Simple Signposting to Better Health and Wellbeing

Self-care and National Support Services

Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous is group meeting where people share their experience, strength and hope that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. Each meeting is autonomous, and confidential.

Telephone: 0800 9177 650 

Website: AA Meetings | Alcoholics Anonymous - Great Britain (alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk)

Drinkline

Free, confidential helpline for anyone who is concerned about their drinking, or someone else's.

Telephone: 0300 123 1110 

Website: Drinkaware Home | Drinkaware

'Drink Free Days' App

If the person has a smartphone they can download the 'Drink Free Days' app Drink less - Better Health - NHS (www.nhs.uk) designed to make it easy to keep an eye on alcohol consumption and take control with daily tips and feedback.

Narcotics Anonymous 

A non-profit fellowship or society of men and women for whom drugs had become a problem. They are recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean. This is a program of complete abstinence from all drugs. There is only one requirement for membership, the desire to stop using.

Telephone: 0300 999 1212 

Website: Welcome to UKNA | UKNA | Narcotics Anonymous in the United Kingdom

FRANK

FRANK is a national drug information service providing honest information about drugs. If you need friendly confidential advice for yourself or someone else, you can contact their helpline 24/7. They also provide email and live chat services. 

Telephone: 0300 123 6600 or Text 82111 

Website: Honest information about drugs | FRANK (talktofrank.com)

Local Support Services

Harbour 

Harbour provides drug and alcohol support services to people with complex lives. They help people to realise they are not alone and that they have the power to make positive changes in their lives.

Telephone: 01752 434343- Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm

Email: harbourcentre@harbour.org.uk

Website: Harbour Centre Plymouth

Address: Harbour Hyde Park House, Mutley Plain, Plymouth PL4 6LF

Referral method: Self-referral

SHARP - Support for young people at Harbour

SHARP provide support for under 18s. They work with young people to help to stop or cut down the use of alcohol and drugs, provide information and guidance. This service is also available to families, friends or anyone who needs advice or support.

Telephone: 01752 434295-Monday to Friday 9am-5pm

Email: THCPLTD.SHARP@nhs.net

Website: How we can make Differences for our Young People - Harbour

Address: Harbour, Hyde Park House, Mutley Plain, Plymouth, PL4 6LF

Referral method: Self-referral or from other agencies 

Hamoaze House 

Hamoaze House supports those who are struggling with alcohol or drug misuse. They offer a safe, calm place to help you to rebuild your life with new skills and coping mechanisms. They offer support, counselling and security for you and your family.

Telephone: 01752 566100 - Monday to Friday 9am-5pm

Email: office@hamoazehouse.org.uk  

Website: Hamoaze House

Address: George Street, Mount Wise, Plymouth PL1 4JQ

Referral Method: Self-referral or via other agencies

Self-care and National Support Services

Child Exploitation Online Protection (CEOP)

Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) is a law enforcement agency providing support and advice for children, adults or teachers about keeping children safe from sexual abuse and grooming online. Submit a report online  https://www.ceop.police.uk/ceop-reporting/

Website: https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/11_18/

Childline 

Childline provide free, confidential support to children about any topic, including modern slavery and human trafficking. Support is available to anyone under the age of 19 years. Online 1-2-1 chats with counsellors and email options are also available. See their website for more details.

Telephone: 0800 1111 (Available 24hrs a day 7 days a week)

Website: www.childline.org.uk

CrimeStoppers 

 An independent crime-fighting charity in the UK allows people to call or pass on information about crime anonymously.

Telephone: 0800 555 111

Website: www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Safeline- National Helpline for Male Survivors

Safeline provides specialist, tailored support for anyone affected by or at risk of sexual abuse and rape, that empowers them to make choices about the lives they want and helps prevent abuse. They provide support to anyone but also offer a dedicated phone service for male survivors of sexual violence. 

Telephone: 01926 402 498 (Safeline) or 0808 800 5005 (National Male Survivor Helpline)

Website: Home - Safeline - Believe in you - Surviving sexual abuse & rape

NSPCC 

If you’re worried about a child, even if you are unsure, the NSPCC helpline is available for advice from a trained counsellor. You don't have to say who you are. You might be looking for guidance and support on issues affecting children. Whatever it is you're worried about, their dedicated child protection specialists will be able to help.

Telephone: 0808 800 5000 Mon-Fri 10am-8pm 

Website: www.nspcc.org.uk

NWG- Say Something If You See Something Awareness Campaign

Say Something If You See Something is an all year round National Campaign which provides a proactive, partnership approach towards the prevention of child exploitation and trafficking in a range of trades. It provides and extensive range of resources and support for organisations to raise awareness of Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking, as well as guidance on how to respond effectively and protect vulnerable young people.

Support Advice and Guidance is also available from the CSE Response Unit based at the NWG premises in Derby. The CSE Response Unit is for all professionals from all sectors who want to understand and improve their response to CSE, this multi-disciplinary team provides excellent support on all matters related to Child Sexual Exploitation, Trafficking and Modern-Day Slavery.

Telephone: 0300 303 3032 (CSE Response Unit)

Email: ru@nwgnetwork.org (CSE Response Unit)

Website: Say Something If You See Something Awareness Campaign - NWG Network

PACE (Parents Against Child Exploitation)

Pace is a national charity working to keep children safe from exploitation by supporting their parents, disrupting the offenders and working in partnership with police and family services. They also train professionals to support affected children and their parents using a trauma-informed, family-centric approach. They take referrals directly from parents who have concerns and need support.

Telephone: 0113 240 3040

Website: https://paceuk.info/

Report Remove-Remove a Nude Image Shared Online (Run by Childline)

Report Remove helps young people under 18 in the UK to confidentially report sexual images and videos of themselves and remove them from the internet. Having your nudes shared can feel scary, and it can leave you feeling worried or even ashamed. But it’s not your fault. It’s against the law for anyone to share a sexual image or video of someone who’s under 18, and Childline are working with the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) and Yoti to help you remove any sexual image or video of you that’s online. 

Report Remove is safe, easy and free- visit the website address below for more information.

Website: Report Remove | Childline

Runaway Helpline

Runaway Helpline is here if you are thinking about running away, if you have already run away, or if you have been away and come back. You can also contact them if you are worried that someone else is going to run away or if they are being treated badly or abused. Runaway Helpline has been supporting young people for many years and is run by the UK charity Missing People. 

Telephone: 116000 (call or text for free, 9am-11pm 7 days a week)

Website: Homepage - Runaway Helpline

Sarah’s Law

The Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme (CSODS) lets you formally ask the police whether someone who has contact with a child or children has a record for child sexual (paedophile) offences poses a risk to the child or children for some other reason. It's not a law, but it is sometimes called 'Sarah's Law'. It gives guidance on how you can ask us to use our existing police powers to share information about sex offenders. If you’re worried about someone’s behaviour towards a child, or something you've seen, heard, or been told, you can use Sarah's Law to find out if that person is a risk. You must apply for information about a specific person and a specific child or children they spend time with. You cannot apply for general information about child sex offenders.

Who can apply?

Anyone who is worried about someone's behaviour towards a child can apply, not just a child's parents. This includes people like a grandparent, neighbour, or friend. No matter who makes the application, if there is information we decide to share, we will tell whoever can use the information to keep the child safe. This might not be the person who made the application, it might be someone else (like the child's parents).

Website: Sarah's Law (Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme) | Devon & Cornwall Police (devon-cornwall.police.uk)

Local Support Services

Barnardo’s Exceed Service

Barnardo's Exceed Service is commissioned by the Office for the Police and Crime Commissioner and Torbay Council to support young people aged 8-18 who live in Devon, Cornwall, Plymouth and Torbay where there are concerns around Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE).

They also work with 18-25s who are care experienced or who have additional needs, as well as supporting parents and carers and professionals to tackle CSE across Devon and Cornwall.

Telephone: 01752 256339

Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm (closed on bank holidays)

Email: exceed@barnardos.org.uk

Website: www.barnardosexceed.org.uk 

Plymouth Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)

The Plymouth SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre) offers 24 hour access to counselling and services to support anyone of any age who has experienced rape or sexual assault. This could have been recently or in the past. Services offered include; forensic medical facilities and examination, emotional and practical support and sexual health and contraception information and services. Support staff and medical services are available at any time of the day or night. This can be with or without the need for police involvement.

There are Sexual Assault Referral Centre's (SARC) in Truro, Exeter & Plymouth, please click on the link below to find your nearest centre. 

Plymouth Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) Children’s service

Plymouth SARC offers a dedicated children’s service for children up to their 18th birthday who have been raped or sexually assaulted.

If you or somebody you know has been a victim of non-recent sexual assault you can get help by calling 0300 3034626 or by filling in a quick referral form.

Children who have experienced recent cases of sexual assault (10 days or less ago) in Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are cared for at the facility in Plymouth. They will be given immediate medical care, a forensic medical assessment, emergency contraception if required, and support and advice about what to do next.

Telephone: 0300 303 4626

Email: Online Referral Form Get help - Devon & Cornwall SARC - NHS (sarchelp.co.uk)

If you are a Police Officer referring a victim into the ISVA Service, you must use the below secure online referral form. Please do not use First Light's own website or advise victims to report directly. 

Secure online referral - Devon & Cornwall SARC - NHS (sarchelp.co.uk)

Website: Plymouth SARC - Devon & Cornwall SARC - NHS (sarchelp.co.uk)

Address: Hawthorne House, Darklake View, Estover, Plymouth, PL6 7TL

You can find your local SARC centre here:  Find Rape and sexual assault referral centres services - NHS (www.nhs.uk

Referral Method: Telephone for self-referral or via professional referral form online

Self-care and National Support Services

The Money Helper Service (Government backed service)

Free and impartial money advice, set up by the government. Providing advice and guides to help improve your finances. They also have tools and calculators to help keep you on track and plan ahead. They provide support over the phone and online, via WhatsApp and Webchat. See their website for more details. 

Telephone: 0800 138 7777

Website: https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en

Citizens Advice Service

The Citizens Advice Service can help you to make the right choices, including help to deal with your debt problems, how to avoid losing your home and how to get your finances back into shape. Citizens Advice also offer advice on Benefits and Tax credits, as it's important to make sure that you get all the help that you're entitled to. 

To find your nearest Citizens Advice please click on the link below. Scroll down and enter your postcode or town to get contact details for your nearest Citizens Advice.

Contact us - Citizens Advice

Telephone: 0800 144 8848

Website: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/

National Debtline

National Debtline has helped millions of people with their debts. They'll talk you through options and give clear advice on how to take back control.

Telephone: 0808 808 4000 

Website: https://www.nationaldebtline.org/

StepChange Debt Charity

StepChange helps change lives, helping you be free from Debt by getting your finances back on track. They will give you debt advice, a personalised plan to deal with your debts, while providing a wide range of debt solutions and services. Their expert advice is impartial and personalised to each individual situation.

Telephone: 0800 138 1111

Website: https://www.stepchange.org/

PayPlan

PayPlan's supportive, non-judgemental team of advisers help thousands of people beat their debts. They understand the recent cost of living increases will be putting a strain on your finances. They can help in many ways, such as; with contacting people you owe money to and arranging lower payments to make things more affordable.

Their website has tools such as budget calculator's and tips to help you save money help you with budget and plan, to get you back on track. 

Telephone: 0800 280 2816

Website: www.payplan.com

Debt Advice Foundation

Debt Advice Foundation is a national debt advice and education charity offering free, confidential support and advice to anyone worried about debt.

Telephone: 0800 043 40 50 

Website: http://www.debtadvicefoundation.org/

Credit Unions

Credit unions offer an alternative to traditional banks and building societies for saving and borrowing. 

They're there to provide a financial community. Credit Unions can help those who can't get access to ordinary bank products; a lifeline in less well-off communities for people grappling with their finances.

Website: https://www.findyourcreditunion.co.uk/

Christians Against Poverty – CAP

CAP offer free, expert debt help and they will support you all the way to becoming debt free. No matter how large or small your problem is. The first step is often the hardest, but it’s worth it. If CAP is not available in your area you can still other services available to you on their website. You can check if CAP provide support i your area by using their postcode search, follow the link here: CAP UK | Contact us

Telephone: 0800 328 0006

Website: CAP UK | Home

Local Support Services

Plymouth Online Directory

The significant rise in the cost of living is a concern for everyone. The Plymouth Online Directory (POD) makes it easy to find help with a wide range of issues, such as welfare benefits like universal credit, to where to go to get help with gas an electricity bills. It also has information on help with council tax, housing costs and food banks.

Website: www.plymouthonlinedirectory.com/news/costoflivingsupport

Plymouth Foodbank 

In most areas to obtain food bank parcel you will need a foodbank voucher. This is usually done via self-referral to each local council. However, if you are currently being supported by a partner agency (such as a school, Citizen's Advice Bureau, Social Services, Housing Association, Salvation Army, Children's Services or Job Centre), please speak with them first. They may be able to support you with a voucher or direct referral.

Nobody should have to face going hungry. That's why Plymouth Foodbank can provide three days' nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred in crisis. 

Contact details to obtain voucher:

• Citizen's Advice Bureau: 0808 208 2138
• Plymouth City Council: 01752 668000 - Option 1 then 3 for the Foodbank

Telephone: 01752 254981 to discuss collection

Opening Hours: Open for collections of food parcels (with foodbank voucher) Mon & Wed 1:30pm-3:30pm and Friday 11am-1pm

Email: info@plymouth.foodbank.org.uk 

Website: Plymouth Foodbank - The Trussell Trust

Address: Oasis Project, Manor Street, Plymouth, PL1 1TW

Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional

Devon and Cornwall Food Action- DCFA

DCFA are a charity supporting those in need of food provisions. Support is not just available for those unemployed and on benefits, 82% of the individuals and families in receipt of their help are in paid employment. DCFA are not a food bank, but they are a food re-distributor to those in need, providing low-cost food solution. DCFA endeavour to help any individual, family or community who are suffering from food poverty or instability. 

There is a cost at this time of £17 +£3 delivery this provides a standard box to feed family of 4 for approximately a week.

Telephone: 01752 651800

Email: info@dcfa.org.uk

Website: Devon and Cornwall Food Action - Devon & Cornwall Food Action

Facebook: Devon & Cornwall Food Action - DCFA - Home | Facebook (most up to date information)

Address: Unit 4 Porsham Close, Belliver Industrial Estate, Roborough, Plymouth, Devon, PL6 7DB

Referral Method: Self-referral and via some professional agencies

Plymouth Food Aid Network

The map below offers access to multiple charities, community groups and organisations who can provide food support across Plymouth and the surrounding areas. Use the 'Filters' option to find a specific group or enter the first part of your postcode to see what is available nearby.

Website: Food Access Map – Plymouth Food Aid Network (adoddle.org)

Quick links:  Food Plymouth guide

If cost of living pressures are affecting your mental health, please look at the Mental Wellbeing Topic showing support services in your area.

Self-care and National Support Services

If you are in danger, please dial 999 immediately or 101 in a non-emergency.

If you're unable to speak when you dial 999, use 'The Silent Solution': Wait for the operator to speak and type 55 on your keypad. This will alert the operator that you need help.

Refuge- National Domestic Abuse Helpline 

Providing advice and support for women and children, against domestic violence. If you are seeking immediate support please call, support can be provided in many different languages including BSL. Any messages you send won’t leave any trace on your email and they won’t leave voicemails when calling back for safety reasons.

Telephone: 0808 200 0247 – 24 Hours

Website:https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/

Women's Aid

A national charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children. They provide online help and support to women and children suffering domestic abuse, help to access refuge accommodation, outreach services and Independent Domestic Violence Advocacy (IDVA).

Email: helpline@womensaid.org.uk

Live chat: Live Chat | Women's Aid Live Chat (womensaid.org.uk)

Website: https://www.womensaid.org.uk/

Technology Safety - A Toolkit for Survivors

Resources on this website explore technology in the context of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and violence against women. To talk to someone who can answer your questions and support you, call the National Domestic Abuse helpline. Information includes:

• Safety tips, information, and privacy strategies for survivors on the use of technology
• Spyware and Stalkerware information
• Smartphones - Increasing privacy & responding to abuse
• Tips on being webwise when sharing personal information online

Website: https://www.techsafety.org/resources-survivors

Men's Advice Line

A confidential helpline, run by Respect, for men experiencing domestic violence from a partner or ex-partner (or from other family members). Their focus is to increase the safety of men experiencing domestic abuse (and the safety of their children).

Telephone: 0808 801 0327

Website: http://www.mensadviceline.org.uk/

Galop-LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline

The Helpline Team has extensive experience in supporting LGBT+ people who are victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence, hate crime, so-called conversion therapies, honour-based abuse, forced marriage, and other forms of abuse. Professionals can also contact this number for advice. 

Telephone: 0800 999 5428 

Website: https://galop.org.uk/get-help/helplines/

Rights of Women - helping women through their rights in law

They give free legal advice and information to women in England and Wales on a wide range of issues including domestic violence, child contact, sexual violence and the criminal justice process, immigration and asylum, sexual harassment at work as well as other legal issues arising from relationship breakdown.

Telephone: 020 7490 0152 – Monday 3pm-5pm, Tuesday and Wednesday 6pm-8pm

Website: Sexual harassment at work - Rights of WomenRights of Women

Respect

Respect offer a confidential and anonymous helpline offering advice, information, and support for anyone concerned about their violence and/or abuse towards a partner or ex-partner of either sex.

Telephone: 0808 802 4040

Website: respectphoneline.org.uk

Relate

Relate can help you with pressing concerns that are affecting your relationships. This could be with your partner, a child, a family member, or friend. The service offers relationship counselling for partners and individuals, sex therapy, family counselling and counselling for children and young people.

Contact us: Find your Centre | Relate

Website: Home | Relate

Victim Support

Victim Support provide emotional and practical help to people who have been affected by domestic abuse in Devon and Cornwall. They are independent charity, and you can contact them regardless of whether you’ve contacted the police, and no matter how long ago the crime took place.

Telephone: National 0808 1689 111- 24 Hours

Devon and Cornwall: 0300 3030 554 Mon-Fri 12pm-6pm

Website: https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/

Claire's Law

This scheme enables the police to release information about any previous history of violence or abuse a person might have. Under Clare's Law you can:

• Apply for information about your current or ex-partner because you're worried they may have a history of abuse and are a risk to you
• Request information about the current or ex-partner of a friend or relative because you're worried, they might be at risk.

Please note: The Clare’s Law (DVDS) scheme does not replace: CRB (Criminal Record Bureau) Checks, DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks, subject access requests or FOI requests.

Website: Request information under Clare's Law: Make a Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) application | Devon & Cornwall Police (devon-cornwall.police.uk)

Local Support Services

Plymouth Domestic Abuse Services (PDAS)

At PDAS, they provide practical, non-judgemental support, advice and protection for all victims of domestic abuse, stalking or harassment. 

Telephone: 0800 458 2558 

Refuge Telephone: 01752 562 286 (9am to 5pm)

Opening Hours: Mon–Fri 8am-5pm and Weds 8am- 8pm

Drop in: Available Mon-Fri 9am-5pm but please call first to ensure someone is there to see you

Email: pdas@sanctuary-housing.co.uk

Website: Plymouth Domestic Abuse Services (PDAS) - Domestic abuse services | Sanctuary Supported Living (sanctuary-supported-living.co.uk)

Address: Palace Street, Plymouth, PL1

Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional

Ahimsa 

Ahimsa provides a specialist programme for perpetrators of domestic violence and abuse, including stalking or harassment. The service is available to any adult who is wanting to change their abusive behaviour and is interested and able to engage in the programme. They also support the partners and ex-partners of those who are on the programme, providing them with emotional support, information and safety advice.

Telephone: 01752 213535 or 07851 192 660

Opening hours: 9am–5pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & 9am- 2pm Thursday and Friday

Email: enquiries@ahimsa.org.uk

Website: Ahimsa. Supporting non-violent and loving relationships – Plymouth

Address: 16 Creykes Court, 5 Craigie Drive, The Millfields, Plymouth, PL1 3JB

Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional

Refuge 4 Pets

Refuge4Pets provides a specialist animal fostering service across Devon and Cornwall to victims/survivors of domestic violence and abuse so that they can leave with their much-loved pets.

Telephone: 0300 4000 121 Mon-Fri 10am-4pm

Email: info@refuge4pets.org.uk

Contact Form: https://refuge4pets.org.uk/professional-referral-form/

Website: Refuge4Pets | Helping people and animals escape domestic abuse

Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional

Make Amends Restorative Justice Service

This service aims to bring those who have been affected by crime into communication with those who are accountable. This is voluntary and is a way to help everyone move forward from what has happened. Restorative Justice between those affected and accountable for harm should always be facilitated by accredited practitioners.

Telephone number: 01803 222033

Email: makeamends@shekinah.co.uk  

Website: Shekinah - Make Amends

Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional

 

Self-care and National Support Services

What to do if there is a Fire

• You should get out of the property, stay out and call 999
• Keep calm and act quickly get everyone out as soon as possible
• Close all doors behind you, if it is safe to do this
• Do not tackle the fire yourself
• Before you open a door check if it’s warm, if it is do not open it as fire may be on the other side
• If there is smoke, keep low where the air is clearer
• If your clothes catch fire, you should lie down and roll around. If possible, smother the flames with a heavy material such as a coat or a blanket – remember – STOP, DROP and ROLL

What to do if you cannot get out

• If safe to do so gather everyone into one room, ideally with a window and a phone
• Put bedding around the bottom of the door to block out smoke
• Call 999 and an operator will offer survival advice whilst you are on the phone
• If you do not have access to a phone, open the window and shout “HELP FIRE”

Fire and Rescue Service Home Safety 

Please use the Local Support and Contact details section below for signposting information to request either a Home Safety visit for further Fire Safety advice from the Fire and Rescue Service.

Online home safety check

As most Fire and Rescue Services have waiting lists for home visits, you can do a home self-assessment using the Safelincs online home fire safety check tool.

You can use the tool to:

• identify fire risks in your home
• learn how you can reduce the risks
• create your own home fire safety plan.

Complete your own online home safety check using this link: HFSC (safelincs.co.uk)

Further information on Home Safety Visits can be found on the local area links below:

Hoarding UK

What you can do

• If you know a friend, family member, or someone you care for is hoarding, talk to them about the fire home safety visit service. 
• A friendly Fire and Rescue service staff member will visit them in their home to give advice and guidance without judgement or embarrassment. 
• If someone wants to get rid of items, professional help is available. There is a register of professional declutterers who can work with people to support them to remove excess belongings.
• Show this video of a firefighter talking about his own experience with hoarding (5 minute video) Hoarding | Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service (dsfire.gov.uk)

Safety tips to prevent a fire in a hoarded home

If someone you know lives in a home that is full of belongings, help them to live more safely by:

• helping them to plan and practise a fire escape plan. Stress the importance of clear routes and exits in case of a fire. Practise the plan often. Exit routes may change as new items are brought into the home.
• installing working smoke alarms in the home. Test them every week (or at least once a month).
• making sure flammable items (such as tea towels, dishcloths, and clothes) are kept away from portable heaters, the stove or the oven
• checking electrical wiring - it may be old or worn from the weight of their possessions. Pests can chew on wires. Damaged wires can start fires.
• helping them to manage their paperwork - newspapers and mail are particularly flammable. Recycle newspapers and post as soon as it is finished with. In the event of a fire, they would cause it to spread rapidly.
• encouraging safer smoking habits such as smoking outside, discarding cigarettes in a suitable ashtray, and regularly emptying ashtrays.
• Book a home safety visit and the Fire and Rescue Service can install free smoke alarms and specialist equipment and have a conversation with the person about keeping safe in their home.

Hoarding UK support people affected by hoarding behaviours. Their aim is to empower individuals experiencing hoarding behaviours to achieve spatial and personal change, to reduce isolation and improve their health and well-being. They are a multi-service organisation, helping thousands of people over ten years of service.

Web: https://hoardinguk.org/

Local Support Services

For further information and guidance, please refer to the 'Act' section above which contains links to National and Regional support.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service

If you have fire safety concerns about anyone you know or work with, you can make a referral to us to see if they are eligible for a Home Safety visit.

Telephone: 0800 05 02 999 – Request a Home Safety Visit

Website: Book a home safety visit | Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service (dsfire.gov.uk)  Online Referral Pathway (Self-Help and Partner Referral).

If you or the occupier are not eligible for a Home Safety Visit, you will be sent free tailored advice to keep you and your family safe in your home.

A Home Safety Visit is carried out by trained Fire and Rescue service staff, on a pre-arranged appointment date.

If you are referring someone to Devon and Somerset, please use partner code 023 for Devon and Cornwall Police.

If you are concerned due to a threat of arson in Devon, please call 0800 05 02 999 during office hours (Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm), or send an email marked as ‘high importance’ with ‘ARSON THREAT’ in the subject line, along with any additional risks and information to firekills@dsfire.gov.uk so that the referral can be processed as quickly as possible. Out of hours, Police Officers or Staff can refer using the PPN (Public Protection Notice) which will be assessed and shared by the Central Safeguarding Team. 

Self-care and National Support Services

CrimeStoppers

CrimeStoppers is an independent charity that provides advice on how to protect people from crime and offers a completely anonymous crime reporting service 365 days a year. If you know someone who may be violent or abusive to someone because of their disability, race, religion, transgender identity or sexual orientation you can contact CrimeStoppers to report it anonymously. Due to their anonymity guarantee, they can't take information from victims of hate crime. In an emergency, always call 999. If you are a victim of hate crime, call the police or contact Victim Support. 

Telephone: 0800 555 111 

Online Form: anonymous online form

Website: Hate crime | Crimestoppers (crimestoppers-uk.org)

True Vision

True Vision is a police-funded website designed to providing information about Hate Crime. The website has a range of downloadable tools (based on practice developed across policing) that can assist in developing partnerships. These products include guidance on how non-statutory groups can be engaged to establish effective partnerships.

Individuals can report incidents here which will be forwarded to the local police and will be recorded. As long as they do not report anonymously, an officer will contact them back.

Website: https://www.met.police.uk/tv/true-vision-report-hate-crime/

Victim support

Experiencing hate crime can be a particularly frightening experience the attack is very personal and specifically targeted. Hate incidents can feel like crimes to people who suffer them and often escalate to crimes or tension in a community. You can report such incidents, but the police can only prosecute when the law is broken. However, the police can work with other organisations to prevent the situation escalating.

Victim support want to help support you to recover from hate crime and hate incidents;

Telephone: 0300 303 0554 Mon-Fri 12pm-6pm 

Out of hours support line: 0808 1689 111 (available 365 Days a Year)

Website: Hate crime - Victim Support 

Equality Advisory Support Service

The EASS has a helpline to give information and guidance on discrimination and human rights issues. The service is free and fully accessible by phone, email and video link for those who wish use British Sign Language. The service provides access to advocacy services for those with mental ill health and people with a learning disability.

Telephone: 0808 800 0082 Freephone - Monday to Friday 9am to 7pm and Saturday 10am to 2pm

Website: http://www.equalityadvisoryservice.com 

Tell Mama

A national project supporting victims of anti-Muslim hate and monitoring anti-Muslim incidents. Reports can be made via; Telephone, Email, SMS, Facebook or Twitter. A trained case worker will take the issue further with individuals who connect with the service and ensure they have details to record the incident and offer them support. 

Telephone: 0800 456 1226

Website: https://tellmamauk.org/

Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Support

An organisation planning to end racism and discrimination against Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people and to protect the right to pursue a nomadic way of life. They support and provide advice to individuals and families with the issues that matter most to them.

Telephone: 01273 234 777 Open Mon-Fri, 10am-4:30pm excluding Bank Holidays

Website: https://www.gypsy-traveller.org/

Galop

A national charity supporting LGBT+ people who are victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence, hate crime, so-called conversion therapies, honour-based abuse, forced marriage, and other forms of abuse. A person can refer themselves into this services, or be referred by someone else.

Telephone:  0800 999 5428 (Mon-Thurs 10am-8:30pm, Fri 10am-4:30pm)

Website: https://galop.org.uk/

The Beaumont Society

The Beaumont Society operates a national information line providing help and support for the transgender community. This information line contains the telephone numbers of all the societies regional organisers who are available to speak to for advice.

Telephone: 01582 412220 24/7, 365 days a year

Website: https://www.beaumontsociety.org.uk/contact.html

Mermaids

Mermaids supports transgender, nonbinary and gender-diverse children and young people up to their 20th birthday, as well as their families and professionals involved in their care. They also offer web chat support to students up to the age of 25. Calls to Mermaids are confidential and any details recorded will not be shared with a third party.

Telephone: 0808 801 0400 - Open Monday-Fri 9am-9pm

Website: https://mermaidsuk.org.uk/contact-us/

Respond

A national support service for people with learning difficulties who are either victims or perpetrators of sexual abuse and other trauma, and for their carers. Issues covered include bereavement, abuse, bullying, relationship and sexuality issues.

Telephone: 020 7383 0700

Website: www.respond.org.uk

ARC Safety Net Resources - Disability

A link to a range of national resources related to hate crime and disability. All resources are free to download and use.

Website: https://arcuk.org.uk/safetynet/safety-net-resources/

Local Support Services

Third Party Reporting Centres

Third Party Reporting Centres are organisations that have agreed to make reports to the police on behalf of victims who do not want to go directly to the police. The link shows a list of locations and numbers where hate incidents may be reported to encourage victims to report at a location of their choice.

This link also provides some further information about local support services available for diversity groups.

Website: How to report hate crime | Devon & Cornwall Police (devon-cornwall.police.uk)

Make Amends Restorative Justice Service

This service aims to bring those who have been affected by crime into communication with those who are accountable. This is voluntary and is a way to help everyone move forward from what has happened. Restorative Justice between those affected and accountable for harm should always be facilitated by accredited practitioners.

Telephone number: 01803 222033

Email: makeamends@shekinah.co.uk  

Website: Shekinah - Make Amends

Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional

Diverse Ethnic Communities Service Directory for Devon, Plymouth and Torbay

This updated directory contains details of the many organisations and agencies, from all sectors, that offer support services for people from Black, Asian and Ethnically Diverse communities in Devon. It provides a more extensive list of available support across Devon, in addition to those services listed above. 

Website: Ethnically diverse communities - directory of services for Devon, Plymouth and Torbay - Information for childcare providers

Self-care and National Support Services

If you are homeless or threatened with homelessness you can ask any local housing authority for help. This is known as making a homeless application. You should seek help at the earliest possible opportunity - do not delay. If you are homeless, the local housing authority you approach will owe more duties to you if you have a local connection to their area and you should consider this when deciding which local housing authority to ask for help.

The priority for the local authority is to prevent someone from becoming homeless in the first place, wherever possible. 

If you find yourself rough sleeping, there are several local organisations that can provide advice and support. However, In the first instance you should contact your local authority/council housing options service.

If you see a person sleeping rough, please report their location here: Streetlink.

Street Link

Street Link is a national service which can be used if you see people sleeping rough. Referrals can be made 24 hours a day using the hotline or online.

Telephone: 0300 500 0914 - 24-hour.

Website: www.streetlink.org.uk - You need to register to access services

Shelter

A person can contact the free Shelter helpline if they have nowhere to sleep, might be homeless soon, they have somewhere to sleep but nowhere to call home or could be at risk of harm.

Telephone: 0808 800 4444

Opening Hours: 365 days a year 8am-8pm on weekdays and 9am-5pm on weekends.

Website: https://england.shelter.org.uk/

Homeless Link

Homeless Link is the most comprehensive database of homelessness services. With over 1500 projects up and down the country providing contact details and service descriptions, it's for individuals to access the link to find local services and projects they can contact direct.

Website: Homeless Link

Citizens Advice- Homelessness

Provide advice on applying for homeless help from the council, including making an application and challenging a decision.

To find your nearest Citizens Advice please click on the contact link below. On the new link scroll down and enter your postcode or town to get contact details for your nearest Citizens Advice.

Contact: Contact us - Citizens Advice

Website:  Homelessness - Citizens Advice

Local Support Services

Plymouth City Council

If a person has nowhere to stay, is under threat of homelessness or it is not safe for them to remain in their current property, they can ring the Housing Options Team for support. The Housing Options team offer a telephone based service, however if you do not have access to a phone or have difficulty communicating on the phone then please attend the 1st Stop Office on New George Street. 

If you're looking for somewhere t live or are worried about losing your home, contact the council on the number below as soon as possible. You can also make contact to get help for anyone sleeping rough:

Telephone: 01752 305496 (select option 1) out of hours 01752 668000

Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

Email: CommunityConnections@plymouth.gov.uk

Website: Homeless or at risk | PLYMOUTH.GOV.UK

Address: 1^st Stop Office at 71 New George Street, Plymouth, PL1 1RR

Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional 

 Plymouth Access to Housing (PATH)

PATH's Rough Sleepers Team help people on the streets in Plymouth get into accommodation. PATH also offer a range of services to reduce and prevent homelessness. Currently offering telephone service only or pre-arranged appointments. 

Telephone: 01752 255889 

Opening Hours:  Tue- Fri 9:30am-12:30pm (Option 1)

Email: info@pathdevon.org

Website: PATH - Home (pathdevon.org)

Address: The Harwell Centre, Western Approach, Plymouth, PL1 1PY

Referral Method: Self-referral or refer for someone you know who needs assistance

Shekinah

Shekinah offers rough sleepers a range of advice services, shower/laundry facilities and a healthy breakfast. Drop in or contact them via email or telephone. Please make contact for an updated address as Shekinah will soon be moving to a new premises. 

Telephone: 01752 203480 

Opening Hours: Mon-Fri- 8am-1pm (Drop in service press option 1) 

Please be aware Bank holidays and weekend opening times may vary.

Drop In: 8am-1pm weekdays. Priority support is given to individuals evidenced as homeless by PATH between 8am-10am

Email: reception@shekinah.co.uk

Website: Shekinah - Building lives & futures

Referral Method: Individuals need to make a self-referral to PATH's Rough Sleepers Team (RST) to evidence homelessness/rough sleeping to be able to access Shekinah drop in services.

Shelter Plymouth Hub

Shelter campaigns for tenant rights in Great Britain. Their advice and support services offer one-to-one, personalised help with any housing issues, homelessness, rent arrears and what to do if your rented home is in need of repair. Their solicitors can help with free, confidential legal advice for anyone eligible for legal aid.

Telephone:  0808 800 4444 (Free Advice Line) Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Weekends and bank holidays, 9am-5pm

Drop ins: Ernest English House, Buckwell Street, PL1 2DA available Mondays and Thursdays 10am - 12pm only

Email: devon@shelter.org.uk

Website: http://www.shelter.org.uk/

Referral: Self-referral 

 The Zone- ZAP Team- 16–25 year olds 
Are you sleeping on the streets or on a friend’s sofa? Worried about losing your tenancy or how to go about finding your own place? The friendly ZAP (Zone Accommodation Project) team based in Plymouth City Centre are available throughout the week offering support, information, and advice. Whatever your situation they always suggest that you contact them as soon as possible so they can explore your housing options with you.

Telephone: 01752 206626

Opening hours:

• Monday 10am-7pm
• Tuesday and Wednesday 10am-5pm
• Thursday 10am-7pm
• Friday 10am-5pm
• Saturday 10am-3pm
• Sunday closed

Email: enquiries@thezone.plymouth.co.uk

Website: Housing and Homelessness — The Zone (thezoneplymouth.co.uk)

Address: 14 Union Street, Plymouth, PL1 2SR

Referral method: Self-referral

Plymouth Soup Run

Plymouth Soup Run endeavour to deliver food and hot drinks to the homeless and vulnerable at the following stops 7 days a week, 365 days of the year. Please note times are approximate and may vary.

Telephone: 01752 404134

Email: info@plymouthsouprun.org.uk

Website: Plymouth soup run

Address: The Soup run start's daily at 8:45pm on Mayflower Street then moves to the Wedding cake on The Hoe, followed by Martin Street, ending at Kings Road, by Stonehouse Bridge at approximately 10pm

8:45-9:15pm off Mayflower Street

9:20-9:30pm The Hoe

9:35-9:45pm Martin Street

9:50-10pm King's Road

In addition, Soup Run serve on Sundays outside Shekinah from 7:45pm

Referral Method: Self-referral

For further support, such as Foodbanks please go to the ‘cost-of-living topic' for more information.

Self-care and National Support Services

What can I do if I think someone I know is carrying a knife?

• In an emergency call police on 999
• If it’s not an emergency, you can contact police on 101
• you can report to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or online crimestoppers-uk.org
• you can report through Fearless anonymously online fearless.org

What should I do if someone is stabbed?

You should call 999 immediately giving details of the incident so that help can be arranged as soon as possible.

If you want to know what to do if this happens, the following websites might be useful:

www.redcross.org.uk

www.streetdoctors.org

What do I do if I am worried about someone carrying a knife?

Tell someone you trust. 

Report it to police or through Crimestoppers or Fearless.

View and share the advice available through:

www.nottheone.co.uk

www.fearless.org

What can I do if my business sells knives?

View the attached ‘Guide to storing, displaying, and selling knives’ for advice on how to trade in knives safely.

Local Support Services

For information about what to do if you're concerned someone you know might be carrying a knife or for more information and guidance, please refer to the 'Act' section above which contains links to National and Regional support.

Self-care and National Support Services

The NHS

It's normal for your memory to be affected by stress, tiredness, certain illnesses and medicines. But if you're becoming increasingly forgetful, particularly if you're over the age of 65, it's a good idea to talk to a GP about the early signs of dementia. Memory loss can be annoying if it happens occasionally, but if it's affecting your daily life, or it's worrying you, or someone you know, you should get help from a GP. 

Website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/diagnosis/

The Alzheimer's Society

Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading dementia charity. They campaign for change, fund research to find a cure and support people living with dementia today. You can contact their dementia advisers using the telephone number below.

Telephone: 0333 150 3456

Website and guides : https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/

The dementia guide: Living well after your diagnosis

Caring for a person with dementia: A practical guide

Dementia UK 

Looking for information or advice about dementia or Alzheimer’s. Please make contact with Dementia UK. Their Helpline provides support from dementia specialist and admiral nurses.

Telephone: 0800 888 6678

Email: helpline@dementiauk.org

Website: Specialist support to families facing dementia | Dementia UK

TIDE - Together In Dementia Everyday

Tide aims to connect, mobilise and enable carers of people with dementia to recognise their own value and contributions to society. Offering carers opportunities to use their individual and collective experiences of caring to influence policy and practise.

Telephone: 0151 237 2669

Email: carers@tide.uk.net 

Website: Together in dementia everyday. When no one else was here for me, tide were beside me

Carers UK

Are you caring for a family member or someone else close to you? We are here for unpaid carers with expert information, advice and support and campaign to make life better for carers.

Telephone: 0808 808 7777

Email: advice@carersuk.org

Website: Carers UK

We can’t change our age or our genes, and there is currently no way we can completely prevent dementia. However, there are some simple steps we can all take to help lower our risk.

Risk factors for cardiovascular disease (like high blood pressure and stroke) are also risk factors for dementia, so what is good for your heart is good for your brain. Looking after your health, cutting out smoking and being physically active on a regular basis will help lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. It’s likely you’ll be lowering your risk of dementia too, particularly vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

For good heart health: don’t smoke, keep cholesterol and blood pressure under control be active and exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, eat a healthy balanced diet, drink fewer than 14 units of alcohol per week.

Website: https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/dementia-information/reducing-the-risk/

Herbert Protocol

The Herbert Protocol is a national scheme that encourages carers, family and friends to provide and put together useful information, which can then be used in the event of a vulnerable person going missing. 

This form is to record information about the person you care for; this will be used by the police and search teams in the event that the person goes missing. Wherever possible, complete the form in advance and keep in a safe place to give to the police in the event of the person going missing. The contents of this form will help the search teams gather relevant information and begin searching. Recording this information ahead of time and keeping it regularly updated will greatly reduce any stress associated with trying to recall detailed information in an emergency situation. If possible, please also attach a clear and recent head and shoulders photograph to this form.

If the person you care for goes missing: Phone 999 without delay

Complete the ‘Missing now’ section of the Herbert Protocol form as best you can.

Hand the form to the police when they attend your location.

Website: Click here to access The Devon and Cornwall Police Herbert Protocol Form

Local Support Services

Dementia Advisor Service (Livewell Southwest)

They provide support, information and guidance to people with dementia or cognitive impairment and their carers. They help people to maintain their independence and wellbeing and provide ongoing support after a diagnosis and they also provide support for people worried about their memory.   

Telephone: 01752 435 358 9am to 5pm weekdays

Email: livewell.dementiaadvisorservice@nhs.net

Website: Dementia Advisor Service | Livewell Southwest

Referral Method: Self-referral, families, carers or any health or social care professional

Moments Café and Dementia Information Hub

Safe place to meet, eat and socialise. Free advice services located above café. The interior is designed to ignite conversation, therefore created different eras 1950’s,60’s,70’s and 80’s. Customers can choose which time zone they sit in and reminisce. The Memory Matters Hub is staffed by Memory Matters, specialists in providing workshops, respite and activity sessions for people living with dementia. The hub also provides on-the-spot free support to anyone needing more information or support in anything to do with memory loss or dementia and you don't have to make an appointment.  

Telephone: 01752 219810 (Café) Mon-Sat 9:30am to 4pm, closed Sundays or 01752 243333 (Hub) Mon-Thu 10am to 4pm

Email: hello@memorymatters.org.uk

Website: Moments Café | A café with a conscience (moments-cafe.com)

Address: 69a New George Street, Plymouth, PL1 1RJ

Referral Method: Self-referral

Caring for Carers (Improving Lives Plymouth)

If you’re over 18 and look after a partner, family member, or friend with an illness or disability, you can ask for a carer’s assessment to look at how caring affects you and the sort of help you need. They provide; information and advice, drop-in/support groups, leisure and social activities, workshops/training, carers card discounts and regular newsletters.

Telephone: 01752 201 890 

Opening Times: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, closed on all Bank Holidays and the week between Christmas and New Year

Email: caringforcarers@improvinglivesplymouth.org.uk

Website: Caring for Carers - Improving Lives Plymouth

Address: Improving Lives Plymouth, 156 Mannamead Road, Plymouth, Devon, PL3 5QL

Referral method: Self-referral or via professional

Plymouth Online Directory

The Plymouth Online Directory provides useful information about the signs and symptoms of dementia as well as links to further support.

Website: Dementia - Plymouth Online Directory

Self-care and National Support Services

Samaritans  (All age groups)

Providing mental wellbeing support nationally, including crisis support. Any time, from any phone, for FREE. 

Telephone: 116 123, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Website: Contact Us | Samaritans 

Hub of Hope

A mental health support database. It is provided by national mental health charity, Chasing the Stigma, and brings local, national, peer, community, charity, private and NHS mental health support and services together in one place. Enter your postcode and the website will provide you to local Mental Health support services.

Website: https://hubofhope.co.uk

SANEline 

SANEline is an out-of-hours telephone helpline offering practical information, crisis care and emotional support to anybody affected by mental health problems.  They also provide a free text-based support service called Textcare. You need to be 16+ to use this service.

Telephone: 0300 304 7000 - 4pm-10pm each evening, every day of the year.

Website: www.sane.org.uk

SHOUT

A free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. A text will prompt a conversation with trained volunteers. For individuals who are anxious, stressed, depressed, suicidal or overwhelmed and who need immediate support.

Text: 85258  - Available 24 hours a day

Website: https://giveusashout.org

Rethink

Rethink is the largest severe mental illness charity in the UK and their information and advice service offers practical help on a wide range of mental health issues. 

Telephone: 0808 801 0525 - 9:30am – 4pm from Monday to Friday.

Website: https://www.rethink.org/

 

Support Services- Adults

Adults can self-refer to Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services. IAPT is a national NHS programme, which offers evidence based psychological therapies or interventions approved by the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). IAPT is primarily for treating people with mild to moderate mental health issues such as anxiety disorders, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

IAPT treatments are delivered via a stepped care model where patients are initially offered low intensity therapies, such as computerised cognitive behavioural therapy (cCBT) and guided self-help. If these treatments are unsuccessful, or not appropriate for individuals, higher intensity therapies are utilised and include one to one cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or interpersonal therapy (IPT). Please see local support and contact details for further information.

Andy's Man Club

Andy's man Club are a men’s suicide prevention charity, offering free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups across the United Kingdom and online. Their goal is to end the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and help men through the power of conversation.

Meeting every Monday from 7pm (excluding Bank Holidays)

No referral or sign up required. Find your nearest group | Andy's Man Club (andysmanclub.co.uk)

Their clubs are open to any man aged 18 or over. 

Website: http://andysmanclub.co.uk

MIND

'The charity for better mental health' has an extensive range of self help resources available.

Telephone: 0300 123 3393 9am-6pm Mon-Fri for non-urgent information about mental health services and support that may be available.

Website: https://www.mind.org.uk  

Support Services - Veterans

Combat Stress is the UK's leading mental health charity for veterans. They offer free, confidential 24-hour support to Service and ex-Service personnel who are experiencing mental health issues, including feeling suicidal.

Telephone: 0800 138 1619 - available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year 

Web: https://www.combatstress.org.uk/help-you

Support Services - Perinatal

PANDAS Foundation

The PANDAS Foundation is here to help support and advise any parent who is experiencing a perinatal mental illness. We are also here to inform and guide family members, carers, friends and employers as to how they can support someone who is suffering. They also offer support via WhatsApp, Email and Support Groups both on and offline. See their website below for more information. 

Telephone: 0808 1961 776 (11am-10pm, 7 days per week)

Website: http://www.pandasfoundation.org.uk/

Support Services - Carers

The Carers Trust

It is important that you take care of your own health, even if you are busy looking after someone else's health.  Being healthy is not only important for you, but it also helps the person you care after too.  The website contains some helpful guides on relationship management and information on self-care and respite care.

Support Services - Children and Young People

Papyrus - Suicide Prevention Charity (Young People) 

PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide is the UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people. If you or a young person you know is not coping, you can contact their HOPELINE247 for confidential Suicide Prevention advice. Text and email options are also available, please visit their website for more information. 

Telephone: 0800 068 41 41 - available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year 

Website: www.papyrus-uk.org

No self-referral route, signposting only. No professional referral route, signposting only

The Mix

The Mix provides a free, confidential helpline that gives young people in difficult situations the support and information they need to decide what they want to happen next. It could be anything from mental health, to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs. The mix can help with the feeling of loneliness, it is pretty commonplace and there are tonnes of young people feeling this way, even with social media.

The Mix is for young people who know they need help but don't know where to find it. You can contact them on social, by phone or by webchat. 

Telephone: 0808 808 4994 (4pm-11pm Mon-Sat)

Website: https://www.themix.org.uk/

Kooth

Online Mental Wellbeing Community, free, safe, anonymous support for 11-19 year-olds. It is a welcoming space for digital mental health care, available to all. You can

• live chat
• journal
• message
• discussion board
• mini activities
• set goals
• access helpful resources
• speak to online community of peers
• speak to team of experienced, accredited counsellors.

To access this service please Join Kooth online to register.

Website: Home - Kooth

Young Minds UK

Young Minds provides young people with tools to look after their mental health. Their website is full of advice and information on what to do if you're struggling with how you feel. They also empower parents and adults who work with young people to be the best support they can be to young people in their lives. 

Website: https://youngminds.org.uk/

Local Support Services

CRISIS SUPPORT

First Response Service (24/7) (NHS Mental Health Crisis Support)

Livewell First Response Service is a 24/7 crisis line providing advice, supporting and signposting for people experiencing mental health difficulties. It's available to anyone in Plymouth at the time of experiencing a mental health crisis. 

Telephone: 0800 923 9323 (if you need help 24/7)

Website: Click here to find more info about the First Response 24/7 helpline

Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional

SUPPORT FOR ADULTS

Plymouth Options (IAPT SERVICE)

NHS Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT)  for people experiencing common mental health difficulties, such as anxiety and depression. It is a free NHS service to help people manage everyday problems such as feeling low, having problems sleeping, feeling anxious and experiencing stress. 

If you are 16 years and over and registered with a Plymouth GP.

Telephone: 01752 435419 (ask for Plymouth Options) Open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm 

Email: plymouthoptions@nhs.net

Website: Plymouth Options | Livewell Southwest

Address: 73 Exeter St, Plymouth PL4 0AH

Referral Method: Self-referral or via GP

Head Space

Head Space offers an out of hours drop-in service for people who consider that they are approaching a mental health crisis. Clients do not need a formal appointment however a prior phone or email contact with relevant information from services would be most beneficial. The service aims to provide a non-clinical setting with a safe, calm and structured environment, where individuals can go to access peer support.

Telephone: 07890 257614 during opening times only.

Opening times: 7 days a week, 6pm-midnight. Drop in's welcome or call or text before to book slot.

Monday & Tuesday- Four Green’s Wellbeing Hub, Whitleigh Green, Plymouth, PL5 4DD

Wednesday- Phone service only-07890 257614

Thursday- Mannamead Wellbeing Hub, Improving Lives, Mannamead Road, Plymouth PL3 5QL

Friday- Rees Centre Wellbeing Hub, Mudge Way, PL7 2PS

Saturday & Sunday- Ernest English House, Buckwell Street, PL1 2DA

Email: headspace@colebrooksw.org

Website: Head Space – Colebrook (colebrooksw.org)

Referral Method: Self-referral/drop-in

Qwell

Qwell is a free, safe and an anonymous mental health and wellbeing online service. Qwell ensures that every adult 18+ living in Devon, Plymouth or Torbay has access to a choice of support to managing their own emotional health and wellbeing from qualified counsellors. No referrals are required and there are no thresholds required to access the service.

Opening hours: Website 24/7 365 days a year

Counsellors available 12pm-10pm weekday, 6pm-10pm at weekends and bank holidays. People can drop in for one-to-one instant text-based chats or book a session in advance.

Website: www.qwell.io

To access the service, visit the Qwell website, and complete a short registration process. Once registered, Qwell can be accessed 24/7 via any internet-connected device such as a laptop, smartphone or tablet.

SUPPORT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)

Livewell Southwest’s CAMHS has multidisciplinary teams that offer a high quality service to all children and young people between the ages of 5 – 18 who are experiencing difficulties with their mental health.

Telephone: 01752 435125 Open Monday-Friday 10am - 5pm. If young person is in crisis out of hours please call First Response 0800 923 9323.

Email: livewell.mhst@nhs.net

Website: Click here to go to the CAMHS website

Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional

The Zone

The Zone offers several projects to support young people aged 13-23. The first step is to talk with one of their youth support volunteers, in confidence, about how you’re feeling and anything that may be worrying you. The zone also helps with other topic areas for young people.

Telephone: 01752 206626 Monday - Friday: 10am - 5pm (Phone lines open 9am-5pm)

Email: info@thezoneplymouth.co.uk

Website: Mental Health — The Zone (thezoneplymouth.co.uk)

Address: The Zone, 14 - 16 Union Street, Plymouth, PL1 2SR

Referral Method:  Self-referral or via professional

Young Devon

Provide counselling, one off wellbeing sessions, victim of crime help, wellbeing cafes and group sessions to young people who are looking for support with their mental health for ages 11 to 25 across Plymouth, Devon and Torbay.

Telephone: 01752 691511 

Opening Hours/Drop In: By appointment initially

Email: info@youngdevon.org

Website: Wellbeing | Young Devon

Referral Method: Self-referral, parents/guardian or professional

OTHER SUPPORT

Wolseley Trust- Plymouth Healthy Futures - Social Prescribing Service

The Wolseley Trust offers social prescribing services that work with patients who would like support to access activities and services in the community to improve their health and wellbeing.

• If a person would like some support to improve their wellbeing, a referral can be made to Healthy Futures by their surgery or they can self-refer by contacting themselves.
• The person referred will be contacted by a Link Worker.  They will listen them, help to identify what matters to them and what their goals are to improve their wellbeing. 
• The Link Worker will work alongside them over a number of appointments to provide ongoing support and encouragement to reach goals and improve wellbeing.
• The Link Worker will support them to access local organisations and activities.

Telephone: 01752 203673

Email: healthyfutures@wolseley-trust.org

Website: Plymouth Healthy Futures Programme (Social Prescribing) - Wolseley Trust Website (wolseley-trust.org)

Address: Wolseley Trust Business Park, Unit 3 Wolseley Close, Plymouth, PL2 3BY

Referral Method: Self-referral or via GP

MAJOR INCIDENT (Plymouth)

Keyham Policing Team

If you've been affected by the tragic incident in Keyham, there is a wide range of support on offer. Full details of the services and community initiatives established in the wake of the incident can be found at Plymouth Together website or by contacting Plymouth City Council for general advice. You can also make contact with the Keyham Community Policing Team using the email address below. 

Telephone: 01752 668000 (Plymouth City Council) 

Email: KeyhamCommunityPolicingTeam@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk 

Website: www.plymouthtogether.co.uk

Victim Support

If you’ve been affected by the tragic incident in Keyham, Plymouth support is available via our free and 24 hour Supportline on 0808 1689111. Victim Support also offers a live chat service. 

Telephone: 0808 168 9111 (available 24/7 365 days a year)

Website: Supportline - Victim Support

Jeremiah’s Journey

Jeramiah's Journey continues to work with the community and other agencies across the city to support those affected by the tragedy in Keyham. They are a Plymouth based charity that provides free support to children, young people and their parents/carers wo have or are about to experience the death of someone special. 

Telephone: 01752 424348

Email: info@jeremiahsjourney.org.uk

Website: Children's Bereavement Charity | Jeremiah's Journey, Plymouth (jeremiahsjourney.org.uk)

Referral Method: Self referral via parents, carers or professional

Self-care and National Support Services

Migrant Help

Migrant Help protect people affected by displacement and exploitation, helping them thrive as individuals and recover from their trauma.  Core services include Asylum Support, and those seeking asylum in the UK can come to MH to seek help with applying for accommodation and financial support, to report issues with asylum accommodation, and any other advice needed. MH can advise individuals in their language on issues such as:

• Accessing healthcare
• How to claim asylum
• Applying for asylum support including accommodation
• Notifying the Home Office if your circumstances change
• Finding legal representation

Telephone: 0808 8010 503 - A free asylum helpline available 24 hours a day

Website: http://www.migranthelpuk.org

Translated health information for migrants

Provides a list of translated information on a range of health and wellbeing subjects, translated into over 60 languages. All information targets migrant communities and subjects include:

• How to register with a GP and book a COVID-19 vaccine
• Flu vaccine information
• Infographics: Coronavirus overview and self-care
• Infographics: Migrants’ right to healthcare
• Keeping young people healthy
• Six steps to improve your wellbeing

Website: https://www.doctorsoftheworld.org.uk/translated-health-information/

Praxis

Praxis provide expert support to migrants and refugees in the UK. They are a leading expert in finding pathways out of destitution and supporting migrants facing homelessness, as well as survivors of trafficking and domestic violence and young people. They provide free immigration advice over the phone. Support includes securing rights, safe housing, influencing and advocacy and interpreting and training.

Telephone: 020 7749 7608 or 020 7749 7605 - Wednesday from 2pm to 4pm and Thursdays from 10am to 12:30pm

Website: https://www.praxis.org.uk/

The Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants

JCWI provide free legal advice to asylum seekers and refugees at all stages of the legal process, including:

• Applications to the Home Office
• Entry Clearance
• Appeals
• Judicial Review

If you are in the UK without status and need free and confidential legal advice, call the helpline: 

Telephone: 020 7553 7470 - Open Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10am and 1pm

Website: https://www.jcwi.org.uk/

Shelter

A person can contact the free Shelter helpline if they have nowhere to sleep or might be homeless soon, they have somewhere to sleep but nowhere to call home or could be at risk of harm. Their website also has specific information about accommodation options for Asylum Seekers.

Telephone: 0808 800 4444 - The helpline is open 365 days a year and accessible at the following times: 

8am - 8pm on weekdays

9am - 5pm on weekends and bank holidays

Website: Shelter Legal England - UKVI support and conditions for support - Shelter England

Local Support Services

Devon and Cornwall Refugee Support (DCRS)

Devon and Cornwall Refugee Support provide advocacy, advice, support, education, and a welcoming communal space for asylum seekers in the region. Accessing legal representation, financial support, and appropriate housing. DCRS provide social support and a welcome into Devon and Cornwall, ensuring that asylum seekers can seek sanctuary whilst the UK government decides on their claim.

Telephone: 07823 495 931 (Tues & Fri 10am-3pm) or Plymouth Hub Freephone: 0800 456 1210

Drop in: Mon & Thurs 10am – 1pm

Email: hub@dcrs-plymouth.org 

Website: DCRS | Devon & Cornwall Refugee Support (dcrs-plymouth.org)

Address: Masiande Centre, 7 Whimple Street, Plymouth, PL1 2DH

Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional 

British Red Cross 

Immediate help and longer-term support for survivors of trafficking and exploitation is available from a range of British Red Cross services. Refugee Support teams can provide help (including material assistance) for trafficked refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants. The Devon-based team can be contacted at:

Telephone: 01752 831619 or 07711 085135 (for normal calls, WhatsApp and messages)

The British Red Cross support line 0808 196 3651 is available Mon- Fri 10am-5pm and 10am-8pm on Wednesdays and can provide support in more than 200 languages, supporting people who are lonely, worried, and finding it difficult to access food or medication.

Drop-in sessions: Monday 9am-2pm: triage, signposting and appointment booking done, hot meal provided. An opportunity to socialise.

Email: plymouthrefugeesupport@redcross.org.uk 

Website: Contact your local refugee service (redcross.org.uk)

Address: 18 Catherine Street, Plymouth, PL1 2AD (Advisable to book an appointment apart from emergency cases)

Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional 

Plymouth & Devon Racial Equality Council-PDREC

Their aim is to work towards the elimination of racial discrimination and to promote equality of opportunity and good relations between persons of different racial groups. They support many areas for Minority communities depending on the needs of the individual. Areas of support include; Migrant health, reporting a hate crime, domestic abuse, social isolation, and financial support including access to benefits. The service covers the whole of Devon including Torbay and Plymouth.

Telephone: 01752 224555

Opening hours: Monday -Thursday 9am-5pm and Friday 9am- 4:30pm 

Email: enquires@plymouthrec.org

Website: Plymouth Racial Equality Council (plymouthanddevonrec.org.uk)

Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional

Asylum Seekers and Refugees Mental Health Team (Livewell)

Livewell Southwest offers a specialist service dedicated to supporting the health and mental health needs of asylum seekers and those who have sought refuge in the UK. In addition to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of refugees, they also provide a health screening clinic where people can discuss their general health needs, such as: how to register with a GP in Plymouth; arranging a blood pressure check-up; booking chest X-rays or measuring people’s height and weight.

Telephone: 01752 434753 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)

Website: Asylum Seekers & Refugees Mental Health Team | Livewell Southwest

Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional

Ubuntu Devon Counselling

Ubuntu Devon Counselling provides holistic and evidence based multi-cultural counselling service for all communities, Ubuntu Devon works alongside community networks to ensure cultural sensitivity and accessibility. Providing counselling and practical support using multi-lingual, cross-cultural support workers and volunteers.

Telephone: 01392 201572/ 01392 848741

Email: info@ubuntucousellingservices.org.uk

Website: Ubuntu Counselling Services – Multicultural counselling in Devon

Address: Ubuntu Devon, Exeter Community Centre, 17 St David's Hill, Exeter, EX4 3RG

Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional

First Response Service (24/7) (NHS Mental Health Crisis Support)

Livewell First Response Service is a 24/7 crisis line providing advice, supporting and signposting for people experiencing mental health difficulties. It's available to anyone in Plymouth at the time of experiencing a mental health crisis. 

Telephone: 0800 923 9323 (if you need help 24/7)

Website: Click here to find more info about the First Response 24/7 helpline

Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional

Diverse Ethnic Communities Service Directory for Devon, Plymouth and Torbay

This updated directory contains details of the many organisations and agencies, from all sectors, that offer support services for people from Black, Asian and Ethnically Diverse communities in Devon. It provides a more extensive list of available support across Devon, in addition to those services listed above. 

Website: DIVERSE-ETHNIC-COMMUNITIES-SERVICE-DIRECTORY-FOR-DEVON-2023-3.pdf

Self-care and National Support Services

National Ugly Mugs (NUM)

NUM caseworkers are here to provide emotional and practical support to adults across sex industries. This could be just a listening ear, help with accessing resources or support to report harm, right through to the criminal justice system and court, if that is your choice. There are four members of the casework team. Two are qualified Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs), and there is also a specialist caseworker to support sex workers of colour and those who are trans/non-binary.

Telephone: 0161 629 9861 (general enquiries) / 0800 464 7669  (Sex Workers freephone) Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

Website: Victim Support – National Ugly Mugs 

UK – Salvation Army

The Salvation Army provides specialist support for all adult victims of modern slavery in England and Wales. Their confidential referral helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Telephone: 0800 808 3733

Website: www.salvationarmy.org.uk

Childline

Childline provide free, confidential support to children about any topic, including modern slavery and human trafficking. Children can speak to a counsellor on the phone:

Telephone: 0800 1111- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Website: www.childline.org.uk

NSPCC

If you’re worried about a child, even if you are unsure, the NSPCC helpline is available for advice from a trained counsellor. You don't have to say who you are.

Telephone: 0808 800 5000 - Help for adults concerned about a child (Mon-Fri 10am-8pm)

Email: help@NSPCC.org.uk 

Website: www.nspcc.org.uk

Pay and Work Rights Helpline - Acas

For cases of exploitation that do not meet the threshold for modern slavery. The Acas helpline is for anyone who needs employment law or workplace advice, including employers, employees and workers. 

Telephone: 0300 123 1100 Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm

Website: Contact us | Acas

Migrant Help

Migrant Help (MH) protect people affected by displacement and exploitation, helping them thrive as individuals and recover from their trauma. Core services include Asylum Support, and those seeking asylum in the UK can come to MH to seek help with applying for accommodation and financial support, to report issues with asylum accommodation, and any other advice needed. MH can advise individuals in their language on issues such as:

• Accessing healthcare
• How to claim asylum
• Applying for asylum support including accommodation
• Notifying the Home Office if your circumstances change
• Finding legal representation

Telephone: 0808 8010 503 - A free asylum helpline available 24 hours a day

Website: http://www.migranthelpuk.org

Local Support Services

Modern Slavery is where one person controls another by exploiting a vulnerability. It is often linked with human trafficking, where a person is forced into a service against their will- usually forced work or prostitution. The control can be physical, financial or psychological. 

Local services below are for those who think they are, think someone is being, have been or who are being sexually exploited in the context of modern slavery and/or human trafficking or as part of an abusive relationship in the sex industry. 

Supporting Initial Access to Medical Care

Potential victims and victims, regardless of residency, can receive emergency medical treatment and some primary care services through the NHS. Health and wellbeing should be an immediate primary concern for all professionals working with potential victims. In all cases, professionals working with potential victims should support them to self-refer to appropriate NHS health services as necessary.

Plymouth Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)

The Plymouth SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre) offers 24 hour access to counselling and services to support anyone of any age who has experienced rape or sexual assault. This could have been recently or in the past. Services offered include; forensic medical facilities and examination, emotional and practical support and sexual health and contraception information and services. Support staff and medical services are available at any time of the day or night. This can be with or without the need for police involvement.

Telephone: 0300 303 4626

Email: Online Referral Form Get help - Devon & Cornwall SARC - NHS (sarchelp.co.uk)

If you are a Police Officer referring a victim into the ISVA Service, you must use the below secure online referral form. Please do not use First Light's own website or advise victims to report directly. 

Secure online referral - Devon & Cornwall SARC - NHS (sarchelp.co.uk)

Website: Plymouth SARC - Devon & Cornwall SARC - NHS (sarchelp.co.uk)

Address: Hawthorne House, Darklake View, Estover, Plymouth, PL6 7TL

You can find your local SARC centre here:  Find Rape and sexual assault referral centres services - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Referral Method: Telephone for self-referral or via professional referral form online

British Red Cross 

Immediate help and longer-term support for survivors of trafficking and exploitation is available from a range of British Red Cross services. Refugee Support teams can provide help (including material assistance) for trafficked refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants. The Devon-based team can be contacted at:

Telephone: 01752 831619 or 07711 085135 (for normal calls, WhatsApp and messages)

The British Red Cross support line 0808 196 3651 is available Mon- Fri 10am-5pm and 10am-8pm on Wednesdays and can provide support in more than 200 languages, supporting people who are lonely, worried, and finding it difficult to access food or medication.

Drop-in sessions: Monday 9am-2pm: triage, signposting and appointment booking done, hot meal provided. An opportunity to socialise.

Email: plymouthrefugeesupport@redcross.org.uk 

Website: Contact your local refugee service (redcross.org.uk)

Address: 18 Catherine Street, Plymouth, PL1 2AD (Advisable to book an appointment apart from emergency cases)

Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional 

Devon and Cornwall Refugee Support (DCRS)

Devon and Cornwall Refugee Support provide advocacy, advice, support, education, and a welcoming communal space for asylum seekers in the region. Accessing legal representation, financial support, and appropriate housing. DCRS provide social support and a welcome into Devon and Cornwall, ensuring that asylum seekers can seek sanctuary whilst the UK government decides on their claim.

Telephone: 07823 495 931 (Tues & Fri 10am-3pm) or Plymouth Hub Freephone: 0800 456 1210

Drop in: Mon & Thurs 10am – 1pm

Email: hub@dcrs-plymouth.org 

Website: DCRS | Devon & Cornwall Refugee Support (dcrs-plymouth.org)

Address: Masiande Centre, 7 Whimple Street, Plymouth, PL1 2DH

Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional 

Asylum Seekers and Refugees Mental Health Team (Livewell)

Livewell Southwest offers a specialist service dedicated to supporting the health and mental health needs of asylum seekers and those who have sought refuge in the UK. In addition to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of refugees, they also provide a health screening clinic where people can discuss their general health needs, such as: how to register with a GP in Plymouth; arranging a blood pressure check-up; booking chest X-rays or measuring people’s height and weight.

Telephone: 01752 434753 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)

Website: Asylum Seekers & Refugees Mental Health Team | Livewell Southwest

Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional

Ubuntu Devon Counselling

Ubuntu Devon Counselling provides holistic and evidence based multi-cultural counselling service for all communities, Ubuntu Devon works alongside community networks to ensure cultural sensitivity and accessibility. Providing counselling and practical support using multi-lingual, cross-cultural support workers and volunteers.

Telephone: 01392 201572/ 01392 848741

Email: info@ubuntucousellingservices.org.uk

Website: Ubuntu Counselling Services – Multicultural counselling in Devon

Address: Ubuntu Devon, Exeter Community Centre, 17 St David's Hill, Exeter, EX4 3RG

Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional

Make Amends Restorative Justice Service

This service aims to bring those who have been affected by crime into communication with those who are accountable. This is voluntary and is a way to help everyone move forward from what has happened. Restorative Justice between those affected and accountable for harm should always be facilitated by accredited practitioners.

Telephone number: 01803 222033

Email: makeamends@shekinah.co.uk  

Website: Shekinah - Make Amends

Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional

Diverse Ethnic Communities Service Directory for Devon, Plymouth and Torbay

This updated directory contains details of the many organisations and agencies, from all sectors, that offer support services for people from Black, Asian and Ethnically Diverse communities in Devon. It provides a more extensive list of available support across Devon, in addition to those services listed above. 

Website: DIVERSE-ETHNIC-COMMUNITIES-SERVICE-DIRECTORY-FOR-DEVON-2023-3.pdf

Self-care and National Support Services

National Ugly Mugs (NUM)

NUM caseworkers are here to provide emotional and practical support to adults across sex industries. This could be just a listening ear, help with accessing resources or support to report harm, right through to the criminal justice system and court, if that is your choice. There are four members of the casework team. Two are qualified Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs), and there is also a specialist caseworker to support sex workers of colour and those who are trans/non-binary.

Telephone: 0161 629 9861 (general enquiries) / 0800 464 7669  (Sex Workers freephone) Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

Website: Victim Support – National Ugly Mugs 

CrimeStoppers

Sex workers can report information anonymously about crimes committed against themselves or other sex workers to CrimeStoppers. They are an independent charity that allows you to report crime with a 100% guarantee of anonymity. 

Telephone: 0800 555 111

Online Form: Give information anonymously | Crimestoppers (crimestoppers-uk.org)

Website: Independent UK charity taking crime information anonymously | Crimestoppers (crimestoppers-uk.org)

SAAFE (Support And Advice For Escorts) 

A website and forum full of help, support and advice for escorts, particularly those new to the industry.

Website: https://saafe.info/main/index.php

Suzy Lamplugh Trust- National Stalking Helpline

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust aims to reduce the risk and prevalence of abuse, aggression, and violence- with a specific focus on stalking and harassment- through education, campaigning and support. They raise awareness about personal safety and stalking and can provide safety resources including personal safety alarms. 

Telephone: 020 7091 0014 (General Enquiries) 

National Stalking Helpline: 0808 802 0300

Website: www.suzylamplugh.org 

National Sexual Health Helpline

If you need sexual health advice now, you can call the National Sexual Health Helpline for free, Mon-Fri 9am-8pm or Sat-Sun 11am-4pm. It provides information about your nearest sexual health/GUM clinic if you want screening for sexually transmitted infections, post-exposure prophylaxis or sexual health information. Your call will be treated with sensitivity and in strict confidence. 

Telephone: 0300 123 7123

Website: Where can I get sexual health advice, now? - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Beyond The Streets

They offer a free confidential support service for women in the sex industry. Women support workers are available to take your call Mon-Thurs 9:30am-3:30pm and Fri 9:30am until noon. If no one is available to take your call, or you call outside of these times, leave your phone number or email address and someone will get in contact with you. 

Telephone: 0800 133 7870

Website: https://beyondthestreets.org.uk/i-want-support

If you're being forced into any kind of sex work, this is sexual exploitation, a form of Modern Slavery. For more information and advice please look at the Modern Slavery topic.

Local Support Services

Plymouth Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)

The Plymouth SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre) offers 24 hour access to counselling and services to support anyone of any age who has experienced rape or sexual assault. This could have been recently or in the past. Services offered include; forensic medical facilities and examination, emotional and practical support and sexual health and contraception information and services. Support staff and medical services are available at any time of the day or night. This can be with or without the need for police involvement.

Telephone: 0300 303 4626

Email: Online Referral Form Get help - Devon & Cornwall SARC - NHS (sarchelp.co.uk)

If you are a Police Officer referring a victim into the ISVA Service, you must use the below secure online referral form. Please do not use First Light's own website or advise victims to report directly. 

Secure online referral - Devon & Cornwall SARC - NHS (sarchelp.co.uk)

Website: Plymouth SARC - Devon & Cornwall SARC - NHS (sarchelp.co.uk)

Address: Hawthorne House, Darklake View, Estover, Plymouth, PL6 7TL

You can find your local SARC centre here:  Find Rape and sexual assault referral centres services - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Referral Method: Telephone for self-referral or via professional referral form online

Sexual Health in Plymouth (SHiP)

SHiP provide support, sexual health advice and treatment. Their services are confidential and your privacy will be respected at all times. They are happy to see people of any age, including those who are below the legal age of consent. SHiP has a number of clinics around the city. To access, please call first to arrange a telephone consultation. They will assess whether they do need to see you face-to-face, and will arrange appointment for you to come in if required.

Telephone: 01752 431124 

Opening hours: 8:15am-2:30pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday and on Tuesday 8:15am- 12pm

Website: https://yourship.uk/

Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional 

First Light

First Light is a charity providing Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence support for all, regardless of age, gender, or sexual orientation. You don't need to have reported to the police to access their services. Their website also provides useful information, advice and support, if you have experienced rape or sexual assault both recently and in the past.

Telephone: 03458 12 12 12 - Sexual Violence Recovery Service Helpline

Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

Email: info@firstlight.org.uk

Website: First Light – First Light

Referral Method: Self-referral

The Eddystone Trust

The Eddystone Trust is an independent sexual health charity based in the South West, UK. They offer a range of services that includes; non judgemental advice, free testing, free condoms, support for people living with HIV and training for anyone who wants to know more about sexual health. 

Telephone: 0800 328 3508

Email: info@eddystone.org.uk

Website: The Eddystone Trust | HIV & Sexual Health Service

Referral Method: Self-referral 

MSI Choices-Plymouth Community Treatment Centre

MSI Reproductive Choices UK (MSI UK) is a registered charity who have been providing global reproductive health options. They provide NHS funded and self-funded (private) abortions, contraception, vasectomy services and post abortion care. 

Telephone: 0345 300 8090 

Opening hours: Please call to book your appointment before you arrive

Website: MSI Choices Plymouth Abortion Clinic | MSI Reproductive Choices UK

Address: Mount Gould Local Care Centre, 200 Mount Gould Road, Mount Gould, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 7PY

Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional 

Trevi

Trevi is a nationally award-winning women’s and children’s charity based in South West England.
We provide safe and nurturing spaces for women in recovery to heal, grow and thrive.

When a woman has reached a tough crossroads or crisis, our compassionate and expert team will provide the treatment and strength to help her break free, giving her a fresh start in life.

Telephone: 01752 255758

Opening hours: 9.30am - 16:30 

Website: Trevi

Address: Trevi House Ltd, 29 Sutherland Road, Plymouth PL4 6BW

Referral Method : Self-referral or via professional 

Self-care and National Support Services

Self Care

Although most people need some kind of social contact to maintain good mental health, everyone has different social needs. A person may be someone who is content with a few close friends, or they may need a large group of varied acquaintances to feel satisfied.

Loneliness in Older People

The Silver Line 

A free confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people. The Silver Line can also put people in contact with community activities in your local area.

Telephone: 0800 470 8090 - Open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Website: https://www.thesilverline.org.uk/

Age UK 

The Age UK Advice Line is a free, confidential, national phone service for older people, their families, friends, carers and professionals, which is open 365 days a year (8am-7pm). You can contact them, if you're feeling lonely or need some practical help and support. This organisation also offers a befriending service to support loneliness in later life, this is where a volunteer visits an older person once a week in their own home.  There is also telephone befriending, where a volunteer befriender will phone an older person.

Telephone: 0800 678 1602 (8am-7pm, 365 days a year)

Website: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/services/befriending-services/  

NHS Choices

NHS Choices has a range of advice on Loneliness including volunteering, continuing education and how to engage with social media and computers.

Website: Loneliness in older people - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Andy's Man Club

Andy's man Club are a men’s suicide prevention charity, offering free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups across the United Kingdom and online. Their goal is to end the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and help men through the power of conversation.

Meeting every Monday from 7pm (excluding Bank Holidays)

No referral or sign up required. Find your nearest group | Andy's Man Club (andysmanclub.co.uk)

Their clubs are open to any man aged 18 or over. 

Website: http://andysmanclub.co.uk

Loneliness in Younger People

It is recognised that Loneliness is not something that is exclusive to older adult, indeed many younger adults in particular can experience loneliness and a recent report from the office for national statistics highlighted Britain as the loneliest capital of Europe.  

Samaritans

Providing mental wellbeing support nationally, including crisis support and confidential suicide prevention advice. Any time, from any phone, for FREE. 

Telephone: 116 123, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Website: Contact Us | Samaritans 

Get Connected

A free confidential helpline for young people under 25, where people can seek help with emotional and mental health issues often linked to loneliness. The service is available 365 days a year and young people can get in touch by phone, webchat, email, text message or use the online help directory, WebHelp 24/7.

Telephone: 0808 808 4994 

Website: https://rethinkyourmind.co.uk/get-connected/

The Mix

The Mix provides a free, confidential helpline that gives young people in difficult situations the support and information they need to decide what they want to happen next. It could be anything from mental health, to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs. The mix can help with the feeling of loneliness, it is pretty commonplace and there are tonnes of young people feeling this way, even with social media.

The Mix is for young people who know they need help but don't know where to find it. You can contact them on social, by phone or by webchat. 

Telephone: 0808 808 4994 (4pm-11pm Mon-Sat)

Website: https://www.themix.org.uk/

Local Support Services

Age UK Plymouth

Age UK's Plymouth current aim is to tackle loneliness in Plymouth through numerous activities and one off events to help people feel more included in the community. They provide several services, activities and events, please visit their website.

Their Befriending Service can match an individual with a friendly volunteer. Calls enable clients the comfort of a regular check in, companionship and the opportunity to access additional services as and when required.

Telephone: 01752 256020

Opening Hours: 9am-4pm Mon-Fri

Email: community@ageukplymouth.org.uk

Website: Welcome to Age UK Plymouth 

Referral Method: Self-referral

Elder Tree Befriending

Preventing older people losing their independence through social engagement and friendship. Elder Tree Befriending offers various activities designed to be uplifting and invigorate body, mind and soul and are the ideal vehicle for peer support and new and lasting friendships. They also have a service which provides social engagement activities and support specifically for men. 

Telephone: 01752 227447 opening Monday-Friday 9am-5pm

Website: Elder Tree Support and Befriending Service

Address: The Elder Tree, 3 Tresillian Street, Cattedown, Plymouth, PL4 0QP

Referral Method: Self-referral, organisational referral or by family and friends

Wolseley Trust- Plymouth Healthy Futures - Social Prescribing Service

The Wolseley Trust offers social prescribing services that work with patients who would like support to access activities and services in the community to improve their health and wellbeing.

• If a person would like some support to improve their wellbeing, a referral can be made to Healthy Futures by their surgery or they can self-refer by contacting themselves.
• The person referred will be contacted by a Link Worker.  They will listen them, help to identify what matters to them and what their goals are to improve their wellbeing. 
• The Link Worker will work alongside them over a number of appointments to provide ongoing support and encouragement to reach goals and improve wellbeing.
• The Link Worker will support them to access local organisations and activities.

Tel: 01752 203673

Email: healthyfutures@wolseley-trust.org

Website: Home - Wolseley Trust Website (wolseley-trust.org

Address: Wolseley Trust Business Park, Unit 3 Wolseley Close, Plymouth, PL2 3BY

Referral method: Self-referral or via GP

Children's Youth Clubs

Community Connections Youth Team work with young people in Plymouth who are aged between 11 and 19 (up to 25 years old where there is a specific additional need or disability). 

Youth Centres | PLYMOUTH.GOV.UK

Youth clubs and youth centres directory - Plymouth Online Directory

Local Directory

Plymouth Online Directory (POD) provides an online directory of local services and organisations in Plymouth. These services and agencies can help you to feel less isolated.

Website: Social isolation and loneliness directory - Plymouth Online Directory

Self-care and National Support Services

If you need to report an incident of stalking contact 101. Report it as early as possible to the police and tell others what is happening. If you are in danger dial 999.

National Stalking Helpline- Suzy Lamplugh Trust

The National Stalking Helpline gives practical information, support, and advice on risk, safety planning and legislation to victims of stalking, their friends, family, and professionals working with victims. 

If you contact the helpline via their online form, a Helpline Advisor will respond to you by email. They endeavour to respond to all online contact as soon as possible. If you need advice quickly, call the helpline. 

Telephone: 0808 802 0300

Online Form: National Stalking Helpline Enquiry Form | Suzy Lamplugh Trust

Website: https://www.suzylamplugh.org/stalking-help-and-advice

Paladin

Paladin provides a high level of advocacy to anyone at risk of serious harm or homicide from a stalker. They give initial advice and offer to complete a detailed assessment to anyone who calls their service and is affected by stalking.

Telephone: 020 3866 4107

Website: https://www.paladinservice.co.uk/

Protection Against Stalking- PAS

Protection Against Stalking is a national charity working within communities to raise public awareness about stalking and support victims of stalking through providing specialist support services. If you believe you are being stalked, but not in immediate danger, contact them.

Email: support@protectionagainststalking.org

Website: https://www.protectionagainststalking.org/

Citizen's Advice 

Citizen’s advice can provide advice on your legal rights if you think you could be experiencing sexual harassment at work.

Telephone: 0800 144 8848

Website: citizensadvice.org.uk

Revenge Porn Helpline 

A UK service supporting adults (aged 18+) who are experiencing intimate image abuse, also known as, revenge porn. The helpline was established in 2015 alongside the legislation which made it an offence to share intimate images or videos of someone, either on or offline, without their consent with the intention of causing distress. The helpline can assist you with: Non-judgemental and confidential advice, reporting and removal of content, social media advice, reporting to the police and legal advice.

Telephone: 0345 6000 459 – Monday to Friday 10am-4pm 

Email: help@revengepornhelpline.org.uk

Website: https://revengepornhelpline.org.uk/

Rights of Women- helping women through their rights in law

They give free legal advice and information to women in England and Wales on a wide range of issues including domestic violence, child contact, sexual violence and the criminal justice process, immigration and asylum, sexual harassment at work as well as other legal issues arising from relationship breakdown.

Telephone: 020 7490 0152 – Monday 3pm-5pm, Tuesday and Wednesday 6pm-8pm

Website: Sexual harassment at work - Rights of WomenRights of Women

Victim Support

If you’re experiencing persistent and unwanted attention, and the behaviour is making you feel fearful, harassed, or anxious, then you are a victim of stalking. It’s not something that you should have to live with, and they are here to help you. Victim support are an independent charity, and you can contact them regardless of whether you’ve contacted the police, and no matter how long ago the crime took place.

Telephone: National 0808 1689 111- 24 Hours

Devon and Cornwall: 0300 3030 554 Mon-Fri 12pm-6pm

Website: https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/

Respect

Respect phoneline is a confidential and anonymous helpline offering advice, information, and support for anyone concerned about their violence and/or abuse towards a partner or ex-partner of either sex.

Telephone: 0808 802 4040

Website: respectphoneline.org.uk

Men's Advice Line

A confidential helpline, run by Respect, for men experiencing domestic violence from a partner or ex-partner (or from other family members). Their focus is to increase the safety of men experiencing domestic abuse (and the safety of their children).

Telephone: 0808 801 0327

Website: http://www.mensadviceline.org.uk/

The Cyber Helpline

To ensure everyone in the UK has immediate access to expert, cybersecurity help when they need it. The Cyber Helpline is a movement by the cyber security community to step in and fill the gap in support for victims of cybercrime and online harms. They provide a free, confidential helpline for individuals and sole traders. They help victims understand, contain, recover and learn from cyber-attacks by linking them with cyber security technology & experts who provide relevant advice and guidance.

Online Form: CONTACT — The Cyber Helpline

Online Chat:  Get Help — The Cyber Helpline

Website: The Cyber Helpline

Technology Safety - A Toolkit for Survivors

Resources on this website explore technology in the context of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and violence against women. To talk to someone who can answer your questions and support you, you can call the National Domestic Abuse helpline. Information includes:

• Safety tips, information, and privacy strategies for survivors on the use of technology
• Spyware and Stalkerware information
• Smartphones - Increasing privacy & responding to abuse
• Tips on being webwise when sharing personal information online

Website: https://www.techsafety.org/resources-survivors

StreetSafe

StreetSafe is a service for anyone to anonymously report about public places where people have felt or feel unsafe, because of environmental issues, eg street lighting, abandoned buildings or vandalism and/or because of some behaviours, eg being followed or verbally abused.

Please note: 'StreetSafe' is not for reporting crime or incidents.

Website: StreetSafe | Police.uk (www.police.uk)

Local Support Services

If you are being harassed in a pub, club or bar, you can approach the staff and ‘Ask for Angela’. Staff will help you leave the situation safely and securely.

Harassment and stalking are often used as interchangeable terms. However, they relate to similar but different offences that can cause victims, their families and loved ones physical, psychological and emotional harm.

Offenders can stalk or harass their victims in a number of different ways, including:

• a text, answer phone message, letter or email
• a comment or threat in person or online (e.g. social media or online chat rooms)
• standing outside someone’s house or driving past it
• an act of violence
• damage to someone else’s property
• maliciously and falsely reporting someone to the police without any wrongdoing

Plymouth Domestic Abuse Services (PDAS)

At PDAS, they provide practical, non-judgemental support, advice and protection for all victims of domestic abuse, stalking or harassment. 

Telephone: 0800 458 2558 

Refuge Telephone: 01752 562 286 (9am to 5pm)

Opening Hours: Mon–Fri 8am-5pm and Weds 8am- 8pm

Drop in: Available Mon-Fri 9am-5pm but please call first to ensure someone is there to see you

Email: pdas@sanctuary-housing.co.uk

Website: Plymouth Domestic Abuse Services (PDAS) - Domestic abuse services | Sanctuary Supported Living (sanctuary-supported-living.co.uk)

Address: Palace Street, Plymouth, PL1

Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional

Ahimsa 

Ahimsa provides a specialist programme for perpetrators of domestic violence and abuse, including stalking or harassment. The service is available to any adult who is wanting to change their abusive behaviour and is interested and able to engage in the programme. They also support the partners and ex-partners of those who are on the programme, providing them with emotional support, information and safety advice.

Telephone: 01752 213535 or 07851 192 660

Opening hours: 9am–5pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & 9am- 2pm Thursday and Friday

Email: enquiries@ahimsa.org.uk

Website: Ahimsa. Supporting non-violent and loving relationships – Plymouth

Address: 16 Creykes Court, 5 Craigie Drive, The Millfields, Plymouth, PL1 3JB

Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional

Self-care and National Support Services

If there is no immediate risk to the individual you may encourage them to contact:

Samaritans - (All age groups)

Providing mental wellbeing support nationally, including crisis support and confidential suicide prevention advice. Any time, from any phone, for FREE. 

Telephone: 116 123, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Website: Contact Us | Samaritans 

Papyrus - Suicide Prevention Charity (Young People) 

PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide is the UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people. If you or a young person you know is not coping, you can contact their HOPELINE247 for confidential Suicide Prevention advice. Text and email options are also available, please visit their website for more information. 

Telephone: 0800 068 41 41 - available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year 

Website: www.papyrus-uk.org

Childline

A confidential service where you can talk about anything, it is aimed at anyone under the age of 19 years and supports any issue. Trained counsellors will talk through anything, whether it is big or small, providing advice and discussions. Online 1-2-1 chats with counsellors and email options are also available. See their website for more details.

Childline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Telephone: 0800 1111

Website: Childline | Childline 

SANEline 

SANEline is an out-of-hours telephone helpline offering practical information, crisis care and emotional support to anybody affected by mental health problems.  They also provide a free text-based support service called Textcare. You need to be 16+ to use this service.

Telephone: 0300 304 7000 - 4pm-10pm each evening, every day of the year.

Website: www.sane.org.uk

CALM

The helpline is for people in the UK who are down or have hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support.

Telephone: 0800 585 858 Daily 17:00-00:00, 365 days a year

Website: www.thecalmzone.net

Rethink

Rethink is the largest severe mental illness charity in the UK and their information and advice service offers practical help on a wide range of mental health issues. 

Telephone: 0808 801 0525 - 9:30am – 4pm from Monday to Friday.

Website: https://www.rethink.org/

SHOUT

A free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. A text will prompt a conversation with trained volunteers. For individuals who are anxious, stressed, depressed, suicidal or overwhelmed and who need immediate support.

Text: 85258  - Available 24 hours a day

Website: https://giveusashout.org

MIND

'The charity for better mental health' has an extensive range of self help resources available.

Telephone: 0300 123 3393 9am-6pm Mon-Fri for non-urgent information about mental health services and support that may be available.

Website: https://www.mind.org.uk  

Andy's Man Club

Andy's man Club are a men’s suicide prevention charity, offering free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups across the United Kingdom and online. Their goal is to end the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and help men through the power of conversation.

Meeting every Monday from 7pm (excluding Bank Holidays)

No referral or sign up required. Find your nearest group | Andy's Man Club (andysmanclub.co.uk)

Their clubs are open to any man aged 18 or over. 

Website: http://andysmanclub.co.uk

Mindwell

Mindwell is a mental health website providing useful information about how to take care of your mental wellbeing and providing a range of self-help techniques. Although some resources are Leeds focussed, there is also lots of useful self-help resources and some links to national services. 

Website: https://www.mindwell-leeds.org.uk/

Stay Alive

The Stay Alive app is a suicide prevention resource, it is packed full of useful information and tools to help people to stay safe in crisis. There is help from emergency and crisis support services and an option to create a Safety Plan on how to stay safe when in crisis. 

Website: StayAlive - Essential suicide prevention for everyday life

Local Support Services

If you feel that you’re in immediate danger of seriously harming yourself, call 999 and ask for help. If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts and you can’t keep yourself safe you can attend your local A&E and ask to see the on call mental health team.

First Response Service (24/7) (NHS Mental Health Crisis Support)

Livewell First Response Service is a 24/7 crisis line providing advice, supporting and signposting for people experiencing mental health difficulties. It's available to anyone in Plymouth at the time of experiencing a mental health crisis. 

Tel: 0800 923 9323 (if you need help 24/7)

Website: Click here to find more info about the First Response 24/7 helpline

Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional

Head Space

Head Space offers an out of hours drop-in service for people who consider that they are approaching a mental health crisis. Clients do not need a formal appointment however a prior phone or email contact with relevant information from services would be most beneficial. The service aims to provide a non-clinical setting with a safe, calm and structured environment, where individuals can go to access peer support.

Telephone: 07890 257614 during opening times only.

Opening times: 7 days a week, 6pm-midnight. Drop in's welcome or call or text before to book slot.

Monday & Tuesday- Four Green’s Wellbeing Hub, Whitleigh Green, Plymouth, PL5 4DD

Wednesday- Phone service only-07890 257614

Thursday- Mannamead Wellbeing Hub, Improving Lives, Mannamead Road, Plymouth PL3 5QL

Friday- Rees Centre Wellbeing Hub, Mudge Way, PL7 2PS

Saturday & Sunday- Ernest English House, Buckwell Street, PL1 2DA

Email: headspace@colebrooksw.org

Website: Head Space – Colebrook (colebrooksw.org)

Referral Method: Self-referral/drop-in

Pete's Dragons

Offering support and comfort for anyone impacted by suicide in Devon. They offer listening services, as well as practical advice and assistance. A self-referral form is available on their website. 

Telephone: 01395 277 780 open Monday to Friday- 9am - 5pm

Email: support@petesdragons.org.uk

Website: Home - Pete's Dragons (petesdragons.org.uk)

Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional

Jeremiah's Journey 

Supporting children who are facing the death of a parent or have experienced the death of someone significant. 

Telephone: 01752 424348

Email: info@jeremiahsjourney.org.uk

Website: Jeramiah's Journey

Referral Method: Self referral via parents, carers or professional