Useful support organisations

Age-related health

Age UK

Extensive online information for older adults. Some services are chargeable. 

www.ageuk.org.uk
0800 678 1602
Every day: 8am to 7pm

Age Scotland

Information for people in Scotland aged 50 and over. Also offers small repairs and home-from-hospital help in Edinburgh.

www.ageuk.org.uk/scotland
0800 12 44 222
Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm

Age Cymru (Wales)

Services for people over 50 in Wales.

www.ageuk.org.uk/cymru
0300 303 4498
Monday to Friday: 9am to 4pm 

Age NI

Advice line and care services for people over 50. Includes home care and check-in-and-chat service for people aged 60 and over.

www.ageuk.org.uk/northern-ireland
advice@ageni.org
0808 808 7575
Monday to Friday: 9am to 4pm

Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland

Support for people with a heart-related illness and stroke with support groups in many areas. 

www.chss.org.uk
adviceline@chss.org.uk
0808 801 0899
Monday to Friday: 9am to 4pm

Different Strokes

Advice and support for stroke survivors of working age including one-to-one and group counselling, and exercise classes. 

www.differentstrokes.co.uk
info@differentstrokes.co.uk
0345 130 7172
or 01908 317 618

Independent Age

Support line for people aged 65 and older. General support available, and can offer appointments for specialised advice on issues related to ageing. Offers expertise in care, support, money, benefits, health and mobility. Also offers face-to-face community service and befriending in some areas of England. 

www.independentage.org
advice@independentage.org
0800 319 6789
Monday to Friday: 8:30am to 5:30pm

Hourglass (formerly Action on Elder Abuse)

Support to protect vulnerable older adults who are at risk of various forms of abuse. 

www.wearehourglass.org
0808 808 8141
24-hour phone support

Alzheimer’s Society

Support for people affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia. 

www.alzheimers.org.uk
enquiries@alzheimers.org.uk
0333 150 3456
Monday to Wednesday: 9am to 8pm
Thursday and Friday: 9am to 5pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 4pm

Alzheimer Scotland

Specialist services for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia, as well as for carers. 

www.alzscot.org
0808 808 3000
24-hour phone support

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland

Dementia-specific services across Ireland. 

www.alzheimer.ie
helpline@alzheimer.ie
1 800 341 341 
Monday to Friday: 10am to 5pm
Saturday: 10am to 4pm

Dementia UK

Specialist dementia support for families. 

www.dementiauk.org
helpline@dementiauk.org
0800 888 6678 
Monday to Friday: 9am to 9pm
Saturday and Sunday: 9am to 5pm
Bank holidays: 9am to 5pm (except 25 December)

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Asylum seeker and refugee support (migration)

Migrant Help

Get help with applying for accommodation and financial support, find dedicated caseworkers and translators.

www.migranthelpuk.org
0808 8010 503

Right to Remain toolkit

Free step-by-step guide to UK asylum and immigration system to help you better understand the legal process.

www.righttoremain.org.uk/toolkit

How to claim asylum – UK Government

Learn if you’re eligible, what type of help is available and how to claim asylum in the UK.

www.gov.uk/claim-asylum

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Bereavement

Child Bereavement UK

Support for children, young people and families affected by bereavement.

www.childbereavementuk.org
08000 288 840

The Compassionate Friends

Support and care for bereaved family members who have suffered the death of a child or children from a month old.

www.tcf.org.uk
helpline@tcf.org.uk
0345 123 2304
Northern Ireland: 0345 123 2304
Every day: 10am to 4pm and 7pm to 10pm

Cruse Bereavement Care

Bereavement support and information.

www.cruse.org.uk
0808 808 1677
Monday: 9.30am to 5pm
Tuesday to Thursday: 9.30am to 8pm
Friday: 9.30am to 5pm

The Good Grief Trust

Helps those affected by grief in the UK.

www.thegoodgrieftrust.org
hello@thegoodgrieftrust.org

Road Peace

Support line for people who have been injured and/or bereaved from a crash.

www.roadpeace.org
helpline@roadpeace.org
0800 160 1069
Monday to Friday: 10am to 4pm

Sands

Still birth and neonatal death charity which provides support for bereaved parents and their families.

www.sands.org.uk
helpline@sands.org.uk
0808 164 3332
Monday to Friday: 10am to 3pm 
Tuesday to Thursday: 6pm to 9pm

Tommy’s – baby loss support

Charity providing information, advice and support in cases of baby loss.

www.tommys.org/baby-loss-support
0800 0147 800

Winston’s Wish

Support line for bereaved children and their families.

www.winstonswish.org
08088 020 021
Monday to Friday: 8am to 8pm

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Care providers

Care UK

Care home provider with more than 150 care homes across the UK.

www.careuk.com
0330 165 1330
Monday and Tuesday: 8:30am to 8pm
Wednesday to Friday: 8:30am to 5:30pm 
Saturday: 8:30am to 5pm 
Sunday: 10am to 4pm

Helping Hands (England and Wales)

Care provider offering services from occasional visiting care to 24-hour live-in care. 

www.helpinghandshomecare.co.uk
recruitmentlive-in@helpinghands.co.uk
0330 818 4671
Monday to Friday: 8am to 7pm
Saturday and Sunday: 9am to 5:30pm
Call charges apply.

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Children and young people

Barnardo’s

Support for children and young people, parents and carers.

www.barnardos.org.uk
0800 157 7015
Monday to Friday: 9am to 9pm
Saturday and Sunday 10am to 6pm

Children 1st (Scotland)

Advice for parents, families and children so that children stay safe and flourish.

www.children1st.org.uk
0800 028 2233
Monday to Friday: 9am to 9pm
Saturday and Sunday: 9am to 12pm midday

NSPCC

Support line for children and young people affected by abuse.

www.nspcc.org.uk
help@nspcc.org.uk
0808 800 5000
Monday to Friday: 9am to 8pm
Voice helpline: Monday to Friday: 10am to 8pm 

ChildLine

Support line for children suffering from abuse and neglect and other welfare issues.

www.childline.org.uk
0800 1111
24-hour phone support

Centrepoint

Support for young people aged 16 to 25 affected by homelessness, including legal and financial advice, budgeting and housing.

www.centrepoint.org.uk
0808 800 0661
Monday to Friday: 9am to 6pm

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Energy bills

British Gas Energy Trust (England, Scotland, Wales)

Advice on fuel poverty and fuel debt, as well as grants to remove energy debt, fund emergency fuel credit and replace condemned boilers. Not available in Northern Ireland.

www.britishgasenergytrust.org.uk

Northern Ireland Affordable Warmth and Boiler Replacement Schemes

Schemes helping with insulation, window replacement, boiler replacement and fuel poverty. Only applies to privately owned or privately rented homes. Some restrictions apply.

www.nihe.gov.uk/housing-help/affordable-warmth/affordable-warmth-scheme

Citizens Advice Bureau – gas and electricity advice (England, Scotland, Wales)

What to do if you’re struggling to pay your energy bills.

www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/get-help-paying-your-bills/struggling-to-pay-your-energy-bills
0808 223 1133
0808 223 1144 (Welsh language)
Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm
Closed on bank holidays.

Citizens Advice Bureau – pre-payment meter advice (England, Scotland, Wales)

What to do if you can’t afford to top up your pre-payment meter.

www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/get-help-paying-your-bills/you-cant-afford-to-top-up-your-prepayment-meter
0808 223 1133
0808 223 1144 (Welsh language)
Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm
Closed on bank holidays.

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Food and medication

Age UK Food Shopping

Escorted, home delivery and internet shopping services. Not all services are free.

www.ageuk.org.uk/services/in-your-area/shopping

The Trussell Trust (England and Wales)

Find food banks in your area with addresses, contact numbers and opening times.

www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/find-a-foodbank
0808 208 2138 (free)
Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm

Citizens Advice – food bank referrals

If you have no money for food you might be able get help from a food bank. You’ll need to be referred by your nearest Citizens Advice office.

www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/food-bank/using-a-food-bank

Morrisons Doorstep Delivery

Service offering essential items delivery for vulnerable and elderly customers. Does not accept cash or Huggg vouchers.

www.groceries.morrisons.com/content/online-shopping-made-easy-53447
0345 611 6111
Every day: 8am to 5.30pm

Healthy Start (England, Northern Ireland, Wales)

NHS scheme to support women with healthy food and milk during pregnancy and for children up to four years of age. Users must be getting a qualifying benefit (usually part of Universal Credit). 

www.healthystart.nhs.uk/frequently-asked-questions

Best Start (Scotland)

Grants and payment card to help with the costs of early-years parenting in Scotland. Grants for pregnancy, early years and school-age children, payment card for healthy food for children under three. Applicants must be in receipt of a qualifying benefit.

www.mygov.scot/browse/benefits/children-and-family/best-start

Echo NHS Prescription Service (England)

NHS repeat prescription service from Lloyds Pharmacy. Free delivery of repeat prescriptions. Echo works with GP surgeries in England. You can request your medication and Echo will confirm and dispense them to delivery address of your choice.

www.lloydsdirect.co.uk

Boots Prescription Delivery Service (England)

Free delivery service for people in England receiving repeat prescriptions from their GP.

www.boots.com/online/pharmacy

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Homelessness

Homeless Link

Searchable list of organisations offering accommodation, support and advice to people dealing with homelessness.

www.homeless.org.uk
info@homelesslink.org.uk

Shelter

Support and advice to anyone facing homelessness or needing advice on housing issues.

www.shelter.org.uk
info@shelter.org.uk
0808 800 4444
Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm
Closed on bank holidays.

Crisis

Support for homeless people. See the website for nearest support network.

www.crisis.org.uk
enquiries@crisis.org.uk

Emmaus

Support for people who have experienced homelessness. This is a community for people who have been homeless.

www.emmaus.org.uk
0300 303 7555

Street Link (England and Wales)

Connects homeless people with local support services in England and Wales.

www.thestreetlink.org.uk

The Connection (London)

Support for homeless people in London.

www.connection-at-stmartins.org.uk
020 7766 5544
Call charges apply.

St Mungo’s Broadway (London and South East England)

Emergency accommodation and support for people who are homeless in London and the south of England.

www.mungos.org
streetconcern@mungos.org

Simon Community (Northern Ireland)

Emergency accommodation, advice and community support for people who are homeless.

www.simoncommunity.org
0800 171 2222

Northern Ireland Housing Executive

Advice on housing and homelessness in Northern Ireland, along with information on fuel poverty.

www.nihe.gov.uk

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Loneliness and isolation

The Silver Line

Confidential helpline run by Age UK for people over 55.

www.thesilverline.org.uk
0800 470 8090
24-hour phone support

Re-engage (formerly Contact Elderly)

Get-a-call companion for weekly phone conversations or join a group so you don't feel isolated. This service is for people aged over 75.

www.reengage.org.uk
0800 716 543

The Salvation Army

Local social clubs and activities to support those who are lonely or isolated. Community-based projects to engage young people. Help with homelessness including night shelters and nap pads. Refugee support. Budgeting, debt and employment advice. Services vary depending on local branch.

www.salvationarmy.org.uk
info@salvationarmy.org.uk
020 7367 4500
Call charges apply.

Frazzled Cafe (England, Scotland, Wales)

A network of online cafes where people can meet virtually and share their concerns in a friendly and non-judgemental environment. The meetings are facilitated by trained personnel.

www.frazzledcafe.org

Methodist Homes Association (MHA)

Care, accommodation and support services for older people including befriending, lunch clubs, social activity groups, assisted shopping, escorts to appointments, telephone checks and transport, etc.

www.mha.org.uk
01332 296200
Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm
Call charges apply.

Royal Voluntary Service

Practical and emotional support including help at home, support in or returning home from hospital and an online Virtual Village Hall programme of social events. Not restricted by age.

www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk
0330 555 0310

Golden Oldies

Singing and activity sessions in your local community.

www.golden-oldies.org.uk
Wales: 07796 714816
South West: 01761 470006
Call charges apply.

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Mental health

Beat (Eating Disorders)

Beat are the UK’s eating disorder charity. Their mission is to end the pain and suffering caused by eating disorders.

www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk

Wales:
waleshelp@beateatingdisorders.org.uk
0808 801 0433
Monday to Friday: 3pm to 8pm

Scotland:
scotlandhelp@beateatingdisorders.org.uk
0808 801 0432
Monday to Friday: 3pm to 8pm

Northern Ireland:
nihelp@beateatingdisorders.org.uk
0808 801 0434
Monday to Friday: 3pm to 8pm

England:
help@beateatingdisorders.org.uk
0808 801 0677
Monday to Friday: 3pm to 8pm

NHS Volunteer Responders

Check In and Chat supports people in need with a friendly call and encouragement to improve their mental health and wellbeing. This service is available as a one-off or for a maximum of six weeks to anyone with a current health need, for example if you are waiting to be admitted to hospital or you have just been discharged.

www.nhscarevolunteerresponders.org/id-like-support
0808 196 3646
Every day: 8am to 8pm

SOS Silence of Suicide

Emotional wellbeing support line as well as suicide awareness and prevention line. This service is not a crisis line. 

www.sossilenceofsuicide.org
0808 115 1505
Monday to Friday: 8pm to 12am (midnight)
Saturday and Sunday: 4pm to 12am (midnight)

Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline

LGBT+ support line for emotional support and advice on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (plus) issues. 

www.switchboard.lgbt
hello@switchboard.lgbt
0800 0119 100
Every day: 10am to 10pm

Papyrus (HopelineUK)

HopelineUK is a confidential support and advice service for children and young people under the age of 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide, or anyone who is concerned that a young person could be thinking about suicide. 

www.papyrus-uk.org
pat@papyrus-uk.org
0800 068 4141
Text: 07860 039 967
24-hour phone support

Shout

Text message support service for people experiencing mental health issues or abuse.

www.giveusashout.org
Text SHOUT to 85258
24-hour phone support

The Mix

Information, support and counselling service for people aged 25 and under.

www.themix.org.uk
0808 808 4994
Text THEMIX to 85258
Every day: 3pm to 12 am (midnight)

If U Care Share

Suicide prevention text chat service. Trained volunteers are on hand to help with a range of issues including abuse, anxiety, bullying, depression, loneliness, self-harm and suicide. 

www.ifucareshare.co.uk
0191 387 5661 
Text IUCS to 85258

CALM – Campaign Against Living Miserably

Suicide prevention support line and web chat. Also offers support to those who have lost someone to suicide.

www.thecalmzone.net
0800 58 58 58
Every day: 5pm to 12am (midnight)

The Beaumont Society

National self-help body run by and for transgender people, transvestites, transsexuals, their partners and families, offering advice on cross dressing and gender dysphoria. 

www.beaumontsociety.org
01582 412220
24-hour phone support
Call charges apply.

NHS inform (Scotland) – mental wellbeing

Online advice for dealing with low mood, anxiety, phobias, stress and where to can get help.

www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/mental-wellbeing

NI Direct – Government Mental Health Services (Northern Ireland)

A range of mental health services in Northern Ireland that can provide help, information and support.

www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/mental-health-services

The Royal British Legion

Helps members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, veterans and their families.

www.britishlegion.org.uk
0808 802 8080
Every day: 8am to 8pm

SSAFA the Armed Forces charity

SSAFA helps the armed forces community in a number of ways, though our focus is on providing direct support to individuals in need of physical or emotional care.

www.ssafa.org.uk
0800 260 6767 (free)
Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm

NHS Talking Therapies (England)

If you live in England and are aged 18 or over, you can get help with anxiety and depression. A GP can refer you, or you can refer yourself directly without a referral. Services include talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and counselling, or guided self-help.

www.nhs.uk/service-search/mental-health/find-an-nhs-talking-therapies-service

NHS Every Mind Matters

Mental health advice and wellbeing tips.

www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters

Breathing Space (Scotland)

Non-emergency helpline offering empathy, understanding and advice through active listening.

www.breathingspace.scot
0800 83 85 87
Monday to Thursday: 6pm to 2am 
Friday 6pm to Monday 6am

Samaritans

Helpline for people in crisis, including those with suicidal feelings.

www.samaritans.org
116 123
24-hour phone support

Family Lives (formerly ParentLine)

Helpline for any aspects of family life and parenting, including bullying.

www.familylives.org.uk
0808 800 2222
Monday to Friday: 9am to 9pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 3pm

Victim Support

Support line for offering information and support for victims of crime. Independent, free and confidential advice.

England and Wales:
www.victimsupport.org.uk
0808 1689 111

Northern Ireland:
www.victimsupportni.com
028 9024 3133
Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm
Call charges apply.

Scotland:
www.victimsupport.scot
0800 160 1985 (free)
Monday to Friday: 8am to 8pm

Lifeline Northern Ireland

Support line for those experiencing distress or despair in Northern Ireland.

www.lifelinehelpline.info
0808 808 8000
24-hour phone support

Community Advice and Listening Line (Wales)

Support line for information and emotional support on mental health in Wales.

www.callhelpline.org.uk
0800 132 737
Text help to 81066
24-hour phone support

Mind (England and Wales)

Advice and support for people experiencing a mental health problem, providing a safe space to talk about your mental health. Our advisors are trained to listen to you and help you find specialist support if you need it.

www.mind.org.uk
0300 123 3393
Monday to Friday: 9am to 6pm

Frank

Support and information about drugs and alcohol.

www.talktofrank.com
Email
0300 123 6600
24-hour phone support
Textphone for hearing impairments: 0300 123 1099
Text 82111
Live chat: 2pm to 6pm

We Are With You

Support with alcohol, drugs or mental health.

www.wearewithyou.org.uk

Adfam

Support for families affected by addiction.

www.adfam.org.uk

Addiction Family Support

Support for families affected by drug, alcohol and gambling addiction.

www.addictionfamilysupport.org.uk
0300 888 3853

YoungMinds

Support for young people experiencing a mental health problem. 

www.youngminds.org.uk

Inspire (formerly NI Association for Mental Health)

Advice and support for people experiencing mental health problems.

www.inspirewellbeing.org
028 9032 847
Monday to Friday: 10am to 4pm
Call charges apply.

Men's Advisory Project (Northern Ireland)

Support for men’s issues in Northern Ireland, including counselling and anger management.

www.mapni.co.uk
Belfast: 028 9024 1929
Foyle: 028 7116 0001
Call charges apply.

Sane

Emotional support and practical advice for anyone experiencing a mental health problem.

www.sane.org.uk
0300 304 7000
Every day: 4pm to 10pm

Anxiety UK

Support and information for anyone with an anxiety disorder.

www.anxietyuk.org.uk
03444 775 774
Monday to Friday: 10.30am to 4.30pm

OCD-UK

Support for people affected by Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and related conditions.

www.ocduk.org
support@ocduk.org
01332 588112
Monday to Friday: 9am to 12pm (midday) 
Tuesday and Thursday: 5pm to 7pm
Call charges apply.

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Missing persons and tracing

Missing People

Works with young runaways, missing and unidentified people, and their families.

www.missingpeople.org.uk
116000@missingpeople.org.uk
116 000 
Every day: 9am to 11pm

Family Tracing Service – Salvation Army

Working with family members who have lost contact with each other.

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/family-tracing
family.tracing@salvationarmy.org.uk
020 7367 4747
Call charges apply.

ReUnite International

Charity specialising in child abduction and the movement of children across international borders.

www.reunite.org
0116 2556 234
Call charges apply.

Children and Families Across Borders

Identifies and protects children that have been separated from family members as a consequence of trafficking, abduction, migration, divorce, conflict and asylum. Unable to provide support with family tracing.

www.cfab.org.uk
020 7735 8941
Monday to Friday: 9am to 3pm
Call charges apply.

Child Migrant Trust

Support for former child migrants to search for their families and gain information about their childhood.

www.childmigrantstrust.org
0115 982 2811
Call charges apply.

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Money and debt

Pension Service

Get information about State Pensions, Pension Credits and Cold Weather Payments.

www.gov.uk/contact-pension-service
0800 731 0469
0800 731 0453 (Welsh language)
Monday to Friday: 8am to 6pm

Money Helper Service – financial wellbeing support

Financial assistance and direction to further support regarding money issues.

www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/contact-us/money-guidance
0800 138 7777
0800 138 0555 (Welsh language)

Universal Credit Helpline

Government helpline for people to claim universal credit.

www.gov.uk/universal-credit/contact-universal-credit
0800 328 5644
Monday to Friday: 8am to 6pm

Scottish Welfare Fund

Details of how to apply for crisis grants to help with an unexpected emergency like a fire or flood, losing your money or your job. Also details of community care grants to help you or someone you care for to start to live, or to carry on living, a settled life in the community.

www.mygov.scot/scottish-welfare-fund

Discretionary Assistance Fund (Wales)

Details of help to pay for essential costs, such as food, gas, electricity, clothing or emergency travel if you are experiencing extreme financial hardship, have lost your job or have applied for benefits and are waiting for your first payment.

www.gov.wales/discretionary-assistance-fund-daf
daf.feedback@necsws.com
0800 859 5924 (free)
Monday to Friday: 9.30am to 4pm

Citizens Advice 

Information on benefits, work, debt and money. Also consumer issues and housing.

England and Wales:
www.citizensadvice.org.uk
0800 144 8848 (National)
Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm
0800 702 2020 (Wales)

Northern Ireland:
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/northern-ireland

Scotland:
www.cas.org.uk
0800 028 1456

Private Rented Sector Debt Helpline (Wales)

Free, confidential and independent advice for tenants in private rented accommodation.

www.cacv.org.uk/our-projects/private-rented-sector-helpline
0300 330 2177
Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm

Help to Claim

Offers advice and support on claiming Universal Credit.

www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/contact-us/help-to-claim

England:
0800 144 8 444
Monday to Friday: 8am to 6pm

Wales:
08000 241 220
Monday to Friday: 8am to 6pm

Scotland:
0800 023 2581
Monday to Friday: 8am to 6pm

Advicelink Cymru (Wales)

Advicelink Cymru can check what support you are entitled to, help you to apply for benefits and arrange help with debt and finance issues.

www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/information/advicelink-cymru
0800 702 2020
Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm

Money Talk Team (Scotland)

Advisers offer a personalised service to assess your situation, check your finances and provide information on the options available to you.

www.moneytalkteam.org.uk/talk-with-us
0800 028 1456

Money Helper – pensions

Financial advice service combining information from multiple UK government sources. 

www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/contact-us/pensions-guidance
0800 011 3797 (free pension helpline)
0345 602 7021 (self-employed helpline)

advice.scot (Scotland)

Advice on a wide range of topics for people in Scotland, including benefits, employment, housing, neighbourhood issues, and family and relationships. 

www.advice.scot
0808 800 9060
Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm

Step Change Debt Charity

Expert advice on debt.

www.stepchange.org
0800 138 1111
Monday to Friday: 8am to 8pm
Saturday: 9am to 2pm

Society of St. Vincent de Paul (Ireland)

A wide range of support from practical help and advice to a friendly ear, all contact is dealt with in strict confidence.

www.svp.ie

Advice NI – debt advice (Northern Ireland)

Free, confidential and impartial debt and money advice. 

www.adviceni.net/money-debt/debt
0800 915 4604
Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm

National Debtline (England, Scotland, Wales)

Advice and contacts for difficulties in paying energy bills.

www.nationaldebtline.org
0808 808 4000
Monday to Friday: 9am to 8pm
Saturday: 9.30am to 1pm

Ofgem (England and Wales)

Who to contact if it’s difficult paying energy bills.

www.ofgem.gov.uk

Turn 2 Us

Support for people in financial need to access welfare benefits, charitable grants and other financial help.

www.turn2us.org.uk
0808 802 2000 (free)
Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm

Finance Support Service (Northern Ireland)

Offers support in times of financial crisis and need.

www.nidirect.gov.uk/contacts/finance-support-service-times-crisis-and-need
0800 587 2750
Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm

Ofcom – social tariffs

Social tariffs are cheaper broadband and phone packages for people claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits.

www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/saving-money/social-tariffs

The Edward Gostling Foundation

Grants for people with mental and physical disabilities. Formerly the ACT Foundation.

www.edwardgostlingfoundation.org.uk
01753 753 900
Call charges apply.

Independence at Home

Grants for people with a physical or learning disability or long-term illness.

www.independenceathome.org.uk
iah@independenceathome.org.uk
020 8427 7929
Monday to Thursday: 9am to 5pm
Call charges apply.

Rural Support (Northern Ireland)

Support for Northern Ireland farmers and farm families, including money and mental health.

www.ruralsupport.org.uk
0800 138 1678
Monday to Friday: 9am to 9pm

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Pets

Dogs Trust

Advice, rehoming and fostering services for dogs including dog food banks and free veterinary treatment to dogs whose owners are experiencing homelessness or in housing crisis. 

www.dogstrust.org.uk
info@dogstrust.org.uk
020 7837 0006
Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm
Call charges apply.

The Cinnamon Trust (England and Wales)

Support for the elderly, the terminally ill and their pets. Helping to keep owners and their pets together by dog walking, animal husbandry or fostering during hospital stays.

www.cinnamon.org.uk
01736 757 900
Call charges apply.

SSPCA (Scotland)

Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

www.scottishspca.org
03000 999 999
Every day: 8am to 8pm

Cats Protection (England, Scotland, Wales)

UK’s leading cat welfare charity provides information, help and advice on care, plus neutering and homing.

www.cats.org.uk
03000121212
Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm

PDSA

The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals offers free and low-cost veterinary care of pets for owners who receive benefits and live near a pet hospital.

www.pdsa.org.uk
0800 731 2502 (Veterinary enquiries)
0800 917 2509 (General enquiries)
Monday to Friday: 8.30am to 5.30pm

RSPCA (England and Wales)

Animal welfare charity.

www.rspca.org.uk

Blue Cross

Animal charity which helps sick, injured and homeless pets. You can also access affordable vet care and pet food banks.

www.bluecross.org.uk
0300 790 9903

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Physical health and disability

British Heart Foundation

Comprehensive, trusted information about all aspects of heart health. It can help at all stages from initial concern through diagnosis to recovery and long-term condition management. 

www.bhf.org.uk
0808 802 1234
Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm
Closed on bank holidays.

Home Adaptations (NHS)

Suggestions of adaptations you can make to your home so it's safer and easier to move around and do everyday tasks. 

www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/care-services-equipment-and-care-homes/home-adaptations

NHS inform (Scotland)

Scotland’s national health information service. Vaccine information and booking for tests.

www.nhsinform.scot

NHS Covid-19 vaccine information (Scotland)

Service for answering your questions about the Covid-19 vaccination.

www.nhsinform.scot/covid19vaccine
0800 030 8013 
Every day: 8am to 8pm

NHS 111 (England, Scotland, Wales)

Non-emergency NHS helpline offering access to local services both in and out of hours.

www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/urgent-and-emergency-care-services/when-to-use-111
111 

Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID)

Information and support for those affected by hearing loss. Formerly Action on Hearing Loss.

www.rnid.org.uk
contact@rnid.org.uk
0808 808 0123 
Monday to Friday: 8.30am to 5pm
Text: 07360 268 988

Macmillan Cancer Support

Advice and support for people affected by cancer.

www.macmillan.org.uk
0808 808 0000
Every day: 8am to 8pm

Marie Curie

The UK’s leading end of life charity. Information and support on all aspects of dying, death and bereavement. 

www.mariecurie.org.uk
0800 090 2309 
Monday to Friday: 8am to 6pm
Saturday: 11am to 5pm
Professional referrals: 0845 056 7899

Northern Ireland:
www.mariecurie.org.uk/who/what-we-do/marie-curie-northern-ireland
0800 716 146
Monday to Friday: 8am to 6pm
Saturday: 11am to 5pm

CLIC Sargent

Support for children and young people with cancer, as well as parents and professionals.

www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk
getsupport@younglivesvscancer.org.uk
0300 303 5220
Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm

Maggie’s Centres

Support for people affected by cancer.

www.maggies.org
0300 123 1801

MS Society

Support for people affected by Multiple Sclerosis.

www.mssociety.org.uk
helpline@mssociety.org.uk
0808 800 8000 
Monday to Friday: 9am to 7pm

Disability Action (Northern Ireland)

Support for people with disabilities in Northern Ireland. You can find regional office numbers on their website.

www.disabilityaction.org

Royal National Institute for Blind People (RNIB)

Information and support for people affected by sight loss.

www.rnib.org.uk
helpline@rnib.org.uk
0303 123 9999
Monday to Friday: 8am to 8pm
Saturday: 9am to 1pm

Scope

Support, information and advice to people with disabilities and their families.

www.scope.org.uk
helpline@scope.org.uk
0808 800 3333 
Monday to Friday: 9am to 6pm
Saturday: 10am to 6pm

Family Fund

Grants to low-income families with disabled or seriously ill children and young people under 17.

www.familyfund.org.uk
info@familyfund.org.uk
01904 55 00 55
Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm
Closed on bank holidays.
Call charges apply.

Diabetes UK

Information and support for people affected by diabetes.

www.diabetes.org.uk
0345 123 2399
Monday to Friday: 9am to 6pm

England, Wales and Northern Ireland:
helpline@diabetes.org.uk

Scotland:
helpline.scotland@diabetes.org.uk
0141 212 8710

Bladder and Bowel Foundation

Support for people with bladder and bowel control problems.

www.bladderandbowel.org
help@bladderandbowelfoundation.org
0845 345 0165

Stroke Association

Support for people affected by strokes, including cash grants.

www.stroke.org.uk
0303 3033 100
Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm
Saturday: 10am to 1pm

Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland

Advice and support for people affected by chest pains, heart attacks and strokes.

www.chss.org.uk
0808 801 0899 

Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke

Support groups to help people living with chest, heart and stroke conditions.

www.nichs.org.uk
028 9032 0184
Call charges apply.

MSI Reproductive Choices

Support to get abortions and other reproductive health options.

www.msichoices.org.uk
0345 300 8090

Headway

Support for people affected by brain injuries.

www.headway.org.uk
0808 800 2244 
Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm

Changing Faces

Support for people with conditions or injuries which affect their appearance.

www.changingfaces.org.uk
info@changingfaces.org.uk
0300 012 0275

Scotland:
0131 202 2358
scotland@changingfaces.org.uk

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Safeguarding

Child social services – local councils (England, Northern Ireland, Wales)

Search for child safeguarding services available through your local council.

www.gov.uk/find-local-council

Adult social care – local councils

Search for adult social care services available through your local council.

www.gov.uk/find-local-council

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