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.
Refuge (National Domestic Abuse Helpline)
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.
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 Support (England & Wales)
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.
Samaritans
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)
A free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope.
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.
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.
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.
FRANK
Honest information about drugs. 24/7 confidential helpline.
Beat (Adult Helpline)
The UK's eating disorder charity. They provide helplines, online support, and a network of support groups.
Rape Crisis (England and Wales)
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.
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.
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.
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.
USA National DV Hotline
Canada (Assaulted Women's Helpline)
Australia (1800RESPECT)
New Zealand (Shine)
Many helplines, including the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, offer interpreter services on request. Ask for an interpreter when you call if you need one.