Abuse (including domestic violence, sexual abuse)
The National Domestic Abuse Helpline – The 24 hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge is for women experiencing domestic abuse, their family, friends and others calling on their behalf. Phone: 0808 2000 247.
Rights of Women – Provides free confidential legal advice and information to women on the law in England and Wales with a specific focus on Violence Against Women and Girls.
Men’s Advice Line – A confidential service for male victims of domestic abuse offering support help men keep themselves (and their children) safe. Phone: 0808 801 0327.
Addiction
Drinkline is a confidential helpline for those worried about their own or someone else’s drinking. They can put you in touch with your local alcohol advice centre for help and support. Phone: 0300 123 1110.
Alcoholics Anonymous – Provides opportunities to share experience, strength and hope to recover from alcoholism. Phone: 0800 9177 650.
Narcotics Anonymous UK. Phone: 0300 999 1212.
The National Gambling Helpline – Offers confidential support, advice and free counselling to people concerned about their gambling, or the gambling of friends or family. Phone: 0808 8020 133.
Bereavement
Cruse Bereavement Care – Provides support after the death of someone close including face to face, telephone, group support, as well as bereavement support for children. Phone: 0808 808 1677.
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide – Exists to meet the needs and break the isolation of those bereaved by the suicide of a close relative or friend.
Sue Rider – Support for people approaching the end of life or those living with grief.
Hardship (including debt, homelessness)
The Trussell Trust – Works with local communities to run foodbanks that provide three days’ emergency food and support to people in crisis. Phone: 0808 208 2138 (Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm).
StepChange Debt Charity– Helps people in financial difficulty by providing free, confidential, independent and realistic debt advice. Helpline: 0800 138 1111.
Shelter – Helps people struggling with bad housing or homelessness, via their website, helpline and face to face services. Phone: 0808 800 4444.
LGBT+ (including sexuality and gender)
Switchboard – Provides an information, support and referral service for anyone who needs to consider issues around their sexuality. Phone: 0800 0119 100.
Mermaids – Support for young people and teenagers (19 or under) who may have gender identity concerns. Helpline: 0808 801 0400 (Monday – Friday 9am – 9pm). Text: 24/7 crisis support (text MERMAIDS to 85258).
National Conversion Therapy Helpline – Supports anyone who has be subjected to or offered so-called conversion therapy. Helpline: 0800 130 3335 (lines open Monday – Thursday 10am – 8.30pm, Friday 10am – 4.30pm).
Mental health
Mind – Provides advice and support on a range of topics including types of mental health problems, self-harm, legislation and details of local help and support in England and Wales. Phone: 0300 123 3393 (weekdays 9am – 6pm).
SANE – Provides confidential emotional support and information to anyone affected by mental illness. It also provides a resource for anyone affected by suicide. Phone: 0300 304 7000 (4.30 – 10.30pm daily).
Rethink Mental Illness – Offers practical help and information for anyone affected by mental illness on a wide range of topics such as The Mental Health Act, living with mental illness, medication and care. Phone: 0808 801 0525 (Mon-Fri 9.30am-4pm).
Samaritans – Whatever you’re going through, call Samaritans free any time, from any phone, on 116 123.