Emergency support

 Getting emergency support

It’s important to get emergency support as soon as possible.

  • If you or someone you know is in immediate danger for any reason, or you suspect you/they are likely to be, phone 999 immediately and explain the situation.
  • If you are phoning from Ireland, or somewhere else in the European Union, phone 112 immediately.
  • Textphone users in the UK should dial 18000 in an emergency.

Mental Health Emergencies

Lifeline logoIf your mental or emotional wellbeing quickly gets worse, or you’re in crisis or despair – or you’re worried someone you know is – help is available. Please seek help, including support from the emergency services, if you think you need it.

If you need someone to talk to, there are several organisations on hand 24 hours a day throughout the year to offer their help:

Lifeline

Lifeline are available 24/7 to talk about trauma, suicide, self-harm, abuse, depression and anxiety.

Freephone: 0800 0808 8000

Samaritans

The Samaritans offer 24-hour telephone support:

Phone: 08457 90 90 90

Textphone: 08457 90 91 92

Childline

If you’re under 18, Childline can help with any issues you have. You can also chat to them online by clicking here.
Freephone: 0800 1111
If you need mental health support on an ongoing basis, you can get help from your GP or from your local general mental health care team.

If you need urgent help, please contact the emergency services immediately. 

Hate Crime, Domestic & Sexual Violence

If you are subject to domestic or sexual violence, or otherwise suffer abuse, you can get help from the LGBT Community Advocacy Service, the Police and other organisations. If you feel confident enough, you can report any crimes against you directly to the Police, using the emergency services if necessary.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland specifically record and can support you if you have been the victim of a hate crime or incident.

If, for whatever reason, you don’t feel comfortable reporting an incident directly to the police, you can access support from the LGBT Community Advocacy Service. This service can report incidents directly to the police on your behalf, or can advocate for you if you have experienced police misconduct or violence, in collaboration with TransgenderNI.

You can also contact the 24 hour domestic and sexual violence helpline on:

Galop National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline also provide support to LGBT people, their friends & families across the UK. They operate a freephone telephone helpline service as well as online chat and email support.

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 Homelessness & Housing

The Rainbow Project have a specially-designed housing advocacy service for LGBT people who are experiencing discrimination or other issues with housing.

If you are homeless, or are at risk of being made homeless, you can get help from local charities and from the Northern Ireland government.

The Simon Community NI provide homelessness support throughout Northern Ireland.

  • 24 hour freephone: 0800 171 2222

If you are in Belfast, the Welcome Organisation provide unconditional support for vulnerable people on the streets, and can advise and counsel those at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

  • Phone 028 90 240424
  • Unit 36, 28 Townsend Street
  • Belfast
  • BT13 2ES
    Map 

You can also get help and support from your local social security office in the form of social housing and Housing Benefit to help you get access to safe housing. Read the links below for official advice on getting access to social housing and benefits:

If you are renting your property, you have certain rights as a tenant which can help you stay in your accommodation:

 Benefits & Financial Support

If you are made homeless, are cut off from your financial resources or are otherwise experiencing hardship, you can apply for financial support in the form of benefits and grants. These vary widely from area to area and from person to person.

 Contacting the Emergency Services

999 is the number for the emergency services in the UK, including Northern Ireland. If you are in the European Union, phone 112 for emergency services.

Textphone users in the UK should dial 18000 in an emergency.