The British Red Cross Support Line

Call 10am to 5pm Monday to Friday, 10am to 8pm Wednesday

Contact the support line for help

Our friendly, trained staff and volunteers are here 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

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:



To explore all British Red Cross services visit the Get Help page.

A British Red Cross emergency response volunteer drives an emergency response vehicle and holds its radio communications speaker in her hand.

Translated resources

Download PDF guides about the support line in the following languages:

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.

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.

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.

Volunteer with the National Support Line

Can you help us provide emotional support and information to people in need? Become a National Support Line volunteer and help people who have been directly affected by major incidents and emergencies.


Find out about volunteering

A British Red Cross volunteer speaks on the phone in an office, with other volunteers at desks behind her.