Signposting – UK
Contact information for other services that can support people
Service types
- Abuse Support
- Age related health
- Asylum seeker/Refugee/Migration
- Children and young people
- Coronavirus – agencies
- Fire
- Food and medication
- Fuel Poverty
- Government
- Homelessness
- Loneliness and isolation
- Mental health and bereavement
- Missing persons and tracing
- Mobility Aids
- Money and debt
- Other
- Pets
- Physical health and disability
- Red Cross
- Safeguarding
- Ukraine
| Service | What it does | Contact | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
Abuse Support |
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| Karma Nirvana | National Honour Based Abuse Helpline. If you are experiencing Honour Based Abuse or facing a forced marriage, this line can help. Open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. | Website 0800 5999 247 (Free) | UK wide |
| Men’s Advice Line | The Men’s Advice Line is a confidential service operated by Respect. The Helpline is for male victims of domestic abuse. Phone and Email : (Mon-Fri 10am-5pm) Webchat: (Weds 10-11:30am, Thurs 2-4pm) | Website info@mensadviceline.org.uk 0808 8010327 | UK wide |
| National Domestic Abuse Helpline | Domestic Abuse Support Line. 24 Hour free phone support line. | Website 0808 2000 247 | UK wide |
| Domestic abuse: how to get help | Free, confidential support and advice is available to victims and their concerned family members or friends, 24 hours a day. | Website | UK wide |
| NAPAC | Support for adults dealing with the impact of childhood abuse. Call our free, confidential support line – 0808 801 0331 Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday: 10am – 9pm, Friday: 10am – 6pm, Saturday and Sunday – Closed | Website support@napac.org.uk 0808 801 0331 (free) | UK wide |
| Rape Crisis (England and Wales) | Support line for abuse and sexual violence | Website 0808 500 2222 (free) | England, UK wide |
| Rape Crisis (Ireland) | Support line for abuse and sexual violence | Website 1800 778 888 (free) | Ireland |
| Rape Crisis (Scotland) | Support line for abuse and sexual violence | Website 0808 801 0302 (free) | Scotland |
| Women’s Aid (Northern Ireland) | Support line for women affected by domestic abuse. Please Note, contacting via the email address, is not confidential. | Website 0808 802 1414 (free) | Northern Ireland |
Age related health |
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| Helping Hands | We’ll work with you and your family to establish your needs and preferences, creating a bespoke care package that’s completely unique to you, from occasional visiting care to 24-hour live-in care. Offering hourly visitation, Dementia Care and Live in Care. Open: Monday-Friday 8am-7pm, Saturday-Sunday 9am-5:30pm. This number will be chargeable. | Website recruitmentlive-in@helpinghands.co.uk 0330 818 4671 | England, Wales |
| Different Strokes | Different Strokes is a national charity specifically for stroke survivors of working age. They provide one-to-one and group support and advice, and run exercise classes. They also have a very active online community and their helpline is staffed by younger stroke survivors | Website info@differentstrokes.co.uk 0345 130 7172 Alternative contact: 01908 317 618 | UK wide |
| Age UK | Advice line, telephone and face-to-face (in some areas) befriending service, day centres and extensive online information for older adults. Some services are chargeable. For callers outside England, see Age Scotland, Age NI and Age Cymru. Lines are open 8am-7pm, 365 days a year. | Website 0800 678 1602 (free) | England |
| Age Scotland | Helpline and online information for people in Scotland aged 50 and over. Also offers small repairs and home-from-hospital help in Edinburgh. Open 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday. | Website 0800 12 44 222 (free) | Scotland |
| Age Cymru (Wales) | Services for people over 50 in Wales. Advice line open Monday – Friday 9:00am – 4:00pm. | Website 0300 303 4498 | Wales |
| Age NI | Advice line and care services for people over 50. Includes home care and check-in-and-chat service for people aged 60 and over. Helpline open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. | Website advice@ageni.org 0808 808 7575 (free) | Northern Ireland |
| Independent Age | Support line for people aged 65+. General support available, and can offer appointments for specialised advice on issues related to ageing. Particular expertise in care, support, money, benefits, health and mobility. Also offers face-to-face community service and befriending in some areas of England. Open Monday-Friday, 8.30am – 5.30pm | Website advice@independentage.org 0800 319 6789 (free) | UK wide |
| Care UK | Company providing health and social care. Care enquiry line opening hours: Mon-Tue 8:30am-8pm Wed-Fri 8:30am-5:30pm Sat 8:30am-5pm Sun 10am – 4pm | Website 0330 165 1330 | UK wide |
| Hourglass (formerly Action on Elder Abuse) | Support to protect vulnerable older adults who are at risk of various forms of abuse. 24/7 Helpline. | Website 0808 808 8141 (free) | UK wide |
| Alzheimer’s Society | Support for people affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia. Opening hours: Mon to Weds: 9am – 8pm, Thurs and Fri: 9am – 5pm, Sat and Sun: 10am – 4pm. | Website enquiries@alzheimers.org.uk 0333 150 3456 (free) | UK wide |
| Alzheimer Scotland | Specialist services for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia, as well as for carers. 24 hour Freephone Dementia Helpline.. | Website 0808 808 3000 (free) | Scotland |
| The Alzheimer Society of Ireland | Dementia specific services across Ireland. Helpline open 10-5 Mon-Fri, 10-4 Sat. | Website helpline@alzheimer.ie 1 800 341 341 (free) | Ireland |
| Dementia UK | Dementia UK provides specialist dementia support for families. Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9am-9pm Saturday and Sunday 9am-5pm Open bank holidays (9am-5pm), except 25th December | Website Helpline@dementiauk.org 0800 888 6678 (free) | UK wide |
Asylum seeker/Refugee/Migration |
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| Doctor’s of the World | In the UK, we run a clinic, adviceline, outreach services and advocacy programmes that provide medical care, information and practical support to excluded people such as destitute migrants and people with no fixed address. Our clinic advice line is open from 10am to 12pm midday, Monday to Thursday. This will be until further notice. | Website clinic@doctorsoftheworld.org.uk 0808 1647 686 (Free) | UK wide |
| Zakat Foundation | Support Organisation for Muslims: Offers Harship funds, housing funds and work funds with a focus on supporting refugees and asylum seekers with no status. Application for support must be completed Online. | Website | UK wide |
| Home office welfare team | Advice for evacuated Afghanistan citizens looking to settle in the UK who have been evacuated from Afghanistan on or since 14th August 2021 | 0300 790 6268 | UK wide |
| BRC Family Reunion Enquiry Services | Central service focused on providing advice to people who want to apply for visas. The service is now operating an enquiry form which can be accessed from their website which they ask people to fill out. The email is still operational although response times are slower than the form responses. | Website FRAdvice@redcross.org.uk Please complete the following Form: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=ujzc_l7KiEOoN7Rcfw1xt3pNy3gav_xNsHOSuy4Cw-tUNDVKVlA1TkFJMDZWU1VYRE9IWUROVzZaVy4u | UK wide |
| RefugEase | Refugee Aid charity supporting refugees with a volunteer based approach. They have a contact form on their website and an email but no number. | Website hello@refugease.com | UK wide |
| Freedom from Torture | Freedom from Torture provide specialist psychological therapy to help asylum seekers and refugees who have survived torture recover and rebuild their lives in the UK. They offer one-to-one therapy, group activities and other support including for physical pain. Interpreter services are available. | Website 020 7697 7777 | UK wide |
| Refugee support, British Red Cross | Practical support for displaced people. Please see the Refugee Services page link at the top of the page to find out which teams are currently accepting referrals. | Website | UK wide |
| Homes for Ukraine: guidance for sponsors (Wales) | Advice if you are a host living in Wales and sponsoring a person or family from Ukraine. | Website 0808 175 1508 | Wales |
| Migrant Help | Provides independent advice and guidance to assist asylum seekers in the UK | Website 0808 8010 503 (free) | UK wide |
| Boloh (Barnardo’s BAME helpline) | Telephone and web chat service offering advice and practical support to people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities in the UK, including people seeking asylum. Language line support. See web site for full list of services. | Website Boloh.helpline@barnardos.org.uk 0800 151 2605 (free) | UK wide |
| Refugee Council | Connects refugees and people seeking asylum with organisations that can help. Offers information and signposting that is relevant for your needs. Sometimes helps people to make contact with organisations and support by making referrals too. Open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday between 9.30am and 12.30pm. ALTERNATIVE CONTACT TO LONDON RS. | Website 0808 196 7272 | England |
| Children’s Advice Project – Refugee Council | Dedicated service for unaccompanied refugee and asylum-seeking children, helping them through the asylum process and ensuring they are protected. Also offers advice to carers and professionals working with unaccompanied children. Open Monday – Friday, 0900 to 1700. | Website children@refugeecouncil.org.uk 020 7346 1134 | UK wide |
| Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants | Helpline offering legal advice for irregular migrants – people in the UK without status. Open on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10am and 1pm. | Website 020 7553 7470 / 0800 160 1004 | UK wide |
| Refugees At Home | Charity connecting refugees in need of accommodation with people who can provide rooms. PLEASE DO NOT SIGNPOST REFUGEE CALLERS TO THIS SERVICE, only people offering to provide accommodation. Currently looking for accommodation in CITIES ONLY. | Website 0300 365 4724 | UK wide |
| Room for Refugees | Connects refugees in need of accommodation with people able to offer a place to stay on a short or longer-term basis. Run by the charity Positive Action in Housing. Please DO NOT SIGNPOST REFUGEE CALLERS to this service, only people looking to offer accommodation to refugees. | Website | UK wide |
| Homes for Ukraine | UK government scheme to pair refugees from Ukraine with hosts in the United Kingdom. Hosts should be able to commit to housing refugees for a minimum of six months. | Website | UK wide |
| Lucy Blackman Trust | Practical help, advice and support for families of people missing overseas. | Website | UK wide |
| Sodexo | Sodexo Pass Helpline for problems when an ASPEN card is not functioning. Note: Migrant Help should be contacted if an Aspen card is lost or stolen | 01276 687 099 | UK wide |
| Notre Dame Refugee Centre | Free immigration advice in French or English. Advises on immigration issues, housing, benefits and assists with completing forms. Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10:30am – 1:30pm. ALTERNATIVE CONTACT TO LONDON RS. | Website 0207 440 2669 | London |
| Big Leaf Foundation | Translations of the most recent COVID tier rules in England. Languages representative of displaced communities | Website | England |
| MEARS group | Govt contractor providing asylum seekers with accommodation in hotels | Website | UK wide |
Children and young people |
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| Barnardo’s | Barnardo’s provide support to children and young people. See hear respond is an initiative set up by Barnardo’s to offer support to at-risk and vulnerable children and families to reduce potential levels of harm through online resources, support and interventions. | Website | UK wide |
| Children 1st | Welfare of children in Scotland, with a free confidential 24 hour advice line | Website 0800 028 2233 (free) | Scotland |
| NSPCC | Support line for children and young people affected by abuse. Voice Helpline is currently available 10am–8pm Monday to Friday. | Website help@nspcc.org.uk 0808 800 5000 (free) | UK wide |
| ChildLine | Support line for children suffering from abuse and neglect, as well as other problems | Website 0800 1111 (free) | UK wide |
| UKYouth | Youth clubs and organisations for people aged between 9 and 25 | Website info@ukyouth.org 0203 1373 810 | UK wide |
| Centrepoint | Support for young people affected by homelessness, including; legal advice, financial, budgeting and housing. | Website 0808 800 0661 (free) | UK wide |
| Child Bereavement UK | Support for children, young people and families affected by bereavement | Website 08000 288 840 (free) | UK wide |
Coronavirus – agencies |
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| Covid 19 Workers – Employment – TUC Wales | Covid19 Advice for workers in Wales covering health and safety at work, taking time off and working from home | Website | Wales |
| Covid 19 Workers – Employment – TUC Northern | Covid19 Advice for workers in the North East and Cumbria covering health and safety at work, taking time off and working from home | Website | North East & Cumbria |
| Covid 19 Workers – Employment – ACAS | Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for employers and employees | Website | UK wide |
| Covid 19 Workers – Employment – Government | Coronavirus (COVID-19): work and financial support information | Website | UK wide |
| Ready Scotland | Multi-agency emergency planning and co-ordinating response in Scotland, for referrals such as food and medicine | Website | Scotland |
| Emergency Preparedness Groups | Multi-agency emergency planning and co-ordinating response in Northern Ireland, for referrals such as food and medicine | Website | Northern Ireland |
Fire |
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| British Red Cross Fire aftermath advice | The Crisis response site for house fire aftermaths. | Website | UK wide |
| UK Wildfire Preparing for Grass and Wildfire | BRC Advice and guidance on Grassland and Wildfires. | Website | UK wide |
Food and medication |
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| Age UK Food Shopping | Age UK offer food shopping services, use the postcode function to search for local Age UK food shopping, their services include escorted, home delivery and internet shopping services. Costs may be required and vary depending on the area. | Website | UK wide |
| The Trussell Trust | Search facility to find food banks in your area with addresses, contact numbers and opening times. | Website 0808 208 2138 (free, Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm) | England, Wales |
| Citizens Advice – Food Banks | If you have no money for food. You might be able get help from a food bank. You’ll need to be referred to a food bank. If you have a referral, you’re still allowed to travel to a food bank – either for yourself or someone who’s vulnerable. Check on website link to do postcode search for your nearest CAB office. | Website | UK wide |
| Morrisons Delivery | Morrisons delivery service. Open 8am – 5:30pm. | Website 0345 611 6111 | UK wide |
| Healthy Start | NHS scheme to support with healthy food and milk during pregnancy and for children up to four years of age. Users must be in receipt of a qualifying benefit. Not available in Scotland (see equivalent Best Start Scottish scheme). | Website | England, Northern Ireland, Wales |
| Best Start (Scotland) | Grants and payment card to help with the costs of early-years parenting in Scotland. Grants for pregnancy, early years and school-age children, payment card for healthy food for children under 3. Applicants must be in receipt of a qualifying benefit. Scotland only, for rest of UK see equivalent Healthy Start scheme. | Website | Scotland |
| Echo NHS Prescription Service | NHS repeat prescription service from Lloyds Pharmacy. Free delivery of repeat prescriptions. Echo works with GP surgeries in England. You can request your medication and Echo will confirm and dispense them to delivery address of your choice. | Website | England |
| Boots Prescription Delivery Service | Free delivery service for people in England receiving repeat prescriptions from their GP. | Website | England |
Fuel Poverty |
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| British Gas Energy Trust | Advice on fuel poverty and fuel debt, as well as grants to remove energy debt, fund emergency fuel credit and replace condemned boilers. Not available in Northern Ireland. | Website | England, Scotland, Wales |
| Northern Ireland Affordable Warmth Scheme | Schemes helping with insulation and energy efficiency. Only applies to privately owned or privately rented homes. Some restrictions apply. | Website | Northern Ireland |
Government |
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| DWP (Department of Work & Pensions) | The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is responsible for welfare, pensions and child maintenance policy. | Website | UK wide |
| Cost of Living Support page UK Gov | Provides a list of links and suggestions for scheme the government is running to support people struggling. Most useful if SU’s can be directed to the page to see for themselves but may offer suggested places to look for support for Volunteers to give as well. | Website | UK wide |
| Local Library Search | A post code search for local Libraries should operators wish to signpost there. (May take you to council websites where you’ll need to search from there) | Website | UK wide |
| Local council | Find your local council by postcode | Website | UK wide |
| HMRC | Tax department, giving information and advice about paying tax | Website 0300 200 3300 | UK wide |
| Home Office | Governmental department for immigration and passports, drugs policy, crime, counter-terrorism and the police | Website 020 7035 4848 | UK wide |
| Foreign & Commonwealth Office | Advice to British nationals travelling or living abroad, including repatriation and captivity | Website fcdo.correspondence@fcdo.gov.uk 020 7008 5000 | UK wide |
| Embassy pages | List of foreign embassies, high commissions and consulates in the UK, as well as the British ones abroad. | Website | UK wide |
| Write To Them | Service helping people to contact their elected representatives, including councillors, MPs and members of the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Assembly and Northern Ireland Assembly. Also a useful way to identify service users’ elected representatives. | Website | UK wide |
| Government EU Settlement Scheme | Information for EU, EEA or Swiss citizens to continue living in the UK after 30 June 2021 | Website 0300 123 7379 | UK wide |
Homelessness |
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| Homeless Link | Working directly with people who become homeless in England or are at risk of becoming homeless. We work to make services better and campaign for policy change that will help end homelessness. | Website info@homelesslink.org.uk | UK wide |
| Shelter | Support and advice to anyone facing homelessness or needing advice on housing issues | Website info@shelter.org.uk 0808 800 4444 (free) | UK wide |
| Crisis | Support for homeless people. Support via individual Skylight centres, see website for nearest support network. | Website enquiries@crisis.org.uk | UK wide |
| Emmaus | Support for people who have experienced homelessness. This is a community for people who have been homeless – apply to join. | Website 0300 303 7555 | UK wide |
| Street Link | Connects homeless people with local support services in England & Wales. | Website | England, Wales |
| The Connection | Support for homeless people in London | Website 020 7766 5544 | London |
| St Mungo’s Broadway | Emergency accommodation and support for people who are homeless in London and the south of England. | Website info@mungos.org 020 3856 6000 | London and South East England |
| Simon Community (Northern Ireland) | Emergency accommodation, advice and community support for people who are homeless | Website 0800 171 2222 (free) | Northern Ireland |
| Northern Ireland Housing Executive | Advice on housing and homelessness in Northern Ireland, along with information on fuel poverty. | Website | Northern Ireland |
Loneliness and isolation |
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| The Silver Line | Free 24 hour confidential helpline for people over 55 | Website 0800 470 8090 (free) | UK wide |
| Re-engage (formerly Contact Elderly) | Bring older people into groups to tackle social isolation. Note for Over 75s. | Website 0800 716 543 (free) | UK wide |
| The Salvation Army | Local social clubs and activities to support those who are lonely or isolated. Engage with young people through community based projects. Help with homelessness including night shelters and nap pads. Refugee suport. Budgeting and debt advice, and employment advice. Services vary depending on local branch. | Website fr@salvationarmy.org.uk 020 7367 4800 | UK wide |
| Frazzled Cafe | A network of on-line cafes, where people can meet virtually and share their concerns in a friendly and non-judgemental environment. The meetings are facilitated by trained personnel. | Website | England, Scotland, Wales |
| Methodist Homes Association (MHA) | Care, accommodation and support services for older people. Providing care/retirement homes and support to older people to live at home including befriending, lunch clubs, social activities groups, assisted shopping, escorts to appointments, telephone checks, transport etc. Postcode searcher can be found on the website. Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm | Website 01332 296200 | UK wide |
| Royal Voluntary Service | Practical and emotional support with a wide range of issues including help at home, support in or returning home from hospital and an online Virtual Village Hall programme of social events including fitness, crafts, home library service, community transport, patient transport, regular telephone call, lunch clubs, community café, social clubs and events and meditation classes. Not restricted by age. Postcode finder on website. | Website | UK wide |
| Get Help with Loneliness | Service for people aged 18 and over experiencing loneliness. | Website | Scotland |
| Golden Oldies | Singing and activity sessions |
Website
Wales: 07796 714816 South West: 01761 470006 |
UK wide |
Mental health and bereavement |
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| Beat (Eating Disorders) | Beat are the UK’s eating disorder charity. Their mission is to end the pain and suffering caused by eating disorders. Open 3-8pm Monday-Friday. See contact details on website link. | Website | UK wide |
| NHS Volunteer Responders | Check In and Chat is a preventative activity to support people in need with a friendly call and encouragement to improve their mental health and wellbeing. It is not designed to be a treatment service and therefore anyone with complex vulnerabilities or needs would not be suitable to be referred into the scheme. Volunteers are available to help by collecting and delivering shopping, medication and other essential supplies. This service is available as a one-off or for a maximum of 6 weeks, if you have a current health need e.g. you are waiting to be admitted to hospital or if you have just been discharged. Open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week. | Website 0808 196 3682 | UK wide |
| SOS SILENCE OF SUICIDE | Emotional well being support line as well as suicide awareness and prevention line. This service is not a crisis line. Open Monday to Friday 8pm to Midnight and Saturday/Sunday 4pm until Midnight. | Website 0808 115 1505 | UK wide |
| Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline | LGBT+ support line for emotional support and advice on LGBT issues. Phone line open from 10:00-22:00. | Website hello@switchboard.lgbt 0800 0119 100 | UK wide |
| The Good Grief Trust | The Good Grief Trust exists to help all those affected by grief in the UK. The webpage provides useful advice and various signposting resources including a map showing the services available across the country, according to who you have lost. | Website hello@thegoodgrieftrust.org | UK wide |
| Papyrus (HoplineUK) | HOPELINEUK is a confidential support and advice service for children and young people under the age of 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide, or anyone who is concerned that a young person could be thinking about suicide. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Includes bank holidays. | Website pat@papyrus-uk.org Call: 0800 068 4141 Text: 07860 039 967 | UK wide |
| Shout | Text message support service for people experiencing mental health issues or abuse. Free to use, operates 24/7. Text SHOUT to 85258. | Website Text SHOUT to 85258 | UK wide |
| The Mix | Information, support and counselling service for people aged 25 and under. Phone, web chat and crisis text message support along with discussion forums and info on a broad range of subjects for young people. Phone line ad web chat open 3pm til midnight every day, crisis text support available 24/7. Text THEMIX to 85258. | Website Text THEMIX to 85258 | UK wide |
| If U Care Share | Suicide prevention text chat service. Trained volunteers are on hand to help with a range of issues including abuse, anxiety, bullying, depression, loneliness, self-harm & suicide. NOTE: TEXT MESSAGE SERVICE ONLY. Text “IUCS” to 85258 to connect. Alternatively call for emotional support (Mon-Fri – 9am-5pm) | Website Call 0191 387 5661 Text IUCS to 85258 | UK wide |
| CALM – Campaign Against Living Miserably | Suicide prevention support line and web chat open 5pm to midnight 365 days per year. Also offers support to those who have lost someone to suicide. Web site has information and links on a wide variety of mental health topics. | Website 0800 58 58 58 (free) | UK wide |
| NHS inform (Scotland) – Mental Wellbeing | Mental wellbeing – Online advice for dealing with low mood, anxiety, phobias, stress and where to can get help. | Website | Scotland |
| NI Direct – Government Mental Health Services | A range of mental health services in Northern Ireland that can provide help, information and support. | Website | Northern Ireland |
| Tommy’s: baby loss support | Charity providing information, advice and support in cases of baby loss | Website 0800 0147 800 (free) | UK wide |
| The Royal British Legion | The Legion is here to help members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, veterans and their families. Lines are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week. | Website info@britishlegion.org.uk 0808 802 8080 (free) | UK wide |
| NHS IAPT Service | If you live in England and are aged 18 or over, you can access NHS talking therapies services for anxiety and depression. A GP can refer you, or you can refer yourself directly without a referral. NHS talking therapies services offer: talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), counselling, other therapies, and guided self-help. Help for common mental health problems, like anxiety and depression. | Website | England |
| NHS Every Mind Matters | Mental Health advice and wellbeing tips. | Website | UK wide |
| Breathing Space | Non-emergency helpline offering empathy, understanding and advice through active listening. For anyone in Scotland, 16 years or over. Opening hours: Weekdays: Monday-Thursday 6pm to 2am and Weekend: Friday 6pm-Monday 6am. | Website 0800 83 85 87 (free) | Scotland |
| Samaritans | Helpline for people in crisis, including those with suicidal feelings | Website 116 123 (free) | UK and Ireland |
| Family Lives (formerly ParentLine) | Helpline for any aspects of family life and parenting, including bullying | Website 0808 800 2222 (free) | UK wide |
| Victim Support (England and Wales) | Support line for offering information and support for victims of crime. Independent, free, and confidential advice. | Website 0808 1689 111 (free) | England, Wales |
| Victim Support (Northern Ireland) | An independent charity which helps people affected by crime. They offer a free and confidential service, whether or not the crime has been reported, regardless of how long ago the crime took place. Opening hours are Monday -Friday: 9am-5pm | Website 028 9024 3133 | Northern Ireland |
| Victim Support (Scotland) | An independent charity, who provide support and information to people affected by crime and campaign for victim and witness rights. Regardless of whether a crime has been reported or when it happened, the service is free, confidential and tailored to individuals’ needs. Open Mon-Fri – 8am-8pm | Website 0800 160 1985 (free) | Scotland |
| Lifeline Northern Ireland | Support line for those experiencing distress or despair in Northern Ireland. Support line for those experiencing distress or despair in Northern Ireland. 24/7 service. Textphone: 18001 0808 808 8000. Textphone can be accessed using the NGT Lite App. | Website 0808 808 8000 (free) | Northern Ireland |
| Community Advice and Listening Line | Support line for information and emotional support on mental health in Wales. Open 24/7/365 | Website 0800 132 737 (free) | Wales |
| Mind | Advice and support for people experiencing a mental health problems. Info Line: 0300 123 3393, Support Line: 0300 102 1234 | Website 0300 102 1234 (free) | England, Wales |
| Frank | Support and information about drugs and alcohol |
Website
0300 123 6600
Text 82111 |
UK wide |
| DrugFAM | Support for families affected by drug, alcohol and gambling addiction. Open 9am-9pm Monday – Friday, Weekends 9am-1pm. | Website 0300 888 3853 | UK wide |
| YoungMinds | Support for young people experiencing a mental health problem. Parents Helpline on 0808 802 5544, Monday – Friday 9:30am – 4:00pm. | Website 0808 802 5544 (free) | Wales |
| Inspire (formerly NI Assoc. for Mental Health) | Advice and support for people experiencing mental health problems. If you are in emotional distress or despair call Lifeline on 0808 808 8000 and speak to a counsellor immediately. For support or information about mental health, call our Advocacy for All team on 0808 189 0036 | Website 028 9032 847 | Northern Ireland |
| The Mens Advisory Project | Support for men’s issues in Northern Ireland, including counselling and anger management. If you want to speak to us about our services or if you wish to make an appointment, you may telephone our office between 9am-5pm. You may also request further information via email. |
Website
info@mapni.co.uk
Belfast: 028 9024 1929 Foyle: 028 7116 0001 |
Northern Ireland |
| Sane | Emotional support and practical advice for anyone experiencing a mental health problem. Open 4pm- 10pm – 365 days | Website 0300 304 7000 | UK wide |
| Anxiety UK | Support and information for anyone with an anxiety disorder. TAUK to us service can be found following the web link. | Website 03444 775 774 | UK wide |
| OCD-UK | Support for people affected by Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and related conditions. Available 10am-midday most days and 5pm-7pm Tuesday & Thursday. | Website support@ocduk.org 01332 588112 | UK wide |
| Hoarding UK | Support and advice for hoarders. Open Monday-Friday 10am-5pm. | Website info@hoardinguk.org | UK wide |
| The Compassionate Friends | The Compassionate Friends (TCF) is a charitable organisation of bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents dedicated to the support and care of other similarly bereaved family members who have suffered the death of a child or children from a month old and and from any cause. For bereavement support call our Helpline on: 0345 123 2304. (Open 10 am – 4 pm, 7 – 10 pm every day of the year) |
Website
helpline@tcf.org.uk
0345 123 2304
Northern Ireland: 0345 123 2304 |
UK wide |
| Cruse Bereavement Care | Bereavement support. Opening Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 9.30am-5pm, Tuesday: 1pm – 8pm, Saturday – Sunday: Closed. | Website 0808 808 1677 (free) | UK wide |
Missing persons and tracing |
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| Missing People | Works with young runaways, missing and unidentified people, and their families. Our helpline is open 7 days per week, between 9am and 11pm. If you are missing, thinking of going missing, or someone you know is missing, we’re here for you. You can call or text us, even if you have no credit on your mobile. | Website 116000@missingpeople.org.uk 116 000 (free) | UK wide |
| Family Tracing Service, Salvation Army | Working with family members who have lost contact with each other | Website family.tracing@salvationarmy.org.uk 020 7367 4747 | UK wide |
| ReUnite International | Charity specialising in child abduction and the movement of children across international borders. | Website 0116 2556 234 | UK wide |
| Children and Families Across Borders | Identifies and protects children that have been separated from family members as a consequence of trafficking, abduction, migration, divorce, conflict and asylum. Unable to provide support with family tracing. Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. | Website 020 7735 8941 | UK wide |
| Child Migrant Trust | Support for former child migrants to search for their families and gain information about their childhood | Website 0115 982 2811 | UK wide |
Mobility Aids |
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| BRC Store: Mobility Aids | Store for buying mobility assistance tools for all over the house | Website | UK wide |
Money and debt |
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| Citizens Advice Help to Claim | Our Help to Claim advisers can help you with the early stages of your Universal Credit claim. You can talk to them on the phone, online over chat or using our British Sign Language (BSL) service. Our advisers can help you: Work out if you can get Universal Credit, fill in the Universal Credit application, prepare for your first Jobcentre appointment, check your first payment is correct. 8am to 6pm Mon-Fri | Website England: 0800 144 8 444 Scotland: 0800 023 2581 Wales: 08000 241 220 | England, Scotland, Wales |
| Pension Services | Get information about State Pensions, Pension credits & cold weather payments. | Website 0800 731 0469 In English. 0800 731 0453 in Welsh | UK wide |
| Money Helper Service: Financial Wellbeing Support | Money Helper Service providing financial assistance and support and direction to further support regarding money issues. Opening times: Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm | Website 0800 138 7777 (English) 0800 138 0555 (Welsh) | UK wide |
| Universal Credit Helpline | Government helpline for people attempting to claim universal credit. | Website 0800 328 5644 | UK wide |
| Scottish Welfare Fund | You can apply for: Crisis Grant – to help with an unexpected emergency like a fire or flood, losing your money or your job or Community Care Grant – to help you or someone you care for to start to live, or to carry on living, a settled life in the community. You need to apply through your local council. | Website | Scotland |
| Discretionary Assistance Fund (Wales) | A grant to help pay for essential costs, such as food, gas, electricity, clothing or emergency travel if you are experiencing extreme financial hardship, have lost your job or have applied for benefits and are waiting for your first payment. Wales only. Apply online or by phone. Open: 9.30am to 4.00pm Monday to Friday | Website daf.feedback@necsws.com 0800 859 5924 (free) | Wales |
| Money Helper | Financial advice service combining information from multiple UK government sources. An independent and impartial organisation. Does not have access to people’s pension records, and does not provide regulated financial advice. Extensive online information, live chat and telephone support service. | Website 0800 011 3797 (free pension helpline) 0345 602 7021 (Helpline for the self-employed) | UK wide |
| advice.scot | Advice service covering a wide range of topics for people in Scotland, including benefits, employment, housing, neighbourhood issues, and family & relationships. Online info resource, web-based chat service and free helpline open Monday-Friday, 9am to 5pm. | Website 08088009060 | Scotland |
| Step Change Debt Charity | Expert advice on debt. Open: Monday to Friday 8am-8pm, Saturday 9am-2pm | Website 0800 138 1111 | UK wide |
| Society of St. Vincent de Paul | Has a wide range of support from practical help and advice to a friendly ear, all contact is dealt with in strict confidence. You can request help directly on the website, use the online form or contact the local office. There are 8 local SVP regional offices throughout the Ireland. | Website | Ireland |
| Wales Citizens Advice Private Rented Sector Debt Helpline | Free, confidential & independent advice for tenants in private rented accommodation. Open Mon to Fri 9:00am – 5:00pm | Website 0300 330 2177 | Wales |
| Citizens Advice Bureau – Fuel (gas and electricity) advice | What to do if you’re struggling to pay your energy bills, Fuel (gas and electricity) advice Textphone: 18001 0808 223 1133 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. closed on bank holidays) Welsh-speaking adviser: 0808 223 1144 Textphone for Welsh-speaking adviser: 18001 0808 223 1144 | Website 0808 223 1133 (free) | England, Scotland, Wales |
| Citizens Advice Bureau – Fuel (gas and electricity) advice – pre-payment meter | Money and Debt – Fuel (gas and electricity) advice. What to do if you can’t afford to top up your pre-payment meter Textphone: 18001 0808 223 1133 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. closed on bank holidays).Welsh-speaking adviser: 0808 223 1144 Textphone for Welsh-speaking adviser: 18001 0808 223 1144 | Website 0808 223 1133 (free) | England, Scotland, Wales |
| Citizens Advice Bureau NI | List of local advice agencies in Northern Ireland who can help with debt | Website | Northern Ireland |
| Advice NI | Money and Debt – Northern Ireland. Free, confidential and impartial debt and money advice. Helpline – Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm | Website 0800 915 4604 (Free) | Northern Ireland |
| National Debtline | Money and Debt – Struggling to pay bills. Advice and contacts for difficulties in paying energy bills. National Helpline – Monday to Friday 9am – 8pm | Website 0808 808 4000 (free) | England, Scotland, Wales |
| OFGEM | Fuel (gas and electricity) advice. Who to contact if it’s difficult paying energy bills | Website | England, Wales |
| Citizens Advice | Benefits, Work, Debt and Money, Consumer, Housing, Family, Law and Courts, Immigration and Health dispute advice. Find your local citizens advice on the website. Adviceline’s available 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. It’s usually busiest at the beginning and end of the day. It’s not available on public holidays. | Website 0800 144 8848 (National) 0800 702 2020 (Wales) | England, Wales |
| Turn 2 Us | Support for people in financial need to access welfare benefits, charitable grants and other financial help. The helpline is open from 9.00 am – 5.00 pm Monday-Friday | Website 0808 802 2000 (free) | UK wide |
| The Edward Gostling Foundation | Grants for people with mental and physical disabilities. Formerly the ACT Foundation. | Website 01753 753 900 | UK wide |
| Independence at Home | Grants for people with a physical or learning disability, long term illness. If you believe you might be eligible for a grant, please ask your physiotherapist, occupational therapist, mental health nurse, GP, or social prescriber, social worker or an advisor from your local Citizens Advice Bureau or another charity or organisation to act as your Referrer. | Website iah@independenceathome.org.uk 020 8427 7929 | UK wide |
| Rural Support | Support for Northern Ireland farmers and farm families, including money and mental health | Website 0800 138 1678 (free) | Northern Ireland |
Other |
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| Community Transport Services (TFL – Use for London) | London Specific Community Transport – Directs to Community Transport hub of each individual London borough. Community Transport can provide door-to-door transport to people in local communities who can’t use mainstream public transport allowing them to access work, training and social activities. | Website | London |
| Community Transport (Postcode Search Use for England and Wales) | Community Transport search by postcode for England and Wales. For local organisations providing transport. Using everything from minibuses to mopeds, typical services include voluntary car schemes, community bus services, school transport, hospital transport, dial a ride, wheels to work and group hire services. | Website | England, Wales |
| CrimeStoppers | We’re an independent charity that gives people the power to speak up and stop crime – 100% anonymously. | Website 0800 555 111 | England, Scotland, Wales |
| Police Force finder | A finder for the police forces of the UK | Website | UK wide |
| Law Centres | Offers Legal advice and lawyer support for people that cannot afford a lawyer. Operate on a non-for-profit basis. Offer legal advice, casework and representation to individuals and groups. Local centres can be found from the Website. | Website | UK wide |
| Community Transport Association (Use this for Scotland and Northern Ireland – Select area in drop down) | Umbrella organisation with details for local organisations providing transport. Using everything from minibuses to mopeds, typical services include voluntary car schemes, community bus services, school transport, hospital transport, dial a ride, wheels to work and group hire services. If the area isnt an option on the site please direct to the local council. | Website | Northern Ireland, Scotland |
| End Furniture Poverty | Use ‘finding furniture’ section to identify possibilities of obtaining furniture. Search using a postcode to find the nearest supplier. Welfare assistance tool is also available on this site. Only available online. | Website | UK wide |
Pets |
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| The Dogs Trust | Charity offering advice, rehoming & fostering services for Dogs. Offer Dog Food Banks and support for dog owners experiencing homelessness including veterinary scheme, which provides free veterinary treatment to dogs whose owners are experiencing homelessness or in housing crisis. Welcoming Dogs scheme, which helps temporary accommodation providers become dog-friendly. Online directory of dog-friendly homelessness services in the UK. Christmas parcel service, where we send out dog goodies to owners. Open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. | Website info@dogstrust.org.uk 020 7837 0006 | UK wide |
| The Cinnamon Trust | The National Charity for the elderly, the terminally ill and their pets. Help keep owners and their pets together by for example, dog walking, animal husbandry or fostering during hospital stays. | Website 01736 757 900 | England, Wales |
| SSPCA | Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals | Website 03000 999 999 | Scotland |
| Cats Protection | UK’s leading feline welfare charity provides information, help and advice on cat care, plus neutering and homing. | Website 03000121212 9-5 Mon-Fri | England, Scotland, Wales |
| PDSA | The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals offers free and low-cost veterinary care of pets. For owners who receive benefits and live near a pet hospital. For veterinary enquiries, please call: 0800 731 2502 Lines are open 8:30am-5:30pm Monday to Friday. For other general enquiries, including making donations, please call: 0800 917 2509 Lines are open 9:00am-5:00pm Monday to Friday | Website 0800 731 2502 (Veterinary enquiries) 0800 917 2509 (General enquiries) | UK wide |
| RSPCA | Animal welfare charity | Website | England, Wales |
| Blue Cross | Animal charity who have been helping sick, injured and homeless pets. Also offer affordable vet care and pet food banks. | Website 0300 790 9903 | UK wide |
Physical health and disability |
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| British Heart Foundation | British Heart Foundation offers comprehensive, trusted information about all aspects of heart health. It covers risk factors like high cholesterol through to specific heart and circulatory conditions, tests and treatments. It can help at all stages from initial concern through diagnosis to recovery and long-term condition management. You can also speak to a cardiac nurse by phone, email or online chat to answer any specific questions you might have. Heart Helpline: open Mon-Fri 9-5 excluding bank holidays. | Website hearthelpline@bhf.org.uk 0808 802 1234 (Free) | UK wide |
| Home Adaptations (NHS) | The NHS can make Home adaptations are changes you can make to your home. These make it safer and easier to move around and do everyday tasks. Application for assessment is done online through the webpage | Website | UK wide |
| Online pharmacies | NHS register online pharmacies, including repeat prescriptions and home deliveries | Website | UK wide |
| NHS 111 | Non-emergency NHS helpline offering access to local services both in and out of hours. NHS 111 can help if you think you need medical help right now. | Website 111 (free) | England, Scotland, Wales |
| Royal National Institute for Deaf People – RNID | Information and support for those affected by hearing loss. Formerly Action on Hearing Loss. SignLive is also available to arrange a BSL video call. If you can’t hear or speak on the phone, you can type what you want to say. Call 18001 followed by 0808 808 0123. You can use Relay UK with an app. We’re open 8:30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. | Website contact@rnid.org.uk 0808 808 0123 (free) | UK wide |
| MacMillan | Advice and support for people affected by cancer | Website 0808 808 0000 | UK wide |
| Marie Curie | The UK’s leading end of life charity. They provide frontline nursing and hospice care, a free support line and a wealth of information and support on all aspects of dying, death and bereavement. Available 8am-6pm Monday to Friday, and 11am-5pm on Saturdays. |
Website
0800 090 2309 (free)
Professional referrals: 0845 056 7899 |
UK wide |
| Marie Curie Northern Ireland | The UK’s leading end of life charity. They provide frontline nursing and hospice care, a free support line and a wealth of information and support on all aspects of dying, death and bereavement. | Website 0800 716 146 | Northern Ireland |
| Disability Action | Support for people with disabilities in Northern Ireland. Regional office numbers on website. | Website | Northern Ireland |
| Royal National Institute for Blind People | Information and support for anyone affected by sight loss. We’re open 8am – 8pm on weekdays and 9am – 1pm on Saturdays. | Website helpline@rnib.org.uk 0303 123 9999 | UK wide |
| Scope | Support, information and advice to people with disabilities and their families | Website helpline@scope.org.uk 0808 800 3333 (free) | UK wide |
| Family Fund | Money grants to low-income families with disabled or seriously ill children and young people under 17. UPDATE 23/09/2021: Web site says they are experiencing very high call volume and are asking people to make contact online first. | Website 01904 55 00 55 | UK wide |
| Diabetes UK | Information and support for anyone affected by diabetes. Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. | Website 0345 123 2399 England, Wales & Northern Ireland Email – helpline@diabetes.org.uk Scotland Email – helpline.scotland@diabetes.org.uk Scotland Phone – 0141 212 8710 | UK wide |
| Stroke Association | Support for people affected by strokes, including cash grants | Website 0303 3033 100 | UK wide |
| Headway | Support for people affected by brain injuries | Website 0808 800 2244 (free) | UK wide |
Red Cross |
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| Cardops | British red cross card distribution team. For NSL purposes this team distributes SIM cards. Any issues with getting SIM cards should be directed to this team for advice. Please ask people to be patient however and if it hasnt been two weeks since the form submission its likely worth waiting. | Cardops@redcross.org.uk 0300 322 1425 | UK wide |
| BRC Media Team | Please direct enquiries from Journalists to the British Red Cross Media Team. | 0207 877 7557 press@redcross.org.uk | UK wide |
| Free Education Workshops, British Red Cross | Free education workshops for adults (19+), to help build confidence and learn practical skills to cope with emergencies. Free education workshops for children and young people (10-19), covering topics of wellbeing, first aid training, migration and more. Workshops are Online & Face to Face. | Website | UK wide |
| Free Will Writing Service, British Red Cross | The British Red Cross offers a free will writing service through our partnership with the National Free Wills Network. Their participating solicitors are available to help you with writing your will for free. All you need to do is request a will writing pack and they will send a list of solicitors local to you. | Website legacy@redcross.org.uk 0300 500 0401 | UK wide |
| RedCross well being and mental health resources | Redcross Wellbeing and mental health resources. The BRC Community Education Team have been working to rollout a new BRC offer – ‘Wellbeing Support for adults & children’. | Website | UK wide |
| Red Cross General Enquries | Red Cross General enquiry line | Website 0344 871 11 11 | UK wide |
| UK Drought Advice: Drought in the UK – How to prepare | Advice on how to prepare for a drought in the UK | Website | UK wide |
| Red Cross First Aid Training | Contact this team about an interest in a course, information regarding an existing booking and general enquiries related to individuals or organisations looking for training from the Red Cross. Open Monday to Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm. | Website 0344 871 8000 | UK wide |
| Fundraising QA | Answers questions around BRC Fundraising and verifies fundraisers | Website supportercare@redcross.org.uk 0300 456 1155(10am-5pm) and 0800 0319811(5pm-9pm) | UK wide |
| Global Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies | A list of Red Cross, Red Crescent and Red Crystal societies in countries around the globe. Useful for signposting anyone who calls from or regarding people outside the UK. | Website | UK wide |
| Health and Home Care Services, British Red Cross | If help help at home needed, we usually need a referral from a GP or another professional. To find out more, or get help with loneliness, contact our team in your area. | Website | UK wide |
| Help for Afghan Refugees in the UK | British Red Cross information page for Afghan Refugees in the UK, including information on life in the UK, BRC family tracing services and sources of support. | Website | UK wide |
| BRC Gift Shop | The callers can direct queries about their orders to the provided email address and phone number. | Website shoponline@redcross.org.uk 0344 89 300 90 | UK wide |
| British Red Cross Mobility Aids | Wheelchairs for people discharged from hospital and need help getting around. Search for your local Mobility Aids Service: https://www.redcross.org.uk/get-help/hire-a-wheelchair/find-your-local-wheelchair-service | Website 0300 456 1914 | UK wide |
| Donate to British Red Cross | Donate money to British Red Cross for general work or specific causes | Website 0300 456 1155 | UK wide |
| Volunteer with British Red Cross | Opportunities to volunteer with BRC including emergency response, refugee support and independent living | Website | UK wide |
| Charity shops, British Red Cross | Find your nearest Red Cross charity shop | Website | UK wide |
| Local Family Tracing, British Red Cross | Find family missing in the UK | Website | UK wide |
| International Family Tracing, British Red Cross | Help finding family separated due to national emergencies, war, natural disaster or migration. | Website | UK wide |
Safeguarding |
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| Men’s Advice | Men’s Advice Line Advisors will believe you, offer you non-judgmental emotional support, practical advice and information. Mon–Fri 10am-5pm. Free from landlines and mobile phones within the UK. | Website 0808 801 0327 (free) | UK wide |
| Domestic Abuse – Scotland – Scottish Women’s Aid | Free, confidential support 24 hours a day to domestic abuse victims and those who are worried about friends and loved ones. | Website helpline@sdafmh.org.uk 0800 027 1234 (free 24 hour service) | Scotland |
| Domestic Abuse – Wales – Live Fear Free | Free, confidential support 24 hours a day to victims and those who are worried about friends and loved ones. | Website info@livefearfreehelpline.wales Telephone: 0808 801 0800 Text: 078600 77 333 | Wales |
| Domestic Abuse – England – Refuge | Free, confidential support 24 hours a day to victims and those who are worried about friends and loved ones. | Website 0808 2000 247 | England |
| Child social services, local councils | Child safeguarding teams at local councils | Website | England, Northern Ireland, Wales |
| Adult social care, local councils | Adult social care at local councils, including safeguarding. Search for your local council by entering your postcode and further search for adult social care services on your local council website. | Website | UK wide |
Ukraine |
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| Application for Ukrainians to remain in the UK | Government site allowing Ukrainians who were in the UK before the outbreak of conflict to apply to remain in the country. | Website | UK wide |
| Barnardos Ukraine Response | Service for families fleeing Ukraine conflict. Offers phone or online psychotherapy sessions, advice on a range of issues e.g., housing, accessing key health services, education, employment and more. Also offers practical support including access to digital devices, toys for children, vital baby items. Opening hours: Monday – Friday 10.00am-8.00pm, Saturday 10.00am-3.00pm. Interpreters available in Ukrainian and Russian. | Website ukrainiansupport@barnardos.org.uk 0800 148 8586 | UK wide |
