What to do in a crisis

Need urgent help?

GroceryAid is here to support you, but we’re not a crisis or emergency service. If you’re experiencing a crisis or need urgent support, please refer to the information below to find organisations specially equipped to help you right away

Immediate risk or danger

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, contact the emergency services using the following details:

• Call 999 immediately
• Textphone users: 18000 or visit Relay UK
• You can find out more about contacting the police, their accessibility options and how to report historic crimes by visiting Police UK or calling their non-emergency line on 101.

Urgent medical attention

If you or someone you know needs urgent medical attention:

• Call 999 if there is an immediate risk of harm (this also includes risk of suicide)
• Go to the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department of any hospital or make an emergency GP appointment
• If you live in England, Scotland, or Wales: call the NHS non-emergency line on 111 if medical advice is needed. You can also access advice online at NHS 111 online  or via the NHS App.
• If you live in Northern Ireland: contact your trust’s GP out of hours service.

Mental Health Crisis

You can speak to a counsellor on the free 24 hour GroceryAid Helpline for emotional support on 08088 021 122 or message us on WhatsApp on +44 7418 360780.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, it can be frightening and confusing.  Samaritans are available to listen to you and help you make sense of what you’re feeling anytime, day or night.

• Call 116 123
• Visit the Samaritans website (includes details of different methods of contact)

If you are worried about someone else you can talk to a counsellor on the GroceryAid Helpline 08088 021 122 or visit the Samaritans website for advice on how to help.

Safeguarding and social care concerns 

GroceryAid does not have authority under UK legislation to investigate, assess or intervene in cases of safeguarding.

If you or someone you know may be at risk of abuse or neglect or need social care support relating to your own care needs or as a carer for someone else contact your local children or adult safeguarding services to report your concerns.

You can find their contact details by typing into a search engine: “[your Local Authority/Trust name] [ adult/child] safeguarding team”

If you are worried that a child may be at risk of harm, the NSPCC can offer support and advice.

If you need money urgently

For information about help with food, money or housing, your local council can inform you about local services available to you. Find your local council’s website by clicking here.

If you need food urgently

If you are struggling to buy food, your local food bank may be able to help. Click here to find a food bank near you.

For Trussell Trust : Speak to your GP, social worker, health visitor or Citizen Advice about obtaining a food voucher before going to your nearest Trussell Trust foodbank . A food voucher entitles you to a minimum of three days’ emergency food.  Before you set-off, remember to check their opening hours.
There may be other types of foodbanks locally which don’t require vouchers, for example churches or community organisations.

Domestic violence and abuse

If you, or someone you care about, is experiencing domestic abuse, the NHS has a lot of useful information on its website, ranging from how to recognise the signs and where to get help. Click here to find out more.

If you’re worried someone might see you have visited this page, the Women’s Aid website tells you how to cover your tracks online

Housing advice

Shelter can help you understand your rights and protect you against homelessness and other housing issues

• England– Phone: 0808 800 4444 (Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm and 9am to 5pm weekends and bank holidays)
• Scotland– Phone: 0808 800 4444 (Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm, closed bank holidays), see their website for Christmas and New Year opening times
• Wales– Phone: 08000 495 495 (Monday to Friday 9am to 2:30pm)
• Housing Advice NI or call the Housing Executive on 0344 8920 900 (or 0344 8920 908 outside of standard office hours)