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

  • Ring 999 to contact emergency service.
  • Go to your nearest Accident and Emergency (A&E) department.
  • 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.
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.

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.

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
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.

Abuse (Domestic violence, child, sexual abuse)

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.
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
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
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.

Cumbria based charity supporting the recovery of those affected by rape, exploitation, sexual and domestic abuse.

Addiction and Substance Misuse

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.

Provide support for individuals, family members and carers promoting recovery in the community for issues relating to Alcohol and Drug addiction.

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.

A community lead organisation that provides advice and support to help people recovering from narcotics abuse live a drug free life

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

A national charity run by people with lived experience of anxiety, aiming to support everyone affected through information, talking groups and self-help groups.

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

The national charity of the British Army, providing support for every soldier or veteran and their families for life.

Provides direct support for wounded, sick or injured veterans and serving members of the Armed Forces and their families including mental health support.

Bereavement

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.

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.

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.

Carers

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.

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.

Crime Victims

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

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.

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
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

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.

The first point of contact for information on all government services, including money, tax, benefits, disability, employment and carers rights.

Provides a wide range of accessible information on all health related issues, including symptoms, treatments and local NHS services.

Mental Health

A National UK eating disorders organisation providing ongoing care, emotional support and practical guidance for anyone affected by eating disorders.

A national self-help organisation that offers support to everyone affected by depression.

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.

Provides a wide range of services relating to mental health, including information, support as well as research and campaign work.

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.

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

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
Provides a range of information and support services for anyone affected by dementia.

Offers specialist one to one support and expert advice for people living with dementia, including nursing support.

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.