Details of Support Groups
If you are struggling to cope
The Samaritans
The Samaritans Call us any time, day or night. Whatever you’re going through, you can call us any time, from any phone for FREE.
Call 116 123
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
Abuse
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: support@napac.org.uk
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
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
Websites:
England & Wales: http://www.rapecrisis.org.uk
Respect Men’s Advice Line (Men only)
Confidential helpline for men experiencing domestic violence in any relationship.
Telephone: 0808 801 0327
Email: info@mensadviceline.org.uk
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: help@survivorsuk.org
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: helpline@wearehourglass.org
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: info@mwnhelpline.co.uk
Website: www.mwnuk.co.uk
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: info@respectphoneline.org.uk
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: help@stopitnow.org.uk – Please note it can take up to 7 days for a response.
Online Chat: Via website www.stopitnow.org.uk
Addiction
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
Frank
Friendly, confidential drugs advice.
Telephone: 0300 123 6600
Text: 82111
Email: frank@talktofrank.com
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
Employment 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
HMRC
For anyone who requires practical support around PAYE, pensions, tax credits and benefits
www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs
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: helpline@childbereavementuk.org
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: admin@uksobs.org
Website: https://uksobs.org
Punjabi Speaking Women’s Group:
Telephone: 07376 303 438
Email: birmingham@uksobs.org
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: ftf@cls.org.uk 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: support@mariecurie.org.uk
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: enquiries@rainbowtrust.org.uk
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: advice@carersuk.org
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: help@nspcc.org.uk
NSPCC – Abuse in Education Help and advice for young people and adults reporting abuse in education.
Telephone: 0800 136 663
Email: help@nspcc.org.uk
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.
Website: http://helpforhouseholds.campaign.gov.uk
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: helpline@scope.org.uk 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: enabledirect@enable.org.uk 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: helpline@mencap.org.uk Webform: via website www.mencap.org.uk Northern Ireland: Telephone: 0808 808 1111 Email: helpline.ni@mencap.org.uk Web: www.northernireland.mencap.org.uk Mencap Cymru: Telephone: 0808 800 0300 Email: helpline.wales@mencap.org.uk Website: www.wales.mencap.org.uk Eating Disorders B-EAT Support for those struggling with eating disorders England
Tel: 0808 801 0677 (England)
Email: help@beateatingdisorders.org.uk
Webchat available: (via website) www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk
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: helpline@rnib.org.uk 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: support@mariecurie.org.uk 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: enquiries@rainbowtrust.org.uk 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 Shelter / Housing Rights Advice and information on housing and homelessness.
Shelter
Telephone: 0808 800 4444(England, Scotland)
Online Chat: Via website
Mental Health
NHS Talking Therapies – for anxiety and depression. Available in England, need to be registered with a GP. Can apply online: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/talking-therapies-medicine-treatments/talking-therapies-and-counselling/nhs-talking-therapies/ 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: bacp@bacp.co.uk
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: info@mind.org.uk
Legal advice line: 0300 466 6463
Website: www.mind.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: supportme@pandasfoundation.org.uk 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:
Website: https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/military/samaritans-veterans-app
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: helpline@combatstress.org.uk
Website: www.combatstress.org.uk
Older People
Age UK Support for older people.*charged at local rate.
Telephone: 0800 678 1602 (England)
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
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: familyline@family-action.org.uk Online Chat: Via website www.family-action.org.uk 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: askus@familylives.org.uk Chat: available via website Website: https://www.familylives.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)
Greater Manchester Resilience Hub Supports people who have been directly affected by the Manchester bombing attack in 2017.
Telephone: 0333 009 5071
Email: GM.help@nhs.net