Need Help Now?
Crisis Support and Emergency Assistance
If you need help right now, here are some contacts and resources to get immediate support.
Most of CharisMC’s services require a referral, but if you find yourself in crisis or urgent need, the following organisations can assist you:
Immediate Help When You Need It Most
You’re Not Alone
If You’re in Immediate Danger
- You or someone else is in immediate physical danger
- You’ve taken an overdose or seriously harmed yourself
- You’re experiencing severe mental health crisis with immediate risk
- Someone is threatening or hurting you
- You witness a serious crime or emergency
CALL IMMEDIATELY
Emergency Services
What happens when you call 999:
- They’ll ask which service you need – Police, ambulance, or fire service
- Give your location clearly – Use the what3words app if you’re unsure of your exact location
- Stay calm and answer their questions – They need accurate information to help you
- Follow their instructions – The operator will guide you on what to do next
- Stay on the line unless told otherwise – Don’t hang up until they say it’s okay
Remember: Emergency services are there to help you. You won’t get in trouble for calling when you need help. Your safety is the priority.
Mental Health Crisis Support
Mental Health Crisis Support
When things feel too much to handle
If you're struggling with your mental health right now but aren't in immediate physical danger, these services are here to support you. No judgment. Just help when you need it.
People ready to help right now
NHS Mental Health Crisis Line
Available 24/7Call and choose the mental health option. You'll speak with someone who understands what you're going through. They can arrange urgent help or send a crisis team to you.
Samaritans
Free, 24/7Sometimes you just need someone to listen. Samaritans are there whenever you need to talk. You don't have to be suicidal to call. They'll listen without trying to fix you.
Shout Crisis Text Line
Free, 24/7If talking feels hard right now, text instead. Trained volunteers will text back and help you move from feeling overwhelmed to feeling calmer.
Papyrus HOPELINE247
9am to Midnight, every dayIf you're under 35 and thinking about suicide, Papyrus advisors understand the pressures you face. They provide practical help to keep you safe.
If you're thinking about suicide
You matter. Help is here.
Right now, here's what can help keep you safe:
- Move away from anything harmful. Put anything you could use to hurt yourself somewhere you can't reach it.
- Tell someone now. Contact your support worker, keyworker, or any staff member. They want to help.
- Follow your safety plan if you have one. Use it now. That's what it's for.
- Call one of the numbers above or go to A&E. Getting help isn't weak. It's brave.
- Don't use alcohol or drugs right now. They can make you act on impulse and increase danger.
- These feelings will pass. Even though it doesn't feel like it, this crisis is temporary. You can get through this.
How Charis MC staff will support you
You should know: Our staff are trained to help you through difficult times. You won't be in trouble for having these feelings. Your safety matters more than anything else, and we'll work together to help you through this.
Health Emergencies
When You Need Urgent Medical Help
Understanding your options and knowing where to go
Your health matters. Whether it's a physical injury, dental pain, or you've run out of medication, there are people and services ready to help you. You don't need to figure this out alone.
When to go to A&E (Accident & Emergency)
Go straight to A&E or call 999 if you have:
- Serious injuries from an accident or fall
- Severe chest pain or difficulty breathing
- You've passed out or lost consciousness
- Bleeding that won't stop even with pressure
- Suspected overdose, poisoning, or bad reaction to drugs
- Severe burns or scalds
Remember: A&E staff are there to help, not judge. Whether you've had an accident, taken something you shouldn't have, or are worried about an injury, they've seen it all before. Your health and safety come first.
NHS 111 - For when it's urgent but not an emergency
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
If you need medical help but it's not a life-threatening emergency, NHS 111 can help you decide what to do and where to go.
📞 Call 111NHS 111 can help you with:
- Arranging GP appointments outside normal hours when you can't wait
- Directing you to the right service - whether that's a pharmacy, walk-in centre, or urgent care
- Medical advice about symptoms you're worried about
- Arranging prescriptions when your GP surgery is closed
It's okay to call even if you're not sure. Part of their job is helping you work out how serious your situation is. You won't be wasting their time - that's exactly what they're there for.
Emergency dental care
Dental pain can be excruciating, and dental infections can become serious if left untreated. You don't have to just put up with it.
- Call NHS 111 - They can arrange emergency dental treatment for you
- Some A&E departments have emergency dental services, especially for severe pain or facial swelling
- Don't ignore dental pain - Infections can spread and become dangerous if not treated
You should know: Emergency dental treatment is available even if you don't have a regular dentist. Call 111 and explain what's happening - they'll help you access care.
Emergency contraception
If you've had unprotected sex or your contraception failed, emergency contraception can prevent pregnancy. The sooner you take it, the more effective it is.
This is nothing to feel embarrassed about. Contraception fails sometimes, and situations happen. The important thing is taking care of yourself now.
Where to get emergency contraception:
Pharmacies
Free if you're under 25. You can speak to the pharmacist privately - you don't need to explain anything to other customers. Many pharmacies open late and on weekends.
Sexual Health Clinics
Free emergency contraception at any age. They also offer testing and advice. You don't need an appointment for emergency contraception at most clinics.
Your GP Surgery
Can provide emergency contraception during normal working hours. Everything discussed with your GP is confidential.
A&E (if needed)
If it's outside hours and you can't access other options, A&E can provide emergency contraception. Your health matters more than feeling awkward.
Time matters: Emergency contraception works best the sooner you take it. Some types work up to 5 days after unprotected sex, but don't wait - act as soon as you can.
If you've run out of essential medication
Running out of prescribed medication happens. Maybe you forgot to order more, lost your prescription, or couldn't get to the pharmacy. Whatever the reason, there are ways to get what you need.
Never suddenly stop taking prescribed medication, especially: Mental health medication, epilepsy medication, diabetes medication, heart medication, or anything you take regularly. Stopping suddenly can be dangerous.
How to get emergency medication:
- Pharmacies can provide emergency supplies of most regular medications if you've genuinely run out. Explain your situation - they can usually help.
- NHS 111 can arrange urgent prescriptions when your GP surgery is closed
- Out-of-hours GPs can issue prescriptions in emergencies
- Go to A&E if stopping your medication could be dangerous - for example, if you take anti-seizure medication or insulin
Your Charis MC support worker can help: We can support you to set up medication reminders, help you understand when to reorder, and arrange prescription collections if that would help you manage better.
Your health is important, and so are you. Medical professionals are there to help, not to judge you. Whether you're worried about something small or facing something serious, you deserve care and support.
If you're ever unsure about whether you should seek help, talk to your Charis MC support worker. We'd rather help you work it out than have you worry alone or avoid getting help you need.
Financial Emergency Support
When Money Is Tight
Emergency support for food, bills, and essentials
Getting food when you need it
Food banks near you
Food banks provide emergency food parcels - usually enough for 3-7 days. Most need a referral from a support worker or agency, but getting one is straightforward. Your Charis MC support worker can help with this.
Trussell Trust Food Banks
The UK's largest food bank network. Find your nearest location and get information about referrals.
🌐 Find Your Local Food BankIndependent Food Banks
Many independent food banks operate across the UK. Some don't require referrals and can help you immediately.
🌐 Search Independent Food AidYou should know: Using a food bank doesn't mean you've failed. Money problems can happen to anyone, and these services exist because sometimes people need help. The volunteers won't judge you - they're there because they want to help.
Free meals and community food
Beyond food banks, there are other ways to access free or very cheap food in your area.
- Sikh temples (Gurdwaras) - Provide free meals to anyone, regardless of your background or beliefs. Just turn up - you're welcome.
- Churches and faith groups - Many run community meals and food projects. You don't need to be religious to access these.
- The Salvation Army - Offers meals and practical support in many towns and cities.
- Local mutual aid groups - Community groups helping neighbors. Search Facebook for groups in your area.
Apps that can help you save money on food
Olio
Neighbors share spare food for free. Download the app and see what's available near you.
Visit OlioToo Good To Go
Buy surplus food from shops and restaurants at heavily reduced prices - usually £3-4 for food worth much more.
Visit Too Good To GoEmergency money and financial help
Help from your local council
Your local authority has emergency support available, especially for care leavers. This isn't a loan - it's help you're entitled to when you're facing a crisis.
- Local Welfare Assistance - Emergency grants or support for food, gas, electricity, and essentials
- Leaving Care Grants - If you're a care leaver, you may be able to access setting up home grants
- Discretionary Housing Payments - Help with rent if you're struggling to pay or have a shortfall
How to access this: Contact your local council's welfare support team. If you're a care leaver, your Personal Advisor or Charis MC support worker can help you apply. Don't assume you won't qualify - let them assess your situation.
Charitable grants and support
Many charities provide one-off grants to help young people through difficult times. These don't need to be paid back.
Turn2us
Free grant-finding service. Answer questions about your situation and they'll show you grants you might be able to apply for.
🌐 Search for GrantsButtle UK
Provides grants to children and young people in crisis. Can help with essential items and costs.
🌐 Learn About GrantsThe Prince's Trust
Support for young people aged 16-30, including grants and practical help to get you through difficult times.
🌐 Visit Prince's TrustIf you're waiting for benefits or have been sanctioned
Advance payments: If you're waiting for your first Universal Credit payment, you can request an advance. This is paid back from future payments but can help you now.
Hardship payments: If you've been sanctioned (had your benefits reduced), you might be able to get hardship payments to help with essentials.
Budgeting advances: Help with one-off costs like furniture or clothes for a new job.
Citizens Advice can help: They offer free benefit checks to make sure you're getting everything you're entitled to. Visit citizensadvice.org.uk or call 0800 144 8848
Help with energy bills and utilities
If you're struggling to pay for gas or electricity
Energy companies have rules they must follow to protect vulnerable customers. You have rights and options even if you're behind on payments.
- Register as a vulnerable customer - Let your energy supplier know if you're young, on benefits, or struggling. They can't disconnect you if you're vulnerable.
- Payment plans - Must be affordable based on what you can actually pay, not what they want you to pay.
- Emergency credit on prepayment meters - All prepay meters have emergency credit. Ask your supplier how to access it.
- Warm Home Discount - £150 off electricity bills if you're on certain benefits or low income.
- Council emergency support - Can provide emergency fuel vouchers or top-ups in crisis situations.
Important: Energy companies cannot disconnect you without following strict procedures. If you're vulnerable (which includes being a young care leaver), they have extra protections they must follow. Don't ignore the problem - contact them or get help from Citizens Advice or your support worker.
Getting help to sort this out
Money problems can feel overwhelming, especially when you're dealing with multiple issues at once. You don't have to figure this all out alone.
Your Charis MC support worker can:
- Help you apply for food bank vouchers
- Support you to claim benefits you're entitled to
- Make referrals to charitable grants
- Contact energy companies on your behalf
- Help you understand your options and rights
Don't struggle in silence. Asking for help is a smart, responsible thing to do - not something to feel bad about.
Housing Crisis and Homelessness
Urgent Housing Support
If you're losing your accommodation or already homeless
If you're about to lose your accommodation
If you know you're going to lose your place to stay soon, acting now can make a big difference. You have legal rights to help, especially as a care leaver.
Do these things straight away:
- Contact your Local Authority Housing Department now They have a legal duty to help prevent you becoming homeless. Don't wait until you've actually lost your accommodation.
- Call Shelter's Emergency Helpline: 0808 800 4444 Expert housing advisors who can explain your rights and what to do next. Available 8am-8pm weekdays, 8am-5pm weekends.
- If you're under 18 - Contact Children's Services immediately They must provide you with emergency accommodation. You won't be left without somewhere safe.
- If you're 18-25 and were in care - You're priority need This means the council must help you. Being care-experienced gives you extra protections.
Your rights - what you're entitled to
- Local councils must assess anyone at risk of homelessness within the next 56 days
- If you're 18-25 and left care, you're automatically "priority need" for housing
- You're entitled to emergency accommodation while your case is being assessed
- They can't turn you away without assessing your situation properly
- If they make a decision you disagree with, you have the right to ask for it to be reviewed
Important: Don't let anyone tell you there's no help available. As a care leaver, you have strong legal rights. If you're being turned away, contact Shelter or your Personal Advisor immediately.
If you need somewhere safe tonight
If you're already homeless or will be sleeping rough tonight, there are people and services ready to help you right now.
StreetLink
24/7 ServiceConnects rough sleepers with local outreach teams who can provide immediate support, emergency accommodation, and help you get off the streets. Works across England and Wales.
📞 Call 0300 500 0914 🌐 Visit streetlink.org.ukShelter Emergency Helpline
8am-8pm weekdays, 8am-5pm weekendsExpert housing advisors who can explain your options, help you access emergency accommodation, and support you to understand your rights.
📞 Call 0808 800 4444Centrepoint
Youth homelessness specialistSpecialist charity supporting young people experiencing homelessness. They understand what you're going through and can help you access support and accommodation.
📞 Call 0808 800 0661Local Authority Out-of-Hours
Evenings and weekendsYour local council has an emergency duty team available outside normal hours. They can arrange emergency accommodation if you have nowhere safe to stay tonight.
📞 Call 101 for local emergency numberNo Second Night Out: Most areas have schemes to make sure nobody sleeps rough for more than one night. Contact your local authority or StreetLink to connect with these services. You shouldn't have to spend another night on the streets.
If you're fleeing violence or abuse
You don't have to stay in danger
Help available right now:
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
Free, confidential, 24/7Support for anyone experiencing domestic abuse. They can help you plan to leave safely, access emergency accommodation, and understand your options. Available in multiple languages with BSL interpretation.
📞 Call 0808 2000 247Men's Advice Line
Specialist support for menIf you're a man experiencing domestic abuse, this service understands the specific barriers you might face in seeking help. Confidential support and practical advice.
📞 Call 0808 801 0327Galop (LGBTQ+ Support)
LGBTQ+ specialist serviceSpecialist support if you're LGBTQ+ and experiencing domestic abuse. They understand the extra challenges around identity and who you can talk to safely.
📞 Call 0800 999 5428Forced Marriage Unit
Government support serviceIf you're being forced into marriage or fear this might happen, specialist support is available including emergency protection and safe accommodation.
📞 Call 020 7008 0151About refuge accommodation
- Women's Aid and Refuge can arrange immediate safe accommodation if you're fleeing abuse
- You can move to any area in the country - you don't have to stay near the person who hurt you
- Your new location will be kept completely confidential
- You'll get support with benefits, legal matters, and rebuilding your life
- Male victims can also access safe accommodation through specialist services
Remember: Nobody has the right to hurt you or make you feel unsafe. Leaving takes courage, and there are people ready to help you do it safely. You deserve to feel safe where you live.
Safety and Personal Security
When You Don't Feel Safe
Support if you're being exploited, threatened, or harmed
If someone is hurting you, threatening you, or forcing you to do things you don't want to do, that's not okay. Whatever is happening, it's not your fault, and there are people who can help you get safe.
If you're being exploited or forced into criminal activity
Sometimes people who seem like friends, or adults who offer help, can trap you into doing things that put you at risk. This might look like being asked to hold packages, move drugs, commit crimes, or do sexual things you don't want to do.
You are the victim in this situation, not a criminal. Even if you've done illegal things, if someone forced, threatened, or tricked you into doing them, you're being exploited.
Understanding what exploitation can look like
Exploitation doesn't always look the way people think. You might be experiencing this if:
- Someone gave you gifts, money, or a place to stay, but now says you owe them and have to do things to pay them back
- You're being asked to hold, move, or sell drugs - even if they say it's just one time or no big deal
- You've been threatened that something bad will happen to you or your family if you don't do what they say
- You feel like you can't say no or leave, even though you want to
- You're being moved to different places and don't always know where you are or why
- Someone has your phone, documents, or controls where you can go
- You're being pressured or forced into sexual activity, or filmed doing sexual things
- Adults around you seem to know you're in trouble but aren't helping
If any of this sounds familiar, you're not alone, and you're not the first young person this has happened to. The people who do this are skilled at making you feel like it's your choice or your fault. It's not.
Getting help doesn't mean you're weak or a snitch. It means you're strong enough to want something better for yourself.
People who can help you get safe
National Referral Mechanism
Trafficking victim supportIf you're being forced, threatened, or tricked into criminal activity or sexual exploitation, you may be a victim of modern slavery. This isn't just about being physically locked up - it's about being controlled and exploited.
Support includes: Safe accommodation away from those who hurt you, financial help while you recover, specialist support to understand what happened, and immigration help if you need it.
Your Charis MC support worker can help you access this. We can make the referral with you and support you through the process.
Crimestoppers
100% AnonymousYou can report what's happening completely anonymously. You don't have to give your name, and the call can't be traced back to you. They can't track who you are or where you're calling from.
This is useful if you want to report what's happening but you're scared of what might happen if people know you spoke to someone.
📞 Call 0800 555 111Missing People
Safe reconnection supportIf you've had to run away from exploitation or dangerous people, Missing People can help you reconnect safely with support services without revealing your location to anyone who might harm you.
They understand that sometimes going missing is the only way to get safe, and they won't judge you or force you to go back somewhere unsafe.
📞 Call 116 000 💬 Text 116 000St Giles Trust - SOS Project
Specialist county lines supportSpecialist support for young people caught up in county lines and gang activity. They understand how hard it is to get out of these situations, and they've helped lots of young people do it safely.
They provide: Help to safely extract yourself from dangerous situations, ongoing support to stay safe, someone who understands and won't judge what you've been through.
🌐 Learn About SOS ProjectYou're incredibly brave for even reading this
It takes real courage to admit that what's happening isn't okay. You might feel loyalty to the people exploiting you, or fear about what happens if you speak up. Those feelings make sense - they're counting on you feeling that way.
But you deserve better than this. You deserve to feel safe, to make your own choices, and to have a future that isn't controlled by someone else's threats or manipulation.
Reaching out for help is the bravest thing you can do. The people at these services have seen it all before, and they won't judge you. They just want to help you get safe.
If someone is harming you online
What happens online is real. If someone is threatening you, harassing you, or sharing things about you without permission, that's a crime and there's help available.
Report + Remove
Intimate image removalIf someone has shared intimate or sexual images of you without your permission (sometimes called "revenge porn"), this specialist service works with social media platforms and websites to get them removed quickly.
This is illegal, and it's not your fault. Even if you originally sent the images to someone you trusted, sharing them without permission is a crime.
📞 Call 0844 225 2772CEOP (Child Exploitation & Online Protection)
Specialist police teamReport online sexual abuse, exploitation, or inappropriate contact from adults. This is a specialist police team who understand online crimes against young people and take it seriously.
You can report even if you're not sure if what's happening is abuse. They can help you understand if what's happening is okay or not.
🌐 Make a Report to CEOPVictim Support
Free confidential supportFree, confidential support if you've been a victim of any crime - including online harassment, fraud, threats, or abuse. They can help you understand your options and support you through reporting if you choose to.
You don't have to have reported to the police to get support from Victim Support. They're there for you either way.
📞 Call 0808 168 9111What happens online can feel overwhelming and scary. You might feel ashamed, or worry that you'll get in trouble, or that no one will believe you. But you deserve support, and the people at these services understand what you're going through.
Online harm is real harm. If someone is threatening you, harassing you, blackmailing you, or sharing things without your consent, that's serious and there are people who can help make it stop.
How Charis MC can support you
If any of this is happening to you, please talk to your support worker. We won't judge you, and you won't be in trouble. Our job is to help keep you safe.
We can: Listen without judgment, help you make reports if you choose to, support you to access specialist services, create safety plans with you, and stand by you through the process of getting safe.
You don't have to face this alone. Whatever is happening, however complicated it feels, we're here to help you through it.