Signposting to other services
Contact information for other services that can support people
Service types
- Age related health
- Asylum seeker/Refugee/Migration
- Children and young people
- Coronavirus – agencies
- Coronavirus – health
- Food and medication
- Fuel Poverty
- Government
- Homelessness
- Loneliness and isolation
- Mental health and bereavement
- Missing persons and tracing
- Money and debt
- Pets
- Physical health and disability
- Red Cross
- Safeguarding
- Support lines
- Ukraine
| Service | What it does | Contact | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
Age related health |
|||
| 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. | 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 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 – 6.30pm | Website advice@independentage.org 0800 319 6789 (free) | UK wide |
| Care UK | Company providing health and social care | Website 03339 202 906 | UK wide |
| Hourglass (formerly Action on Elder Abuse) | Support to protect vulnerable older adults who are at risk of various forms of abuse | Website 0808 808 8141 (free) | UK wide |
| Alzheimer’s Society | Support for people affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia | 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 | 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 1 800 341 341 (free) | Ireland |
Asylum seeker/Refugee/Migration |
|||
| 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. Also offers therapy sessions for asylum seekers. 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 |
| Positive Action in Housing | SCOTLAND – Advice service for refugees and asylum seekers with web chat, email and phone support. Also has extensive information on their web site on issues facing asylum seekers. Also runs a crisis fund for refugees facing destitution. | Website 0141 353 2220 (Mon-Thurs mornings) | Scotland |
| 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 | 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 |
| 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 – please see web site for full opening times and details. 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 |
|||
| 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 during Covid-19 to reduce potential levels of harm through online resources, support and interventions including reintegration back into school. Professionals can fill in a referral form on the link. 1. Any young person that is under 16 to be referred to Barnados 0800 157 7015 or by completing a self-referral form https://www.barnardos.org.uk/see-hear-respond 2. It is suggested that you assist the young person by completing the form with them during the call; especially if they do not have access to a computer 3. You can also refer families that have concerns about their children as Barnados offer a whole family approach 4. Do not record and details of the call on your forms/database – mark as “anonymous” and state Barnados referral in the narrative box | Website Child/young person or parent/carer: 0800 157 7015: Monday – Friday 9am – 9pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am – 6pm (free) | 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 | 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 | 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 |
|||
| 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 |
| Humanity First | Non-emergency helpline offering support and further signposting | Website 0333 880 6619 | 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 |
Coronavirus – health |
|||
| Community Transport Association | Umbrella organisation with details for local organisations providing transport, including for medical appointments. | Website | UK wide |
| NHS inform (Scotland) | Scotland’s national health information service. Vaccine information and booking for tests. | Website 0800 22 44 88 (free) | Scotland |
| NHS Scotland Covid-19 vaccine information | If you have any questions about the COVID-19 vaccination visit the website or call (phone line open from 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week). | Website 0800 030 8013 (free) | Scotland |
| NHS Scotland Services | Information on how to get the right NHS care, in the right place safely during the coronavirus pandemic. | Website 111 (free) | Scotland |
| COVID Tiers In my area, Information and Support | Find out the coronavirus restrictions in your local area using a postcode. England, with links for Scotland, Wales, NI | Website | UK wide |
| Long COVID – NHS | Your COVID Recovery website – online long COVID recovery resource for patients | Website | UK wide |
| Long COVID – UK Gov Video | A video sharing experiences of long COVID – Issued Oct 2020 | Website | UK wide |
| Long COVID – UK Gov Information | Long COVID information and advice – Issued Oct 2020 | Website | UK wide |
| Coronavirus testing – For non-essential workers | NHS – Apply for a test (non-essential workers) | Website | UK wide |
| Coronavirus Testing | NHS – Information about the Corona virus test – Who qualifies and how to access the test | Website 119 for England, Wales and NI 0300 303 2713 for Scotland | England, UK wide |
| Online pharmacies | NHS register online pharmacies, including repeat prescriptions and home deliveries | Website | UK wide |
| Government support for medically vulnerable people | Register to get support with getting essential supplies or basic care needs | Website | UK wide |
| NHS.UK | NHS advice about Coronavirus | Website | UK wide |
| NHS 111 Covid-19 | Check symptoms for Coronavirus (Covid-19) | Website | UK wide |
| NHS 111 status checker | Tell the NHS about your current experience of coronavirus | Website | UK wide |
| NHS mental wellbeing while staying at home | Tell the NHS about your current experience of coronavirus | Website | UK wide |
| Breathing Space | Non-emergency helpline offering empathy, understanding and advice through active listening | Website 0800 83 85 87 (free) | Scotland |
| NHS 111 | Non-emergency NHS helpline offering access to local services both in and out of hours | Website 111 (free) | England, Scotland, Wales |
Food and medication |
|||
| 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 | Coronavirus – 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 |
| Tesco | Food delivery prioritised for vulnerable people. Does not accept HUGG Vouchers or Gift cards on online shops. | Website 0800 917 7359 | UK wide |
| Morrisons Doorstep Delivery | Service offering essential items delivery for vulnerable and elderly customers. Does not accept cash or Hugg vouchers | Website 0345 611 6111 | UK wide |
| Covid-19 Mutual Aid UK | Local volunteers organising to support the most vulnerable in communities | Website | 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 |
| Huggg Voucher Information | Information on using Huggg vouchers, which local areas can distribute to people in need of food support. Please do not signpost users to this page unless they have first been offered food support by a local area team. | Website hello@huggg.me | UK wide |
| 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 |
|||
| Community Action on Fuel Poverty | Useful links to government and energy company services for people experiencing fuel poverty. Not in Northern Ireland. | Website | England, Scotland, Wales |
| 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 & Boiler Replacement Schemes | Schemes helping with insulation, window replacement, boiler replacement and fuel poverty. Only applies to privately owned or privately rented homes. Some restrictions apply. | Website | Northern Ireland |
Government |
|||
| Local council | Find your local council by postcode | Website | UK wide |
| UK Government Guidance for Coronavirus: Travel Corridors in England | A list of countries, territories and regions from where you can travel to England and may not have to self-isolate. | Website | England |
| Scottish Government Guidance for Coronavirus: International Travel and Quarantine | A list of countries, territories and regions from where you can travel to Scotland and may not have to self-isolate | Website | Scotland |
| Northern Ireland Government Guidance for Coronavirus: Advice for International Travel | Countries, territories and regions from where you can travel to Northern Ireland and may not have to self-isolate | Website | Northern Ireland |
| Wales Government Guidance for Coronavirus: Advice for International Travel | A list of countries, territories and regions from where you can travel to Wales and may not have to self-isolate. | Website | Wales |
| 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 1500 | 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 |
| Covid 19 Workers – Employment – Government | Coronavirus (COVID-19): work and financial support information | Website | UK wide |
| Coronavirus testing – Government – essential workers | Government Website – Apply for a test (for essential workers) | Website | UK wide |
Homelessness |
|||
| 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 | Website enquiries@crisis.org.uk 0300 636 1967 | UK wide |
| Emmaus | Support for people who have experienced homelessness | Website 0300 303 7555 | UK wide |
| Street Link | Connects homeless people with local support services | Website | UK wide |
| 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 streetconcern@mungos.org | London and South East England |
| Simon Community (London) | Emergency accommodation, advice and community support for people who are homeless | Website 0207 485 6639 | London |
| 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 |
|||
| 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 | Website info@reengage.org.uk 0800 716 543 (free) | UK wide |
| The Salvation Army | Local social clubs and activities to support those who are lonely or isolated | Website info@salvationarmy.org.uk 020 7367 4500 | 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, assisted shopping, escorts to appointments etc. Postcode searcher on website | Website 01332 296200 Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm | 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 and meditation classes. Not restricted by age. | Website 0330 555 0310 | UK wide |
| Connecting With You (Scotland) | Service for people aged 18 and over living in Scotland and experiencing loneliness. Support to regain confidence and reengage with local community. Phone line open 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday | Website 0300 30 36 077 | Scotland |
| Golden Oldies | Singing and activity sessions |
Website
Wales: 07796 714816 South West: 01761 470006 |
UK wide |
Mental health and bereavement |
|||
| Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline | LGBT+ support line for emotional support and advice on LGBT issues. Phone line open from 10:00-22:00, chat function accessed from their website open after 19:00, emails aim to be replied to within 72 hours. | Website chris@switchboard.lgbt 0300 330 0630 | 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. | Website | 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. Open Everyday 9am – 12am (Midnight) | 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 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 0808 808 4994 | 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. | Website 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 |
| The Beaumont Society | National self-help body run by and for transgender people, transvestites, transsexuals, their partners and families, offering advice on cross dressing and gender dysphoria. | Website 01582412220 | 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 |
| NHS IAPT Service | NHS directory of Psychological therapies (IAPT) by area (England only) | Website | England |
| Mind | Advice and support for people experiencing a mental health problem | Website 0300 123 3393 (free) | England, Wales |
| Frank | Support and information about drugs and alcohol |
Website
0300 123 6600
Textphone for hearing impairments: 0300 123 1099 Text 82111 Live chat (2pm – 6pm) |
UK wide |
| We Are With You | Support with alcohol, drugs or mental health | Website | UK wide |
| Adfam | Support for families affected by addiction | Website | UK wide |
| DrugFAM | Support for families affected by drug, alcohol and gambling addiction | Website 0300 888 3853 | UK wide |
| YoungMinds | Support for young people experiencing a mental health problem. For text support, text YM to 85258. | Website 0808 802 5544 (free) | Wales |
| Inspire (formerly NI Assoc. for Mental Health) | Advice and support for people experiencing mental health problems | Website 028 9032 847 | Northern Ireland |
| The Mens Advisory Project | Support for men’s issues in Northern Ireland, including counselling and anger management |
Website
Belfast: 028 9024 1929 Foyle: 028 7116 0001 |
Northern Ireland |
| Sane | Emotional support and practical advice for anyone experiencing a mental health problem. Update 20/09/2021: “SANE’s Services remain open every day of the year but due to current restrictions on our help room we ask you to leave a first name, number and quick message on 07984 967 708” | Website 0300 304 7000 | UK wide |
| Anxiety UK | Support and information for anyone with an anxiety disorder. Text support: 07537 416 905 | Website 03444 775 774 | UK wide |
| OCD-UK | Support for people affected by Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and related conditions | Website support@ocduk.org 01332 588112 | UK wide |
| Hoarding UK | Support and advice for hoarders. Helpline Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm | Website 0203 239 1600 | UK wide |
| The Compassionate Friends | Support line for families who have suffered the death of a child |
Website
0845 123 2304
Northern Ireland: 0345 123 2304 |
UK wide |
| Cruse Bereavement Care | Bereavement support | Website info@cruse.org.uk 0808 808 1677 (free) | UK wide |
| Road Peace | Support line for people who have been injured and/or bereaved from a crash | Website 0845 450 0355 | UK wide |
| Sands | Still birth and neonatal death charity which provides support for bereaved parents and their families | Website helpline@sands.org.uk 0808 164 3332 (free) | UK wide |
Missing persons and tracing |
|||
| Missing People | Works with young runaways, missing and unidentified people, and their families | 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 0845 634 4747 | UK wide |
| International Social Services | Tracing birth parents in the case of adoption or children in the case of separation or divorce. UK affiliate is Children and Families Across Borders (CFAB) www.cfab.org.uk. | Website info@cfab.org.uk 0207 735 8941 | 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. | 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 |
Money and debt |
|||
| Universal Credit Helpline | Government helpline for people attempting to claim universal credit. | Website 0800 328 5644 | UK wide |
| Scottish Welfare Fund | Crisis grants for fire, floor or other disasters, or financial emergencies like job loss or sudden unexpected expenses. Also Covid isolation grants and community care grants for people who need help living in their community. Scotland only, all applications through local councils. | 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 (0930 to 1630, Monday to Friday). | Website 0800 859 5924 (free) | Wales |
| Money Helper | Financial advice service combining information from multiple UK government sources. Extensive online information, live chat and telephone support service. | 0800 011 3797 (free) | 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 by web chat (Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm) and phone (Monday to Friday 8am-8pm, Saturday 8am-4pm). | Website 0800 138 1111 | UK wide |
| Society of St. Vincent de Paul | Northern Ireland: financial support and advice | 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 | 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 028 1881 (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 | Advice on finances, consumer rights, housing and benefits |
Website
England: 03444 111 444 Scotland: 0808 800 9060 Wales: 03444 77 20 20 |
England, Scotland, Wales |
| Advice NI | Advice about benefits and money for people in Northern Ireland. UPDATE 31/7/20 – Continues to operate as a country-wide helpline for people struggling with any issues in relation to Covid19. The helpline no longer operates over the weekend. Opening hours Monday – Friday 9 am – 5 pm | Website 0808 802 0020 (free) | Northern Ireland |
| Turn 2 Us | Support for people in financial need to access welfare benefits, charitable grants and other financial help | 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 | Website iah@independenceathome.org.uk 020 8427 7929 | UK wide |
| Stepchange | Support and advice on managing debt | Website 0800 138 1111 (free) | UK wide |
| Rural Support | Support for Northern Ireland farmers and farm families, including money and mental health | Website 0800 138 1678 (free) | Northern Ireland |
Pets |
|||
| The Cinnamon Trust | The National Charity for the elderly, the terminally ill and their pets | 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. | Website 0800 917 2509 9-5 Mon-Fri (free) | UK wide |
| RSPCA | Animal welfare charity | Website | England, Wales |
| Blue Cross | Animal charity who have been helping sick, injured and homeless pets | Website 0300 790 9903 | UK wide |
Physical health and disability |
|||
| 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 |
| Coping with Heatwaves BRC | Advice and guidance for coping with heatwaves | Website | UK wide |
| Royal National Institute for Deaf People – RNID | Information and support for those affected by hearing loss. Formerly Action on Hearing Loss. |
Website
0800 808 0123 (free)
Textphone: 0808 808 900 Text: 07800 000360 |
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. |
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 |
| CLIC Sargent | Support for children and young people with cancer, as well as parents and professionals | Website 0300 330 0803 | UK wide |
| Maggie’s Centres | Support for people affected by cancer | Website 0300 123 1801 | UK wide |
| MS Society | Support for people affected by Multiple Sclerosis | Website helpline@mssociety.org.uk 0808 800 8000 (free) | UK wide |
| Disability Action | Support for people with disabilities in Northern Ireland | Website 028 9029 7880 | Northern Ireland |
| Royal National Institute for Blind People | Information and support for anyone affected by sight loss | 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 info@familyfund.org.uk 01904 55 00 55 | UK wide |
| Diabetes UK | Information and support for anyone affected by diabetes | Website careline@diabetes.org.uk 0345 123 2399 | UK wide |
| Bladder and Bowel Foundation | Support for people with bladder and bowel control problems | Website help@bladderandbowelfoundation.org 0845 345 0165 | UK wide |
| Stroke Association | Support for people affected by strokes, including cash grants | Website 0303 3033 100 | UK wide |
| Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland | Advice and support for people affected by chest pains, heart attacks and strokes | Website 0808 801 0899 (free) | Scotland |
| Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke | Support groups to help people living with chest, heart and stroke conditions | Website 028 9032 0184 | Northern Ireland |
| Marie Stopes UK | Support to get abortions and other reproductive health options | Website 0345 300 8090 | UK wide |
| Headway | Support for people affected by brain injuries | Website 0808 800 2244 (free) | UK wide |
| Changing Faces | Support for people supports with conditions or injuries which affect their appearance | Website support@changingfaces.org.uk 0300 012 0275 | UK wide |
| National Blood Service | Donate blood in the UK | Website 0300 123 23 23 | UK wide |
| Blood Transfusion Service | Donate blood in Northern Ireland | Website 08085 534 666 Text ‘BLOOD’ to 60081 | Northern Ireland |
| National Blood Transfusion Service | Donate blood in Scotland | Website 0345 90 90 999 | Scotland |
Red Cross |
|||
| 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 |
| BRC Family Reunion Enquiry Line | Central service focused on provided advice to people who want to apply for visas. Open Tuesday and Thursday 11am – 1pm. | FRAdvice@redcross.org.uk 07834 496 781 | 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 |
| Support At Home, British Red Cross | Independent Living and transport support. 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 |
| Connecting Communities: British Red Cross | Support for those feeling lonely or isolated, including: phone calls, reconnecting with their community, discovering interests, staying healthy and support with issues. Service operates in 9 locations in England, some are 55+, please enter postcode on the webpage to find a service near them. | Website | England |
| British Red Cross Mobility Aids | Wheelchairs for people discharged from hospital and need help getting around | 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 |
|||
| Men’s Advice | Men’s Advice Line Advisors will believe you, offer you non-judgmental emotional support, practical advice and information. | 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 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 Telephone: 0808 801 0800 : TypeTalk: 18001 080 8801 : 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 Telephone & Typetalk: 0808 2000 247 | England |
| Safeguarding team, British Red Cross | Safeguarding advice for Red Cross volunteers and staff | Website 0300 004 0377 | UK wide |
| NSPCC | Child safeguarding | Website 0808 800 5000 (free) | UK wide |
| 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 | Website | UK wide |
Support lines |
|||
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Support Line: Gender Identity | This page lists organisations providing support for transgender, nonbinary and gender-diverse people. | Website 01708765200 | 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. | Website 0808 802 8080 (free) | UK wide |
| SSAFA the Armed Forces charity | SSAFA helps the armed forces community in a number of ways, though our focus is on providing direct support to individuals in need of physical or emotional care. | Website 0800 731 4880 (free) | UK wide |
| Tesco Customer Service | Main contact number for Tesco’s Customer Service enquiries | 0800 505555 | UK wide |
| End Furniture Poverty | Use ‘finding furniture’ section to identify possibilities of obtaining furniture. Search using a postcode to find the nearest supplier. Only available online. | Website | UK wide |
| Dementia UK | Dementia UK provides specialist dementia support for families | Website 0800 888 6678 (free) | UK wide |
| 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 |
| NAPAC | Support for adults dealing with the impact of childhood abuse | Website support@napac.org.uk 0808 801 0331 (free) | UK wide |
| Winston’s Wish | Support line for bereaved children and their families | Website 08088 020 021 (free) | UK wide |
| Forces Line | Support line for active and veteran soldiers, airmen, sailors, and their families | Website 0800 731 4880 (free) | UK wide |
| Rape Crisis (England and Wales) | Support line for abuse and sexual violence | Website 0808 802 9999 (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 |
| Victim Support (England and Wales) | Support line for offering information and support for victims of crime | Website 0808 1689 111 (free) | England, Wales |
| Victim Support (Northern Ireland) | Support line for offering information and support for victims of crime | Website 028 9024 3133 | Northern Ireland |
| Victim Support (Scotland) | Support line for offering information and support for victims of crime | Website 0800 160 1985 (free) | Scotland |
| Women’s Aid (Northern Ireland) | Support line for women affected by domestic abuse | Website 24hoursupport@dvhelpline.org 0808 802 1414 (free) Text ‘support’ to 07797 80583 | Northern Ireland |
| Lifeline Northern Ireland | Support line for those experiencing distress or despair in Northern Ireland. | Website 0808 808 8000 (free) | Northern Ireland |
| Community Advice and Listening Line | Support line for information and emotional support on mental health in Wales. | Website 0800 132 737 (free) Text ‘help’ to 81066 | Wales |
Ukraine |
|||
| 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 |
