If you're looking for advice or specialist support for a particular issue, these organisations may be able to help.
You can browse a range of different organisations using the categories below, where we have contact details and information on where they work.
Organisations
Abuse (victims)
NAPAC: National Association for People Abused in Childhood
Offers support to adult survivors who are 18+ years, with all types of childhood abuse.
- Note: NAPAC are closed Saturday and Sundays.
- Telephone: 0808 801 0331
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: http://www.napac.org.uk
Refuge National Domestic Violence Helpline (Women only)
Support for women experiencing domestic violence (inc. forced marriages/tech abuse/modern slavery).
- England: Telephone: 0808 200 0247
- Wales: Telephone: 0808 80 10 800
- Scotland: Telephone: 0800 027 1234
- N Ireland: Telephone: 0808 802 1414
Websites
Rape Crisis (Women only)
Support after rape, sexual assault, sexual abuse or any form of sexual violence. We are the charity working to end sexual violence and abuse.
- England & Wales Telephone: 0808 500 2222
- Scotland Telephone: 08088 01 03 02
- N Ireland Telephone: 0800 0246 991
- Scotland Text: 07537 410027
Websites:
- England & Wales: http://www.rapecrisis.org.uk
- Scotland: http://www.rapecrisisscotland.org.uk
- N. Ireland - http://www.rapecrisisni.org.uk
Respect Men's Advice Line (Men only)
Confidential helpline for men experiencing domestic violence in any relationship.
- Telephone: 0808 801 0327
- Email: [email protected]
- Online Chat: www.mensadviceline.org.uk
Survivors UK (Male sexual violence) (Children 13-18 yrs. or Adults over 18yrs)
Get help & support for sexually abused men as well as their friends and family.
- Telephone: 020 3598 3898
- SMS Text: 020 3322 1860
- Email: [email protected]
- Online Chat: Via website www.survivorsuk.org
Hourglass (over 60’s elder abuse)
Confidential services offering information/support to any older person (over 60) or anyone concerned about an older at risk of, experiencing or recovering from abuse or neglect.
- Telephone: 0808 808 8141
- Text: 07860 052906
- Email: [email protected]
- Online chat: via website www.wearehourglass.org
Karma Nirvana
UK charity working to end honour based abuse. Helpline available.
- Telephone: 0800 5999 247
- Webform via website: https://karmanirvana.org.uk/
Muslim Women’s Network UK (MWNUK)
Work to improve the social justice and equality for Muslim women and girls – support for women who are experiencing domestic violence.
- Telephone: 0800 999 5796
- Email: [email protected]
Website: www.mwnuk.co.uk
Abuse (of others)
Respect (Men and Women)
Confidential and anonymous helpline for anyone concerned about their violence and/or abuse towards a partner or ex-partner.
- Telephone: 0808 802 4040
- Email: [email protected]
- Online Chat: via website www.respectphoneline.org.uk
Stop it now! UK
Stop It Now! is run by The Lucy Faithfull Foundation, is dedicated solely to preventing child sexual abuse. Helpline for adult perpetrators of child sexual abuse/concerns about other adults abusing children. Stopitnow! can also offer support to family members who become aware a family member is accused of or convicted of child abuse.
- Telephone: 0808 1000 900
- Email: [email protected] - Please note it can take up to 7 days for a response.
- Online Chat: Via website www.stopitnow.org.uk
Addiction
Dan 24/7 (Wales)
Support with drug and alcohol problems.
- Telephone: 0808 808 2234
- Text: text DAN to 81066
- Website: www.dan247.org.uk
Drink Aware
National helpline for anyone concerned about their or others alcohol consumption.
- Telephone: 0300 123 1110
- Online Chat:Via website DRINKchat
- Via website DRINKchate
- Website: www.drinkaware.co.uk
Drugs and Alcohol NI (Northern Ireland)
Online directory for services in Northern Ireland, does not provide direct support.
- Website: http://www.drugsandalcoholni.info
- Drug and Alcohol Coordination Teams (DACT) http://www.drugsandalcoholni.info/contact-us/ for local contact information
Frank
Friendly, confidential drugs advice.
- Telephone: 0300 123 6600
- Text: 82111
- Email: [email protected]
- Online Chat: Via website www.talktofrank.com
GamCare
Information, advice, support and free counselling for the problem gambling.
- Telephone: 0808 8020 133
- Online Chat: www.gamcare.org.uk
Know the Score (Scotland)
Free confidential information about drugs.
- Telephone: 0800 587 5879
- Online Chat: Via website
- Website: www.knowthescore.info
Benefits, employment and rights
Citizens Advice
Impartial advice on rights and responsibilities across the UK.
- Telephone: 0800 144 8848 (England)
- Telephone: 0808 028 1456 (Scotland)
- Telephone: 0808 702 2020 (Wales)
- Online Chat: Via website www.adviceguide.org.uk
- Advice in Northern Ireland from local advice agency via website.
ACAS
Advice on employment rights for employers and employees in Great Britain.
- Telephone: 0300 123 1100
- Website: www.acas.org.uk
Labour Relations Agency (Northern Ireland)
Advice on employment rights for employers and employees in NI.
- Telephone: 0330 055 2220 (conciliation, mediation and arbitration)
- Telephone: 0330 055 5300 (employment rights)
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.lra.org.uk
HMRC
For anyone who requires practical support around PAYE, pensions, tax credits and benefits
Migrant Help UK
Resource and support for people seeking asylum and modern slavery/trafficking available online
- Telephone: 0808 8010 503 (free asylum helpline 24/7)
- Website: http://www.migranthelpuk.org
Bereavement
Child Bereavement UK
Support for families when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying, or when a child is facing bereavement.
- Telephone: 0800 028 8840
- Email: [email protected]
- Online chat: via website http://www.childbereavementuk.org/contact-us
Cruse
Offers support for bereaved people. Also supports those bereaved by Pets.
- Telephone: 0808 808 1677
- Telephone: 0808 802 6161 (Cruse Scotland)
- Website:www.cruse.org.uk (England, Wales, NI)
- Website:www.crusescotland.org.uk (Scotland)
SOBS (Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide)
Resources available for those bereaved by suicide.
- Telephone: 0300 111 5065
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://uksobs.org
Punjabi Speaking Women’s Group: - Telephone: 07376 303 438
- Email: [email protected]
Facing the future
Facing the future is a Samaritans service and provides safe online support groups for people bereaved by suicide where they can talk through their feelings with others who have similar experiences.
- Website: http://www.facingthefuturegroups.org/ complete online application form on "Register" tab
- Email: [email protected] with other queries
Marie Curie - offering support to those dying from terminal illness and a bereavement service for those caring for someone with a terminal illness.
- Telephone: 0800 090 2309
- Email: [email protected]
Chat: available via website
Website: www.mariecurie.org.uk
Rainbow Trust – providing emotional and practical support to families who have a child with a life threatening or terminal illness. Referral for a Family Support Worker and support for the whole family and carers.
- Telephone: 01372 36 34 38
- Email: [email protected]
Website: www.rainbowtrust.org.uk
Bullying
National Bullying Helpline
Support for people facing bullying at school, workplace and online.
- Telephone: 0300 323 0169 or 0845 22 55 787
- Website: www.nationalbullyinghelpline.co.uk
Carers
Carers UK
Support for unpaid carers for family or friends.
- Telephone: 0808 808 7777
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.carersuk.org
Children and young people
ChildLine UK (18yrs and under)
Free help and support for children and young people.
- Telephone: 0800 11 11
- Online Chat: Via website
- Website: www.childline.org.uk
Report Remove – a ChildLine service to help young people under 18 to confidentially report sexual images and videos of themselves and remove them from the internet.
- Website: https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/bullying-abuse-safety/online-mobile-safety/report-remove/
NSPCC (Helping adults protect children)
Free help, advice and support if worried about a child or if unsure.
- Telephone: 0808 800 5000
- Email: [email protected]
NSPCC - Abuse in Education
Help and advice for young people and adults reporting abuse in education.
- Telephone: 0800 136 663
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: http://www.nspcc.org.uk
The Mix UK (25yrs and under)
Free help and support for children and young people.
- Telephone: 0808 808 4994
- Online Chat/Email and Messenger: Via website
- Website: www.themix.org.uk
Kooth
Online digital mental health and wellbeing support for ages 11-24.
- Website: www.kooth.com
IPSEA (Independent Provider of Specialist Educational Support)
Help to navigate special educational needs and disability (SEND) law and secure the education children are entitled to. Information, not emotional support or urgent support.
Telephone: 0300 222 5899 Tue 9.30am-2.30pm
W 9.30am-2.30pm, Thu 9.30am-2.30pm
Appointments for advice line. Book via website:
Website: www.ipsea.org.uk
Debt and finances
Step Change Debt Charity
Comprehensive debt advice
- Telephone : 0800 138 1111
- Online Chat: Via website
- Website: www.stepchange.org
Help for Households
Government campaign to help people who may be struggling due to the cost-of-living crisis. Each UK nation has a page with the available support.
Money Helper
Support for those struggling with finances, including benefits, pensions, everyday spending. Online calculators and budget planners available.
- Webchat: Via website
- Website: www.moneyhelper.org.uk
The Trussell Trust
Supports a nationwide network of food banks and together provide emergency food and support to people facing hardship.
Telephone: 0808 2082138 M-F 9am-5pm
(available in England and Wales)
Advice NI - 0800 915 4604
Food Aid Network – search for help in Scotland: https://www.foodaidnetwork.org.uk/cash-first-leaflets
Disability
Scope – disability equality charity offering practical information and emotional support.
Telephone: 0808 800 3333
Email: [email protected]
Chat: via website
Website: www.scope.org.uk
Enable (Scotland) – championing the human rights of all people with disability or learning disability. Advice and information.
Telephone: 03000 200 101
Email: [email protected]
Webform via website
Website: www.enable.org.uk
Mencap: Passionate about changing the world for everyone with a learning disability. Information, advice, and support.
England: Telephone: 0808 808 1111
Email: [email protected]
Webform: via website www.mencap.org.uk
Northern Ireland: Telephone: 0808 808 1111
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.northernireland.mencap.org.uk
Mencap Cymru: Telephone: 0808 800 0300
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.wales.mencap.org.uk
Eating disorders
B-EAT
Support for those struggling with eating disorders
England
- Tel: 0808 801 0677 (England)
- Email: [email protected]
Scotland
- Tel: 0808 801 0432 (Scotland)
- Email: [email protected]
Wales
- Tel: 0808 801 0433 (Wales)
- Email: [email protected]
Northern Ireland
- Tel: 0808 801 0434 (Northern Ireland)
- Email: [email protected]
- Webchat available: (via website) www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk
Emotional text support
Shout
Support for anyone in crisis and struggling to cope. Free 24/7 text service on all major mobile networks.
- Text: SHOUT 85258
- Website: www.giveusashout.org
Farming
RABI (Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution) - providing expert mental health and wellbeing support, as well as financial, emotional and practical help to farming people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Telephone: 0800 188 4444 available 24/7
Email: [email protected]
Chat: via website
Website: www.rabi.org.uk
RSABI in Scotland
Telephone: 0808 1234 555 available 24/7
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.rsabi.org.uk
Gender identity
Gendered Intelligence
support and services for trans, non-binary, and gender questioning people
Telephone: 0800 640 8046
WhatsApp: 07592 650 496
Website: www.genderedintelligence.co.uk
General - Mental Health Directory
Hub of Hope
Hub of Hope is a UK mental health support database. Provided by national mental health charity Chasing the Stigma.
People can find support within their local area by simply entering their address or postcode to the search bar on the website. National charities/services are also listed.
- Website: http://www.hubofhope.co.uk
Nacro – works with people who are often at a point of change. Support for different people who have struggled with growing up in care, facing homelessness, failed by the education system, or caught up in the justice system.
Telephone: 0300 123 1889
Nacro Criminal Record Support Service:
Telephone: 0300 123 1999
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.nacro.org.uk
Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Communities
Friends, Families, and Travellers
Support for individuals and families in Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities, and working to protect the right to a nomadic life.
- Telephone: 01273 234 777
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.gypsy-traveller.org/
Health
NHS 111 (UK, but not NI)
Health advice and reassurance, free from landlines and mobiles. If seeking mental health crisis support people can select “option 2”.
- Telephone: 111
- Website: www.nhs.uk (England and Wales)
- www.nhs24.scot (Scotland)
Macmillan UK
Support and advice for people struggling with a new or existing cancer diagnosis.
- Telephone: 0808 808 0000
- Read more about the Macmillan Support Line
- Email/Online Chat: Via website
- Macmillan's Online Community website
RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People)
Helping blind and partially sighted people
Telephone: 0303 123 9999
available Mon-Fri 8am-8pm and Sat 9am-1pm
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.rnib.org.uk
Marie Curie - offering support to those dying from terminal illness and a bereavement service for those caring for someone with a terminal illness.
Telephone: 0800 090 2309
Email: [email protected]
Chat: available via website
Website: www.mariecurie.org.uk
Rainbow Trust – providing emotional and practical support to families who have a child with a life threatening or terminal illness. Referral for a Family Support Worker and support for the whole family and carers.
Telephone: 01372 36 34 38
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.rainbowtrust.org.uk
Alzheimer’s Society – provides advice information and support for people suffering with any type of dementia, and for people caring for someone with dementia.
Telephone: 0333 150 3456
Website: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/
Housing and homelessness
Shelter / Housing Rights
Advice and information on housing and homelessness.
- Telephone: 0808 800 4444(England, Scotland)
- Telephone: 08000 495 495(Wales)
- Telephone: 028 9024 5640 (Northern Ireland)
- Online Chat: Via website
- Website: www.shelter.org.uk (UK wide)
Mental health
Samaritans – Samaritans website is a valuable resource for those who are suicidal and for their family members or carers.
Website: www.samaritans.org
Aware (Northern Ireland)
Confidential service for people who are experiencing depression, online support groups and mail service available on website.
- Email: [email protected]
Website.www.aware-ni.org
NHS Talking Therapies – for anxiety and depression. Available in England, need to be registered with a GP. Can apply online:
BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy)
Membership organisation that sets standards for therapeutic practice. Their online directory can be used to locate a professional counsellor, who will usually charge for their services. Phone line available Mon-Fri 10am-4pm
- Telephone: 01455 883300 option 2
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.bacp.co.uk
Mind (England and Wales)
Advice, support and information around mental health issues including self-harm. Mind do not have a crisis helpline to support individuals who are actively suicidal and in crisis. Mind also have a legal advice line in England and Wales. Both helplines available Mon-Fri 9am-6pm
- Telephone: 0300 123 3393
- Email: [email protected]
- Legal advice line: 0300 466 6463
- Website: www.mind.org.uk
SAMH Scottish Association for Mental Health (Scotland)
Mental health information and sign posting to local services (Not a listening service or suitable for people in crisis)
Mon-Fri 9am-6pm call charges apply.
- Telephone: 0344 800 0550 (general enquires)
- Email: via Website form or [email protected]
- Website: www.samh.org.uk
ANDYSMANCLUB - support groups for men, who are in crisis or distress, to talk about their mental health. Meet in person 7pm on Mondays, except bank holidays. See website for groups nearby (not yet in Northern Ireland):
Website: www.andysmanclub.co.uk
Pandas Foundation – Perinatal mental health support for parents before and after pregnancy up to child’s first birthday.
Telephone: 0808 1961 776
WhatsApp: 07903 508334
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.pandasfoundation.org.uk
Step by Step – A Samaritans service that provides practical support to help schools prepare for and recover from a suspected or attempted suicide. Contact via webform: https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/schools/step-step/contact-step-step-team/
If an immediate response is needed call:
0808 168 2528 (UK) 1800 805 731 (Ireland)
Website link: https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/schools/step-step/
Hub of Hope
Hub of Hope is a UK mental health support database. Provided by national mental health charity Chasing the Stigma. People can find support within their local area by simply entering their address or postcode to the search bar on the website.
- Website: http://www.hubofhope.co.uk
Military
Veterans Gateway
Veterans’ Gateway is the first point of contact for veterans/military personnel and families seeking support who served in the UK armed forces.
- Telephone: 0808 802 1212
- Text: 81212
- Email/Online Chat: Via website form: www.veteransgateway.org.uk
Samaritans Veteran App
Support for ex-military personnel:
Combat Stress
Provide specialist treatment and support for veterans from every service and conflict, focusing on those with complex mental health issues related to their military service.
- Telephone: 0800 138 1619
- Text: 07537 173683
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.combatstress.org.uk
Neurodiversity
National Autistic Society
Support for autistic people and their families.
- Telephone: 020 7833 2299 for general enquiries
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: http://www.autism.org.uk
Older people
Age UK
Support for older people.*charged at local rate.
- Telephone: 0800 678 1602 (England)
- Telephone: 0300 303 4498* (Wales)
- Telephone: 0800 124 4222 (Scotland)
- Telephone: 0808 808 7575 (Northern Ireland)
- Website: www.ageuk.org.uk
The Silver Line
Information, friendship and advice to older people. 24hrs.
- Telephone: 0800 4 70 80 90
- Website: www.thesilverline.org.uk
Re-engage
Reducing loneliness amongst older people aged 75 years and above through activity groups, tea parties, and call companions
- Telephone: 0800 71 65 43
- Contact form via website: https://www.reengage.org.uk/contact/
Relationships and family
Relate
Counselling and workshops on relationships and family issues. Services usually provided are at a cost.
- Telephone: Local centre numbers (UK)
- Telephone: 02890 323 454 (NI)
- Online Chat: Via websites
- www.relate.org.uk
www.relateni.org (Relate NI) - Also offers advice and support for people struggling with porn addiction: https://www.relate.org.uk/get-help/porn-addiction
Relationships Scotland
Counselling, family mediation, and child contact centres. There may be a cost.
- Telephone: 0345 119 2020
- Website: www.relationships-scotland.org.uk
Home-Start
Local family practical support to help families with young children.
Local centres (204 across the UK) can be searched online.
- Website: www.home-start.org.uk
Family Action (England & Wales)
Provides emotional and practical support around family pressures.
Telephone: 0808 802 6666
Text: 07537 404 282
Email: [email protected]
Online Chat: Via website
Home-Start - Local family practical support to help families with young children. Local centres (204 across the UK) can be searched online.
www.home-start.org.uk
Family Lives – provides targeted and crisis support to families. Can help with any issue including pregnancy, miscarriage, early years, school, teenagers, divorce, single parents, adoption, SEND, and other family issues.
Telephone: 0808 800 2222
Email: [email protected]
Chat: available via website
Website: https://www.familylives.org.uk/
Self help
Stay Alive – free suicide prevention self help app (replacing Samaritans self help app)
Website: www.prevent-suicide.org.uk/find-help-now/stay-alive-app
Download: Google Play, Apple App Store, or desktop web app through website
Mind - 25 Mind approved mental health and wellbeing apps. Link to Mind website:
Sexuality and gender identity
Switchboard LGBT+ helpline
Free support and information to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and non-binary communities.
- Telephone: 0800 0119 100
- Online Chat: Via website
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.switchboard.lgbt
MindOut LGBTQ
Mental health service run by and for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (LGBTQ) people. They work to improve the mental health and wellbeing of all LGBTQ communities. Support groups, online chat, and befriending services.
- Telephone: 01273 234 839
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.mindout.org.uk
Re-engage
Committed to older people being heard, valued, and engaged (aged 75 and over). Rainbow call companions available for elderly members of LGBTQ communities.
- Telephone: 0800 716 543
- Contact form: via website
- Website: https://www.reengage.org.uk/join-a-group/get-a-rainbow-call-companion
galop – support for people LGBT+ people who have experienced abuse and violence
Telephone: 0800 999 5428
Email: [email protected]
Chat: via website:
Website: www.galop.org.uk
Victims of crime
Victim Support
Help for victims of crime, witnesses and their families and friends
- Telephone: 0808 168 9111 (England/Wales)
- Telephone: 0800 160 1985 (Scotland)
- Telephone: 02890 243133 (N. Ireland - Belfast)
- Telephone: 02871 370086 (N. Ireland - Foyle)
Website:
- www.victimsupport.org.uk (England, Wales)
- www.victimsupport.scot (Scotland)
- www.victimsupportni.com (NI)
Greater Manchester Resilience Hub
Supports people who have been directly affected by the Manchester bombing attack in 2017.
- Telephone: 0333 009 5071
- Email: [email protected]
Wellbeing
Frazzled Café
Frazzled Café provide online group meetings for those who may be lonely and struggling with mild anxiety or mild low mood and may need support.
Note: This is not an in crisis support service.
- Website: http://www.frazzledcafe.org
Worldwide
Befrienders Worldwide
Support for people who may not be in the UK or speak English/Welsh as their first language.
- Website: www.befrienders.org/
Find a Helpline – free, confidential, emotional support from helplines listed in 130 countries.
Website: www.findahelpline.com