Emergency and Useful Telephone Numbers
Finding the right help should be simple, especially when you are worried or unsure where to turn. Sixpence Support UK brings together important telephone numbers and official support links. Check the area covered by each service before calling.
Emergency services
UK-wide
999 or 112 — Emergency help
For police, ambulance, fire and rescue, or coastguard. Available across the UK, 24 hours a day. Calls are free.
UK-wide
If you need the police but cannot speak
Call 999. On a mobile, listen to the operator and press 55 when prompted to be connected to the police. Pressing 55 does not tell the police your location.
UK-wide
101 — Police non-emergency
For reporting a crime or speaking to the police when there is no immediate emergency. Free to call across the UK. You can also find online reporting options through GOV.UK.
Urgent medical help
England, Scotland and Wales
111 — England, Scotland and Wales
For urgent medical help when the situation is not life-threatening. In Scotland, this is NHS 24; in Wales, NHS 111 Wales. In England, NHS 111 online is also available for people aged five and over. Call instead for a child under five.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland
Contact your GP or local GP out-of-hours service. Numbers depend on your area. Find the correct number on nidirect. For a life-threatening emergency, call 999.
Mental health and someone to talk to
UK and Ireland
Samaritans — 116 123
For anyone who needs someone to listen. You do not have to be suicidal to call. Free, day or night, across the UK and Ireland.
UK-wide
Shout — Text SHOUT to 85258
Free text support for anyone in the UK who is struggling to cope. Available 24 hours a day.
Domestic abuse and keeping safe
If you are in immediate danger, call 999. These services can help you explore your options and find support:
England
Refuge’s National Domestic Abuse Helpline — 0808 2000 247
Free, 24 hours a day.
Wales
Live Fear Free — 0808 80 10 800
Free, 24 hours a day.
Scotland
Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline — 0800 027 1234
Free, 24 hours a day.
Northern Ireland
Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline — 0808 802 1414
Free, 24 hours a day.
Free telephone support is available 24 hours a day. Online contact options are available through the services’ websites.
Children and young people
UK-wide
Childline — 0800 1111
For anyone under 19 in the UK. Talk about worries, bullying, abuse, family problems or anything else affecting you. Free, 24 hours a day. Online counsellor chat and messaging are also available.
Money, benefits and debt
UK-wide
StepChange — 0800 138 1111
Free debt advice to help you understand your options. Monday to Friday, 8am–8pm; Saturday, 9am–2pm. Online debt advice is also available.
For benefits and other everyday problems, use Citizens Advice to find the service for your area.
Housing and homelessness
England
Shelter England — 0808 800 4444
Free advice if you are homeless, have nowhere to stay tonight or face losing your home. Covers England. Monday to Friday, 8am–5pm, excluding bank holidays. Shelter gives advice; it does not provide accommodation.
For local housing help, including routes for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, visit GOV.UK’s homelessness guidance.
Gas, electricity and water
England, Scotland and Wales
Gas emergency — 0800 111 999
Call to report a suspected gas leak or carbon monoxide emergency. Free, 24 hours a day.
Northern Ireland
Gas emergency — 0800 002 001
Call if you smell gas.
England, Scotland and Wales
Power cuts — 105
Call 105 free to reach your electricity network operator.
Northern Ireland
Power cuts — NIE Networks 03457 643 643
Call NIE Networks.
UK-wide
Water supply problems
Contact the emergency number shown on your water supplier’s official website or bill. The number depends on your area.
Animal welfare and pet emergencies
England and Wales
RSPCA — 0300 1234 999
Report animal welfare concerns. Lines open daily, 8am–8pm.
Scotland
Scottish SPCA — 03000 999 999
For urgent animal welfare concerns. Lines open daily, 9am–5pm.
Northern Ireland
USPCA — 028 3025 1000
For wildlife rescue advice. If closed, leave a voicemail; this is not an immediate emergency response.
If your pet is seriously ill or injured, contact your vet or an emergency veterinary practice straight away.
Help if you cannot use a voice call
Several services above offer text, online chat or messaging.
England
NHS 111 text relay and BSL
For NHS 111 in England, text relay is available on 18001 111, and British Sign Language support is available through SignVideo. You can also ask for an interpreter when calling 111.
UK-wide
emergencySMS
People who need emergencySMS must register before using it. Text REGISTER to 999 and follow the instructions, when it is safe to do so.
About this page
Sixpence Support UK provides information and links. We are not an emergency response service.
Numbers and published opening hours checked on 5 October 2026. Services may change their hours, including on bank holidays.
Where a call is not marked free, check your phone provider’s charges.