Last Updated: 16 November 2023
We help our Members get support by working alongside and in conjunction with other more specialist organisations, connecting Members to these where appropriate.
If you are aged 16-25, please see our Cardboard Collective page for further support: www.cardboardcitizens.org.uk/get-involved/membership/cardboard-collective-resources/
General support
Here is a list of trusted organisations you might find useful
Wellbeing and Mental Support
If you feel that you are at risk to yourself or others, please call 999 or attend the nearest hospital A&E department as a matter of urgency.
If you need urgent help for your mental health, but it’s not an emergency, get help from NHS 111 online or call 111.
Otherwise, search for your borough’s mental health crisis line – you can find these online and they are normally accessible 24 hrs a day, 365 days a year. You can also request an urgent appointment with your GP.
There is a list of NHS mental health helplines you can refer to here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/mental-health-helplines/
If you need urgent emotional support, you can call Samaritans for free on 116 123 – they are always open and will listen without judging or telling you what to do.
Latest advice from the NHS regarding COVID-19: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
Information and advice from Groundswell: www.groundswell.org.uk/resources/
Hub of Hope, UK Wide Mental Health service database: www.hubofhope.co.uk
Homelessness
Shelter: Provides advice if you’re at risk of homelessness: www.shelter.org.uk
Crisis: For advice if you are homeless or at immediate risk of homelessness: call 0300 636 1967 or visit www.crisis.org.uk
Street Link: For support if you’re sleeping rough. You can self refer to: www.streetlink.org.uk or by calling 0300 500 0914
Financial Support
Step Change: Provides free advice about money problems, debt and budgeting: www.stepchange.org
Hardship Support
Streets Kitchen: Hot meals across London: Various opening times and days across London www.streetskitchen.org/locations/london
Trussell Trust: Find your local foodbank here: www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/find-a-foodbank
If you’re not homeless, ask your local Citizens Advice Bureau (0800 144 8848), another community organisation or your GP for a referral to your local foodbank.
Advice on food banks and services for those in food poverty in Tower Hamlets: www.localoffertowerhamlets.co.uk
Legal Advice
Civil Legal Advice: For legal advice: www.gov.uk/civil-legal-advice
Citizens Advice Bureau: For general advice and community care legal advice, contact your local C.A.B: 0800 144 8848 or www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Tailored support services
Stonewall Housing: Advice about housing issues for people who identify as LGBTQ+: www.stonewallhousing.org or call 020 7359 5767
Young Women’s Trust : Resources and support for young women: www.youngwomenstrust.org/get-support/additional-support
Spark and Co: Extensive resource hub for people from the global majority: www.sparkandco.co.uk
Alone In London: Service for 16 – 25 year olds at risk of homelessness: www.depaul.org.uk//london-get-help or call 020 7278 4224
Information, Advice and Guidance
If you are a Member in need of urgent support which is not covered in services above, you can contact the team on 07568 957 910.
