Free advice, from people
These exist whatever we do, they are free, and for some situations they are simply better than anything a system can give you.
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Samaritans
if you are struggling to cope, whatever the reason — they will listen, and you do not have to be suicidal to call any time, day or night
https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/
Checked 2026-08-26 against samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan.
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NSPCC Helpline
if you are worried about a child — you do not need to be certain, and you can stay anonymous 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday (email help@nspcc.org.uk, 11am to 4pm, seven days)
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/reporting-abuse/
Checked 2026-08-26 against nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/reporting-abuse.
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Childline
for the child or young person themselves, about anything at all 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
https://www.childline.org.uk/get-support/contacting-childline/
Checked 2026-08-26 against childline.org.uk/get-support/contacting-childline.
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National Domestic Abuse Helpline
run by Refuge, free and confidential, for anyone experiencing abuse from a partner or family member 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/
Checked 2026-08-26 against nationaldahelpline.org.uk.
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Mind Infoline
information about mental health, treatment options and what help exists near you 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helplines/
Checked 2026-08-26 against mind.org.uk/information-support/helplines.
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Contact
a free helpline for parents and carers of a disabled child from birth to 25, staffed by parent advisers Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5pm (Tuesdays from 10.15am); closed on public holidays
https://contact.org.uk/help-for-families/information-advice-services/
Checked 2026-08-26 against contact.org.uk/about-contact/contact-us.
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IPSEA
free, independent legal advice on SEND, from a charity that does only this
Checked 2026-08-26 against ipsea.org.uk.
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Your local SENDIASS
free, impartial information and advice about SEND, in your own area
Checked 2026-08-26 against cid.org.uk/sendiass.
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Citizens Advice
free, independent advice on almost any dispute
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
Checked 2026-08-26 against citizensadvice.org.uk.
Every number on this page was checked against the organisation's own website on the date shown. If one has changed, it is a defect and we would like to know.