Help & Advice Services
We have put together a list of useful resources which you or your customers might find helpful during times of trouble. General questions to support for domestic and housing issues or even help with bereavement and food struggles, there are plenty of charities and free services available to help those in need. When you’re at the heart of the community, you may find that your customers rely on you as a source of advice and support. We understand that you may not have all the answers, and you shouldn’t be expected to. But, there are lots of useful services you can point your customers towards if you think they would benefit from additional support.
Age UK
The country’s largest charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life. Providing companionship, advice and support for older people who need it most.
www.ageuk.org.uk
0800 678 1602
8am-7pm 365 days a year
Bereavement Advice Centre
Free helpline providing practical information and advice and signposting on the many issues and procedures that face us after the death of someone close.
www.bereavementadvice.org
0800 634 9494
Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm
Carers UK
A national charity supporting people who have caring responsibilities for a loved one who is older, disabled or seriously ill.
www.carersuk.org
0808 808 7777
Monday to Friday 9am – 6pm
Citizens Advice
The UK’s umbrella body for local Citizens Advice charities which provide help and support on a range of issues including money, housing, work and consumer issues.
www.citizensadvice.org.uk
03444 111 444
Text relay: 03444 111 445
Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm
Jobcentre Plus
Support with Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA)
www.gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance/how-to-claim
0800 055 6688
Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm
Mind
One of the largest mental health charities in the UK. They work on a national level with smaller, local charities operating across England and Wales.
https://www.mind.org.uk/
0300 123 3393
Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm, (except for bank holidays)
Money Helper (formerly Money Advice Service)
Free and impartial money advice to help improve personal and household finances, including tools and calculators to help keep track and plan ahead.
www.moneyhelper.org.uk
0800 138 7777 (WhatsApp +44 77 0134 2744)
Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm.
National Debtline
Independent national charity dedicated to providing free debt advice by phone and online to people across the UK.
www.nationaldebtline.org
0808 808 4000
Monday to Friday 9am - 8pm, Saturday 9.30am - 1pm
National Dementia Helpline
A support line providing information, advice and emotional support to anyone affected by dementia.
www.alzheimers.org.uk
0800 888 6678
Monday to Wednesday 9am – 8pm, Thursday and Friday 9am – 5pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am – 4pm
Scope
Provides free, independent and impartial advice and support on issues that matter to disabled people and their families.
www.scope.org.uk
0808 800 3333
Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm, weekends and most bank holidays 10am to 6pm
Shelter
Shelter helps people struggling with bad housing or homelessness through advice, support and legal services.
www.shelter.org.uk
0808 800 4444
Weekdays 8am – 8pm, weekends 9am – 5pm
Step Change Debt Charity
Step Change offer free impartial support on dealing with debt issues.
www.stepchange.org
0800 138 1111
Monday to Friday 8am – 8pm and Saturday 8am – 4pm
Refuge
Supporting those who have experienced domestic violence and abuse.
www.refuge.org.uk
0808 2000 247
24 hours a day
Trussell Trust
UK’s largest food bank network, can help refer people to get emergency food and find your local food bank.
www.trusselltrust.org
01722 580 180
Turn2Us
Turn2us helps people in financial need gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants and other financial help – online, by phone and face to face through our partner organisations.
www.turn2us.org.uk
0808 802 2000
Monday to Friday (except bank holidays) 9am - 5.30pm.
Universal Credit Helpline
0800 328 5644
Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm
If you would like to learn more about the support available in your local area, you can find out more information here.