Below are various national or online organisations that may be able to provide support with a range of issues such as general advice, health and wellbeing. To find details of local organisations that can offer support, please refer to our community map.
Whilst Sanctuary are aware of these charities and groups, we are not endorsing their services. We will keep this list updated at regular intervals, and if you have links with an organisation you feel we should add to the list please email us.
National helplines
Household Support Fund (UK wide)
To help older people and families to receive support to meet essential household costs. Each local authority has its own application process, to find out who you should contact please visit the gov.uk website.
This funding may be able to assist with food, clothing, energy and water costs and continues through to the autumn.
Connect for Help
Offering energy and money saving advice across England – a free service to help people reduce their energy bills, stay warm and access the local help available to them. Anyone can contact Connect for Help and there are no eligibility requirements for a FREE initial telephone assessment.
Telephone: 0800 029 4548
Email: support@connectforhelp.org.uk
Visit the Connect for Help website
National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC):
A free, confidential service for anyone concerned about children at risk, including children themselves. The service offers counselling, information and advice.
Helpline: 0808 800 5000
Childline:
A counselling service for children and young people
Telephone: 0800 1111 (from 7.30am – 3.30am every day)
Young Minds:
Mental health support specifically aimed at young people. For urgent help,
text YM to 85258
Telephone: 0808 802 5544 – free number. (Monday-Friday 9.30am-4pm)
Barnardo's:
Helps children, young people and their families over the long term to overcome the most severe problems like abuse, homelessness and poverty. Use the website to find an office near to you.
NHS Healthy Start Vouchers:
Payments or vouchers for fruit and vegetables, vitamins and milk products, available to those who are pregnant or have at least one child under 4 and who are in receipt of certain benefits.
Visit the NHS Healthy Start website for further information.
Family Lives:
A national charity providing help and support to anyone caring for children, for families living together as well as apart. It runs a free phone helpline and has a community of parents supporting each other through forums and blogs.
Helpline: 0808 800 2222
Visit the Family Lives website
Samaritans:
Confidential support 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing distress or despair.
UK and Northern Ireland helpline: 116123 free number
MIND:
Provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem.
0300 123 3393 or text 86463
Rethink:
Working for a better life for everyone affected by mental illness and has a good quality of life.
Telephone: 0300 5000 927
C.A.L.M (Campaign Against Living Miserably)
Aimed specifically at men. Tackling suicide.
Outside London: 0800 58 58 58 (5pm-midnight every day)
Inside London: 0808 802 5858 (5pm-midnight every day)
Breathing Space:
A free, confidential, phone service for anyone in Scotland over the age of 16 experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety.
Helpline: 0800 83 85 87
Visit the Breathing Space website
Age UK:
Provide advice, help enable independence & combat loneliness.
Telephone: 0800 678 1602 (8am-7pm)
Alzheimers Society:
Support for those living with, or caring for those with dementia.
Telephone: 0333 150 3456
Action on Elder Abuse (AEA):
A nationwide charity working to protect and prevent the abuse of vulnerable older adults. It also provides support within Ireland.
UK helpline: 0345 241 0954
Visit the Caring Together website to find out more.
Domestic Abuse Helpline:
0808 2000 247 free number
Scottish Domestic Abuse Helpline
Freephone: 0800 027 1234
Rights of Women:
Offers an advice line with free legal advice for women by women and a sexual violence helpline. Rights of Women is a voluntary organisation committed to informing, educating and empowering women about their legal rights.
Legal helpline: 020 7251 6577
Sexual violence helpline: 020 7251 8887
Visit the Rights of Women website
Shakti Women’s Aid:
Helps BAME women, children, and young people experiencing, or who have experienced, domestic abuse from a partner, ex-partner, and/or other members of the household.
Telephone: 0131 475 2399
Visit the Shakti Women’s Aid website
Hemat Gryffe Women's Aid:
Provide specialist support to women from the Asian, Black and Minority ethnic community who experience domestic abuse influenced by culture and tradition. (Scotland)
Telephone: 0141 353 0859
Visit the Hemat Gryffe Women's Aid website
Galop:
Provides Hate Crime, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence support services to LGBT+ victims/survivors
Telephone: 0800 999 5428
Email: advice@galop.org.uk
Men’s Advice Line:
A confidential helpline offering support, information and practical advice to men experiencing domestic violence.
Telephone: 0808 801 0327(Freephone)
Financial Support for those in Retail sector (Retail Trust)
Applications are open to support those who currently work in the retail sector. If you are experiencing financial difficulties due to a health condition (physical or mental health) or if you have an unexpected change in circumstances there may be help available.
Disability Energy Support Service
Supporting disabled people to take charge of their energy needs. SCOPE are available to help with free and impartial advice.
More information available on SCOPE's website or call free on 0808 801 0828.
We Are Digital is partnering with HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) to help people with online forms
We Are Digital is providing Digital Support for those who don't have access or are not confident using digital services. Our company is a social impact company whose entire remit is helping others.
We are here to provide information and support so people can fill out HMCTS forms online. Telephone: 03300 16 00 51.