Coronavirus useful contacts

• Helplines – our Infolines provide information and support by phone, email and text.
• Side by Side – our supportive online community for anyone experiencing a mental health problem.
• Local Minds – provide local mental health support across England and Wales, offering telephone helplines and online services during coronavirus. 

Hafal

hafal.org
Information and support in English and Welsh for people affected by mental health problems in Wales, including an online community.

SAMH

0344 800 0550
samh.org.uk
Mental health information and advice for people living in Scotland.

inspire (formerly the Northern Ireland Association for Mental Health)

inspirewellbeing.org
Provides services for mental health, learning and intellectual disability, autism, addiction, workplace and student wellbeing across the island of Ireland.

NHS UK

nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19
NHS UK coronavirus information. Includes guidance on staying at home, checking symptoms and supporting others.

Also gives guidance on accessing NHS services from home, including getting a GP appointment, ordering prescriptions, managing long-term conditions and looking after your health.

You can also call the NHS's 111 service for health advice and support over the phone, in England, Scotland and some parts of Wales.

And you can access mental wellbeing support in England from the NHS's Every Mind Matters, including information on coping during the pandemic.

NHS 111 coronavirus symptom checker     

111.nhs.uk/service/COVID-19
Online NHS 111 service to check if you have coronavirus symptoms. Includes information on getting an isolation note if you or someone you live with has coronavirus symptoms. 

NHS Wales

111.wales.nhs.uk/coronavirus(2019ncov)
NHS coronavirus information for people living in Wales, in English and Welsh.

The NHS's 111 telephone service is available in the Welsh health board areas of Hywel Dda, Powys, Aneurin Bevan and Swansea Bay (including Bridgend).

In other areas of Wales, you can call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 for health advice and support. 

And you can access mental wellbeing advice and support in Wales, including information on coping during the pandemic.

NHS Inform (Scotland)

nhsinform.scot/coronavirus
NHS coronavirus information for people living in Scotland. Includes mental wellbeing support from Clear Your Head, which offers advice for coping during the pandemic.

Public Health Agency (Northern Ireland)

publichealth.hscni.net/covid-19-coronavirus
Public Health Agency coronavirus information for people living in Northern Ireland.

The Northern Irish government website NI Direct also offers mental wellbeing advice and support for people in Northern Ireland, with tips for coping during the pandemic.

British Red Cross

0808 196 3651
redcross.org.uk
Emotional support to help you cope if you are experiencing loneliness, isolation, depression or bereavement. Provides practical help for anyone finding it hard to access food and medication, including support if you live independently. Offers information on getting help during the coronavirus pandemic.

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)

0800 58 58 58
thecalmzone.net
Provides listening services, information and support for men at risk of suicide, including a web chat.

Community Advice and Listening Line (C.A.L.L.) 

0800 132 737 (helpline)
81066 (text HELP plus your message)
callhelpline.org.uk
Provides information and support for people experiencing a mental health problem in Wales.

Papyrus HOPELINEUK

0800 068 41 41
07860 039 967 (text)
papyrus-uk.org
Confidential support for under-35s at risk of suicide and others who are concerned about them.

Relay UK

relayuk.bt.com
Provides a talk/type relay service for anyone who has difficulty hearing or being understood when speaking over the phone. The cost of making phone calls through this service depends on your telephone service provider.

Samaritans

116 123 (freephone)
[email protected]
Freepost SAMARITANS LETTERS
samaritans.org

Open 24/7 for anyone who needs to talk. You can visit some branches in person. Also offers a Welsh Language Line, available on 0300 123 3011 (7pm–11pm every day).

Shout

85258 (text SHOUT)
giveusashout.org
Text message support service for people in crisis.

Switchboard

0300 330 0630
switchboard.lgbt
Listening services, information and support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities.

Beat

0808 801 0677 (helpline)
0808 801 0811 (studentline)
0808 801 0711 (youthline)
beateatingdisorders.org.uk
Information, helpline, webchat and online support groups for people with eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia. Includes information and an online support group on coronavirus.

Bipolar UK

bipolaruk.org
Information and support for people affected by bipolar disorder, hypomania and mania.

Depression UK

depressionuk.org
Depression self-help organisation made up of individuals and local groups.

Hearing Voices Network

hearing-voices.org
Information and support for people who hear voices or have other unshared perceptions, including local support groups. Includes information on coping with voices and visions during the coronavirus pandemic. 

NHS Apps Library

nhs.uk/apps-library/category/mental-health
Mental health apps listed in the NHS Apps Library, including apps on mindfulness, anxiety and sleep.

No Panic

0844 967 4848 (helpline)
0330 606 1174 (youth helpline)
nopanic.org.uk
Provides a helpline, step-by-step programmes, and support for people with anxiety disorders, including coronavirus coping tips.

OCD Action

0845 390 6232
ocdaction.org.uk
Information and support for people affected by OCD and hoarding, including online forums and local support groups. Includes coronavirus coping tips.

Relate        

relate.org.uk
Provides help and support with relationships, including counselling, telephone counselling and anonymous live chat. Includes advice for keeping relationships healthy during self-isolation and social distancing.

See our list of support, guidance and useful contacts for healthcare and emergency services on our page for key workers.

Under 18? We're here for you too. Visit our coronavirus useful contacts for young people page.

Face-to-face talking therapies and counselling sessions may not be possible at the moment. But some therapists may offer appointments by phone, text or online instead. 

The links below include directories you can search to find a therapist or counsellor to support your mental health.

British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP)

babcp.com
Information about cognitive behavioural therapy and related treatments, including details of accredited therapists.

British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)

bacp.co.uk
Professional body for talking therapy and counselling. Provides information about therapy and a list of accredited therapists.

British Psychological Society

bps.org.uk
Information about psychology, including a list of chartered psychologists. Includes coronavirus advice for the public and professionals.

Counselling Directory

counselling-directory.org.uk
Online directory of professionally registered counsellors and psychotherapists.

The Help Hub   

thehelphub.co.uk
Provides free, 20 minute therapy sessions online or over the phone if you are isolated because of coronavirus.

Reading Well

reading-well.org.uk
A series of self-help books to help you understand and manage your health and wellbeing.

SilverCloud - Space From Covid

silvercloudhealth.com/uk/landing-page/space-from-covid
Free online self-help programme. Includes suggestions for coping tips and relaxation techniques.

At a Loss

ataloss.org
The UK's signposting website for the bereaved. They can help you find bereavement services and counselling. They also have resources on coronavirus pandemic bereavement.

BAMEStream Bereavement Support

0207 263 6947
bamestream.org.uk/bereavement-support
Offers free bereavement support (three sessions) for anyone aged 18 and over who identifies as Black, Asian or any other Minority Ethnicity who has been affected by the death of a loved one due to Covid-19. Support is delivered by Nafsiyat Intercultural Therapy. It is available in multiple languages and you can self-refer to the service.

Cruse Bereavement Care

0808 808 1677
cruse.org.uk
Information and support after a bereavement. Includes guidance on dealing with bereavement and grief during coronavirus.

Sudden

0800 2600 400
sudden.org
Support for people bereaved by sudden death. Includes helpful ideas for remembering someone who you've lost to coronavirus.

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS)

0300 111 5065
uksobs.org
Emotional and practical support for anyone bereaved or affected by suicide.

Refuge

0808 2000 247
refuge.org.uk
Support, information and advocacy for women and children experiencing violence and abuse.

Respect - Men's Advice Line

0808 801 0327
[email protected]
mensadviceline.org.uk
Confidential advice and support for men experiencing domestic violence and abuse by a current or ex-partner or family member.

Welsh Women's Aid

0808 80 10 800
welshwomensaid.org.uk
Information and support for women and children experiencing domestic abuse.

Women's Aid (England)

[email protected]
womensaid.org.uk
Information and support for women and children experiencing domestic abuse, including a live chat service.

Victim Support        

0808 168 9111
victimsupport.org.uk
Provides emotional and practical support for people affected by crime and traumatic events.

Mencap

0808 808 1111
mencap.org.uk
Information and advice for people with a learning disability, families and carers. Includes easy-read information on coronavirus.

Scope

0808 800 3333
scope.org.uk
Provides practical information and emotional support for disabled people. Includes a section of advice and support on coronavirus.

We are Undefeatable   

weareundefeatable.co.uk
Information and advice to help anyone with a long-term health condition to stay active. Includes specific tips for being active while staying at home.

Future Learn    

futurelearn.com
Offers a range of free and paid for online learning courses.

Open Learn      

openlearn.com
Offers a range of free and paid for online learning courses.

Games and puzzles

We also have a selection of games and puzzles which you can try if you need a distraction.

 

Gov.uk

gov.uk/coronavirus
UK government information about coronavirus. Includes guidance on testing, restrictions where you live, work, financial and housing support. Also provides support for anyone who is shielding or classed as clinically vulnerable from coronavirus.

Gov.wales

gov.wales/coronavirus
Welsh government coronavirus information (also available in Welsh). 

Gov.scot

gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19
Scottish government coronavirus information.

Northern Ireland Direct Government Services

nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/coronavirus-covid-19
Information about coronavirus for people living in Northern Ireland.

 

Government guidance

• UK Government guidance on coronavirus and claiming benefits
• Welsh Government coronavirus guidance on jobs, skills and financial support (in English and Welsh)
• Northern Irish Government guidance on coronavirus and claiming benefits

The Scottish Government recommends Citizens Advice's coronavirus guidance for information about employment rights in Scotland during coronavirus.

Citizens Advice

Free, confidential information and advice on your rights including with money, housing, legal and other problems, as well as coronavirus advice.

Citizens Advice has different contact details for each part of the UK:

England
03444 111 444 (Advice line)
03444 111 445 (Text relay)
citizensadvice.org.uk

Wales
03444 77 20 20 (Advice line)
03444 111 445 (Text relay)
citizensadvice.org.uk/wales

Scotland
cas.org.uk

Northern Ireland
If you live in Northern Ireland, Citizens Advice has some information about where to get advice.

Homeless Link

homeless.org.uk
Membership organisation which hosts an online directory of local homelessness services in England.

Shelter

Provides free, confidential advice on housing and homelessness, including an online chat and helpline.

Shelter has different web addresses for part of the UK:

England 
england.shelter.org.uk
Includes a page on housing advice in England during coronavirus.

Wales 
sheltercymru.org.uk
Includes a page on housing advice in Wales during coronavirus (in English). This page is not currently available in Welsh.

Scotland 
scotland.shelter.org.uk
Includes a page on housing advice in Scotland during coronavirus.

Northern Ireland
If you live in Northern Ireland, Shelter recommends Housing Advice NI for information and support on housing.

Government guidance

• UK Government coronavirus guidance for employees
• Welsh Government coronavirus guidance on jobs, skills and financial support
• Northern Irish Government coronavirus guidance for workers

The Scottish Government recommends Citizens Advice's coronavirus guidance for information about employment rights in Scotland during coronavirus.

Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS)

0300 123 1100
acas.org.uk
ACAS provides information, advice, training, conciliation and other services for employers and employees to help prevent or resolve workplace problems. Includes coronavirus advice for employees and employers.

Working Families

0300 012 0312
workingfamilies.org.uk
Advice and information for parents and carers about their rights at work, including coronavirus information.

British Red Cross

0808 196 3651
redcross.org.uk
Practical and emotional support for anyone finding it hard to access food and medication, or experiencing loneliness, isolation, depression or bereavement.

Includes information on getting help during the coronavirus pandemic, with support available if you live independently, and if you need to hire a wheelchair.

NHS Volunteer Responders

volunteering.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/nhs-volunteer-responders-portal/isolating
Support if you are self-isolating or shielding at home and need help with shopping, collecting prescriptions or a friendly chat.

Covid-19 Mutual Aid UK

covidmutualaid.org
Informal directory of local groups providing support to their communities, such as running errands or providing a listening ear.

Take care with what details you share with other people when using these services. For example, don't give your bank details or cards to anyone else.

See our page on safety and privacy for more information. Get Safe Online also has information about staying safe online.

Carers UK

0808 808 7777
carersuk.org
Information for anyone who provides care. Includes guidance on what to do if you or someone you care for develops coronavirus symptoms. Also offers information for carers in Wales (English only).

Age UK

Information and support for older people, including advice on coronavirus. 

Age UK has different contact details for each part of the UK:

England
0800 678 1602
ageuk.org.uk

Wales
0300 303 44 98
ageuk.org.uk/cymru

Scotland
0800 12 44 222
ageuk.org.uk/scotland

Northern Ireland
0808 808 7575
ageuk.org.uk/northern-ireland

YoungMinds 

0808 802 5544 (helpline) 
youngminds.org.uk  
Parents’ Helpline available by phone and email, to offer advice to parents and carers worried about a child or young person under 25.

HOPELINEUK 

0800 068 4141 (helpline) 
07860039967 (text) 
papyrus-uk.org/hopelineuk 
If you are concerned that a young person is feeling suicidal, advisers can support you to start a conversation about suicide and explore options of how best to support them.

CAFCASS 

cafcass.gov.uk
CAFCASS represents children in family court cases in England. Includes information for parents and carers on coronavirus. 

Gingerbread 

0808 802 0925 (helpline for single parents) 
gingerbread.org.uk
Support for single parent families so they can live secure, happy and fulfilling lives. Includes information for single parents on coronavirus. 

Twinkl 

twinkl.co.uk 
A free online resource hub of study materials for early years, Key Stage 1, 2, 3 and 4. Includes resources for young people with special educational needs and disabilities, as well as resources for young people who have English as an additional language.

BBC Bitesize 

bbc.co.uk/bitesize 
Learning and revision support for primary, secondary and post-16 groups. Includes new lessons added daily.

Future Learn 

futurelearn.com
For older students, Future Learn has free online courses on a range of subjects. 

NSPCC 

0808 800 5000 (helpline for concerns about a child) 
0808 800 5002 (helpline for advice about online safety) 
nspcc.org.uk
Information, support and advocacy for children experiencing abuse. Includes information and tips about talking to young people about online safety.

The Council for Disabled Children 

councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk
Information, support and advocacy for children and young people with a disability, their families and carers. Includes resources to provide support and guidance during coronavirus. 

 
The National Autistic Society

0808 800 4104 (helpline for general advice) 
autism.org.uk
Information, support and advocacy for autistic people and their families across the UK. Includes information on education and school during the coronavirus pandemic. 

Mencap

0808 808 1111
mencap.org.uk
Advice and support for people with a learning disability, their families and carers. 

The Scouts 

0345 300 1818 
scouts.org.uk
Information for young people and parents and carers on the scouts. Includes a collection of activities that can be done indoors and in the garden during coronavirus. 

Girlguiding

girlguiding.org.uk
Information for young people and parents and carers on girl guiding. Includes a resource hub of activities to have fun indoors during coronavirus. 

The National Autistic Society 

0808 800 4104 
autism.org.uk
Information, advice and support for people with autism, families and carers. Includes a hub of activities for families and young people to do inside.

Hope Again

0808 808 1677 (helpline) 
hopeagain.org.uk
Information and support for young peoples and families after a bereavement, in English and Welsh.

The Irish Hospice Foundation

hospicefoundation.ie
Information and support to help people after bereavement in Ireland. Includes information on helping children and teenagers to grieve during coronavirus.