Helplines and Support Agencies

Safe Spaces 

Safe Spaces is a free and independent service supporting victims and survivors of church-related abuse, of any form, however long ago. Victims and survivors do not have to have told the police, church authorities or still be involved with the church. 
 
Although the service is funded by the Church of England, together with the Catholic Church in England and Wales and the Church in Wales, it is being run independently by the charity First Light, who have over 25 years’ experience supporting those who have experienced or are experiencing sexual abuse or domestic violence, including church-related abuse. 
 
The helpline is open 09:00-21:00 Monday to Friday; 09:00-13:00 Saturday; and 13:00-17:00 on Sundays. 
 
Telephone: 0300 303 1056 Email: safespaces@firstlight.org.uk 

National Helplines and Support Agencies

• Samaritans Freephone Helpline: 116 123 (24 hours/365 days a year) for people experiencing distress or despair, including suicidal feelings.
• CALM Helpline: 0800 585858 (for anyone affected by suicide or suicidal thoughts). Open daily, 5pm-midnight.
• Papyrus Helpline: 0800 068 4141 (support for under 35’s experiencing thoughts of suicide, or anyone concerned that a young person may be experiencing thoughts of suicide).
• Mind Helpline: 0300 102 1234 (Support for those experiencing mental health issues), open 9am-6pm Mon-Fri
• Young Minds: Information and tools to help young people look after their mental health)
• Women’s Aid: Information and support on domestic abuse.
• National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (open 24 hours, 365 days a year)
• Men’s Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 801 0327 (Mon-Fri 10am-5pm)
• National LBGT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0800 999 5428 (Mon-Fri 9.15am-4.30pm, Mon/Tue until 8pm)
• National Stalking Helpline: 0808 802 0300 (Mon-Fri 9.30am-4pm, Mon/Wed 9.30-8pm)
• Rape Crisis Helpline: 0808 500 2222 (open 24hrs, 365 days a year). National organisation offering support and counselling for those affected by rape and sexual abuse.
• Enough UK: A campaign to end violence against women and girls. Includes list of support agencies
• Respect: 0808 8024040 Mon-Fri 10am-5pm (Choose to stop: help for domestic violence perpetrators)
• Modern Slavery and Exploitation Helpline: 08000 121 700 (open 24 hours, 365 days a year)
• NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children): Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (Mon-Fri 10am-10pm or online reporting 24 hours) – support for anyone worried about a child.
• Childline Helpline: 0800 1111 (open 24 hours, 365 days a year). Counselling service for children and young people. 1-2-1 chat with a counsellor also available.
• Age UK Helpline: 0800 678 1602 (open 8am-7pm, 365 days a year)
• Dementia UK Helpline: 0800 888 6678 (support for people with dementia and their families/carers).
• The National Careline: 0800 0699 784 (support for older people, their carers and families).
• Frank Helpline: 0300 123 6600 (for advice and information on drugs and substance misuse).
• Mencap: Information and advice for people with a learning disability, their families and carers. Learning Disability Helpline – helpline@mencap.org.uk
• Citizens Advice National Helpline: 0800 144 8848 (free impartial advice over phone or online)
• Local Citizens Advice Centre: Contact for free impartial advice on benefits, work, debt, housing and more.

Local Helplines and Support Agencies

Worried About an Adult?

• Hampshire Adult’s Services: 0300 555 1386 (office hours); 0300 555 1373 (out of hours)
• Southampton Adults Services: 02380 833003 (office hours); 02380 233344 (out of hours)
• Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole: 01202 123654 (office hours); 0300 123 9895 (out of hours)
• Dorset: 01305 221016 (office/out of hours)

Worried About a Child?

• Hampshire Children’s Services: 0300 555 1384 (office hours) 0300 555 1373 (out of hours)
• Southampton Children’s Services: 02380 833336 (for members of the public); 02380 832300 (for professionals); 02380 233344 (out of hours)
• Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole: 01202 123334 (office hours); 01202 738256 (out of hours)
• Dorset Council Area: 01305 228558 (Mon-Friday 8am-10pm; Sat, Sun, Bank Holidays 9am-10pm); 01305 221000 (out of hours)

Local Services

• Hampshire Domestic Abuse Service: 03300 165 112
• PIPPA (Southampton Area) Helpline: 02380 917 917 – for anyone experiencing domestic abuse. Referrals for those who need specialist support (Southampton area).
• Yellow Door (Southampton/West Hampshire Area) Helpline: 02380 636 313 (every Wednesday 4pm-7pm). Emotional support and follow-up services to victims of sexual violence and abuse.
• PARAGON Domestic Abuse Service Dorset Helpline: 0800 032 5204
• No Limits (Southampton): 02380 224 224 (advice, advocacy and support for children to under 25s)
• Young People Crisis Line (Hampshire): 0300 303 1590 (Mon-Thurs 3pm-8.30pm). Telephone support for children aged 11-17 in Hampshire experiencing a mental health crisis.
• NHS Mental Health Crisis Support: Call 111.
• The Lighthouse (Southampton): Informal support for those aged 18+ in mental health crisis – text Lighthouse to 07789 390812 or drop in between 4.30pm-10.30pm (7 days a week) to either 147 Shirley Road, SO15 3FH or 432 Bitterne Road, Bitterne Village, SO18 5RT.
• East Hampshire Mind: 02392 498916 (office hours) for those experiencing difficulty with their mental health or wellbeing.
• Connect to Support Hampshire: Online information and directory of services for adult residents in Hampshire.
• Supporting Adolescents Toolkit : A range of services across both Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.