Useful phone numbers to signpost people to
If you are helping someone who is struggling, you may need to signpost them to another organisation to help with something specific.
We have compiled a list of organisations that have helplines to help people struggling with housing, debt, domestic violence, being a single parent, tax and disability.
Hours of service are given where known. 0800 and 0808 numbers are generally freephone numbers from landlines and most mobile networks. Check the organisation's website and with your mobile phone supplier for more information.
Housing
Shelter
Call Shelter if you need urgent housing information from an expert housing adviser. You should use this line if you are homeless, at risk of homelessness or in a bad housing situation.
Shelter England/Scotland 0808 800 4444 (open 365 days a year - weekdays 8.00 am to 8.00 pm, weekends 9.00 am to 5.00 pm (England); weekdays 9.00 am to 5.00 pm (Scotland))
Shelter Cymru 0345 075 5005 (weekdays 9.30 am to 4.00 pm)
In Northern Ireland, you should contact:
Housing Rights Service Northern Ireland (NI) 028 9024 5640 (weekdays 9.30 am to 4.30 pm)
Read the Turn2us Help with Housing Costs information
General
Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice can provide advice on a range of different topics. Calls to this service cost the same as landlines. See How much does it cost to call Citizens Advice for more information.
03444 111 444
Your local Citizens Advice bureau can also provide information and advice. You can use the Turn2us Find an Adviser tool to find its contact details or look at the Citizens Advice website for the country of the UK you live in for more details:
Citizens Advice website (England)
Citizens Advice website (Wales)
Citizens Advice website (Scotland)
Citizens Advice information for Northern Ireland
Debt
StepChange
If you need free advice on problem debt, you can call StepChange. Their team of debt experts can help you find the solutions you need.
0800 138 1111 (weekdays 8.00 am - 8.00 pm, Saturdays 8.00 am to 4.00 pm)
See our Debt information page for details of other debt advice agencies
Domestic violence/abuse
Women
National Domestic Violence Helpline
If you are experiencing domestic violence, you can call the National Domestic Violence Freephone helpline for support and information.
0808 2000 247 (24 hour)
National Domestic Violence Helpline website
Men
Men's Advice Line
Men's Advice Line is a confidential helpline for men experiencing domestic violence from a partner, ex-partner or from other family members.
0808 801 0327 (Monday to Friday 9.00 am - 5.00 pm)
Single parents
Gingerbread (England, Northern Ireland and Wales)
Gingerbread is a charity helping single parents. If you cannot find the information you need on their website, you can call their helpline.
0808 802 0925 (Mondays 10.00 am - 6.00 pm; Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 10.00 am - 4.00 pm; Wednesdays 10.00 am - 1.00 pm and 5.00 - 7.00 pm; the helpline is closed on all public holidays)
Gingerbread website (England and Wales)
Gingerbread NI website (Northern Ireland)
One Parent Families Scotland
One Parent Families Scotland provides help to all single parent families in Scotland.
0808 801 0323 (weekdays 9.30 am - 4.30 pm)
One Parent Families Scotland website
Children at risk
Childline
A confidential service for vulnerable children under 19 to talk about anything that is worrying them.
0800 1111 (24/7)
NSPCC
The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children provide 24/7 help and support if you are worried about a child.
0808 800 5000 (24/7)
Disability and Health
Disability Law Service
The Disability Law Service provides free legal advice, information and representation to disabled people and their families or carers.
0207 791 9800 (weekdays 10.00 am till 1.00 pm then 2.00 pm till 5.00 pm) for general enquiries
Disability Law Service website
Macmillan Cancer Support
Macmillan are a national charity that helps people living with cancer. It provides practical, medial and financial support as well as campaigning for change.
0808 808 0000 (seven days a week 8.00 am to 8.00 pm)
Macmillan Cancer Support website
Scope
Scope provides free and independent support on issues that matter to disabled people and their families. Calls are free from a UK landline and from most mobiles.
0808 800 3333 (weekdays 9.00 am - 5.00 pm)
Migrants
Migrant Help
Migrant help are a charity helping people seek asylum as well as a working on a number of other migrant specific issues.
0808 80000 630
Mental health
Mind
The Mind Infoline provides information on a range of issues including mental health problems, medication and advocacy.
0300 123 3393 (9.00 am to 6.00 pm Mondays to Fridays except bank holidays)
Older people
Age UK
Age UK Advice is a free and confidential phone service for older people, their families, friends, carers and professionals.
0800 055 6112 (8.00 am - 7.00 pm, 365 days a year)
Tax
TaxAid
TaxAid provide support to vulnerable, low income taxpayers who can't resolve tax issues with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). They can help you understand parts of the tax system, pay the right amount of tax and resolve crises when things go wrong.
0345 120 3779 (Monday to Friday 10.00 am - 12.00 noon)