Whatever difficulties you are facing, you don’t have to go through them alone. This guide lists some local and national resources that you can access to help you find the support you need.
Someone to Listen
If you need a safe, non-judgmental space to talk, these services are available 24/7.
- Samaritans – For a listening ear, whatever you are going through.
- Call: 116 123 (Free, 24/7)
- Web: samaritans.org
- Shout – A confidential, 24/7 text support service.
- Text: ‘SHOUT’ to 85258
- Web: giveusashout.org
- Childline – A private and confidential service for children and young people.
- Call: 0800 1111
- Web: childline.org.uk
- Inspire Counselling – Professional counselling services based in Suffolk.
- Call: 01473 217694
- Web: inspirecounselling.org.uk
Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
If you are struggling with your mental health or feeling suicidal, please reach out to these specialists immediately.
- Papyrus (HOPELINE247) – Help and advice for young people feeling suicidal.
- Call: 0800 068 4141 | Text: 88247
- Web: papyrus-uk.org
- CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) – Leading a movement against suicide.
- Call: 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight)
- Web: thecalmzone.net
- Mind – Information and support to ensure no one faces a mental health problem alone.
- Call: 0300 102 1234
- Web: mind.org.uk
- Turning Point – Specialist services across mental health and learning disabilities.
- Web: turning-point.co.uk
Drugs and Alcohol
Support for individuals or family members concerned about substance use.
- Talk to Frank – Honest information about drugs, their effects, and how to get help.
- Call: 0300 123 6600 | Text: 82111
- Web: talktofrank.com
- Drinkaware – Advice to help people make better choices about drinking.
- Web: drinkaware.co.uk
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) – Support for anyone whose drinking is causing a problem.
- Local (Suffolk): 01473 212224 | National: 0800 9177 650
- Web: aainsuffolk.co.uk / alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk
- Narcotics Anonymous (NA) – A community for those for whom drugs have become a major problem.
- Helpline: 0300 999 1212
- Web: ukna.org
- Suffolk Drug and Alcohol Service (Turning Point) – Integrated drug and alcohol services Suffolk.
- Call: 01284 766554
- Web: turning-point.co.uk
- Norfolk Alcohol and Drug Behaviour Change Service (Change Grow Live)
- Web: changegrowlive.org
Homelessness
Whether you are rough sleeping, at risk of losing your home, or want to help someone else.
- StreetLink – Use this to connect rough sleepers to local outreach services.
- Web: streetlink.org.uk
- Shelter – Specialist advice, support, and legal services for housing issues.
- Web: shelter.org.uk
- Suffolk County Council – Homelessness and housing support in Suffolk.
- Web: suffolk.gov.uk
- Norfolk County Council – If you’re homeless or at risk of homelessness in Norfolk.
- Web: norfolk.gov.uk
Domestic Abuse and Safety
Confidential help for those experiencing abuse or those worried about their own behavior.
- National Domestic Violence Helpline – 24-hour support for women and children.
- Call: 0808 2000 247
- Men’s Advice Line – Support for men experiencing domestic abuse.
- Call: 0808 801 0327
- The Ferns (SARC) – Sexual assault referral centre offering medical and emotional support.
- Call: 0330 223 0099
- Web: theferns-suffolk.org.uk
- Respect Phoneline – Help for domestic abuse perpetrators who want to change.
- Call: 0808 802 4040
- Customer First (Suffolk Social Services) – Reporting concerns about abuse.
- Adults: 0800 917 1109 | Children: 0808 800 4005
Money and Debt
If you’re struggling to make ends meet, there are people who can help, support and guide you.
- Christians Against Poverty (CAP) – Free debt help and financial support.
- Call: 0800 328 0006
- Web: capuk.org
- Step Change – Free debt advice and support.
- Call: 0800 138 1111
- Web: stepchange.org
Bereavement Support
If you’re facing the loss of someone close to you, whether it’s the heartache or the practicalities, these organisations can help.
- Cruse Bereavement Care – Support for anyone grieving the loss of a loved one.
- Call: 0808 808 1677
- Web: cruse.org.uk
- Good Grief Trust – Helping people affected by bereavement across the UK.
- Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SoBS) – Specialized support for those bereaved by suicide.
- Call: 0300 111 5065
- Web: uk-sobs.org.uk
Armed Forces
Service in the Armed Forces brings its own challenges, both during and after active service.
- Combat Stress – Mental health support for veterans and serving personnel.
- Veterans: 0800 138 1619 | Serving: 0800 323 4444
- SSAFA Forcesline – Practical, emotional, and financial support for the forces family.
- Call: 0800 260 6780
Health and Wellbeing
These organisations can help you stay physically and mentally healthy.
- Beat Eating Disorders – Helplines and online support for eating disorders.
- Call: 0808 801 0677
- GambleAware – Support for anyone worried about their gambling.
- Call: 0808 8020 133
- NHS Sexual Health Advice – Confidential advice and clinic finder.