTACTS

If you need urgent support or advice, the following contacts may be useful. 

101
The non-emergency number for the police


Use 101 when it’s not an emergency and an immediate response is not necessary and/or will not serve any purpose. For example, your car has been stolen, property has been damaged, or home broken into.

101 can also be used to give information about a crime committed, or to contact the police with a general enquiry. Calls are charged at a flat rate of 15p per call.


111
The non-emergency medical number


Advice available nationwide for illnesses and minor injuries where life isn’t threatened, but you need advice on what to do next. Calls are free.


WELLBEING SUPPORT

Mind 

Mind can provide confidential information on a range of topics including types of mental distress, where to get help, drug and alternative treatments and advocacy. With information for local areas as well. 

  • Freephone: 0300 123 3393 (Open Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm except bank holidays)

  • Text: 86463

  • Email: info@mind.org.uk


Young Minds 
Young Minds supports any adult concerned about the emotions and behaviour of a child or young person under 25. They offer information and professional advice, via telephone and email.

  • YoungMinds Textline: 85258 (24/7 support)

  • Parents Freephone: 0808 802 5544 (Open Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4pm)

  • Email: parents@youngminds.org.uk


The Silver Line 
The Silver Line is the only free, confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people.

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



Breathing Space - Scotland

Breathing Space is a free, confidential phone and web-based service for people in Scotland experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety.


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



Lifeline  - Northern Ireland

Lifeline is the Northern Ireland crisis response helpline service for people who are experiencing distress or despair. Lifeline counsellors are available to listen and help in complete confidence. Should you need further support, Lifeline can provide a face-to-face counselling appointment in your local area within seven days.


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



C.A.L.L. - Wales

C.A.L.L. the Community Advice and Listening Line, offers emotional support and information on mental health and related matters to the people of Wales. Use their online database of 1,500 agencies to find a service relevant to your needs.


  • Freephone: 0800 132737 (24 hour helpline 7 days a week)
  • Text: 81066 (text "help" followed by the information you require)



CALM 

CALM offers a free, confidential, anonymous helpline and webchat for people in the UK who are down or have hit a wall for any reason and need to talk or find information and support.


  • Freephone: 0800 58 58 58 (Open every day 5pm to midnight)



PAPYRUS 

PAPYRUS is dedicated to the prevention of young suicide. Their hopeline is a confidential support and advice service for children and young people aged under 35 experiencing suicidal thoughts or anyone concerned that a young person could be thinking about suicide.


  • Freephone: 0800 068 4141 (Open everyday 9am to midnight) 
  • Text: 07860 039967 
  • Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org



Shout 

Shout is the UK's first 24/7 text service for anyone in a crisis anytime, anywhere, free on all major mobile networks.


  • Text: 85258




HOUSING ADVICE


Shelter

Shelter offers advice to people about homelessness, rights, and other housing issues


  • Freephone: 0808 800 4444 (Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm and 9am to 5pm weekends) - England and Scotland 
  • Freephone: 08000 495 495 (Monday to Friday 9:30am to 4pm) - Wales


Housing Advice NI

Housing Advice NI is the home of independent housing advice in Northern Ireland.


  • Phone: 028 9024 5640 (Open Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4.30pm, closed on public holidays)




MONEY ADVICE


National Debtline

National Debtline’s dedicated team of debt advisers are ready to help you deal with your debt, giving you options and clear advice on how you can move forward. Their websites also contain online support, factsheets and letters to help you deal with your debt.

  • Freephone: 0808 808 4000 (Open Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm and Saturday 9:30am to 1pm)


Advice NI
Advice NI offer information, advice, advocacy and representation on a variety of financial issues in Northern Ireland.

  • Freephone: 0808 915 4604 (Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm)
  • Email: advice@adviceni.net