Essential and emergency help Contacts in the UK for students and residents. Police, fire, ambulance, mental health crisis lines, and support services with 24/7 helplines and local resources.
Living in the UK safely requires knowing how to access help quickly in the event of an emergency. From life-threatening situations requiring immediate emergency services to mental health crises, domestic violence, or financial emergencies, understanding the support systems available can make the crucial difference in getting appropriate help when you need it most. This comprehensive guide provides essential emergency contacts and explains when and how to use different support services.
Essential Emergency Services Numbers
999 emergency services: when and how to call
The 999 number provides immediate access to police, fire, and ambulance services across the UK and should only be used for genuine emergencies where immediate response is required.
When to call 999 includes situations involving immediate danger to life, serious injury or illness, crime in progress, or fire emergencies. Examples include heart attacks, serious accidents, house fires, violent crimes in progress, or situations where someone’s life is in immediate danger.
How to call effectively involves staying calm, speaking clearly, and providing essential information quickly. The operator will ask which service you need (police, fire, or ambulance), your location, and details about the emergency. Have your location ready – knowing your postcode, street name, or nearby landmarks helps emergency services find you quickly.
What information to provide includes your exact location (postcode if known), nature of the emergency, number of people involved, and whether anyone is injured. For medical emergencies, describe symptoms and consciousness levels. For fires, mention if people are trapped and what’s burning.
Multiple service coordination occurs automatically when emergencies involve different services. For example, serious road accidents typically require police, ambulance, and sometimes fire services. The 999 operator coordinates appropriate responses without requiring separate calls.
Mobile phone considerations include ensuring your phone has signal and sufficient battery. 999 calls take priority on mobile networks and will connect even with limited signal strength. However, providing your location becomes more critical since mobile calls don’t automatically provide precise location information.
Non-English speakers can access interpreter services through 999 calls. State your language clearly, and interpreters will be provided to facilitate communication with emergency services.
Silent 999 calls have special procedures for situations where speaking might put callers in danger. If you can’t speak, stay on the line and follow the operator’s instructions. The system can track genuine silent emergency calls and dispatch appropriate help.
101 non-emergency police contact
The 101 number provides access to police services for situations requiring police attention but not immediate emergency response, offering a vital link for reporting crimes and seeking police assistance.
When to use 101 includes reporting crimes that have already occurred, providing information about ongoing investigations, reporting antisocial behavior, or seeking police advice about safety concerns. Use 101 for stolen property reports, minor traffic accidents without injuries, or suspicious activity that doesn’t pose immediate danger.
Cost and availability – 101 calls cost 15 pence per call regardless of duration or your phone provider. The service operates 24/7 across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, connecting you to your local police force.
Information to prepare includes crime reference numbers for ongoing cases, specific details about incidents (dates, times, locations), and any evidence you might have (photos, witness information, or documentation related to the incident).
Response expectations vary depending on the nature of your call. Non-emergency reports may result in telephone investigations, appointments for officers to visit you, or advice about next steps. Serious crimes reported through 101 can be escalated to emergency response if circumstances warrant.
Alternative reporting methods include online crime reporting through local police force websites, which may be more convenient for straightforward incidents like theft or minor damage. Many forces offer online reporting for various crime types.
Follow-up procedures typically involve receiving crime reference numbers for reported incidents and information about investigation progress. Keep these reference numbers safe for insurance claims or future contact about your case.
111 NHS non-emergency medical advice
NHS 111 provides free medical advice and assistance when you need urgent healthcare but it’s not a life-threatening emergency, bridging the gap between self-care and emergency services.
When to call 111 includes situations like persistent fever, severe pain that’s not immediately life-threatening, concerns about medication side effects, or when you’re unsure whether symptoms require immediate attention. Use 111 when you need urgent medical advice but don’t need to call 999.
Service availability operates 24/7 across England, with similar services (NHS 24 in Scotland) providing equivalent coverage throughout the UK. Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones.
Assessment process involves trained advisors asking detailed questions about symptoms, medical history, and current medications. The conversation may take 10-20 minutes as advisors work through clinical protocols to determine appropriate care levels.
Possible outcomes include self-care advice, appointments at walk-in centers or urgent care facilities, prescriptions from out-of-hours pharmacies, or ambulance dispatch if your condition deteriorates during the call.
Online NHS 111 provides alternative access through the NHS website, where you can answer similar questions and receive guidance without making a phone call. This option works well for less urgent concerns or when phone queues are busy.
Language support includes interpreter services for non-English speakers and text relay services for deaf or hard-of-hearing callers. Specialist support ensures everyone can access medical advice regardless of communication needs.
Preparation tips include having your NHS number ready, lists of current medications, and basic information about your medical history. This preparation speeds up assessment and ensures advisors have complete information for decision-making.
Understanding emergency service response priorities
Emergency services use priority systems to ensure the most urgent cases receive immediate attention, with understanding these priorities helping set appropriate expectations for response times.
Priority levels typically include immediate response for life-threatening emergencies (target response within 8-15 minutes), urgent response for serious but not immediately life-threatening situations (within 1 hour), and routine response for non-urgent matters (within 24 hours or by appointment).
Ambulance response categories include Category 1 (immediately life-threatening, 7-minute average response), Category 2 (serious conditions, 18-minute average), Category 3 (urgent problems, 120 minutes), and Category 4 (less urgent, not time-critical).
Police response priorities vary by force but generally include immediate response for crimes in progress or immediate danger, urgent response for serious crimes requiring quick investigation, and routine response for completed crimes with no immediate risk.
Fire service priorities focus on life safety first, followed by property protection and environmental concerns. Response times vary based on station locations and crew availability, with urban areas typically receiving faster response than rural locations.
Factors affecting response times include current demand, weather conditions, traffic congestion, crew availability, and geographical challenges. Rural areas may experience longer response times due to greater distances between stations and incidents.
Escalation procedures allow emergency situations to be upgraded to higher priority levels if circumstances change. What starts as a non-urgent call can quickly become an emergency requiring immediate response.
Mental Health Crisis Support Contacts
Samaritans 24/7 emotional support: 116 123
Samaritans provides confidential emotional support for people experiencing distress, despair, or suicidal thoughts, offering a vital lifeline during mental health crises.
Free confidential support is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, through trained volunteers who provide non-judgmental listening and emotional support. The service is completely free from any phone, including mobiles.
When to contact Samaritans includes feeling suicidal, experiencing overwhelming distress, feeling isolated or alone, or when you need someone to talk through difficult emotions. You don’t need to be suicidal to call – any emotional distress warrants support.
What to expect during calls includes patient, non-judgmental listening from trained volunteers who won’t try to solve your problems but will help you explore your feelings and find your own solutions. Calls can last as long as needed, and you can call back anytime.
Alternative contact methods include email (**@********ns.org), text support, and face-to-face support at local branches. Email responses typically arrive within 24 hours, though immediate support requires phone contact.
Specialized services include support for specific groups like military veterans, people in custody, and those affected by suicide. Some branches offer specialized programs addressing particular mental health challenges.
Training and standards ensure all volunteers complete extensive training in active listening, suicide prevention, and crisis support. The organization maintains strict confidentiality standards and quality assurance processes.
Local branch services provide face-to-face support, community outreach, and specialized programs in many areas. Local branches may offer group support, educational programs, and community mental health initiatives.
Crisis text line and online chat services
Text and online support services provide alternative access to mental health crisis support, particularly valuable for people who find talking difficult or prefer written communication.
Crisis text services like SHOUT (text 85258) provide free, confidential support through trained text volunteers available 24/7. Text services offer anonymity and can be accessed discretely when voice calls aren’t practical.
How text support works involves texting your concerns and receiving responses from trained volunteers who provide emotional support, safety planning, and resources for ongoing help. Conversations typically last 30-60 minutes.
Online chat services through organizations like Samaritans provide real-time text-based support through websites. These services combine the immediacy of live interaction with the comfort of written communication.
Benefits of text support include accessibility for people with hearing difficulties, discretion for those in situations where voice calls aren’t safe, and comfort for people who express themselves better through writing.
Response times vary by service demand but generally provide initial responses within minutes for crisis services. Non-crisis support may have longer response times depending on volunteer availability.
Safety planning often forms part of text and online support, helping people develop strategies for staying safe during difficult periods and identifying resources for ongoing support.
Integration with other services means text and online crisis services can help connect people with local mental health services, counseling resources, and ongoing support appropriate to their needs.
Local mental health crisis teams
NHS mental health crisis teams provide intensive support for people experiencing severe mental health crises, offering alternatives to hospital admission when possible.
Crisis Resolution Home Treatment (CRHT) teams operate in most areas, providing intensive support to people experiencing mental health crises in their own homes or community settings. These teams offer an alternative to psychiatric hospital admission.
How to access crisis teams typically involves referral through GPs, emergency departments, or mental health services, though some areas allow self-referral or access through NHS 111. Crisis teams operate 24/7 in most areas.
Services provided include urgent mental health assessment, short-term intensive support, medication management, safety planning, and coordination with ongoing mental health services. Teams typically provide daily contact during crisis periods.
Team composition includes psychiatrists, mental health nurses, social workers, and other mental health professionals who work together to provide comprehensive crisis support and ensure safety during difficult periods.
Eligibility criteria generally include experiencing severe mental health crisis that might otherwise require hospital admission, being willing to engage with home-based support, and having adequate social support or safe living circumstances.
Duration of support typically lasts 2-6 weeks, with daily or frequent contact initially reducing as people stabilize. Teams focus on crisis resolution and connecting people with appropriate ongoing support.
Integration with other services includes working with GPs, community mental health teams, voluntary organizations, and family members to ensure comprehensive support during and after crisis periods.
University counseling and mental health services
Universities provide specialized mental health support recognizing the unique pressures and challenges facing students during their academic careers.
Student counseling services offer free, confidential counseling and psychological support specifically designed for student needs. Most universities provide both individual and group counseling options.
Crisis support availability varies between institutions but typically includes emergency appointment systems, crisis phone lines, and out-of-hours support arrangements. Some universities provide 24/7 crisis support.
Types of support available include individual counseling, group therapy, peer support programs, mental health workshops, and specialized support for issues like exam anxiety, homesickness, or relationship problems.
Accessing university support usually involves contacting student services directly, though some universities accept self-referral to counseling services. GPs can also refer students to university mental health support.
Integration with NHS services ensures students can access both university support and NHS mental health services simultaneously. Universities often work closely with local NHS mental health teams.
Specialized student issues addressed include academic pressure, financial stress, homesickness (particularly for international students), social anxiety, and adjustment difficulties associated with university life.
Confidentiality protections ensure student counseling remains confidential unless there are serious safety concerns. Students can access support without information being shared with academic staff or family members.
Student-Specific Support Services
University security and emergency contacts
University campuses maintain security services and emergency procedures specifically designed to address student safety needs and campus-related incidents.
Campus security contact numbers provide 24/7 access to trained security personnel familiar with campus layouts, procedures, and student needs. These numbers are essential for campus emergencies, safety concerns, or security incidents.
Emergency response procedures on campuses typically include coordination with local emergency services, evacuation procedures, and communication systems to alert the campus community during emergencies.
Safety escort services offered by many universities provide accompanied transport across campus during evening hours, particularly valuable for students walking alone after dark or in isolated campus areas.
Incident reporting systems allow students to report safety concerns, suspicious activity, or security incidents through online systems, phone calls, or in-person reporting at security offices.
Emergency communication systems include text alerts, email notifications, and campus communication systems that provide rapid information during emergencies or safety threats.
Coordination with local services ensures campus security works effectively with police, ambulance, and fire services when incidents require external emergency response.
International student support recognizes that international students may be unfamiliar with UK emergency procedures and provides specific guidance and support during emergencies.
Student accommodation emergency procedures
Student accommodation, whether university-managed or private, maintains specific emergency procedures and support systems designed for residential student communities.
Accommodation emergency contacts provide 24/7 access to residential staff trained in emergency response, building evacuation, and student welfare issues. These contacts are essential for accommodation-related emergencies.
Fire safety procedures include evacuation routes, assembly points, fire alarm testing schedules, and restrictions on electrical equipment in student rooms. Understanding these procedures is crucial for student safety.
Maintenance emergencies like heating failures, electrical problems, or plumbing issues have specific reporting procedures and emergency response systems to ensure student welfare and safety.
Welfare support from accommodation staff includes responding to mental health concerns, medical emergencies, and personal crises affecting students in residential settings.
Out-of-hours procedures ensure students can access help during evenings, weekends, and holidays when normal support services may not be available.
Visitor policies and security maintain building security while allowing appropriate access for friends, family, and support services when students need assistance.
Integration with university services ensures accommodation staff can coordinate with university counseling, medical services, and academic support when students need comprehensive help.
International student support helplines
International students face unique challenges and may need specialized support that understands visa requirements, cultural adjustment, and distance from family support systems.
University international offices provide dedicated support for visa issues, academic concerns, and cultural adjustment challenges facing international students. These services understand immigration requirements and can provide specialist advice.
24/7 international student support varies between institutions but may include access to staff familiar with international student needs during emergencies or crises.
Embassy and consulate support provides assistance with serious emergencies, legal issues, or situations requiring coordination with students’ home countries. Embassy contacts are essential for international students to maintain.
Visa and immigration emergencies require specialized knowledge and support that university international offices or immigration advisors can provide. Emergency visa issues can affect students’ ability to remain in the UK.
Cultural and language support includes interpreter services, cultural mediation, and support for students struggling with cultural adjustment or language barriers during emergencies.
Financial emergency support for international students may include emergency grants, assistance with banking problems, or support when family financial support is disrupted.
Family communication support helps international students contact family members during emergencies, including assistance with time zone differences and international calling procedures.
Academic stress and exam pressure support
Academic pressures create specific stress and mental health challenges that require understanding of educational demands and academic calendar pressures.
Academic support services provide help with study skills, time management, and learning difficulties that may contribute to stress and academic pressure.
Exam stress support includes specialized counseling during exam periods, stress management workshops, and techniques for managing academic anxiety and performance pressure.
Deadline extension procedures allow students experiencing mental health difficulties to request extensions or special arrangements that reduce academic pressure during difficult periods.
Peer support programs connect students with others who have experienced similar academic challenges, providing understanding and practical advice from fellow students.
Study skills support helps students develop more effective learning strategies, reducing stress and improving academic performance through better preparation and organization.
Academic appeals procedures provide options for students whose academic performance has been affected by mental health problems or emergency situations.
Integration with mental health services ensures academic support staff can work with counseling services and mental health professionals to provide comprehensive support during difficult periods.
Domestic Violence and Personal Safety Resources
National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247
The National Domestic Violence Helpline provides free, confidential support for people experiencing domestic violence, abuse, or controlling relationships, operating 24 hours a day.
Free confidential support includes safety planning, emotional support, information about legal options, and assistance accessing local services. The helpline is run by Women’s Aid and Refuge with trained advisors.
Who can call includes anyone experiencing domestic violence regardless of gender, sexuality, age, or immigration status. The service supports people in heterosexual and same-sex relationships and provides advice about various forms of abuse.
What help is available includes immediate safety planning, information about refuges and safe accommodation, legal advice about injunctions and court procedures, and support accessing local domestic violence services.
Safety considerations when calling include using a safe phone, clearing browser history if researching online, and having safety plans for if the abuser discovers you’re seeking help. The helpline can advise about safe communication methods.
Language support includes interpreter services for non-English speakers and specialist support for people from different cultural backgrounds who may face additional barriers to seeking help.
Onward referrals connect callers with local domestic violence services, legal aid providers, housing services, and other agencies that can provide ongoing support and practical assistance.
Online support through the National Domestic Violence Helpline website includes safety planning tools, information resources, and guidance about accessing help while maintaining safety.
Rape Crisis helplines and local centers
Rape Crisis provides specialist support for people who have experienced sexual violence, with local centers offering tailored support and national helplines providing immediate assistance.
National Rape Crisis Helpline (0808 802 9999) operates 12 noon to 2:30 PM and 7 PM to 9:30 PM daily, providing confidential support from trained counselors who understand trauma and sexual violence.
Local Rape Crisis centers offer face-to-face counseling, group support, practical assistance, and advocacy services. Each center provides services tailored to their local community needs and circumstances.
Who can access support includes anyone who has experienced sexual violence regardless of when it happened, gender, age, or other circumstances. Support is available for recent incidents and historical abuse.
Services provided include crisis support, long-term counseling, practical assistance with reporting to police, court support, and help accessing other services like housing or benefits.
Specialized support may be available for specific groups including men and boys who have experienced sexual violence, LGBT+ individuals, people with disabilities, and those from minority ethnic communities.
Confidentiality protections ensure that information shared with Rape Crisis services remains confidential unless there are immediate safety concerns or legal requirements to share information.
Integration with criminal justice includes support for people considering reporting to police, assistance through court processes, and advocacy to ensure survivors’ voices are heard within the justice system.
LGBT+ support and crisis services
LGBT+ people may face specific challenges and discrimination that require specialized understanding and support from services familiar with LGBT+ issues and experiences.
LGBT+ crisis helplines like the LGBT Foundation Helpline (0345 330 3030) provide support for people experiencing crisis situations related to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline (0300 330 0630) offers general support, information, and crisis assistance for LGBT+ people, operating every day from 10 AM to 10 PM with trained volunteers.
Trans-specific support includes services like the Mermaids helpline for transgender young people and their families, providing specialized understanding of gender identity issues and transition support.
Youth-focused services recognize that young LGBT+ people face particular risks and challenges, providing age-appropriate support and understanding of issues like family rejection or school bullying.
Domestic violence support within LGBT+ relationships requires specialized understanding of dynamics that may differ from heterosexual domestic violence, with some services providing LGBT+-specific support.
Mental health support addresses higher rates of mental health problems in LGBT+ communities, with some services providing specialist LGBT+ counseling and understanding of minority stress.
Local LGBT+ centers provide community support, social connections, and often crisis support for people who may be isolated from family or mainstream community support.
Personal safety apps and emergency features
Modern technology offers various tools and apps designed to enhance personal safety and provide quick access to emergency help when needed.
Emergency SOS features built into smartphones allow quick access to emergency services through button combinations or automatic activation during falls or crashes. These features can save crucial time during emergencies.
Location sharing apps enable trusted contacts to track your location during potentially risky situations like walking alone at night or meeting strangers. Temporary location sharing provides safety without permanent privacy concerns.
Personal safety apps like bSafe, Hollie Guard, or university-specific safety apps provide panic buttons, location sharing, and automated emergency contact features designed for personal safety situations.
Safety check-in systems allow you to set timers that alert emergency contacts if you don’t check in by specified times, useful when traveling alone or in potentially risky situations.
Fake call features in some safety apps allow you to generate fake phone calls that provide excuses to leave uncomfortable or potentially dangerous situations discretely.
Integration with emergency services in some advanced safety apps can automatically contact emergency services and provide location information during crisis situations.
Privacy and security considerations require careful evaluation of safety apps to ensure they protect your privacy while providing safety benefits, avoiding apps that might be used for stalking or controlling behavior.
Financial and Housing Emergency Support
Citizens Advice emergency debt help
Citizens Advice provides free, impartial advice about debt problems and financial emergencies, helping people understand their options and rights when facing financial difficulties.
Emergency debt advice includes help with priority debts like rent, mortgage, council tax, and utilities that could result in eviction or service disconnection if not addressed quickly.
Debt management support helps people understand different options for dealing with debts, including payment arrangements, debt management plans, and formal insolvency procedures when appropriate.
Benefits and entitlements advice ensures people claim all benefits and financial support they’re entitled to, which can provide crucial income during financial emergencies.
Housing debt and eviction advice includes understanding tenants’ rights, negotiating with landlords, and accessing emergency housing support when facing eviction.
Utility debt support covers dealing with energy suppliers, understanding payment options, and accessing emergency fuel vouchers or other support for people unable to pay utility bills.
Access methods include online advice, phone helplines (03444 111 444), and face-to-face appointments at local Citizens Advice offices. Online advice tools can provide immediate guidance for many debt problems.
Specialist services may be available for specific groups like students, older people, or people with disabilities, providing tailored advice that understands particular circumstances and challenges.
Housing crisis and homelessness prevention
Housing emergencies require immediate attention and understanding of rights and support systems to prevent homelessness and secure safe accommodation.
Local authority housing duties require councils to provide advice and assistance to people who are homeless or threatened with homelessness, with enhanced duties for people in priority need.
Homelessness prevention services work to help people keep their existing accommodation through mediation with landlords, financial assistance, or legal intervention to prevent eviction.
Emergency accommodation may be available through local authorities for people who become homeless, though the type and quality of accommodation varies significantly between areas.
Housing advice services provided by councils and voluntary organizations offer guidance about housing rights, options for finding accommodation, and support through housing applications.
Student housing support recognizes that students face particular housing challenges and may provide specialized advice about student accommodation rights and options.
Private rental support includes advice about deposits, tenancy agreements, and dealing with landlord problems
