988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Free, confidential support from a trained counselor, any time.
Who can help
Help that’s out there.
Real organizations, checked by us — free to use, no strings attached. Checked means we opened each organization’s own site and confirmed the link and the number. We don’t call the lines. Every entry shows when we last checked it.
Show only what’s for:
Crisis lines
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
You can talk with a counselor about child abuse — whether it is happening to you, to a child you know, or happened to you long ago.
Crisis Text Line
Free, confidential support by text with a trained crisis counselor, any time.
findahelpline.com
Find a free, confidential helpline in your country. Search by where you are and what you're going through.
Love Is Respect
You can reach trained advocates when a boyfriend, girlfriend, or partner is hurting, controlling, or scaring you.
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
If a child is missing or has been sexually exploited, you can call and get crisis support and referrals to local counseling. They also take reports of sightings.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Confidential support for anyone affected by relationship abuse, plus help thinking through a safety plan.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
If you or someone you know is being forced or tricked into work or sex, you can call, text or chat to get support. You can also report a tip or find local services.
National Runaway Safeline
Support for young people thinking about leaving home, already gone, or feeling they have nowhere to go — and for the adults who care about them.
Poison Help Line
If you think you or someone near you swallowed, breathed in or touched something harmful, you can call and talk with a poison expert about what to do next. Your call goes to the poison center that serves your area.
RAINN — National Sexual Assault Hotline
You can talk with someone trained to help after any kind of sexual assault or abuse, whether it happened last night or years ago.
StrongHearts Native Helpline
Support for Native Americans and Alaska Natives affected by domestic or dating violence.
The Trevor Project
Free, confidential support for LGBTQ+ young people, by phone, text, or chat, any time.
Trans Lifeline
A peer support line run by and for trans people. Call to talk with someone who gets it.
Veterans Crisis Line
Support for veterans and service members from people trained to understand military life.
Housing & shelter
211 — United Way
One free call connects you to local help with rent, food, bills, utilities, and more.
DomesticShelters.org
Search a directory of domestic violence shelters and programs near you.
FEMA Disaster Assistance
After a disaster you can apply for federal help, update your application or check its status on their site, or call the helpline with questions about your application or eligibility.
findhelp.org
Search free and reduced-cost help near you by ZIP code — food, housing, money, health, and more.
HUD Report Housing Discrimination
If a landlord, seller or lender treated you unfairly in housing, you can report it online or call to talk with an intake specialist.
HUD-Approved Housing Counseling
A trained counselor can help if you are behind on rent, facing eviction or foreclosure, or trying to keep or find a home.
National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
You can reach VA counselors any time if you are a veteran who is homeless, about to lose housing, or worried about a veteran who is.
The Salvation Army — Rent & Utility Help
Local Salvation Army centers can help with emergency money for rent, mortgage, and utility bills so you can keep a roof over your head and the power on.
Food
211 — United Way
One free call connects you to local help with rent, food, bills, utilities, and more.
BenefitsCheckUp — National Council on Aging
You answer a few quick questions and this free tool shows programs near you that can help pay for food, medicine, utilities, and other everyday costs.
Feeding America — Find a Food Bank
Find a food bank or pantry near you. Enter your ZIP code to see what's close.
findhelp.org
Search free and reduced-cost help near you by ZIP code — food, housing, money, health, and more.
Meals on Wheels America
You enter your zip code and they connect you to a local program that brings meals to older adults who cannot easily shop or cook.
No Kid Hungry — Free Meals Finder
You text one word and they send you free meal sites nearby where kids and teens can eat.
SNAP (Food Stamps) — How to Apply
SNAP helps you pay for groceries every month when money is tight, and this official page shows how to apply in your state.
USDA National Hunger Hotline
You can call and a real person will help you find food near you — like pantries, meal sites, and programs such as SNAP.
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
WIC gives healthy groceries, nutrition advice and breastfeeding support to pregnant, recently pregnant and breastfeeding women, and to babies and children under 5. You choose your state on their page to find your local WIC.
Money & bills
211 — United Way
One free call connects you to local help with rent, food, bills, utilities, and more.
BenefitsCheckUp — National Council on Aging
You answer a few quick questions and this free tool shows programs near you that can help pay for food, medicine, utilities, and other everyday costs.
CareerOneStop
This U.S. Department of Labor site helps you find a job, get free training, fix up your resume, and locate the job center nearest you.
Child Care Aware of America
This national nonprofit helps families find child care nearby and understand ways to help pay for it, connecting you to your local referral agency.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (complaints)
If a bank, lender, debt collector or credit reporting company is treating you badly, you can file a complaint online or by phone and they send it to the company for a response.
Dollar For
They help you apply for a hospital's charity care program so a big medical bill can be lowered or wiped away, and they do the paperwork with you.
Farm Aid Hotline
If you farm and things are falling apart, from money trouble to a disaster, you can call and talk with someone who helps you find services and resources that fit your situation.
FEMA Disaster Assistance
After a disaster you can apply for federal help, update your application or check its status on their site, or call the helpline with questions about your application or eligibility.
findhelp.org
Search free and reduced-cost help near you by ZIP code — food, housing, money, health, and more.
HUD-Approved Housing Counseling
A trained counselor can help if you are behind on rent, facing eviction or foreclosure, or trying to keep or find a home.
IdentityTheft.gov
If someone used your information, you can tell them what happened and get a personal recovery plan with the steps to take. The site also has sample letters and contact details for the credit bureaus.
IRS Free Tax Help (VITA and TCE)
Trained volunteers prepare basic tax returns for free for people who qualify. Their page says TCE is aimed mainly at people 60 and older.
Lifeline — Phone & Internet Discount
This is a government program that lowers your monthly phone or internet bill so staying connected costs less.
LIHEAP — Help With Energy Bills
A program that helps households with lower incomes pay for heating, cooling, and sometimes past-due energy bills.
National Elder Fraud Hotline
If someone age 60 or older has been targeted by a scam, this free U.S. Justice Department line helps them report it and figure out what to do next.
National Foundation for Credit Counseling
They connect you with a trained nonprofit credit counselor who looks at your whole money picture with you and helps you make a plan for debt and bills.
NeedyMeds
They keep a free, up-to-date list of programs that help you pay for medicine and health care, and a real person can point you to ones you may qualify for.
PensionHelp America
If you are having trouble with a pension or retirement benefit, this free service points you to counselors, legal help, and government offices that can help.
ReportFraud.ftc.gov
You can report a scam, a company or an unwanted call, and you get next steps to protect yourself.
SNAP (Food Stamps) — How to Apply
SNAP helps you pay for groceries every month when money is tight, and this official page shows how to apply in your state.
Social Security Administration
You can call to ask about retirement, disability and other Social Security benefits, or to get things like a replacement card or a benefit letter. Many of these can also be done on their website.
The Salvation Army — Rent & Utility Help
Local Salvation Army centers can help with emergency money for rent, mortgage, and utility bills so you can keep a roof over your head and the power on.
Ticket to Work (Social Security)
This free Social Security program helps people on disability benefits try going back to work, with job support and clear answers about what happens to your checks.
Unclaimed Money — Official State Search (NAUPA)
This official free site helps you search state government records for money that is already yours — old paychecks, deposits, or refunds a company lost track of.
USAGov
If you don't know which government office handles your problem, you can call and talk with a live agent. They answer your question or point you to the agency that can.
VA Benefits Hotline
You can ask the VA about your benefits, claims, and what you may be eligible for as a veteran or family member.
Health
Al-Anon Family Groups
Free peer groups for people whose lives are hurt by someone else's drinking, where you meet others who truly get it.
Alcoholics Anonymous
A.A. is a fellowship of people who come together to solve their drinking problem. Anyone who wants to do something about their drinking can join.
Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline
If you are worried about memory loss or caring for someone with dementia, you can call at any hour and talk with a person about what to do next.
American Cancer Society
If you or someone you love has cancer, or you are worried about it, you can call any time for information and answers.
ANAD Eating Disorders Helpline
You can call for support, encouragement, treatment referrals or just questions about eating disorders. They also have peer support groups and a free recovery mentor program.
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
If your pet may have eaten or touched something harmful, you can call and talk with a veterinary toxicology expert who helps you work out the risk and what to do next.
BenefitsCheckUp — National Council on Aging
You answer a few quick questions and this free tool shows programs near you that can help pay for food, medicine, utilities, and other everyday costs.
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
You can talk with a counselor about child abuse — whether it is happening to you, to a child you know, or happened to you long ago.
Dental Lifeline Network
Free, complete dental care from volunteer dentists for people who can't afford it and are 65 or older, living with a disability, or facing a serious health condition.
Dollar For
They help you apply for a hospital's charity care program so a big medical bill can be lowered or wiped away, and they do the paperwork with you.
Family Caregiver Alliance
Support, clear information, and a state-by-state directory for people caring for an adult family member — plus a free tool called CareNav that builds a plan with you.
Find a Free or Charitable Clinic (NAFC)
A national map that helps you find a free or low-cost clinic near you when you have little or no health insurance.
Find a Health Center (HRSA)
A government tool to find health centers near you that give medical, dental, and mental health care on a sliding scale based on what you can pay.
Find Your State Assistive Technology Program
Pick your state and it points you to a local program where you can try out, borrow, or get help paying for devices that make daily life easier with a disability.
Gamblers Anonymous
Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship where people who think they might have a gambling problem meet others in the same place, in person, online or by phone.
HealthCare.gov Marketplace
The Marketplace call center can help you apply for or fix a health insurance application. You can also find people in your community trained to help you enroll.
LGBT National Help Center
You can talk with a friendly volunteer about being LGBTQ+ — from coming out, to relationships, to needing someone who gets it.
Medicare (1-800-MEDICARE)
You can call or live chat with a real person about Medicare, including questions that the website does not answer.
NAMI HelpLine
Information and support for people affected by mental health conditions, and their families.
NAMI National Warmline Directory
NAMI's state-by-state list of warmlines — free phone lines where you can talk with someone who has lived through hard mental-health times, for when it is not an emergency.
Narcotics Anonymous
Narcotics Anonymous is a fellowship of people in recovery from drug addiction. Their site has a page to find an NA meeting near you.
National Alliance for Eating Disorders Helpline
You can call a free helpline run by licensed therapists who specialize in eating disorders. They help you work out next steps and find care.
National Diaper Bank Network
A national nonprofit whose directory helps you find a local diaper bank that gives out free diapers for your baby or child.
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
If you are pregnant or just had a baby and feel overwhelmed, anxious or low, you can call, text or chat and a trained counselor listens and helps. They can connect you with local support groups and other care.
National Parent & Youth Helpline
You can talk with a trained counselor when parenting feels like too much, or when you are a young person who needs someone to really hear you.
National Problem Gambling Helpline
If gambling is hurting you or someone you love, you can call, text or chat and be connected with support and treatment near you.
NeedyMeds
They keep a free, up-to-date list of programs that help you pay for medicine and health care, and a real person can point you to ones you may qualify for.
Open Path Psychotherapy Collective
A nonprofit network of therapists who see you for a low set fee when you cannot afford regular therapy prices or do not have good coverage.
Pet Poison Helpline
If your pet may have been exposed to something harmful, you can call or chat with a veterinary professional who works out whether your pet can be watched at home or needs a vet.
Physician Support Line
Volunteer psychiatrists offer free, private phone support to doctors and medical students who are struggling.
Poison Help Line
If you think you or someone near you swallowed, breathed in or touched something harmful, you can call and talk with a poison expert about what to do next. Your call goes to the poison center that serves your area.
Postpartum Support International
You can reach people who understand the hard feelings that can come with pregnancy or a new baby — deep sadness, worry, or scary thoughts.
RAINN — National Sexual Assault Hotline
You can talk with someone trained to help after any kind of sexual assault or abuse, whether it happened last night or years ago.
SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline
Free, private support any time for people shaken by a disaster like a storm, fire, or flood — whether it happened recently or a while ago.
SAMHSA National Helpline
A free, confidential line for help with mental health or substance use, including referrals to treatment near you.
SMART Recovery
Free support groups for anyone working on an addiction or habit, using practical tools instead of steps or any religion.
Star Legacy Foundation
Free, caring support for families going through pregnancy or infant loss, like stillbirth, miscarriage, or a baby's death.
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
Your state's SHIP gives one-on-one help with Medicare. A counselor can help you choose a plan, review your coverage, understand costs and apply for Extra Help.
The Dougy Center — Grief Support for Kids & Teens
Grief support and free resources for children, teens, and families after someone dies, plus a directory to find a grief group near you.
VA Caregiver Support Line
If you care for a Veteran, you can call this line with questions about VA support for caregivers. They can also point you to your local Caregiver Support Team.
VictimConnect Resource Center
You can talk with someone about any crime that happened to you and learn your rights, your options, and where to get help nearby.
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
WIC gives healthy groceries, nutrition advice and breastfeeding support to pregnant, recently pregnant and breastfeeding women, and to babies and children under 5. You choose your state on their page to find your local WIC.
Women Veterans Call Center
If you are a woman Veteran, you can call, text or chat with trained women representatives about VA health care, benefits and services near you. They can connect you with your local VA medical center.
Legal help
ADA Information Line (U.S. Department of Justice)
If you think a business, school or government office has not met its duties under the Americans with Disabilities Act, you can call and talk with an accessibility specialist. They explain how the ADA applies to your situation and how to file a complaint.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (complaints)
If a bank, lender, debt collector or credit reporting company is treating you badly, you can file a complaint online or by phone and they send it to the company for a response.
HUD Report Housing Discrimination
If a landlord, seller or lender treated you unfairly in housing, you can report it online or call to talk with an intake specialist.
IdentityTheft.gov
If someone used your information, you can tell them what happened and get a personal recovery plan with the steps to take. The site also has sample letters and contact details for the credit bureaus.
Immigration Law Help
You can find trusted nonprofit groups near you that help immigrants with legal problems for free or low cost.
Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
If a health condition or disability makes parts of your job hard, you can call or chat to learn what workplace accommodations might help. They also explain how the ADA applies.
LawHelp.org
You pick your state and get sent to free legal help and plain legal information from nonprofit legal aid providers there. It also has guides on problems like housing and debt collection.
Legal Services Corporation — Find Legal Aid
Find free legal help near you for civil problems like eviction, benefits, or family safety.
National Elder Fraud Hotline
If someone age 60 or older has been targeted by a scam, this free U.S. Justice Department line helps them report it and figure out what to do next.
PensionHelp America
If you are having trouble with a pension or retirement benefit, this free service points you to counselors, legal help, and government offices that can help.
Protection & Advocacy for people with disabilities (NDRN)
Every state and territory has a Protection and Advocacy agency that gives legal advocacy to people with disabilities. They can help with information and referral, advocacy, investigating abuse and neglect, and legal representation.
ReportFraud.ftc.gov
You can report a scam, a company or an unwanted call, and you get next steps to protect yourself.
USAGov
If you don't know which government office handles your problem, you can call and talk with a live agent. They answer your question or point you to the agency that can.
VA Benefits Hotline
You can ask the VA about your benefits, claims, and what you may be eligible for as a veteran or family member.
VictimConnect Resource Center
You can talk with someone about any crime that happened to you and learn your rights, your options, and where to get help nearby.
Local services
211 — United Way
One free call connects you to local help with rent, food, bills, utilities, and more.
CareerOneStop
This U.S. Department of Labor site helps you find a job, get free training, fix up your resume, and locate the job center nearest you.
Child Care Aware of America
This national nonprofit helps families find child care nearby and understand ways to help pay for it, connecting you to your local referral agency.
Dress for Success
They give women free professional clothes for interviews and jobs, along with coaching to help you get and keep work.
Eldercare Locator
A free way to find local services for older adults and caregivers — meals, rides, home care, and more.
Family Caregiver Alliance
Support, clear information, and a state-by-state directory for people caring for an adult family member — plus a free tool called CareNav that builds a plan with you.
Find a Free or Charitable Clinic (NAFC)
A national map that helps you find a free or low-cost clinic near you when you have little or no health insurance.
Find a Health Center (HRSA)
A government tool to find health centers near you that give medical, dental, and mental health care on a sliding scale based on what you can pay.
Find Your State Assistive Technology Program
Pick your state and it points you to a local program where you can try out, borrow, or get help paying for devices that make daily life easier with a disability.
findhelp.org
Search free and reduced-cost help near you by ZIP code — food, housing, money, health, and more.
HUD-Approved Housing Counseling
A trained counselor can help if you are behind on rent, facing eviction or foreclosure, or trying to keep or find a home.
Immigration Law Help
You can find trusted nonprofit groups near you that help immigrants with legal problems for free or low cost.
Lifeline — Phone & Internet Discount
This is a government program that lowers your monthly phone or internet bill so staying connected costs less.
Meals on Wheels America
You enter your zip code and they connect you to a local program that brings meals to older adults who cannot easily shop or cook.
National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
You can reach VA counselors any time if you are a veteran who is homeless, about to lose housing, or worried about a veteran who is.
National Diaper Bank Network
A national nonprofit whose directory helps you find a local diaper bank that gives out free diapers for your baby or child.
No Kid Hungry — Free Meals Finder
You text one word and they send you free meal sites nearby where kids and teens can eat.
SNAP (Food Stamps) — How to Apply
SNAP helps you pay for groceries every month when money is tight, and this official page shows how to apply in your state.
The Salvation Army — Rent & Utility Help
Local Salvation Army centers can help with emergency money for rent, mortgage, and utility bills so you can keep a roof over your head and the power on.
USAHello
A free website that explains life in the U.S. — school, health, work, and citizenship — in your own language, with online classes you can take on your phone.
USDA National Hunger Hotline
You can call and a real person will help you find food near you — like pantries, meal sites, and programs such as SNAP.
VA Benefits Hotline
You can ask the VA about your benefits, claims, and what you may be eligible for as a veteran or family member.
VictimConnect Resource Center
You can talk with someone about any crime that happened to you and learn your rights, your options, and where to get help nearby.
Community
Al-Anon Family Groups
Free peer groups for people whose lives are hurt by someone else's drinking, where you meet others who truly get it.
Alcoholics Anonymous
A.A. is a fellowship of people who come together to solve their drinking problem. Anyone who wants to do something about their drinking can join.
ANAD Eating Disorders Helpline
You can call for support, encouragement, treatment referrals or just questions about eating disorders. They also have peer support groups and a free recovery mentor program.
Family Caregiver Alliance
Support, clear information, and a state-by-state directory for people caring for an adult family member — plus a free tool called CareNav that builds a plan with you.
Farm Aid Hotline
If you farm and things are falling apart, from money trouble to a disaster, you can call and talk with someone who helps you find services and resources that fit your situation.
Gamblers Anonymous
Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship where people who think they might have a gambling problem meet others in the same place, in person, online or by phone.
LGBT National Help Center
You can talk with a friendly volunteer about being LGBTQ+ — from coming out, to relationships, to needing someone who gets it.
Love Is Respect
You can reach trained advocates when a boyfriend, girlfriend, or partner is hurting, controlling, or scaring you.
Military OneSource
Service members and military families can call or use secure chat for answers and support, from money questions to relationships. They also offer coaching and counseling.
NAMI National Warmline Directory
NAMI's state-by-state list of warmlines — free phone lines where you can talk with someone who has lived through hard mental-health times, for when it is not an emergency.
Narcotics Anonymous
Narcotics Anonymous is a fellowship of people in recovery from drug addiction. Their site has a page to find an NA meeting near you.
National Parent & Youth Helpline
You can talk with a trained counselor when parenting feels like too much, or when you are a young person who needs someone to really hear you.
Physician Support Line
Volunteer psychiatrists offer free, private phone support to doctors and medical students who are struggling.
Postpartum Support International
You can reach people who understand the hard feelings that can come with pregnancy or a new baby — deep sadness, worry, or scary thoughts.
SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline
Free, private support any time for people shaken by a disaster like a storm, fire, or flood — whether it happened recently or a while ago.
SMART Recovery
Free support groups for anyone working on an addiction or habit, using practical tools instead of steps or any religion.
Star Legacy Foundation
Free, caring support for families going through pregnancy or infant loss, like stillbirth, miscarriage, or a baby's death.
TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors)
If someone you love died while serving in the military, you can call at any hour and talk with someone who listens and connects you with resources.
The Compassionate Friends
Support for families after a child of any age has died, from any cause, given by others who have lost a child too.
The Dougy Center — Grief Support for Kids & Teens
Grief support and free resources for children, teens, and families after someone dies, plus a directory to find a grief group near you.
USAHello
A free website that explains life in the U.S. — school, health, work, and citizenship — in your own language, with online classes you can take on your phone.
Work
CareerOneStop
This U.S. Department of Labor site helps you find a job, get free training, fix up your resume, and locate the job center nearest you.
Dress for Success
They give women free professional clothes for interviews and jobs, along with coaching to help you get and keep work.
Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
If a health condition or disability makes parts of your job hard, you can call or chat to learn what workplace accommodations might help. They also explain how the ADA applies.
Ticket to Work (Social Security)
This free Social Security program helps people on disability benefits try going back to work, with job support and clear answers about what happens to your checks.
USAHello
A free website that explains life in the U.S. — school, health, work, and citizenship — in your own language, with online classes you can take on your phone.
In the UK
Services for people in the UK. Where a service says it covers only part of the UK, the card names that part; check their site if you are not sure.
Crisis lines
Breathing Space
If you are in Scotland, over 16, and feeling low, anxious or depressed, you can call to talk it through in confidence. There is also a webchat during the same hours.
C.A.L.L. Mental Health Helpline for Wales
If you are in Wales and worried about your own mental health, or a relative's or friend's, you can use a confidential listening and support service. It is available in Welsh on request.
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)
You can talk to a trained helpline team if you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, have lost someone to suicide, or are worried about someone else. You can call, use live chat, or message on WhatsApp.
Childline
If you are a child or young person, you can talk to a counsellor about anything, big or small. You can call, or use the online 1-2-1 chat.
Combat Stress
If you are a veteran dealing with the effects of service-related trauma, you can call or text their helpline at any time. They also support family and friends who are worried about a veteran.
Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline (Northern Ireland)
If you are affected by domestic or sexual abuse, you can talk to trained helpline staff who will help you understand your experience and consider your options. You can call, email or use live chat.
Galop LGBT+ Abuse and Violence Helpline
If you are LGBT+ and facing domestic abuse, sexual violence, conversion practices or any other kind of abuse, you can talk to an adviser for emotional support and to look at your options.
Hourglass (older people and abuse)
If you are an older person, or you are worried about one, you can get information and support about abuse or neglect. You can call, text, email or chat live.
Lifeline (Northern Ireland)
If you are in crisis, you can speak to a trained counsellor. The site also has a section if you are worried about someone.
Live Fear Free Helpline
If you or someone you know has experienced domestic abuse or sexual violence, you can get free advice and support or talk through your options. Practitioners can ask for professional advice too.
Men's Advice Line
If you are a man affected by domestic abuse, you can talk it over with an adviser. Friends and family worried about a man can get in touch too.
National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Refuge)
You can talk in confidence about domestic abuse, plan for your safety, and work out what options you have. You can also use their live chat or a secure online form.
National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK
If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, or worried about someone close to you, you can talk to the helpline. It is a confidential service for anyone in need.
Rape Crisis England & Wales: 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line
If you have experienced sexual violence, abuse or harassment at any time in your life, you can talk to a specialist who will listen and reassure you it was not your fault. You can call or use a free online chat.
Samaritans
You can talk to a trained volunteer who listens without judging or telling you what to do. You can call about whatever you are going through.
SANEline
If you need to talk about your mental health, you can call SANEline in the evening. It is run by SANE, an independent mental health charity.
Scotland's Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline
If you are experiencing domestic abuse or forced marriage, you can talk to a trained helpline worker who will listen and believe you. Family, friends, colleagues and professionals worried about someone can call too.
Self Injury Support (SIFT)
If you self-harm, or are worried about someone who does, you can talk in a confidential space by phone, text or email. It is open to people of all ages, genders and backgrounds.
Shout
You can text with a trained volunteer about anything weighing on you, from stress and loneliness to self-harm or suicidal thoughts. You only share what you feel comfortable sharing.
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SoBS)
If someone you know has died by suicide, you can get peer-led support from people who have been through it themselves. The support is for adults.
Switchboard LGBTQ+ Support Line
You can reach a support line by phone, instant message or email. Every call, message and email is answered by a volunteer from the LGBTQIA+ community.
The Mix
If you are under 25, you can text for urgent mental health support, talk one-to-one with a trained peer supporter, join a group, or get one-to-one counselling. Their site also has a chatbot that works 24/7.
The Silver Line (Age UK's Silver Line Helpline)
If you are 55 or over, you can call for a friendly chat, some support, or a long conversation. It is especially there when you feel lonely or isolated.
Victim Support (Supportline)
If you have been affected by crime, you can talk in confidence to trained staff who explain your rights and options and the further support available. You can also use the live chat.
Housing & shelter
Advice Direct Scotland (advice.scot)
You can get free, practical advice and information on benefits, employment, housing, neighbourhood disputes and family matters. The same organisation runs services for debt, consumer, energy and postal advice.
Citizens Advice (Adviceline, England)
You can get advice on problems with debt, benefits, housing, work and more. The national phone line connects you to a local Citizens Advice, and there is online chat too.
Citizens Advice Cymru (Advicelink Wales)
You can get advice on problems with money, housing, work and more through the national phone line, which connects you to a local Citizens Advice. There is online chat too.
Citizens Advice Scotland (Scottish Citizens Advice Helpline)
You can find your local Citizens Advice Bureau by postcode, or call the Scottish Citizens Advice Helpline to speak with an adviser at your local bureau. Advice is free, confidential and impartial.
Housing Rights (Northern Ireland)
You can get advice and information about housing, including eviction, repairs and bad housing, mortgage problems, and help to pay housing costs. The helpline is a way to ask an adviser directly.
Shelter Cymru
If you have nowhere to sleep or might be homeless soon, you can talk to an expert housing adviser on the urgent helpline. You can also chat online or find an advice centre.
Shelter England
If you are homeless, have nowhere to stay tonight, are at risk of harm at home, or are worried about losing your home, you can get housing advice from an adviser.
Shelter Scotland
If you are homeless or about to become homeless, or someone in your home is vulnerable or at risk of harm, you can get urgent housing advice by phone.
Food
Trussell (find a food bank)
You can find your nearest food bank here. A food bank can give you an emergency food parcel with at least three days of meals.
Money & bills
Advice Direct Scotland (advice.scot)
You can get free, practical advice and information on benefits, employment, housing, neighbourhood disputes and family matters. The same organisation runs services for debt, consumer, energy and postal advice.
Advice NI
You can call the freephone advice helpline or email for advice, including on benefits, tax credits and debt. For face-to-face help, they point you to a local advice centre.
Age UK Advice Line
If you are older, or you are looking after someone who is, you can call for information and advice. There are also specialist advisers at local Age UKs.
Carers UK
If you look after a friend or family member, you can get information and signposting from their telephone helpline, or ask a question by email.
Citizens Advice (Adviceline, England)
You can get advice on problems with debt, benefits, housing, work and more. The national phone line connects you to a local Citizens Advice, and there is online chat too.
Citizens Advice Cymru (Advicelink Wales)
You can get advice on problems with money, housing, work and more through the national phone line, which connects you to a local Citizens Advice. There is online chat too.
Citizens Advice Scotland (Scottish Citizens Advice Helpline)
You can find your local Citizens Advice Bureau by postcode, or call the Scottish Citizens Advice Helpline to speak with an adviser at your local bureau. Advice is free, confidential and impartial.
Contact (helpline for families with disabled children)
If you are a parent or carer of a disabled child aged from birth to 25, you can call a free advice and information helpline. You do not need a diagnosis.
Funeral Expenses Payment (GOV.UK)
If you are arranging a funeral and cannot afford it, you could get a payment to help if you or your partner get certain benefits, such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, income-related ESA or Housing Benefit. The GOV.UK page explains who qualifies and how to claim.
Independent Age Helpline
If you are older, or caring for someone who is, you can call the free and impartial helpline for information and advice on money, health, care and housing. They can also send you free guides.
MoneyHelper
You can get free, impartial guidance on money, from everyday budgeting and money troubles to pensions. You can phone, webchat or use WhatsApp.
National Debtline
You can talk to a debt adviser by phone or webchat, or work through tailored advice online, to deal with what you owe.
National Gambling Helpline (GamCare)
If gambling is causing you or someone close to you worry, you can talk to an adviser in confidence. You can call, use live chat, or message on WhatsApp.
Report Fraud
If you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland and have been caught out by fraud or cyber crime, you can report it here and get help with the next steps and support.
Scope Disability Helpline
If you are disabled, or support someone who is, you can get free, independent and impartial advice and support on the issues that matter to you. You can call, email, or use a textphone or British Sign Language video call.
StepChange Debt Charity
You can get free, confidential debt advice and a plan for dealing with what you owe. You tell them about your situation and they suggest the options that fit.
Turn2us
You can use free online tools to check which benefits you could claim and to search for charitable grants. There is also a helper for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) applications.
Veterans UK Helpline
If you are a veteran or a family member, you can call for free support from the Ministry of Defence's Veterans UK. It covers Veterans Services, Defence Transition Services and injury or bereavement compensation scheme payments.
Health
Age UK Advice Line
If you are older, or you are looking after someone who is, you can call for information and advice. There are also specialist advisers at local Age UKs.
Alcoholics Anonymous Great Britain
You can call a helpline answered by AA members, email them, or find a meeting near you. At AA, people who have a problem with alcohol help each other.
Beat Eating Disorders Helpline (England)
If you or someone you know is affected by an eating disorder, you can call, use webchat or email for support and information, wherever you are in your journey. It is for people of all ages.
Breathing Space
If you are in Scotland, over 16, and feeling low, anxious or depressed, you can call to talk it through in confidence. There is also a webchat during the same hours.
C.A.L.L. Mental Health Helpline for Wales
If you are in Wales and worried about your own mental health, or a relative's or friend's, you can use a confidential listening and support service. It is available in Welsh on request.
Combat Stress
If you are a veteran dealing with the effects of service-related trauma, you can call or text their helpline at any time. They also support family and friends who are worried about a veteran.
Cruse Bereavement Support
If someone you love has died, you can talk to a trained volunteer who can help you make sense of how you are feeling. It does not matter how long ago the death was.
DAN 24/7 (Wales Drug and Alcohol Helpline)
If you or someone you know has a drug or alcohol problem, you can call for help and advice. They can also point you to national and local agencies.
FRANK
You can get friendly, confidential advice about drugs, by phone, text, email or live chat. You can ask for yourself or because you are worried about someone.
Hub of Hope
You can search a directory of mental health support services across the UK to find help near you or nationally. It has separate routes for young people aged 25 and under, adults, and urgent help.
Independent Age Helpline
If you are older, or caring for someone who is, you can call the free and impartial helpline for information and advice on money, health, care and housing. They can also send you free guides.
Mind Infoline
You can ask about mental health problems, where to get help near you, treatment options and advocacy services. They give information and point you to support.
National Gambling Helpline (GamCare)
If gambling is causing you or someone close to you worry, you can talk to an adviser in confidence. You can call, use live chat, or message on WhatsApp.
NHS 111 (England)
If you need medical help right now and it is not a life-threatening emergency, 111 can tell you where to get help. You can answer questions online or call.
NHS 111 Wales
If you feel unwell but it is not a medical emergency, you can call 111 or use the online symptom checkers. You will be given healthcare advice or directed to the local service that can help you best.
NHS 24 (111 in Scotland)
If you need urgent care when your GP, pharmacy or dental practice is closed, or you think you need A&E but it is not life or limb threatening, you can phone 111. It can also help if you are in mental health distress.
SAMH Information Service
You can ask the Information Service about support, or just talk about mental health, by using the contact form or emailing the team. SAMH also runs The Nook, a walk-in mental health hub in Glasgow with no appointment or referral needed.
SANEline
If you need to talk about your mental health, you can call SANEline in the evening. It is run by SANE, an independent mental health charity.
Self Injury Support (SIFT)
If you self-harm, or are worried about someone who does, you can talk in a confidential space by phone, text or email. It is open to people of all ages, genders and backgrounds.
Veterans UK Helpline
If you are a veteran or a family member, you can call for free support from the Ministry of Defence's Veterans UK. It covers Veterans Services, Defence Transition Services and injury or bereavement compensation scheme payments.
YoungMinds Parents Helpline
If you are worried about a child or young person's mental health, you can talk to a trained adviser. They can offer emotional support and point you to other services.
Legal help
Advice NI
You can call the freephone advice helpline or email for advice, including on benefits, tax credits and debt. For face-to-face help, they point you to a local advice centre.
Citizens Advice (Adviceline, England)
You can get advice on problems with debt, benefits, housing, work and more. The national phone line connects you to a local Citizens Advice, and there is online chat too.
Citizens Advice Cymru (Advicelink Wales)
You can get advice on problems with money, housing, work and more through the national phone line, which connects you to a local Citizens Advice. There is online chat too.
Citizens Advice Scotland (Scottish Citizens Advice Helpline)
You can find your local Citizens Advice Bureau by postcode, or call the Scottish Citizens Advice Helpline to speak with an adviser at your local bureau. Advice is free, confidential and impartial.
Report Fraud
If you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland and have been caught out by fraud or cyber crime, you can report it here and get help with the next steps and support.
Victim Support (Supportline)
If you have been affected by crime, you can talk in confidence to trained staff who explain your rights and options and the further support available. You can also use the live chat.
Local services
Hub of Hope
You can search a directory of mental health support services across the UK to find help near you or nationally. It has separate routes for young people aged 25 and under, adults, and urgent help.
Community
Age UK Advice Line
If you are older, or you are looking after someone who is, you can call for information and advice. There are also specialist advisers at local Age UKs.
Alcoholics Anonymous Great Britain
You can call a helpline answered by AA members, email them, or find a meeting near you. At AA, people who have a problem with alcohol help each other.
Carers UK
If you look after a friend or family member, you can get information and signposting from their telephone helpline, or ask a question by email.
Child Bereavement UK (including Winston's Wish)
If a child has died, or a child or young person is grieving, you can get bereavement support by phone, live chat, email or text/WhatsApp. No appointment is needed.
Children First Support Line
If you are a parent or carer in Scotland, you can call or start a webchat if you are struggling, feel overwhelmed, or just need to hear a friendly voice. They also run the Kinship Care Advice Service for Scotland through this line.
Contact (helpline for families with disabled children)
If you are a parent or carer of a disabled child aged from birth to 25, you can call a free advice and information helpline. You do not need a diagnosis.
Coram Family Lives
If you are a parent or carer, you can call for emotional support, information and advice on any aspect of parenting and family life. They listen and let you take the conversation where you want it to go.
Cruse Bereavement Support
If someone you love has died, you can talk to a trained volunteer who can help you make sense of how you are feeling. It does not matter how long ago the death was.
Family Action FamilyLine
You can get free emotional support, information and guidance on family relationships, conflict, parenting, caring and financial worries. You can call, text, email or use web chat.
Hourglass (older people and abuse)
If you are an older person, or you are worried about one, you can get information and support about abuse or neglect. You can call, text, email or chat live.
Independent Age Helpline
If you are older, or caring for someone who is, you can call the free and impartial helpline for information and advice on money, health, care and housing. They can also send you free guides.
NSPCC Helpline
If you are an adult worried about a child, you can talk it over with their specialist team, who will listen, advise and take any action needed. It is never too soon to talk to them.
Scope Disability Helpline
If you are disabled, or support someone who is, you can get free, independent and impartial advice and support on the issues that matter to you. You can call, email, or use a textphone or British Sign Language video call.
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SoBS)
If someone you know has died by suicide, you can get peer-led support from people who have been through it themselves. The support is for adults.
Switchboard LGBTQ+ Support Line
You can reach a support line by phone, instant message or email. Every call, message and email is answered by a volunteer from the LGBTQIA+ community.
The Mix
If you are under 25, you can text for urgent mental health support, talk one-to-one with a trained peer supporter, join a group, or get one-to-one counselling. Their site also has a chatbot that works 24/7.
The Silver Line (Age UK's Silver Line Helpline)
If you are 55 or over, you can call for a friendly chat, some support, or a long conversation. It is especially there when you feel lonely or isolated.
Veterans UK Helpline
If you are a veteran or a family member, you can call for free support from the Ministry of Defence's Veterans UK. It covers Veterans Services, Defence Transition Services and injury or bereavement compensation scheme payments.
YoungMinds Parents Helpline
If you are worried about a child or young person's mental health, you can talk to a trained adviser. They can offer emotional support and point you to other services.
Work
Advice Direct Scotland (advice.scot)
You can get free, practical advice and information on benefits, employment, housing, neighbourhood disputes and family matters. The same organisation runs services for debt, consumer, energy and postal advice.
Citizens Advice (Adviceline, England)
You can get advice on problems with debt, benefits, housing, work and more. The national phone line connects you to a local Citizens Advice, and there is online chat too.
Citizens Advice Cymru (Advicelink Wales)
You can get advice on problems with money, housing, work and more through the national phone line, which connects you to a local Citizens Advice. There is online chat too.
Citizens Advice Scotland (Scottish Citizens Advice Helpline)
You can find your local Citizens Advice Bureau by postcode, or call the Scottish Citizens Advice Helpline to speak with an adviser at your local bureau. Advice is free, confidential and impartial.
Know something we should add, or spot something out of date? Tell us — this list is kept by people, for people.