National Services & Helpline

National Services & Helplines

If you need support, our helpline page connects you with a trusted network of national services offering free, completely confidential advice and guidance whenever you need it.

Emergencies and urgent care

Emergency Services (Police, Ambulance, Fire)

Call 999 in a life-threatening emergency or if a crime is in progress.

Police (non-emergency)

Call 101 when you need to contact the police but an immediate response is not required.

NHS 111

Call 111 for urgent medical help or advice when it’s not a 999 emergency. They can direct you to the right service. https://www.nhs.uk/

National grid

Operates the UK’s high-voltage electricity transmission network, ensuring power is safely and reliably delivered across the country.For emergencies or power outages, call 105 or 0800 6783 105, available 24/7. https://customer.nationalgrid.co.uk/contact-us

Mental health and emotional support

Shout

Offers confidential, non-judgmental emotional support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for anyone who is struggling to cope or has suicidal thoughts. Text: 85258 https://giveusashout.org/

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)

Offers confidential, non-judgmental emotional support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for anyone who is struggling to cope or has suicidal thoughts. Call: 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight daily) https://www.thecalmzone.net/

SANEline

A national out-of-hours mental health helpline offering specialist emotional support, guidance, and information to anyone affected by mental illness. Call: 0300 304 7000 (4:30pm–10pm daily) https://www.sane.org.uk/

Samaritans

Offers confidential, non-judgmental emotional support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for anyone who is struggling to cope or has suicidal thoughts. Call: 116 123 https://www.samaritans.org/

Papyrus HOPELINEUK

A suicide prevention helpline for people under the age of 35 who are having thoughts of suicide, or for anyone concerned about a young person. Call: 0800 068 4141 (24/7) https://www.papyrus-uk.org/papyrus-hopeline247/

Drinkaware

Offering free, confidential support and advice if you’re worried about your own or someone else’s drinking Call: 0300 304 7000 (4:30pm–10pm daily) Call: 0300 123 1110 https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/

The Salvation Army

Working to support people in crisis (including homelessness, poverty and modern slavery) with practical help and referrals across the UK. Call: 24-hour helpline on 0300 303 8151 https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/

Men’s minds matter

Dedicated to preventing suicide and improving mental health among men. https://www.mensmindsmatter.org/ Online form on their website.

Support for children and young people

Childline:

A free, confidential service for children and young people up to their 19th birthday to talk about any problem. Call: 0800 1111 (24/7) https://www.childline.org.uk/

YoungMinds

A national mental health charity offering guidance, resources and emotional support for young people and families. Call: 0808 802 5544 (Mon–Fri) https://www.youngminds.org.uk/

The Mix

Provides free, confidential support and counselling for young people under 25. Call: 0808 808 4994 (4pm–11pm daily) https://www.themix.org.uk/

Specialist support and advice lines

National Domestic Abuse Helpline

A free, 24-hour helpline for women experiencing domestic abuse. Call: 0808 2000 247 https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/

Men’s Advice Line

Confidential advice and support for men who have experienced domestic violence and abuse. Call: 0808 801 0327 (Monday-Friday, 10am–5pm) https://mensadviceline.org.uk/

Shelter

A housing and homelessness charity providing advice and emergency support for anyone struggling with housing issues. Call: 0808 800 4444 https://www.shelter.org.uk/

NSPCC

For any adult concerned about a child’s safety and wellbeing. Call: 0808 800 5000 https://www.nspcc.org.uk/

Trussell

Supporting people facing food insecurity with emergency food banks and advice on wider support. Call: 0808 208 2138 (Mon–Fri) https://www.trussell.org.uk/

Age UK

Offers information and advice for older people. Call: 0800 678 1602 (8am–7pm daily) https://www.ageuk.org.uk/