Chapter 31: Helplines & Support

A directory of national and local support services.

Helplines and Support

Immediate access to curated UK support services. You are not alone.

UK Emergency Numbers

Emergency (Police, Fire, Ambulance)

Call 999 or 112.

Police Non-Emergency

NHS Non-Emergency

Silent 999 calls

If you are in danger but can't speak, call 999 and listen. When prompted by the operator, press 55. Your call will be transferred to the police as an emergency.

Guardian Angel Support

Guardian Support Line

Direct support line for users of the Guardian Angel app.

Guardian Email Support

For non-urgent support and inquiries related to the Guardian Angel app.

National Domestic Abuse Helplines (UK)

Refuge (National Domestic Abuse Helpline)

24/7 Service

Freephone, 24-hour national helpline for women experiencing domestic abuse, run by Refuge.

Men's Advice Line

Confidential helpline for male victims of domestic abuse.

LGBTQ+ Support

National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline

Emotional and practical support service for LGBT+ people experiencing domestic abuse.

Galop

Provides advice and support for LGBT+ people who have experienced hate crime, domestic abuse or sexual violence.

Victim & Witness Support (UK)

Victim Support (England & Wales)

24/7 Service

Independent charity offering a free and confidential 24/7 Supportline for anyone affected by crime.

Victim Support (Scotland)

The lead voluntary organisation in Scotland helping people affected by crime.

Witness Service (Citizens Advice)

Provides free, independent emotional and practical support to witnesses of crime.

Mental Health Support (UK)

Samaritans

24/7 Service

A safe place to talk any time you like, in your own way – about whatever’s getting to you. 24/7 service.

Mind Infoline

Provides information and signposting service for mental health problems.

Shout (Text service)

24/7 Service

A free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope.

Visit Website

Anxiety UK

Offers support, advice, and information on anxiety conditions.

No Panic

Offers a helpline and support for people with panic attacks and OCD.

Rethink Mental Illness

Provides advice and information for people with severe mental illness.

Postnatal Support

Association for Post Natal Illness (APNI)

Provides support to mothers suffering from post-natal illness.

PANDAS Foundation

Support for families coping with pre and postnatal mental illnesses.

Alcohol & Substance Misuse Support

Drinkline

A national alcohol helpline providing confidential advice and support.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

A fellowship where people share their experiences to solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.

Al-Anon Family Groups

Support for family and friends of people with a drinking problem.

Drug & Addiction Support

FRANK

24/7 Service

Honest information about drugs. 24/7 confidential helpline.

Eating Disorder Support

Beat (Adult Helpline)

The UK's eating disorder charity. They provide helplines, online support, and a network of support groups.

Specialist Support & Counselling

Rape Crisis (England and Wales)

24/7 Service

A 24/7 national helpline offering confidential emotional support for anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted.

The National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC)

A helpline for adult survivors of all types of childhood abuse.

National Stalking Helpline

Provides advice on how to deal with any type of stalking behaviour.

Child Protection (UK)

NSPCC Helpline

For adults concerned about a child. Professionals are available to provide advice and take action.

Childline

A free, private and confidential service for anyone under 19 in the UK with any issue they’re going through.

NSPCC FGM Helpline

If you're concerned that a child is at risk of or has already had FGM.

Housing & Homelessness (UK)

Shelter Emergency Helpline

Expert advice on housing, homelessness, and legal rights.

Centrepoint Helpline (for young people)

Provides housing advice to young people aged 16-25 in England.

StreetLink (England & Wales)

Connects people sleeping rough with local services.

The Mix (Under 25s)

Essential support for under 25s, including housing and homelessness.

UK Charities & Support

Women's Aid

A national charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children. Provides resources and a live chat service.

IDAS

The largest specialist charity in Yorkshire supporting people affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence.

North Yorkshire & Barnsley: 03000 110 110
Sheffield: 0808 808 2241
International Helplines

USA National DV Hotline

Canada (Assaulted Women's Helpline)

Australia (1800RESPECT)

Interpreter Services

Many helplines, including the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, offer interpreter services on request. Ask for an interpreter when you call if you need one.