Community Support
Any time of life can be a challenge and we all need a helping hand from time to time, never more so than in the midst of a global pandemic. Here at Penrith Building Society, we are passionate about supporting not only our members but also the wider community and we have put together some useful information to help and support.
There are many wonderful organisations out there who offer outstanding help to the public during times of need and the below list is not exhaustive.
Inclusion or exclusion does not signify that Penrith Building Society endorses or does not endorse the activities of a particular organisation.
Crisis support & Helplines
If you or someone you know is in mental health crisis and needs medical help fast
- Ring 999 to contact emergency service.
- Go to your nearest Accident and Emergency (A&E) department.
If it is not a medical emergency, but you still need urgent help
- Ring 111 for professional health advice 24/7 and 365 days a year and guidance on where to access appropriate health services.
- Make an appointment with your GP.
MindLine Cumbria
Offers mental health information, guidance and support to those living in Cumbria. We can help you understand your situation better, explore your options or just be there to listen. It doesn’t matter who you are, how you feel, or what has happened. If you feel that things are getting to you, get in touch. Sometimes talking things through or hearing a supportive voice can give you the extra strength to find a way forward.
- Phone – 0300 561 0000
- Text – ‘Mind’ and your question to 81066
- Webchat – mindlinecumbria.org
- Email – info@mindlinecumbria.org
Samaritans
Provides emotional support for people 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. They allow people to talk about feelings of distress and despair and are confidential and offer non-judgemental support.
- Phone – 116 123 (freephone, 24 hours a day, 7 days per week)
- Email – jo@samaritans.org
- Website – samaritans.org
SHOUT
provides a national text messaging support service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They provide support to anyone who is struggling and needs in the moment support.
- Phone – text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258(free to send, supports 24/7)
- Website – giveusashout.org
Switchboard
a helpline for LGBT+ people run by LGBT+ people. they provide information, support and referral service for LGBT+ people and anyone considering issues around their sexuality and/or gender identity.
- Phone – 0300 330 0630(open 10am-10pm 365 days a year)
- Email – chris@switchboard.lgbt( typically replies within 72 hours)
- Website – switchboard.lgbt
Abuse (Domestic violence, child, sexual abuse)
Ask for ANI codeword
If you are experiencing domestic abuse and need immediate help, ask for ‘ANI’ in a participating pharmacy. ‘ANI’ stands for Action Needed Immediately. If a pharmacy has the ‘Ask for ANI’ logo on display, it means they’re ready to help. They will offer you a private space, provide a phone and ask if you need support from the police or other domestic abuse support services.
ChildLine
- Phone – 0800 1111
- Website – childline.org.uk
Galop
An LGBT+ focused Abuse support charity that provides multiple free to call dedicated helplines to help support LGBT+ who are Victims/Survivors of abuse as well as a support service, working with other agencies to provide a wide range of support.
- National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0800 999 5428(Monday-Friday 10am-5pm & Wednesday-Thursday 10am-8pm)
- Email – help@galop.org.uk
- LGBT+ Hate Crime Helpline – 0207 704 2040(Monday-Friday 10am-4pm\)
- Email – HateCrime@galop.org.uk
- National Conversion Therapy Helpline – 0800 1303335 (Monday-Friday 10am-4pm\)<
- Email – CThelp@galop.org.uk
- Website – galop.org.uk
NSPCC
Children’s charity dedicated to ending child abuse and child cruelty. Runs ChildLine (see below) plus a dedicated helpline for adults concerned that a child might be at risk of abuse.
- Phone -0808 800 5000 (freephone, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week – for adults concerned about a child)
- Email – help@nspcc.org.uk
- Website – nspcc.org.uk
Rape crisis
- Phone – 0808 802 999 (freephone helpline)
- Website – rapecrisis.org.uk
Refuge
Refuge provide help and information about domestic violence. It runs a 24/7 domestic violence helpline in partnership with Women’s Aid. Refuge runs a number of safe houses for women and children escaping domestic violence as well as other service.
- Phone – 0808 2000 247 (freephone, 24 hours a day, 7 days per week)
- Email – helpline@refuge.org.uk (Mon – Fri 9-5)
- Website – refuge.org.uk
Safety Net
Cumbria based charity supporting the recovery of those affected by rape, exploitation, sexual and domestic abuse.
- Phone – 01228 515 859
- Website – safetynetuk.org
Addiction and Substance Misuse
Alcoholics Anonymous
Runs self-help groups across the UK for anyone affected by alcohol use issues who wants to change their drinking behaviours based on a 12-step model of recovery.
- Phone – 0800 9177 650 (freephone, national helpline)
- Email – help@alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk
- Website – alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk
CADAS – Cumbria Alcohol and Drug Advisory Service
Provide support for individuals, family members and carers promoting recovery in the community for issues relating to Alcohol and Drug addiction.
- Phone – 0800 2 54 56 58 (11am to 6pm, Mon – Fri)
- Email – contact@cadas.co.uk
- Website – cadas.co.uk
Gamblers Anonymous
Runs self help groups across the UK for anyone affected by addictive gambling behaviours who wants to change based on a 12-step model of recovery.
- Phone – 0330 094 0322(freephone)
- Email – info@gamblersanonymous.org.uk
- Website – gamblersanonymous.org.uk
Narcotics Anonymous UK
A community lead organisation that provides advice and support to help people recovering from narcotics abuse live a drug free life
- Phone – 0300 999 1212(freephone, 10am-Midnight)
- Email – pi@ukna.org
- Website – ukna.org
Talk to Frank
Provides anonymous phone, text and email services to answer any questions you may have about drugs, their effects and the law.
- Phone – 0300 123 6600(freephone, 24/7)
- Textphone – 82111
- Website – talktofrank.com
Anxiety
Anxiety UK
A national charity run by people with lived experience of anxiety, aiming to support everyone affected through information, talking groups and self-help groups.
- Phone – 08444 775 774 (info line 9.30am to 5.30pm, Mon-Fri)
- Text – 07537 416 905
- Email – support@anxietyuk.org.uk
- Website – anxietyuk.org.uk
No Panic
A charity which helps people who experience any kind of anxiety disorder. It specialises in self-help-based recovery via their helpline and website resources.
- Phone – 0844 967 4848 (helpline, 10am-10pm, 7 days per week)
- Phone – 01753 840393 (youth helpline for 13- to 20-year-olds, Mon – Fri)
- Email – admin@nopanic.org.uk
- Website – nopanic.org.uk
Armed Forces
ABF The Soldiers’ Charity
The national charity of the British Army, providing support for every soldier or veteran and their families for life.
- Phone – 0207 901 8900
- Email – supportercare@soldierscharity.org
- Website – soldierscharity.org
Help for Heroes
Provides direct support for wounded, sick or injured veterans and serving members of the Armed Forces and their families including mental health support.
- Phone – 01980 844 280
- Website – helpforheroes.org.uk
Bereavement
Bereavement Advice Centre
Supports and advises people after a death in England and Wales. Their website and helpline provides help with the wide range of practical issues that need to be managed after a bereavement.
- Phone – 0800 634 9494 (freephone helpline, 9am-5pm, Mon-Fri)
- Website – bereavementadvice.org
Cruse Bereavement care
Offer support, advice and information to children, young people and adults when someone dies. They run a helpline as well as bereavement counselling and self help groups across the country.
- Phone – 08085 808 1677 (helpline, see website for hours)
- Email – helpline@cruse.org.uk
- Website – cruse.org.uk
Winstons Wish
A bereavement charity with a focus on helping grieving children. They offer nation wide support to grieving children and guidance for those caring for them.
- Phone – 08088 020 021 (freephone, 8am-8pm mon-fri)
- Email – ask@winstonswish.org
- Website – winstonswish.org
Carers
Carers trust
A major new charity that works to support carers through a wide range of information, providing respite care services and online peer support including a dedicated community for Young Carers under 18.
- Phone – 0844 800 4361
- Email – support@carers.org
- Website – carers.org
Eden Carers
A charity based in Cumbria that works to support all carers, providing information, advice and other kinds of support, including School holiday trips and 1:1 support for Young Carers.
- Phone – 01768 890280
- Website – edencarers.co.uk
Crime Victims
Victim support
An independent charity working towards ensuring people affected by crime or traumatic events get the support they need and the respect they deserve. Confidential free helpline.
- Phone – 0808 1689 111 (freephone, 8am-8pm, Mon-Fri, Weekends 24 hours)
- Website – victimsupport.org.uk
Debt
Money advice service
A free independent service set up by the government that provides information on all money related matters via a helpline, online information and free web chats.
- Phone – 0800 138 7777 (freephone, 9am-8pm Mon – Fri, 9.30am – 1pm Sat)
- Website – moneyadviceservice.org.uk
National Debtline
A debt advice charity run by the Money Advice Trust. They offer free and confidential debt advice services to people in England, Wales and Scotland.
- Phone – 0808 808 4000 (freephone, 9am-8pm Mon – Fri, 9.30am – 1pm Sat)
- Website – nationaldebtline.org
Stepchange
A free to call charity that provides advice, information and practical support to help those struggling with debt in the UK.
- Phone – 0800 138 1111 (freephone, 8am-8pm Mon – Fri, 8am – 4pm Sat)
- Website – stepchange.org
General advice, information, and support
Citizen’s advice
Provides free, independent information and advice for people on money, legal, consumer housing and other problems. Its website has a chat function, and they also have a network of local Citizen’s advice bureaus.
- Phone – 03444 111 444
- Website – citizensadvice.org.uk
Gov.uk
The first point of contact for information on all government services, including money, tax, benefits, disability, employment and carers rights.
- Website – gov.uk
NHS choices
Provides a wide range of accessible information on all health related issues, including symptoms, treatments and local NHS services.
- Website – nhs.uk
Mental Health
ABC (Anorexia & Bulimia Care)
A National UK eating disorders organisation providing ongoing care, emotional support and practical guidance for anyone affected by eating disorders.
- Phone – 0300 011 1213
- Email – support@anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk
- Website – anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk
Depression UK
A national self-help organisation that offers support to everyone affected by depression.
- Email – info@depressionuk.org
- Website – depressionuk.org
Harmless
A user led organisation that provides a range of services about self-harm including support, information, training and consultancy to people who self-harm, their friend and families.
- Email – info@harmless.org.uk
- Website – harmless.org.uk
Mind
Provides a wide range of services relating to mental health, including information, support as well as research and campaign work.
- Email – info@mind.org.uk
- Website – mind.org.uk
MindOut
A mental health service run by and for LGBTQ+ people. It provides advice, information and support to all LGBTQ+ people and those close to them who are struggling with their mental health.
- Phone – 01273 234 839
- Email – info@mindout.org.uk
- Website – mindout.org.uk
Papyrus
A charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the mental health and emotional wellbeing of young people. Their helpline HOPELINE offers help every day of the year from 9am to Midnight.
- Phone – 0800 068 4141(freephone 9am-12am(midnight) every day)
- Text – 07860 039 967(free 9am-12am(midnight) every day)
- Email – pat@papyrus-uk.org
- Website – papyrus-uk.org
Older people
Age UK
Provides a range of information and support services for older people and those caring for them including befriending services.
- Phone – 0800 169 2081 (freephone adviceline)
- Website – ageuk.org.uk
Alzheimer’s society
Provides a range of information and support services for anyone affected by dementia.
- Phone – 0300 222 1122
- Email – enquiries@alzheimers.org.uk
- Website – alzheimers.org.uk
Dementia UK
Offers specialist one to one support and expert advice for people living with dementia, including nursing support.
- Phone – 0800 888 6678
- Email – direct@dementiauk.org
- Website – dementiauk.org
The Silver Line
A charity that provides a telephone service for older people 24 hours a day 7 days a week. they offer friendship, conversation and support to those who need it, any time of the day.
- Phone – 0800 4 70 80 90 (freephone 24/7)
- Website – thesilverline.org.uk