Helplines

If you are young and you want help with a particular aspect of your life, there are people to call. One place to start is to call one of the national helplines which we list here.

Needing emergency housing

Shelterline: Tel. 0808 800 4444, 8am-8pm seven days a week. (Calls are free from UK landlines.)

London Street Rescue: Tel. 0870 383 3333

Problems at home

Running away from home or missing people

Missing People: Freephone Tel. 0500 700 700 (24hrs)

Runaway helpline: Freephone Tel. 0808 800 70 70 (24hrs)

Violence or abuse at home

Childline: Freephone Tel. 0800 1111 (24hrs)
National Domestic Violence Helpline: Freephone Tel. 0808 2000 247 (24hrs)

Health

Depression or mental health, including suicidal thoughts

The Samaritans: Tel. 08457 90 90 90 (24 hours)
Saneline: Tel. 0845 767 8000 (6pm-11pm)
HOPEline: Tel 0800 068 41 41 (open Mon-Fri 10am-5pm and 7pm-10pm, and 2pm-5pm on weekends)

General health

NHS Direct: Tel: 0845 4647 (24 hours)

Drugs and alcohol

FRANK: Freephone Tel. 0800 77 66 00 (24 hours)
Drinkline: Freephone Tel. 0800 917 82 82 (Monday-Friday 9am-11pm)

Sexual health

Sexual Health line: Freephone Tel. 0800 567 123 (24hrs)
Brook Young People's Information Service : Freephone Tel. 0800 0185 023 (9-5 Monday-Friday).