Out of hours and emergency helplines, advice and support

If you are in an emergency, please call 999. If it is unsafe to speak on the phone, press 55 after dialling 999 for the silent solution.

Our phone lines are open Monday-Friday 9am-5:00pm. Call 0121 728 7030 during these times to be signposted to services.

If you need support outside of these times or have contacted us with a query out of office hours on social media, please see below:

Food

  • We are no longer able to offer food parcels but are continuing to offer cooked meals at our community cafes.  Find out about these
    free meals here.
  • Find info on other support available for food provided by other organisations and foodbanks here.

Mental health

  • Whatever you’re going through, Samaritans are here to help. Call 116 123 or visit: their website (24 hours a day, 365 days a year)
  • If you identify as male, you can call the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) on 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight, 365 days a year) or use their webchat service.
  • Mind provides information and signposting via their website or Infoline 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm- except for bank holidays).
  • Birmingham and Solihull Urgent Mental Health Helpline is 0121 262 3555 (24 hours a day, 365 days a year)
  • Self-refer, or on behalf of someone else to our free Listen and Connect service via the form here and you will be contacted by the team within 14 days. 
  • Children and Young Peoples mental health support is available from Kooth here.

Domestic Abuse

  • Freephone the 24-hour helpline 0808 2000 247. Alternatively, you can use the live chat service Monday to Friday 3pm to 10pm.
  • If you are affected by domestic abuse or are supporting someone who is, Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid are here to help. Find them here or by calling 0808 800 0028 (7 days a week, 9:15am-5:15pm).

Children, Young People and Families

  • If you’re worried about a child, even if you’re unsure, please contact The Birmingham Advice and Support Service on: 0121 303 1888 (Monday to Friday 8:45am-4:15pm). Emergency Out of Hours 0121 675 4806.
  • You can contact the NPSCC -professional counsellors can offer advice and support via 0808 800 5000 (Monday to Friday 8am-10pm or 9am-6pm at the weekends). More info and support, as well as an online reporting form are available on the NSPCC website.
  • Childline can be contacted by calling 0800 1111 (9am-3:30am) or 1-2-1 chat with a counsellor can be accessed here 9am-10:30pm.

Birmingham Adult Social Care

  • If you are worried about an adult and want to report possible abuse of adults with care and support needs, please contact: 0121 303 1234 (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm). Outside of these hours call: 0121 675 4806.

Money advice

  • Free and impartial advice, guides and tools on how to improve your finances, plan ahead and is available via phone 1800 138 777 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm) or on the Money Advice Service website.

Homelessness

  • The Shelter helpline is 0808 800 4444 (8am-8pm weekdays, 9am-5pm on weekends) and more info is available here.
  • If you are concerned about someone sleeping rough, send an alert to StreetLink by via the mobile app, or by calling 0300 500 0914.
  • SIFA Fireside offer a drop in for rough sleepers and the extremely vulnerable. Assistance can be given over the phone on 0121 766 1700 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm) or via their website.

Migrant help

  • For people seeking asylum in the UK, there is a free asylum helpline: 0808 8010 503  (open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year) or live webchat here.

Non emergency medical help

  • Check symptoms and find out where and when to get help by calling NHS 111, or visiting the website.

Please note due to changes in circumstances after the time of publication, the accuracy of the information may be affected. We, therefore, encourage you to contact the organisation directly.