The British Red Cross Support Line
Open 10am to 5pm Monday to Friday, 10am to 8pm Wednesday
Call the support line for help
Our friendly, trained staff and volunteers are here to listen and to help you find the support you need.
We offer free emotional and practical support and will help to connect you with services available in your area.
We’ll help you find the support you need.
What is the support line?
The British Red Cross Support Line is here for people in times of crisis. We provide a listening ear, information and guidance on where to find the help you need. We also help people to find out what support services we provide and how to access them.
Calls are free from most landlines and mobile phones. You can call the support line if you need:
- Support around a crisis event, e.g. house fire, flood, power outage
- If you are affected by a crisis and unsure how to access help
- To connect with local services in your area
- Help and guidance around cost of living challenges
- To understand what support British Red Cross provides in your area, and how to access it, e.g. support as a refugee or asylum seeker
If you want to speak to someone about hiring a wheelchair call 0300 456 1914.
Who is the support line for?
Anyone in the UK can access the support line. This includes non-UK citizens like refugees and asylum seekers. We can provide support in over 200 languages. Simply call the line and say “can I speak to a translator?”.
For support outside of the UK, contact your nearest National Red Cross and Red Crescent Society.
British Red Cross support
The information you need may be on our website. Online you can find help and support for:
- Refugee and asylum seekers
- Ukrainian refugees
- Cost of living crisis
- Get help in an emergency
- Support at home
- Loneliness services
To explore all British Red Cross services visit the Get Help page.
Organisations that can also help
There are many organisations that can provide you with support and advice for life in the UK. Find out how they can help you and how to contact them directly.
- The Trussell Trust for help with food and essentials
- Cost of living advice from the UK Government
- Migrant Help for independent guidance and advice for asylum seekers in the UK
- The Silverline for free confidential, emotional support for people over 50
- Cruse for bereavement counselling and support after losing a loved one
- Step change for debt advice
- Energy trust for energy debt advice and grants
- Turn2Us to check what benefits or grants you may be able to claim
- Citizens Advice for financial advice and guidance
- Mind UK offer information, advice and local services
- Age UK can provide support, companionship and advice for older people
Emotional and mental health support
The support line provides a listening ear for people affected by a crisis. If you are struggling with your mental health or well-being we can put you in touch with specialist support.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency please dial 999.
You can also use our wellbeing resources to help manage your mental health:
How to contact us
Call the Support line on 0808 196 3651.
Opening times
| Monday | 10am to 5pm |
| Tuesday | 10am to 5pm |
| Wednesday | 10am to 8pm |
| Thursday | 10am to 5pm |
| Friday | 10am to 5pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Emergency help
The Samaritans provide 24-hour emotional support. Call free on 116 123 or send an email.
If you're feeling unwell contact the NHS helpline, 111.
In the event of a life threatening or medical emergency call 999.
This is when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.
