Help by phone

If you can't find what you're looking for online, or you feel overwhelmed by the amount of information available, you can try calling a helpline. A helpline adviser will listen to what you have to say and offer you support or advice to help you sort your problems out. They won't judge you or make you do anything you don't want to do.

Tips for getting advice over the phone

Before calling a helpline, it's a good idea to work out what you want to say and what you want to find out, and make some notes so you don't forget. Bear in mind that most helplines get very busy, so you may need to try phoning more than once.

If English isn't your first language, some helplines may offer an interpretation service.

Shelter's free housing advice helpline

Through our helpline, we have helped thousands of people solve all kinds of housing related problems, from finding them a place to sleep to suggesting how to handle mortgage arrears. The Shelter helpline is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, and is free (free to call from all six of the main UK mobile networks, Virgin, Orange, 3, T-mobile, Vodafone and O2, but charges may apply from any other network). We will answer your call as quickly as we can and treat it confidentially.

0808 800 4444

National Debtline

The National Debtline provides free, confidential and independent advice on how to deal with debt problems. Lines are open from 9am to 9pm, Monday to Friday, and 9.30am to 1pm on
Saturdays.

0808 808 4000

Supportline

SupportLine is a confidential telephone helpline offering emotional support to children, young people and adults. SupportLine can take calls on a wide range of issues including relationships, child abuse, anger, bullying, self harm, domestic violence, rape and sexual assault.

020 8554 9004

ChildLine

If you're under the age of 16 and are worried about anything at all, you can call ChildLine at any time. Calls are free and won't show up on your phone bill, and the person you talk to won't tell anyone else about your conversation. ChildLine counsellors can help you with all kinds of problems, from bullying and peer pressure to drugs and pregnancy.

0800 1111

Samaritans

If you're worried about something, feel upset or confused, or just want to talk to someone, you can call the Samaritans any time of day. Whatever you're going through, don't bottle it up - talking it through can really help.

08457 90 90 90

Scottish Domestic Abuse Helpline

If you're experiencing domestic abuse, you can get help from this free 24-hour helpline. Helpline workers can talk you through your options and put you in touch with local agencies that can help you.