Helpline signposting
Advice and information organisations
Citizens Advice Line
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
Citizens Advice aim to provide the advice people need for the problems they face and improve the policies and practices that affect people's lives. They provide free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities. There is a search feature on their website to find your local Citizens Advice from over 2,700 locations. These include high streets, community centres, doctors' surgeries, courts and prisons. Advice by phone is available from local Citizens Advice. In addition, they are developing a national phone service: Adviceline. This is fully operational in Wales for people who live or work there. In England the service is currently being rolled out. If it is not yet available in your area, you will hear options for recorded information:
England call 03444 111 444 or check contact details via their local Citizens Advice search option
Wales call 03444 77 20 20
TextRelay users should call 03444 111 445
*Call costs
Calls to this service cost the same as calling 01 and 02 numbers.
Bereavement
The Cruse Bereavement Care National Helpline is staffed by trained bereavement volunteers, who offer emotional support to anyone affected by bereavement. Their volunteers are there to help you talk things through. They can also help you find your local Cruse service, or signpost you to other services and useful sources of information.
http://www.crusescotland.org.uk/
Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland exists to promote the well-being of bereaved people in Scotland. They seek to help anyone experiencing bereavement to understand their grief and cope with their loss. They work primarily through volunteers, providing free care to bereaved people. They also train and educate individuals and organisations who may in turn be able to contribute to the well-being of bereaved people.
http://www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk/
info@miscarriageassociation.org.uk
Miscarriage can be a very unhappy and frightening and lonely experience. If you have been affected by miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or molar pregnancy, they hope you will find on their website the information and support that you need to help you through. They aim to reduce the taboo around pregnancy loss and develop the organisation to sustain that mission.
https://www.quakersocialaction.org.uk/taking-social-action/our-practical-work/funeral-poverty
Quaker Social Action is an independent charity campaigning and providing solutions to issues affecting people on low incomes.
They campaign on funeral poverty and help people on low incomes plan funerals through their Down to Earth service. PLEASE NOTE: THEY CAN ONLY HELP PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD A BEREAVEMENT AND NOT YET ORGANISED THE FUNERAL.
https://www.sands.org.uk/
Email: helpline@uk-sands.org
SANDS supports anyone who has been affected by the death of a baby before, during or shortly after birth. They offer emotional support and information for parents, grandparents, siblings, children, families and friends, health professionals and others.
The Helpline is for anyone who has been affected by the death of a baby and wants to talk to someone about their experience. The Helpline team are there to listen and give support, and can advise you about finding local help, whether from a Sands group or other counselling services, or information about other relevant support organisations.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stillbirth/what-happens/
Information on the NHS website about support available after still birth.
Carers
For general enquiries, please send an email to info@carers.org
Carers Trust work to improve support, services and recognition for anyone living with the challenges of caring, unpaid, for a family member or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or addiction problems.
Lat checked Jan 2018
Debt
https://www.businessdebtline.org/
Business Debtline is a free debt advice service for the self-employed and small businesses in England, Wales and Scotland. They have helped thousands of people deal with their debts. Their team of expert debt advisers care about improving your situation and will help you to take control of your debts. They have been giving free, impartial and confidential debt advice to small businesses and the self-employed for over 20 years.
If you are not self-employed, contact our sister service National Debtline (see details below).
https://www.nationaldebtline.org/
National Debtline is a free and confidential debt advice service for people in England, Wales and Scotland. Using their website and services will help you take the important steps to deal with your debts. They have a dedicated team of debt advisers, a free 24 hour online debt advice tool 'My Money Steps' that can give you a personalised action plan setting out practical steps to deal with your debts.
Free advice on problem debt based on what's best for you. Their team of debt experts help over 500,000 people a year across the UK to overcome their debt problems, and get their lives back on track. At StepChange Debt Charity, they’re the experts in managing problem debt. Whether it’s what to expect when you can’t afford to pay your debts, how to create a personal budget, or practical solutions for dealing with your debt, you’ll find all the answers you need right here.
Last checked Jan 2018
Domestic Abuse and Violence
National Domestic Violence Helpline
http://www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk/
NHS Support
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/abuse/Pages/domestic-violence-help.aspx
Find out where to get help if you're experiencing domestic violence. Information and signposting to health professionals, National Domestic Violence Helpline, the Men's Advice Line, ManKind, The Survivor's Handbook from the charity Women's Aid, The Forced Marriage Unit and Galop (National LGBT Domestic Abuse Helpline and Respect).
Childline
NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children)
Surviving Economic Abuse
https://survivingeconomicabuse.org/i-need-help/
Charity that campaigns against economic abuse. The website has information on economic abuse and organisations that can support people who are experiencing it.
The charity runs a Financial Support Line with Money Advice Plus for people who are experiencing domestic abuse and are financial difficulties. The aim of the Financial Support Line is to empower people who have experienced or are experiencing abuse to regain control of their finances.
Mankind
Our confidential helpline is available for all men across the UK suffering from domestic violence or domestic abuse by their current or former wife or partner (including same-sex partner).
This can range from actual violence or object throwing to mental abuse such as constant bullying or constant insults.
We provide both emotional support and practical information.
We receive calls from male victims across all age ranges and professions:
• From dustmen and doctors to bankers and builders,
• From men in their 20s to men in their 80s,
• From men across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
We welcome calls from mothers, sisters and friends of male victims seeking information.
We also receive calls from support organisations, charities and statutory agencies such as local authorities and police forces.
Men's Advice Line
https://mensadviceline.org.uk/
0808 8010327 (Monday and Wednesday: 9.00 am - 8.00 pm, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 9.00 am - 5.00 pm) or email: info@mensadviceline.org.uk
Our friendly advisors will believe you, offer you non-judgmental emotional support, practical advice and information.
Who we help:
- Heterosexual male victims of domestic abuse
- Gay and bi male victims of domestic abuse
- Frontline workers supporting male victims
Refuge
Refuge provides specialist support to women, children and some men escaping domestic violence and other forms of violence.
Refuge’s specialist services include refuges, independent advocacy, community outreach projects, culturally specific services and the 24 hour National Domestic Violence Helpline, run in partnership with Women’s Aid.
Women's Aid
Updated April 2021
Employment
Family Support/Advice Organisations
NSPCC HELPLINE
CONTACT A FAMILY
Contact a Family is a national charity for families with disabled children.
CORAM
Coram is committed to improving the lives of the UK’s most vulnerable children and young people.
CHILD MAINTENANCE OPTIONS
KINSHIP (GRANDPARENTS PLUS)
GINGERBREAD SINGLE PARENT HELPLINE
http://www.gingerbread.org.uk/
GINGERBREAD NORTHERN IRELAND
Gingerbread is Northern Ireland's only lone parent led organisation working to secure and protect equality and social inclusion for one parent families.
LONE PARENT HELPLINE (SCOTLAND)
Website: http://www.opfs.org.uk/service/lone-parent-helpline/
FAMILY LIVES
http://www.familylives.org.uk/
For information, advice, guidance and support on any aspect of parenting and family life.
PARENTLINE SCOTLAND
https://www.children1st.org.uk/help-for-families/parentline-scotland/
BLISS
Bliss offers emotional and practical support to empower families of babies born premature or sick and equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to provide the best possible care to their baby.
KICKS COUNT
Kicks Count is a UK registered charity that aims to empower mums to be with knowledge and confidence throughout their pregnancy.
TOMMY'S
Pregnancy information for parents. Also funds research into still birth, miscarriage and premature birth.
MATERNITY ACTION
https://maternityaction.org.uk/get-free-advice/
The Maternity Rights Advice Line offers free, confidential telephone support and advice to mums and dads.
There is good accessible information on the following ACAS website page on maternity leave and rights:
http://www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1753
WORKING FAMILIES
http://www.workingfamilies.org.uk/
Advice on maternity, paternity and shared parental leave
Last checked Jan 2018
Health and Disability
EPILEPSY SOCIETY
http://www.epilepsysociety.org.uk/
FIBROMYALGIA UK (FMA UK)
Supports people living with fibromyalgia.
MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT
ME ASSOCIATION
http://www.meassociation.org.uk/
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY
TERRENCE HIGGINS TRUST (HIV)
Last checked:April 2021
BRITISH DYSLEXIA ASSOCIATION
https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/
DEAFPLUS ADVICELINE
National charity that offers people with hearing loss one to one, confidential information and deaf advice services nationwide. This includes help with benefits, housing, pensions, consumer complaints, rights and debt.
Make an appointment on the Deafplus website.
https://www.deafplus.org/advice
DISABLED LIVING FOUNDATION HELPLINE
DOWN'S SYNDROME ASSOCIATION
http://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/
RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People)
RNIB offers help and support for blind and partially sighted people – this can be anything from practical and emotional support, campaigning for change, reading services and the products we offer in our online shop.
RNID (Royal National Insitute of Deaf People - formerly Action on Hearing Loss)
RNID works to make life fully inclusive for deaf people and those with hearing loss or tinnitus.
The charity campaigns for an inclusive society, connect people to practical advice, and pioneer new treatments for hearing loss and tinnitus.
DISABILITY LAW SERVICE
Disability Law Service (DLS) is a unique charity that has been providing free legal advice and representation for disabled people since 1975. In fulfilling our purpose, fighting injustice for disabled people, we work to challenge the poverty and inequality faced by those with disabilities by securing for them access to justice and to their legal rights.
All the people that DLS helps are disabled people, or family members/carers who contact us on the disabled person’s behalf. They have a variety of impairments or long term limiting health conditions. Many have hidden disabilities such as epilepsy, diabetes, autistic spectrum disorder or mental health problems, which can make daily life, employment and accessing services particularly difficult.
Whether by helpful advice over the phone, the provision of online fact-sheets or full representation at tribunal, we provide a vital service to some 4,000 people each year, many of whom are in distress as a result of discrimination or improper care.
We provide a full service of advice and representation for employment (including disability discrimination) and community care. We also maintain online resources and fact sheets in these areas as well as in relation to Welfare Benefits, Goods and Services discrimination and Higher Education.
DISABILITY RIGHTS UK
http://www.disabilityrightsuk.org
http://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/how-we-can-help/helplines/disabled-students-helpline
SCOPE DISABILITY HELPLINE
DISABILITY INFORMATION SCOTLAND
Housing
Provides information and advice on housing options for older people.
Services include the self-help Housing Options for Older People (HOOP) tool - http://hoop.eac.org.uk/hoop/start.aspx
https://www.housingadviceni.org/ (public site)
https://housingrights.org.uk/ (professionals/corporate site)
Find local welfare provision (LWP) schemes run by local councils using the search tool on the End Furniture Poverty website.
Last checked Jan 2019
Immigration
Legal
Law Centres defend the legal rights of people who cannot afford a lawyer. They are specialists working in their local communities to uphold justice and advance equality. They are the national voice of Law Centres and their clients, representing them at all levels of government and in various national forums. They help to set up new Law Centres, initiate new services, and champion the model of free and independent legal advice and representation. The information and resources on their website includes a postcode search for your nearest Law Centre.
Disability Law Service (DLS) is a unique charity that has been providing free legal advice and representation for disabled people since 1975. In fulfilling our purpose, fighting injustice for disabled people, we work to challenge the poverty and inequality faced by those with disabilities by securing for them access to justice and to their legal rights.
All the people that DLS helps are disabled people, or family members/carers who contact us on the disabled person’s behalf. They have a variety of impairments or long term limiting health conditions. Many have hidden disabilities such as epilepsy, diabetes, autistic spectrum disorder or mental health problems, which can make daily life, employment and accessing services particularly difficult.
Whether by helpful advice over the phone, the provision of online fact-sheets or full representation at tribunal, we provide a vital service to some 4,000 people each year, many of whom are in distress as a result of discrimination or improper care.
We provide a full service of advice and representation for employment (including disability discrimination) and community care. We also maintain online resources and fact sheets in these areas as well as in relation to Welfare Benefits, Goods and Services discrimination and Higher Education.
PLEASE GIVE THE LINK TO THE INFORMATION FOR THE COUNTRY THE PERSON LIVES IN
England - https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/law-and-courts/
Scotland - https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/law-and-courts/legal-system-s/
Wales - https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/cymraeg/Y-Gyfraith-a-Llysoedd/
Northern Ireland - https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/information-and-services/crime-justice-and-law/justice-system
If you need legal help or advice to sort out a problem, it's not always necessary to consult a legal adviser. You may be able to deal with the problem yourself or with help from your local advice centre. This could be free help from your local Citizens Advice Bureau, a housing advice centre or a law centre near you. Some advice centres, such as law centres, are staffed by solicitors and other specialist caseworkers, and can offer free legal advice. With some kinds of problems, it can be quicker, cheaper and less stressful to use mediation, arbitration or an ombudsman scheme. These are ways of resolving a legal issue without going to court also called alternative dispute resolution.
NEXT STEPS - To search for details of your nearest CAB, using a legal adviser, and help with legal costs - free or affordable help, use the links above. Please note for Northern Ireland, the link is for NI Direct not Citizens Advice.
http://www.workingfamilies.org.uk/
Last checked Jan 2018
Mental Health
http://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helplines/
Their team provides information on a range of topics including: types of mental health problem, where to get help, medication and alternative treatments, and advocacy.
Email us: jo@samaritans.org
Tel: 116 123 (UK) 116 123 (ROI),
They're there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you need a response immediately, it's best to call them on the phone. The number is FREE to call. Calls to this helpline number do not appear on phone bills.
If there's something troubling you, then get in touch. Every six seconds, somebody contacts them. Ten times a minute, they can help someone turn their life around.
Talk to them any time you like, in your own way, and off the record – about whatever’s getting to you. You don’t have to be suicidal.
https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/
YoungMinds is the UK’s leading charity committed to improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people.
Last checked Jan 2018
Older people
Provides information and advice on housing options for older people.
Services include the self-help Housing Options for Older People (HOOP) tool - http://hoop.eac.org.uk/hoop/start.aspx
https://www.thesilverline.org.uk/
Last checked Jan 2018
Students
Suicide
Prevention of male suicide. Open 5pm to midnight, 365 days a year
https://www.thecalmzone.net/about-calm/what-is-calm/
0800 58 58 58 (London 0808 802 58 58)
Provide information on types of mental health problems 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helplines/
0300 123 3393 info@mind.org.uk text 8643
Anyone up to 35 yrs that’s struggling with or supporting someone experiencing thoughts of suicide
0800 068 41 41 - 10 until 10pm Monday to Friday (Bank holidays 2pm until 10pm)
https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help-you/contact-us 116 123 jo@samaritans.org.uk
Safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way – about whatever’s getting to you. Open 24/7
Out-of-hours mental health helpline offering specialist emotional support, guidance and information to anyone affected by mental illness, including family, friends and carers. 4.30pm to 10.30pm, 365 days a year
http://www.sane.org.uk/what_we_do/support/helpline
0300 304 7000
Tax debt or problems for people on low incomes
TaxAid is a charity that helps people on low incomes (under £20,000) that HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC can't help) when they get into difficulties with their tax affairs.
TaxAid helps people on low incomes to understand the bits of the tax system that apply to them (safely ignoring the confusing 98% that don’t), pay only the right amount of tax and help them resolve crises when things go wrong.
TaxAid runs a national helpline, and provides face-to-face services in London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Newcastle upon Tyne. It also gives advice by email and provides information on its website.
Travel/Transport
Apply for a new blue badge
England and Wales: https://www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge
Scotland: https://www.mygov.scot/apply-blue-badge/
Northern Ireland: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/information-and-services/motoring-and-transport/blue-badge-scheme
Last checked Jan 2018
Young People
How can we help?
Learn more about specific benefits and other types of support you can get.