Simple Signposting to Better Health and Wellbeing

Self-care and National Support Services

Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous is group meeting where people share their experience, strength and hope that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. Each meeting is autonomous, and confidential.

Telephone: 0800 9177 650 

Website: AA Meetings | Alcoholics Anonymous - Great Britain (alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk)

Drinkline

Free, confidential helpline for anyone who is concerned about their drinking, or someone else's.

Telephone: 0300 123 1110 

Website: Drinkaware Home | Drinkaware

'Drink Free Days' App

If the person has a smartphone they can download the 'Drink Free Days' app Drink less - Better Health - NHS (www.nhs.uk) designed to make it easy to keep an eye on alcohol consumption and take control with daily tips and feedback.

Narcotics Anonymous 

A non-profit fellowship or society of men and women for whom drugs had become a problem. They are recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean. This is a program of complete abstinence from all drugs. There is only one requirement for membership, the desire to stop using.

Telephone: 0300 999 1212 

Website: Welcome to UKNA | UKNA | Narcotics Anonymous in the United Kingdom

FRANK

FRANK is a national drug information service providing honest information about drugs. If you need friendly confidential advice for yourself or someone else, you can contact their helpline 24/7. They also provide email and live chat services. 

Telephone: 0300 123 6600 or Text 82111 

Website: Honest information about drugs | FRANK (talktofrank.com)

Local Support Services

Together Drug and Alcohol Service

Together Drug & Alcohol Service (part of EDP) are passionate about supporting individuals who face complex issues, including substance misuse, mental ill health, and other harmful, addictive and offending behaviour, to improve their health, wellbeing and employability. They work primarily in the South West. They have three hubs (Barnstaple, Exeter and Newton Abbot), and a number of satellite services, across the county where you can get support.

Telephone: 0800 233 5444

Email: info@edp.org.uk 

Website: Together - EDP Drug & Alcohol Services

Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional

Y-Smart (under 18s)

Y-SMART: Youth-Substance Misuse, Advice, Recovery, Treatment, is a Drug and Alcohol Service for under-18s, throughout Devon (excluding Plymouth and Torbay).

They work with young people up to the age of 18, who have issues around substance use. If you need their help, would like some information, or advice, please contact them. All enquiries will be strictly confidential. No matter how big or small your questions or problems are, just get in touch – they are there to help.

Telephone: 01271 388162 (this number covers the whole of Devon)

Opening Hours: Mon–Thurs 9am to 5pm & Friday 9am to 4pm

Email: y-smart@devon.gov.uk

Website: www.y-smart.org.uk/

Referral Method: Self-referral, parents or via professional

The Children’s Society – CheckPoint

They provide help to young people aged 8-18 across Devon, Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. They can speak to you on the phone, online or face to face. If you are using drugs or alcohol and feel it is causing you problems, they can help. They won’t force you to give up. It might be to help you reduce how much you’re using, understand the effects, or reduce the risks. They can help you overcome the challenges that hold you back. Achieve the things that matter to you. Give you skills and strategies to help you move forward.

Telephone: 01803 200100

Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

Email: checkpoint@childrenssociety.org.uk

Website: CheckPoint | The Children's Society (childrenssociety.org.uk)

Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional

Self-care and National Support Services

Child Exploitation Online Protection (CEOP)

Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) is a law enforcement agency providing support and advice for children, adults or teachers about keeping children safe from sexual abuse and grooming online. Submit a report online  https://www.ceop.police.uk/ceop-reporting/

Website: https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/11_18/

Childline 

Childline provide free, confidential support to children about any topic, including modern slavery and human trafficking. Support is available to anyone under the age of 19 years. Online 1-2-1 chats with counsellors and email options are also available. See their website for more details.

Telephone: 0800 1111 (Available 24hrs a day 7 days a week)

Website: www.childline.org.uk

CrimeStoppers 

 An independent crime-fighting charity in the UK allows people to call or pass on information about crime anonymously.

Telephone: 0800 555 111

Website: www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Safeline- National Helpline for Male Survivors

Safeline provides specialist, tailored support for anyone affected by or at risk of sexual abuse and rape, that empowers them to make choices about the lives they want and helps prevent abuse. They provide support to anyone but also offer a dedicated phone service for male survivors of sexual violence. 

Telephone: 01926 402 498 (Safeline) or 0808 800 5005 (National Male Survivor Helpline)

Website: Home - Safeline - Believe in you - Surviving sexual abuse & rape

NSPCC 

If you’re worried about a child, even if you are unsure, the NSPCC helpline is available for advice from a trained counsellor. You don't have to say who you are. You might be looking for guidance and support on issues affecting children. Whatever it is you're worried about, their dedicated child protection specialists will be able to help.

Telephone: 0808 800 5000 Mon-Fri 10am-8pm 

Website: www.nspcc.org.uk

NWG- Say Something If You See Something Awareness Campaign

Say Something If You See Something is an all year round National Campaign which provides a proactive, partnership approach towards the prevention of child exploitation and trafficking in a range of trades. It provides and extensive range of resources and support for organisations to raise awareness of Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking, as well as guidance on how to respond effectively and protect vulnerable young people.

Support Advice and Guidance is also available from the CSE Response Unit based at the NWG premises in Derby. The CSE Response Unit is for all professionals from all sectors who want to understand and improve their response to CSE, this multi-disciplinary team provides excellent support on all matters related to Child Sexual Exploitation, Trafficking and Modern-Day Slavery.

Telephone: 0300 303 3032 (CSE Response Unit)

Email: ru@nwgnetwork.org (CSE Response Unit)

Website: Say Something If You See Something Awareness Campaign - NWG Network

PACE (Parents Against Child Exploitation)

Pace is a national charity working to keep children safe from exploitation by supporting their parents, disrupting the offenders and working in partnership with police and family services. They also train professionals to support affected children and their parents using a trauma-informed, family-centric approach. They take referrals directly from parents who have concerns and need support.

Telephone: 0113 240 3040

Website: https://paceuk.info/

Report Remove-Remove a Nude Image Shared Online (Run by Childline)

Report Remove helps young people under 18 in the UK to confidentially report sexual images and videos of themselves and remove them from the internet. Having your nudes shared can feel scary, and it can leave you feeling worried or even ashamed. But it’s not your fault. It’s against the law for anyone to share a sexual image or video of someone who’s under 18, and Childline are working with the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) and Yoti to help you remove any sexual image or video of you that’s online. 

Report Remove is safe, easy and free- visit the website address below for more information.

Website: Report Remove | Childline

Runaway Helpline

Runaway Helpline is here if you are thinking about running away, if you have already run away, or if you have been away and come back. You can also contact them if you are worried that someone else is going to run away or if they are being treated badly or abused. Runaway Helpline has been supporting young people for many years and is run by the UK charity Missing People. 

Telephone: 116000 (call or text for free, 9am-11pm 7 days a week)

Website: Homepage - Runaway Helpline

Sarah’s Law

The Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme (CSODS) lets you formally ask the police whether someone who has contact with a child or children has a record for child sexual (paedophile) offences poses a risk to the child or children for some other reason. It's not a law, but it is sometimes called 'Sarah's Law'. It gives guidance on how you can ask us to use our existing police powers to share information about sex offenders. If you’re worried about someone’s behaviour towards a child, or something you've seen, heard, or been told, you can use Sarah's Law to find out if that person is a risk. You must apply for information about a specific person and a specific child or children they spend time with. You cannot apply for general information about child sex offenders.

Who can apply?

Anyone who is worried about someone's behaviour towards a child can apply, not just a child's parents. This includes people like a grandparent, neighbour, or friend. No matter who makes the application, if there is information we decide to share, we will tell whoever can use the information to keep the child safe. This might not be the person who made the application, it might be someone else (like the child's parents).

Website: Sarah's Law (Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme) | Devon & Cornwall Police (devon-cornwall.police.uk)

Local Support Services

Barnardo’s Exceed Service 

Barnardo's Exceed Service is commissioned by the Office for the Police and Crime Commissioner and Torbay Council to support young people aged 8-18 who live in Devon, Cornwall, Plymouth and Torbay where there are concerns around Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE).

They also work with 18-25s who are care experienced or who have additional needs, as well as supporting parents and carers and professionals to tackle CSE across Devon and Cornwall.

Telephone: 01752 256339

Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm (closed on bank holidays)

Email: exceed@barnardos.org.uk

Website: www.barnardosexceed.org.uk 

Exeter Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)

The Exeter SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre) offers 24 hour access to counselling and services to support anyone of any age who has experienced rape or sexual assault. This could have been recently or in the past. Services offered include; forensic medical facilities and examination, emotional and practical support and sexual health and contraception information and services. Support staff and medical services are available at any time of the day or night. This can be with or without the need for police involvement.

There are Sexual Assault Referral Centre's (SARC) in Truro, Exeter & Plymouth, please click on the link below to find your nearest centre. 

Exeter Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) Children’s Service

Exeter SARC offers a dedicated children’s service for children up to their 18th birthday who have been raped or sexually assaulted.

If you or somebody you know has been a victim of non-recent sexual assault you can get help by calling 0300 303 4626 or by filling in a quick referral form.

Children who have experienced recent cases of sexual assault (10 days or less ago) in Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are cared for at their facility in Exeter. They will be given immediate medical care, a forensic medical assessment, emergency contraception if required, and support and advice about what to do next.

Telephone: 0300 303 4626

Online Referral Form: Get help - Devon & Cornwall SARC - NHS (sarchelp.co.uk)

If you are a Police Officer referring a victim into the ISVA Service, you must use the below secure online referral form. Please do not use First Light's own website or advise victims to report directly. 

Secure online referral - Devon & Cornwall SARC - NHS (sarchelp.co.uk)

Website: Exeter SARC - Devon & Cornwall SARC - NHS (sarchelp.co.uk)

Address: Hawkins House, Pynes Hill, Exeter, EX2 5SS

You can find your local SARC centre here:  Find Rape and sexual assault referral centres services - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Referral Method: Telephone for self-referral or via professional referral form online

Self-care and National Support Services

The Money Helper Service (Government backed service)

Free and impartial money advice, set up by the government. Providing advice and guides to help improve your finances. They also have tools and calculators to help keep you on track and plan ahead. They provide support over the phone and online, via WhatsApp and Webchat. See their website for more details. 

Telephone: 0800 138 7777

Website: https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en

Citizens Advice Service

The Citizens Advice Service can help you to make the right choices, including help to deal with your debt problems, how to avoid losing your home and how to get your finances back into shape. Citizens Advice also offer advice on Benefits and Tax credits, as it's important to make sure that you get all the help that you're entitled to. 

To find your nearest Citizens Advice please click on the link below. Scroll down and enter your postcode or town to get contact details for your nearest Citizens Advice.

Contact us - Citizens Advice

Telephone: 0800 144 8848

Website: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/

National Debtline

National Debtline has helped millions of people with their debts. They'll talk you through options and give clear advice on how to take back control.

Telephone: 0808 808 4000 

Website: https://www.nationaldebtline.org/

StepChange Debt Charity

StepChange helps change lives, helping you be free from Debt by getting your finances back on track. They will give you debt advice, a personalised plan to deal with your debts, while providing a wide range of debt solutions and services. Their expert advice is impartial and personalised to each individual situation.

Telephone: 0800 138 1111

Website: https://www.stepchange.org/

PayPlan

PayPlan's supportive, non-judgemental team of advisers help thousands of people beat their debts. They understand the recent cost of living increases will be putting a strain on your finances. They can help in many ways, such as; with contacting people you owe money to and arranging lower payments to make things more affordable.

Their website has tools such as budget calculator's and tips to help you save money help you with budget and plan, to get you back on track. 

Telephone: 0800 280 2816

Website: www.payplan.com

Debt Advice Foundation

Debt Advice Foundation is a national debt advice and education charity offering free, confidential support and advice to anyone worried about debt.

Telephone: 0800 043 40 50 

Website: http://www.debtadvicefoundation.org/

Credit Unions

Credit unions offer an alternative to traditional banks and building societies for saving and borrowing. 

They're there to provide a financial community. Credit Unions can help those who can't get access to ordinary bank products; a lifeline in less well-off communities for people grappling with their finances.

Website: https://www.findyourcreditunion.co.uk/

Christians Against Poverty – CAP

CAP offer free, expert debt help and they will support you all the way to becoming debt free. No matter how large or small your problem is. The first step is often the hardest, but it’s worth it. If CAP is not available in your area you can still other services available to you on their website. You can check if CAP provide support i your area by using their postcode search, follow the link here: CAP UK | Contact us

Telephone: 0800 328 0006

Website: CAP UK | Home

Local Support Services

North Devon Council

North Devon Council provide support and advice towards the rising cost of living, please see their website for more information. 

Website: Home | North Devon Council

East Devon District Council

If you’re in financial difficulties, you can get help and advice from your local council. In most cases, you will be able to find the information you’re looking for on their website. This includes making payments, reporting issues, and making applications.

Website:  Financial Support and Advice - Help with household bills - East Devon

West Devon Borough Council

West Devon Borough Council provide cost of living help, advice, and support. For more information, please look at their website. To help residents find help and support quickly and easily when they need it, they have created this directory of support services and charities operating in the South Hams and West Devon.

Website: Support Directory - West Devon Borough Council

Mid Devon District Council

There are several ways Mid Devon District Council can help and support you if you are in need due to the rise in the cost of living. They can help with food and energy costs and much more. Please look on their website or contact them direct for more information and support.

Website: Help with the cost of living - MIDDEVON.GOV.UK

Residents' Financial Support - MIDDEVON.GOV.UK

Exeter City Council

You can get help with the cost of living from Exeter City Council. They can help with food and energy costs and much more. Please look on their website or contact them direct for more information about what support may be available to you.

Website: Cost of living support - Exeter City Council

Torridge District Council

The rising cost of living is affecting everybody in Torridge in different ways. They can provide support those most impacted and including those who have not faced financial challenge before. This includes information about food and food banks, warm rooms access, energy, water and broadband, as well as help with bills and debt. 

Website: Cost of Living Help | Torridge District Council

How to access a Foodbank in Devon

Please click on the link below which takes you to a list of foodbanks available in Devon, so you can find the nearest foodbank to you.

Food banks - Search Results | Pinpoint Devon

Get in touch with your chosen foodbank, either by telephone or email and explain your situation.  The foodbank will explain how to access a voucher from local agencies they work with or offer you a food parcel directly, if they’re able to do so. Local agencies working with the foodbanks will request some details from you, before providing you with a voucher. 

Once in receipt of this voucher you will be able to attend the foodbank to collect your food parcel. This is important as some foodbanks won’t help you unless you have a voucher.

Lots of foodbanks work in partnership with other agencies such as; Health Visitors, GP's, Job Centres, Citizens Advice Bureau etc. If you’re working with another agency already, it’s a good idea to check with them first if they can assist you in obtaining a foodbank voucher.  

Volunteers at the foodbank may signpost you to other support agencies that can help you in finding a longer-term solution.

If cost of living pressures are affecting your mental health, please look at the Mental Wellbeing topic showing support services in your area.

Self-care and National Support Services

If you are in danger, please dial 999 immediately or 101 in a non-emergency.

If you're unable to speak when you dial 999, use 'The Silent Solution': Wait for the operator to speak and type 55 on your keypad. This will alert the operator that you need help.

Refuge- National Domestic Abuse Helpline 

Providing advice and support for women and children, against domestic violence. If you are seeking immediate support please call, support can be provided in many different languages including BSL. Any messages you send won’t leave any trace on your email and they won’t leave voicemails when calling back for safety reasons.

Telephone: 0808 200 0247 – 24 Hours

Website: Home | Refuge National Domestic Abuse Helpline (nationaldahelpline.org.uk)

Women's Aid

A national charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children. They provide online help and support to women and children suffering domestic abuse, help to access refuge accommodation, outreach services and Independent Domestic Violence Advocacy (IDVA).

Email: helpline@womensaid.org.uk

Live chat: Live Chat | Women's Aid Live Chat (womensaid.org.uk)

Website: https://www.womensaid.org.uk/

Technology Safety - A Toolkit for Survivors

Resources on this website explore technology in the context of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and violence against women. To talk to someone who can answer your questions and support you, call the National Domestic Abuse helpline. Information includes:

• Safety tips, information, and privacy strategies for survivors on the use of technology
• Spyware and Stalkerware information
• Smartphones - Increasing privacy & responding to abuse
• Tips on being webwise when sharing personal information online

Website: https://www.techsafety.org/resources-survivors

Men's Advice Line

A confidential helpline, run by Respect, for men experiencing domestic violence from a partner or ex-partner (or from other family members). Their focus is to increase the safety of men experiencing domestic abuse (and the safety of their children).

Telephone: 0808 801 0327

Website: http://www.mensadviceline.org.uk/

Galop-LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline

The Helpline Team has extensive experience in supporting LGBT+ people who are victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence, hate crime, so-called conversion therapies, honour-based abuse, forced marriage, and other forms of abuse. Professionals can also contact this number for advice. 

Telephone: 0800 999 5428 

Website: https://galop.org.uk/get-help/helplines/

Rights of Women - helping women through their rights in law

They give free legal advice and information to women in England and Wales on a wide range of issues including domestic violence, child contact, sexual violence and the criminal justice process, immigration and asylum, sexual harassment at work as well as other legal issues arising from relationship breakdown.

Telephone: 020 7490 0152 – Monday 3pm-5pm, Tuesday and Wednesday 6pm-8pm

Website: Sexual harassment at work - Rights of WomenRights of Women

Respect

Respect offer a confidential and anonymous helpline offering advice, information, and support for anyone concerned about their violence and/or abuse towards a partner or ex-partner of either sex.

Telephone: 0808 802 4040

Website: respectphoneline.org.uk

Relate

Relate can help you with pressing concerns that are affecting your relationships. This could be with your partner, a child, a family member, or friend. The service offers relationship counselling for partners and individuals, sex therapy, family counselling and counselling for children and young people.

Contact us: Find your Centre | Relate

Website: Home | Relate

Victim Support

Victim Support provide emotional and practical help to people who have been affected by domestic abuse in Devon and Cornwall. They are independent charity, and you can contact them regardless of whether you’ve contacted the police, and no matter how long ago the crime took place.

Telephone: National 0808 1689 111- 24 Hours

Devon and Cornwall: 0300 3030 554 Mon-Fri 12pm-6pm

Website: https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/

Claire's Law

This scheme enables the police to release information about any previous history of violence or abuse a person might have. Under Clare's Law you can:

• Apply for information about your current or ex-partner because you're worried they may have a history of abuse and are a risk to you
• Request information about the current or ex-partner of a friend or relative because you're worried, they might be at risk.

Please note: The Clare’s Law (DVDS) scheme does not replace: CRB (Criminal Record Bureau) Checks, DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks, subject access requests or FOI requests.

Website: Request information under Clare's Law: Make a Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) application | Devon & Cornwall Police (devon-cornwall.police.uk)

Local Support Services

FearLess

Formerly Splitz, FearLess supports people dealing with domestic abuse, sexual violence and stalking for over 25 years. They offer 1-to-1 victim support for adults, children and young people with experience of domestic abuse and 1-to-1 support for perpetrators.

Telephone: 0345 155 1074 

Email: For clients or those who do not use secure emails: admin.devon@fear-less.org.uk  

For professionals using a secure email address: referrals.devon@fear-less.org.uk.cjsm.net 

Website: Fear-less - Devon

Address: 1st Floor, Buckland House, Pavilion 3, Park 5 Business Centre, Harrier Way, Exeter, EX2 7HU

Referral Method: Self referral or via professional

NDADA- North Devon Against Domestic Abuse

NDADA’s aim is to keep families safe​. They provide temporary refuge to women and children, men and children, and single adults, and offer support and help to anyone who asks for it.​ If you're experiencing abuse, they're here to help. They cover the wider Devon area and we offer a safe refuge and recovery programmes.

Telephone: 

• 01271 370079/80 for recovery services 
• 01271 321946 for Refuge

Opening hours: Mon-Fri - 9am-5pm

Email: admin@ndada.co.uk

Website: NDADA - We provide temporary refuge to women

Address: PO Box 141, Barnstaple, Devon, EX32 7YN

Referral Method: Self-referral via online form and phone

SAFE Foundation

A trauma informed service that supports people experiencing domestic abuse. They deliver a range of therapeutic programmes and support adults and children experiencing difficulties in life. Their community-based therapeutic programmes are delivered through a range of interventions from individual and group counselling to organisational guidance, training and workshops.

Telephone: 03030 300 112

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9am-5pm (all appointments must be pre-booked with counsellors in advance)

Email: intake@wearesafe.org.uk ​

Website: SAFE Foundation (wearesafe.org.uk)

Address: 1 Alba Court, Emperor Way, Exeter, EX1 3QS

Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional

Refuge 4 Pets

Refuge4Pets provides a specialist animal fostering service across Devon and Cornwall to victims/survivors of domestic violence and abuse so that they can leave with their much-loved pets.

Telephone: 0300 4000 121 Mon-Fri 10am-4pm

Email: info@refuge4pets.org.uk

Contact Form: https://refuge4pets.org.uk/professional-referral-form/

Website: Refuge4Pets | Helping people and animals escape domestic abuse

Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional

Make Amends Restorative Justice Service

This service aims to bring those who have been affected by crime into communication with those who are accountable. This is voluntary and is a way to help everyone move forward from what has happened. Restorative Justice between those affected and accountable for harm should always be facilitated by accredited practitioners.

Telephone number: 01803 222033

Email: makeamends@shekinah.co.uk  

Website: Shekinah - Make Amends

Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional

Self-care and National Support Services

What to do if there is a Fire

• You should get out of the property, stay out and call 999
• Keep calm and act quickly get everyone out as soon as possible
• Close all doors behind you, if it is safe to do this
• Do not tackle the fire yourself
• Before you open a door check if it’s warm, if it is do not open it as fire may be on the other side
• If there is smoke, keep low where the air is clearer
• If your clothes catch fire, you should lie down and roll around. If possible, smother the flames with a heavy material such as a coat or a blanket – remember – STOP, DROP and ROLL

What to do if you cannot get out

• If safe to do so gather everyone into one room, ideally with a window and a phone
• Put bedding around the bottom of the door to block out smoke
• Call 999 and an operator will offer survival advice whilst you are on the phone
• If you do not have access to a phone, open the window and shout “HELP FIRE”

Fire and Rescue Service Home Safety 

Please use the Local Support and Contact details section below for signposting information to request either a Home Safety visit for further Fire Safety advice from the Fire and Rescue Service.

Online home safety check

As most Fire and Rescue Services have waiting lists for home visits, you can do a home self-assessment using the Safelincs online home fire safety check tool.

You can use the tool to:

• identify fire risks in your home
• learn how you can reduce the risks
• create your own home fire safety plan.

Complete your own online home safety check using this link: HFSC (safelincs.co.uk)

Further information on Home Safety Visits can be found on the local area links below:

Hoarding UK

What you can do

• If you know a friend, family member, or someone you care for is hoarding, talk to them about the fire home safety visit service. 
• A friendly Fire and Rescue service staff member will visit them in their home to give advice and guidance without judgement or embarrassment. 
• If someone wants to get rid of items, professional help is available. There is a register of professional declutterers who can work with people to support them to remove excess belongings.
• Show this video of a firefighter talking about his own experience with hoarding (5 minute video) Hoarding | Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service (dsfire.gov.uk)

Safety tips to prevent a fire in a hoarded home

If someone you know lives in a home that is full of belongings, help them to live more safely by:

• helping them to plan and practise a fire escape plan. Stress the importance of clear routes and exits in case of a fire. Practise the plan often. Exit routes may change as new items are brought into the home.
• installing working smoke alarms in the home. Test them every week (or at least once a month).
• making sure flammable items (such as tea towels, dishcloths, and clothes) are kept away from portable heaters, the stove or the oven
• checking electrical wiring - it may be old or worn from the weight of their possessions. Pests can chew on wires. Damaged wires can start fires.
• helping them to manage their paperwork - newspapers and mail are particularly flammable. Recycle newspapers and post as soon as it is finished with. In the event of a fire, they would cause it to spread rapidly.
• encouraging safer smoking habits such as smoking outside, discarding cigarettes in a suitable ashtray, and regularly emptying ashtrays.
• Book a home safety visit and the Fire and Rescue Service can install free smoke alarms and specialist equipment and have a conversation with the person about keeping safe in their home.

Hoarding UK support people affected by hoarding behaviours. Their aim is to empower individuals experiencing hoarding behaviours to achieve spatial and personal change, to reduce isolation and improve their health and well-being. They are a multi-service organisation, helping thousands of people over ten years of service.

Web: https://hoardinguk.org/

Local Support Services

For further information and guidance, please refer to the 'Act' section above which contains links to National and Regional support.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service

If you have fire safety concerns about anyone you know or work with, you can make a referral to us to see if they are eligible for a Home Safety visit.

Telephone: 0800 05 02 999 – Request a Home Safety Visit

Website: Book a home safety visit | Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service (dsfire.gov.uk)  Online Referral Pathway (Self-Help and Partner Referral).

If you or the occupier are not eligible for a Home Safety Visit, you will be sent free tailored advice to keep you and your family safe in your home.

A Home Safety Visit is carried out by trained Fire and Rescue service staff, on a pre-arranged appointment date.

If you are referring someone to Devon and Somerset, please use partner code 023 for Devon and Cornwall Police.

If you are concerned due to a threat of arson in Devon, please call 0800 05 02 999 during office hours (Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm), or send an email marked as ‘high importance’ with ‘ARSON THREAT’ in the subject line, along with any additional risks and information to firekills@dsfire.gov.uk so that the referral can be processed as quickly as possible. Out of hours, Police Officers or Staff can refer using the PPN (Public Protection Notice) which will be assessed and shared by the Central Safeguarding Team. 

Self-care and National Support Services

CrimeStoppers

CrimeStoppers is an independent charity that provides advice on how to protect people from crime and offers a completely anonymous crime reporting service 365 days a year. If you know someone who may be violent or abusive to someone because of their disability, race, religion, transgender identity or sexual orientation you can contact CrimeStoppers to report it anonymously. Due to their anonymity guarantee, they can't take information from victims of hate crime. In an emergency, always call 999. If you are a victim of hate crime, call the police or contact Victim Support. 

Telephone: 0800 555 111 

Online Form: anonymous online form

Website: Hate crime | Crimestoppers (crimestoppers-uk.org)

True Vision

True Vision is a police-funded website designed to providing information about Hate Crime. The website has a range of downloadable tools (based on practice developed across policing) that can assist in developing partnerships. These products include guidance on how non-statutory groups can be engaged to establish effective partnerships.

Individuals can report incidents here which will be forwarded to the local police and will be recorded. As long as they do not report anonymously, an officer will contact them back.

Website: https://www.met.police.uk/tv/true-vision-report-hate-crime/

Victim support

Experiencing hate crime can be a particularly frightening experience the attack is very personal and specifically targeted. Hate incidents can feel like crimes to people who suffer them and often escalate to crimes or tension in a community. You can report such incidents, but the police can only prosecute when the law is broken. However, the police can work with other organisations to prevent the situation escalating.

Victim support want to help support you to recover from hate crime and hate incidents;

Telephone: 0300 303 0554 Mon-Fri 12pm-6pm 

Out of hours support line: 0808 1689 111 (available 365 Days a Year)

Website: Hate crime - Victim Support 

Equality Advisory Support Service

The EASS has a helpline to give information and guidance on discrimination and human rights issues. The service is free and fully accessible by phone, email and video link for those who wish use British Sign Language. The service provides access to advocacy services for those with mental ill health and people with a learning disability.

Telephone: 0808 800 0082 Freephone - Monday to Friday 9am to 7pm and Saturday 10am to 2pm

Website: http://www.equalityadvisoryservice.com 

Tell Mama

A national project supporting victims of anti-Muslim hate and monitoring anti-Muslim incidents. Reports can be made via; Telephone, Email, SMS, Facebook or Twitter. A trained case worker will take the issue further with individuals who connect with the service and ensure they have details to record the incident and offer them support. 

Telephone: 0800 456 1226

Website: https://tellmamauk.org/

Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Support

An organisation planning to end racism and discrimination against Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people and to protect the right to pursue a nomadic way of life. They support and provide advice to individuals and families with the issues that matter most to them.

Telephone: 01273 234 777 Open Mon-Fri, 10am-4:30pm excluding Bank Holidays

Website: https://www.gypsy-traveller.org/

Galop

A national charity supporting LGBT+ people who are victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence, hate crime, so-called conversion therapies, honour-based abuse, forced marriage, and other forms of abuse. A person can refer themselves into this services, or be referred by someone else.

Telephone:  0800 999 5428 (Mon-Thurs 10am-8:30pm, Fri 10am-4:30pm)

Website: https://galop.org.uk/

The Beaumont Society

The Beaumont Society operates a national information line providing help and support for the transgender community. This information line contains the telephone numbers of all the societies regional organisers who are available to speak to for advice.

Telephone: 01582 412220 24/7, 365 days a year

Website: https://www.beaumontsociety.org.uk/contact.html

Mermaids

Mermaids supports transgender, nonbinary and gender-diverse children and young people up to their 20th birthday, as well as their families and professionals involved in their care. They also offer web chat support to students up to the age of 25. Calls to Mermaids are confidential and any details recorded will not be shared with a third party.

Telephone: 0808 801 0400 - Open Monday-Fri 9am-9pm

Website: https://mermaidsuk.org.uk/contact-us/

Respond

A national support service for people with learning difficulties who are either victims or perpetrators of sexual abuse and other trauma, and for their carers. Issues covered include bereavement, abuse, bullying, relationship and sexuality issues.

Telephone: 020 7383 0700

Website: www.respond.org.uk

ARC Safety Net Resources - Disability

A link to a range of national resources related to hate crime and disability. All resources are free to download and use.

Website: https://arcuk.org.uk/safetynet/safety-net-resources/

Local Support Services

Third Party Reporting Centres

Third Party Reporting Centres are organisations that have agreed to make reports to the police on behalf of victims who do not want to go directly to the police. The link shows a list of locations and numbers where hate incidents may be reported to encourage victims to report at a location of their choice.

This link also provides some further information about local support services available for diversity groups.

Website: How to report hate crime | Devon & Cornwall Police (devon-cornwall.police.uk)

Make Amends Restorative Justice Service

This service aims to bring those who have been affected by crime into communication with those who are accountable. This is voluntary and is a way to help everyone move forward from what has happened. Restorative Justice between those affected and accountable for harm should always be facilitated by accredited practitioners.

Telephone number: 01803 222033

Email: makeamends@shekinah.co.uk  

Website: Shekinah - Make Amends

Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional

Diverse Ethnic Communities Service Directory for Devon, Plymouth and Torbay

This updated directory contains details of the many organisations and agencies, from all sectors, that offer support services for people from Black, Asian and Ethnically Diverse communities in Devon. It provides a more extensive list of available support across Devon, in addition to those services listed above. 

Website: Ethnically diverse communities - directory of services for Devon, Plymouth and Torbay - Information for childcare providers

Self-care and National Support Services

If you are homeless or threatened with homelessness you can ask any local housing authority for help. This is known as making a homeless application. You should seek help at the earliest possible opportunity - do not delay. If you are homeless, the local housing authority you approach will owe more duties to you if you have a local connection to their area and you should consider this when deciding which local housing authority to ask for help.

The priority for the local authority is to prevent someone from becoming homeless in the first place, wherever possible. 

If you find yourself rough sleeping, there are several local organisations that can provide advice and support. However, In the first instance you should contact your local authority/council housing options service.

If you see a person sleeping rough, please report their location here: Streetlink.

Street Link

Street Link is a national service which can be used if you see people sleeping rough. Referrals can be made 24 hours a day using the hotline or online.

Telephone: 0300 500 0914 - 24-hour.

Website: www.streetlink.org.uk - You need to register to access services

Shelter

A person can contact the free Shelter helpline if they have nowhere to sleep, might be homeless soon, they have somewhere to sleep but nowhere to call home or could be at risk of harm.

Telephone: 0808 800 4444

Opening Hours: 365 days a year 8am-8pm on weekdays and 9am-5pm on weekends.

Website: https://england.shelter.org.uk/

Homeless Link

Homeless Link is the most comprehensive database of homelessness services. With over 1500 projects up and down the country providing contact details and service descriptions, it's for individuals to access the link to find local services and projects they can contact direct.

Website: Homeless Link

Citizens Advice- Homelessness

Provide advice on applying for homeless help from the council, including making an application and challenging a decision.

To find your nearest Citizens Advice please click on the contact link below. On the new link scroll down and enter your postcode or town to get contact details for your nearest Citizens Advice.

Contact: Contact us - Citizens Advice

Website:  Homelessness - Citizens Advice

Local Support Services

Exeter City Council

Please contact for housing advice and access to emergency accommodation. Inform the council soon as you worry you may be at risk of homelessness, as they will try to prevent you becoming homeless in first instance. There are lots of services to help you stay in your current home if appropriate. If it's not an option for you to stay, they can help you look at alternatives depending on your personal circumstances. 

The Civic Centre on Paris St has a yellow phone outside the entrance for emergency homelessness advice if you don’t have a phone.

Telephone(s):

Housing Options Service: 01392 277888 (option 4 then option 2) out of hours 01392 265147

Assertive Homeless Outreach Team (AHOT): 01392 284287 or 01392 277888

The Rough Sleeping Prevention Team (RSPT): 01392 284287

Online Form: Contacting us for housing advice - Exeter City Council

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

Website: Advice about homelessness - Exeter City Council

Address: Civic Centre, Paris St, Exeter, EX1 1JN

Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional

St Petrock's (Exeter) Ltd

For over 25 years, St Petrock’s has been the first point of contact for people who are homeless, or vulnerably housed, in Exeter and surrounding areas. The centre in Cathedral Yard is both the heart of their services and the gateway to specialist service providers.  It is unique in the city, in that it offers its own accommodation routes in addition to basic survival services advice and support, all under one roof. It provides hot food, showers, laundry facilities, clothing, access to accommodation, benefits, healthcare and further specialist support.

 Weekday Rough sleeper outreach.

Their rough sleeper support team are out and about around the city centre every weekday morning roughly 8:30am-10am (find out more about their approximate morning route here) and 12pm-1pm serving hot drinks, breakfasts and cooked lunches, talking to you individually about your needs. They can provide you with a food pack and other essentials, give housing and welfare advice, and make specialist follow-up appointments.

Weekday services at the centre 

Provide the following:

• Basic survival services for rough sleepers: Showers; clothing; toiletries; sleeping bags & other essentials; Laundry service
• Phone-charging, phone & internet acess
• Collection of post
• Advice and referral service: assessments and referrals to partner agencies and accommodation providers, including StP’s Housing projects
• One-to-one, personalised support
• Specialist Universal Credit & benefits advice; support with opening a bank account
• On-site mental health clinics & support accessing specialist healthcare

To access support, you can speak directly to a member of the team by ringing the buzzer at their centre, or use the contact information below.

Telephone: 01392 217550 

Opening Hours:  Mon-Fri 8:30am-1pm (StP's Centre - Survival services and specialist support)

Email: rsleepersupport@stpetrocks.org.uk 

Website: https://stpetrocks.org.uk

Address: 10 Cathedral Yard, Exeter, EX1 1HJ

Free food Guide/ Soup runs Exeter: Free Food Guide in Exeter | (stpetrocks.org.uk)

Referral Method: Self-referral

East Devon District Council

If you are at risk of becoming homeless or already homeless and live in East Devon, please contact the local council to begin a homeless application.

An operator from the Home Safeguard Team will triage your call and request that the Duty Housing Officer calls you back to establish what assistance the council can provide.

Telephone: 01395 571660- out of hours 0330 678 2382

Opening hours: Mon- Fri 8:30am-5pm 

Website: Homelessness - East Devon

Referral Method: Self-referral, someone else, via professional

Open Door

Open Door Exmouth are a Christian charity, motivated by the call to ‘love your neighbour,’ seeking to make a positive difference in peoples’ lives and to help those most in need in our town. They help with many areas to see the different areas of support please click following link  Need Help? - Open Door Exmouth

At the Community Cafe, they provide showers, laundry, clothing and sleeping bags. They also provide hot meals and drinks while they are working with you to help you contact the Assertive Homeless Outreach Team, to hopefully access accommodation.

Telephone: 01395 224218

Email: info@opendoorexmouth.org.uk

Opening hours: Community Café on a Monday, Wednesday, Friday between 9:30am and 3pm and between 9:30am and 12:30pm Saturday

Website: Home - Open Door Exmouth

Address: Open Door Exmouth, Church Street Exmouth, EX8 1PE (where Church Street meets South Street, virtually opposite the Royal Mail Collecting Office.)

Referral Method: Self-referral

Mid Devon District Council

If you're worried about losing your home, speak to your local council as soon as you can for your options and to obtain advice on how to stay in your home if able. Alternatively, you can self-refer to the Housing Options Team by registering as homeless using the contact details below.

Telephone: 01884 255255

Online contact Form: Contact us about homelessness - MIDDEVON.GOV.UK

Website: Homelessness - MIDDEVON.GOV.UK

Address: Phoenix House, Phoenix Ln, Tiverton, EX16 6PP

Referral Method: Self-referral, someone else, via professional

Churches Housing Action Team (CHAT)

Tackling homelessness, avoiding evictions, bringing hope. CHAT support people experiencing housing difficulties in Mid Devon. They are based in Tiverton, but services are available to anyone in the Mid Devon area, and they visit Crediton Cullompton and Uffculme every week. Offering support and advice on housing, debt and money as well as foodbanks, help with school uniform and other household items.

Telephone: 01884 255606 & 0800 059 0104

Opening hours: Monday – Friday 9:30am – 4:30pm (Foodbank: 9:30am - 12pm)

Contact Form: Contact | CHAT (chatmid.org)

Website: Home | CHAT (chatmid.org)

Address: Coggan’s Well House, Phoenix Lane, Tiverton, Devon, EX16 6LU

Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional

North Devon Council

Apply for help and support online and a member from housing team will contact you. If the system advises you are NOT eligible, please call using the telephone numbers below. 

Telephone: 01271 388870 or out of hours 01271 388240

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

Website: Homelessness | North Devon Council

Address:

Lynton House, Commercial Road, Barnstaple, EX31 1DG - Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays 9am-1pm

The Ilfracombe Centre, 44 High Street, Ilfracombe, EX34 9QB - Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday's from 9am until 5pm (adviser unavailable from 1pm-2pm)

The Amory Centre, 125 East Street, South Molton, Devon, EX36 3BU- Tuesdays 9am-1pm and 2pm-5pm, Thursdays 9am-1pm and 2pm-5pm and Fridays 9am-1pm and 2pm-3:30pm

Referral Method: Self-referral, via professional or someone else

West Devon Borough Council

If you are are risk of becoming homeless, visit the West Devon Borough Council website and complete the online registration form as soon as possible to make an application- an officer will make contact with you within 3 working days. 

If you are homeless tonight and you have nowhere to stay please call their housing advice team on 01822 813600

Telephone: 01822 813600 option 5 or out of hours 01803 867034

Online registration form: Welcome (housingjigsaw.co.uk)

Website: Homelessness | West Devon Borough Council

Referral Method: Self-referral, someone else, via professional

Torridge District Council

You can self-refer to the Council's Housing Options Team by registering online using the client self-referral portal. Alternatively you can telephone using the number below or visit Council's offices, although it is unlikely you will be able to see a housing officer without a pre-arranged appointment. If you have nowhere to stay tonight, you should telephone or visit the council offices as early in the day as you can.

Telephone: 01237 428700 (ask for housing options) out of hours 01237 428700

Online registration form: Client Self-Referral Portal - Housing Jigsaw

Opening hours: 9am- 4:30pm weekdays

Website: Homeless or threatened with homelessness? | Torridge District Council

Address: Riverbank House, Bideford, EX39 2QG

Referral Method: Self-referral, someone else, via professional

Amber Foundation

Amber support young people (16-30) facing complex problems to transform their lives by helping them move away from homelessness and out of unemployment, towards better, brighter futures. To enquire about a bed space or to refer someone to one of their centres please make contact using the details below.

Telephone: 01769 581011 or 0800 652 1081

Email: admissions@amberweb.org

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5:30pm 

Website: Amber – Transforming young lives (amberweb.org)

Address: Ashley Court, Chawleigh, Nr Chulmleigh, Devon, EX18 7EX

Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional

Encompass

Encompass Southwest is a local charity based across North Devon, Torridge and West Devon offering free and confidential advice on a variety of issues including homelessness and accommodation. They recognise people are complex and have several needs to be addressed, so also offer support with other issues such as; money and debt, rough sleeping and young people’s housing and homelessness support.

They can also practical support providing items for those who find themselves rough sleeping such as; tents, sleeping bags, clean clothes and food parcels as well as advice on how to keep safe when sleeping rough and making referrals into specialist services where required. 

Telephone: 01271 371 499

Online Form: Contact & Referrals - Encompass (bpag-encompass.org.uk)

Website: www.bpag-encompass.org.uk

Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional

The Freedom Centre

Offering daily outreach services to rough sleepers across North Devon. Providing access to food, clothing, laundry, computers, and showers during open access sessions at the centre. They welcome drop ins, and you’ll find a light, friendly and safe environment with a team of dedicated, knowledgeable staff and volunteers ready to support you in a wide range of ways.

Telephone: 01271 321171 (9am-3:30pm)

Email: info@freedomcommunityalliance.org.uk

Opening hours: Office Monday – Thursday 9:30am– 3:30pm and Friday 9:30am-1pm

Drop in and Day centre: 

Mon-Thurs 11am-3:30pm and between 11:30am-1:30pm open access, drop in session, providing teas and coffees.

A meal is served between 12pm and 1pm and there is no charge. They also offer information about local food banks and may be able to provide you with an emergency food parcel.

Website: https://www.freedomcommunityalliance.org.uk/day-centre

Address: The Freedom Centre, 1 Howard Avenue, Barnstaple, EX32 8QA

Referral Method: Self-referral

 

 

For further support with food such as food banks please go to the ‘cost-of-living topic' 

Self-care and National Support Services

What can I do if I think someone I know is carrying a knife?

• In an emergency call police on 999
• If it’s not an emergency, you can contact police on 101
• you can report to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or online crimestoppers-uk.org
• you can report through Fearless anonymously online fearless.org

What should I do if someone is stabbed?

You should call 999 immediately giving details of the incident so that help can be arranged as soon as possible.

If you want to know what to do if this happens, the following websites might be useful:

www.redcross.org.uk

www.streetdoctors.org

What do I do if I am worried about someone carrying a knife?

Tell someone you trust. 

Report it to police or through Crimestoppers or Fearless.

View and share the advice available through:

www.nottheone.co.uk

www.fearless.org

What can I do if my business sells knives?

View the attached ‘Guide to storing, displaying, and selling knives’ for advice on how to trade in knives safely.

Local Support Services

For information about what to do if you're concerned someone you know might be carrying a knife or for more information and guidance, please refer to the 'Act' section above which contains links to National and Regional support.

Self-care and National Support Services

The NHS

It's normal for your memory to be affected by stress, tiredness, certain illnesses and medicines. But if you're becoming increasingly forgetful, particularly if you're over the age of 65, it's a good idea to talk to a GP about the early signs of dementia. Memory loss can be annoying if it happens occasionally, but if it's affecting your daily life, or it's worrying you, or someone you know, you should get help from a GP. 

Website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/diagnosis/

The Alzheimer's Society

Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading dementia charity. They campaign for change, fund research to find a cure and support people living with dementia today. You can contact their dementia advisers using the telephone number below.

Telephone: 0333 150 3456

Website and guides : https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/

The dementia guide: Living well after your diagnosis

Caring for a person with dementia: A practical guide

Dementia UK 

Looking for information or advice about dementia or Alzheimer’s. Please make contact with Dementia UK. Their Helpline provides support from dementia specialist and admiral nurses.

Telephone: 0800 888 6678

Email: helpline@dementiauk.org

Website: Specialist support to families facing dementia | Dementia UK

TIDE - Together In Dementia Everyday

Tide aims to connect, mobilise and enable carers of people with dementia to recognise their own value and contributions to society. Offering carers opportunities to use their individual and collective experiences of caring to influence policy and practise.

Telephone: 0151 237 2669

Email: carers@tide.uk.net 

Website: Together in dementia everyday. When no one else was here for me, tide were beside me

Carers UK

Are you caring for a family member or someone else close to you? We are here for unpaid carers with expert information, advice and support and campaign to make life better for carers.

Telephone: 0808 808 7777

Email: advice@carersuk.org

Website: Carers UK

We can’t change our age or our genes, and there is currently no way we can completely prevent dementia. However, there are some simple steps we can all take to help lower our risk.

Risk factors for cardiovascular disease (like high blood pressure and stroke) are also risk factors for dementia, so what is good for your heart is good for your brain. Looking after your health, cutting out smoking and being physically active on a regular basis will help lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. It’s likely you’ll be lowering your risk of dementia too, particularly vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

For good heart health: don’t smoke, keep cholesterol and blood pressure under control be active and exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, eat a healthy balanced diet, drink fewer than 14 units of alcohol per week.

Website: https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/dementia-information/reducing-the-risk/

Herbert Protocol

The Herbert Protocol is a national scheme that encourages carers, family and friends to provide and put together useful information, which can then be used in the event of a vulnerable person going missing. 

This form is to record information about the person you care for; this will be used by the police and search teams in the event that the person goes missing. Wherever possible, complete the form in advance and keep in a safe place to give to the police in the event of the person going missing. The contents of this form will help the search teams gather relevant information and begin searching. Recording this information ahead of time and keeping it regularly updated will greatly reduce any stress associated with trying to recall detailed information in an emergency situation. If possible, please also attach a clear and recent head and shoulders photograph to this form.

If the person you care for goes missing: Phone 999 without delay

Complete the ‘Missing now’ section of the Herbert Protocol form as best you can.

Hand the form to the police when they attend your location.

Website: Click here to access The Devon and Cornwall Police Herbert Protocol Form

Local Support Services

NHS Royal Devon University Healthcare

Committed to providing the very best care possible for patients with dementia and delirium at the Royal Devon. Staff are trained to understand and support people with these conditions, providing kind, compassionate and considerate care. Other information and services available via the website below.

Telephone: North Devon 01271 313998 or East Devon 01392 411611

Address(s):

• North Devon district Hospital, Raleigh Park, Barnstaple, Devon EX31 4JB 
• Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Barrack Road, Exeter, Devon EX2 5DW

Website: NHS Royal Devon | Dementia

Referral Method: Via Medical Professional

Devon and Torbay Dementia Adviser Service 

Their dementia support workers offer information and practical guidance to help you understand dementia, cope with day-to-day challenges, and prepare for the future. They offer information to people who are worried about their memory and ongoing support to people affected by dementia face to face, over the phone or in writing. For residents of Devon and Torbay who pay their council tax to Devon County Council or Torbay Council.

Telephone: 0300 123 2029

Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 9am to 5pm

Email: devon@alzheimers.org.uk

Website: Devon and Torbay Dementia Adviser Service

Referral Method: Self-referral for people with Dementia and their carers, family and friends

Pinpoint Devon

Pinpoint Devon provides an extensive list of support services for individuals living with Dementia and their families. Click on the link below and search for 'dementia support’

Website: https://services.pinpointdevon.co.uk/

Devon County Council - Support for adults living with dementia

It is estimated that over 13,000 people are living with dementia in Devon. If you are worried about your own or someone else’s memory, contact your, or their GP. The GP may then refer you to a Memory Clinic for diagnoses, treatment and support with dementia.

Telephone: 0345 155 1007 (Adult Social Care- Devon) 

Website: https://www.devon.gov.uk/care-and-health/services-for-people-with-dementia

Referral Method: Self-referral

Devon Carers

Devon Carers believes that carers should be acknowledged as experts in care for their loved one and it is their role to support you in your caring role. they offer a wide range of support for carer's of people living with dementia. See their website below for more information. 

Telephone: 03456 434 435

Opening Hours: Helpline is available Monday to Friday 8am – 6pm and on Saturday 9am – 1pm.  Closed on Sundays and bank holidays

Email: info@devoncarers.org.uk

Website: Devoncarers.org.uk

Referral Method: Self-referral

Unite - Carers in Mid Devon

Carers may come into the office for advice or talk about difficulties or problems. Their overall aim is to provide support, information and activities for the benefit of unpaid Carers of any age, who look after someone who depends on them.

Telephone: 01884 257511 (There is an answerphone service for messages outside office hours)

Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 10am to 1pm by appointment

Email: info@unitemd.org.uk

Website: Unite Carers in Mid Devon | Supporting unpaid carers since 2003

Address: 2 Bridge Street, Tiverton, Devon, EX16 5LY

Referral Method: Self-referral

Self-care and National Support Services

Samaritans  (All age groups)

Providing mental wellbeing support nationally, including crisis support. Any time, from any phone, for FREE. 

Telephone: 116 123, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Website: Contact Us | Samaritans 

Hub of Hope

A mental health support database. It is provided by national mental health charity, Chasing the Stigma, and brings local, national, peer, community, charity, private and NHS mental health support and services together in one place. Enter your postcode and the website will provide you to local Mental Health support services.

Website: https://hubofhope.co.uk

SANEline 

SANEline is an out-of-hours telephone helpline offering practical information, crisis care and emotional support to anybody affected by mental health problems.  They also provide a free text-based support service called Textcare. You need to be 16+ to use this service.

Telephone: 0300 304 7000 - 4pm-10pm each evening, every day of the year.

Website: www.sane.org.uk

SHOUT

A free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. A text will prompt a conversation with trained volunteers. For individuals who are anxious, stressed, depressed, suicidal or overwhelmed and who need immediate support.

Text: 85258  - Available 24 hours a day

Website: https://giveusashout.org

Rethink

Rethink is the largest severe mental illness charity in the UK and their information and advice service offers practical help on a wide range of mental health issues. 

Telephone: 0808 801 0525 - 9:30am – 4pm from Monday to Friday.

Website: https://www.rethink.org/

 

Support Services- Adults

Adults can self-refer to Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services. IAPT is a national NHS programme, which offers evidence based psychological therapies or interventions approved by the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). IAPT is primarily for treating people with mild to moderate mental health issues such as anxiety disorders, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

IAPT treatments are delivered via a stepped care model where patients are initially offered low intensity therapies, such as computerised cognitive behavioural therapy (cCBT) and guided self-help. If these treatments are unsuccessful, or not appropriate for individuals, higher intensity therapies are utilised and include one to one cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or interpersonal therapy (IPT). Please see local support and contact details for further information.

Andy's Man Club

Andy's man Club are a men’s suicide prevention charity, offering free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups across the United Kingdom and online. Their goal is to end the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and help men through the power of conversation.

Meeting every Monday from 7pm (excluding Bank Holidays)

No referral or sign up required. Find your nearest group | Andy's Man Club (andysmanclub.co.uk)

Their clubs are open to any man aged 18 or over. 

Website: http://andysmanclub.co.uk

MIND

'The charity for better mental health' has an extensive range of self help resources available.

Telephone: 0300 123 3393 9am-6pm Mon-Fri for non-urgent information about mental health services and support that may be available.

Website: https://www.mind.org.uk  

Support Services - Veterans

Combat Stress is the UK's leading mental health charity for veterans. They offer free, confidential 24-hour support to Service and ex-Service personnel who are experiencing mental health issues, including feeling suicidal.

Telephone: 0800 138 1619 - available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year 

Web: https://www.combatstress.org.uk/help-you

Support Services - Perinatal

PANDAS Foundation

The PANDAS Foundation is here to help support and advise any parent who is experiencing a perinatal mental illness. We are also here to inform and guide family members, carers, friends and employers as to how they can support someone who is suffering. They also offer support via WhatsApp, Email and Support Groups both on and offline. See their website below for more information. 

Telephone: 0808 1961 776 (11am-10pm, 7 days per week)

Website: http://www.pandasfoundation.org.uk/

Support Services - Carers

The Carers Trust

It is important that you take care of your own health, even if you are busy looking after someone else's health.  Being healthy is not only important for you, but it also helps the person you care after too.  The website contains some helpful guides on relationship management and information on self-care and respite care.

Support Services - Children and Young People

Papyrus - Suicide Prevention Charity (Young People) 

PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide is the UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people. If you or a young person you know is not coping, you can contact their HOPELINE247 for confidential Suicide Prevention advice. Text and email options are also available, please visit their website for more information. 

Telephone: 0800 068 41 41 - available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year 

Website: www.papyrus-uk.org

No self-referral route, signposting only. No professional referral route, signposting only

The Mix

The Mix provides a free, confidential helpline that gives young people in difficult situations the support and information they need to decide what they want to happen next. It could be anything from mental health, to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs. The mix can help with the feeling of loneliness, it is pretty commonplace and there are tonnes of young people feeling this way, even with social media.

The Mix is for young people who know they need help but don't know where to find it. You can contact them on social, by phone or by webchat. 

Telephone: 0808 808 4994 (4pm-11pm Mon-Sat)

Website: https://www.themix.org.uk/

Kooth

Online Mental Wellbeing Community, free, safe, anonymous support for 11-19 year-olds. It is a welcoming space for digital mental health care, available to all. You can

• live chat
• journal
• message
• discussion board
• mini activities
• set goals
• access helpful resources
• speak to online community of peers
• speak to team of experienced, accredited counsellors.

To access this service please Join Kooth online to register.

Website: Home - Kooth

Young Minds UK

Young Minds provides young people with tools to look after their mental health. Their website is full of advice and information on what to do if you're struggling with how you feel. They also empower parents and adults who work with young people to be the best support they can be to young people in their lives. 

Website: https://youngminds.org.uk/

Local Support Services

CRISIS SUPPORT

First Response Service (24/7) NHS mental health crisis services

Provide urgent help for people of all ages in mental health crisis. Run by Devon partnership NHS Trust.

Telephone: 0808 196 8708 (if you need help 24/7)

Website: First Response Service | Devon Partnership Trust

Referral Method: Self-referral

SUPPORT FOR ADULTS

TALKWORKS

TALKWORKS is a free and confidential NHS talking therapy service, to help adults over the age of 18, living in Devon (excluding Plymouth), improve their mental and physical wellbeing. Treatment and support includes one-to-one sessions with a therapist, group therapy sessions, wellbeing workshops and access to online self-help. If you are struggling with low mood, anxious thoughts, sleep difficulties or aren’t quite feeling yourself, help is available.

(TALKWORKS does not cover Plymouth, if you live in Plymouth, please refer to Plymouth Options)

Telephone: 0300 555 3344

Opening Hours: By appointment initially

Email: dpt.talkworks@nhs.net 

Website: www.talkworks.dpt.nhs.uk

Referral Method: Self-referral

The Moorings

The Moorings @ Devon offer mental health support to anyone aged 18+ in the Devon area, from three locations in Barnstaple, Exeter, and Torquay. They provide out of hours helpline support and there is no need for a referral or an appointment.

The Moorings - Exeter

Telephone: 07990 790 920

Opening times: Mon-Fri 10am-midnight, Sat-Sun 12pm-midnight

Email: devonexeter.mhm@nhs.net

Website: https://www.mhm.org.uk/the-moorings-devon

Address: St Leonards GP Practice, Athelstan Road, Exeter, EX1 1SB

Referral Method: Self-referral

The Moorings - Barnstaple

Telephone: 07850 927 064

Opening times: Thu-Mon, 6pm-11pm

Email:  devonbarnstaple.mhm@nhs.net

Website: https://www.mhm.etorg.uk/the-moorings-devon

Address: The Voice Meeting Rooms, Belle Meadow Court, Albert Lane, Barnstaple, EX23 8RJ

Referral Method: Self-referral

Qwell

Qwell is a free, safe and an anonymous mental health and wellbeing online service. Qwell ensures that every adult 18+ living in Devon, Plymouth or Torbay has access to a choice of support to managing their own emotional health and wellbeing from qualified counsellors. No referrals are required and there are no thresholds required to access the service.

Opening hours: Website 24/7 365 days a year

Counsellors available 12pm-10pm weekday, 6pm-10pm at weekends and bank holidays. People can drop in for one-to-one instant text-based chats or book a session in advance.

Website: www.qwell.io

To access the service, visit the Qwell website, and complete a short registration process. Once registered, Qwell can be accessed 24/7 via any internet-connected device such as a laptop, smartphone or tablet.

 

SUPPORT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) Devon

The CAMHS team will see children and young people where there are concerns about their emotional or psychological wellbeing or mental health. CAMHS are part of Children and Family Health Devon and provide help for children and young people (under 18) in Devon (excluding Plymouth).

Telephone: 03300 245 321 (8am-5pm Mon-Fri) or 0300 555 5000 all other times.

Website: www.dpt.nhs.uk/our-services/children-and-family-health-devon/camhs

Referral Method: Self, parents/guardian or professional

Young Devon

Provide counselling, one off wellbeing sessions, victim of crime help, wellbeing cafes and group sessions to young people who are looking for support with their mental health for ages 11 to 25 across Plymouth, Devon and Torbay. Parents, carers and professionals can also request a Wellbeing conversation with a qualified practitioner to discuss their experience of supporting a young person with their wellbeing, and find out more about services and organisations that may be able to help.

Telephone: 01752 691511 

Opening Hours: By appointment initially

Email: info@youngdevon.org

Website: Wellbeing | Young Devon

Referral Method: Self, parents/guardian or professional 

OTHER SUPPORT

Local Directory- Devon Partnership Trust

The Devon Partnership Trust website provides information on a broad range of well-being and support services.

Website: Our services | DPT

Self-care and National Support Services

Migrant Help

Migrant Help protect people affected by displacement and exploitation, helping them thrive as individuals and recover from their trauma.  Core services include Asylum Support, and those seeking asylum in the UK can come to MH to seek help with applying for accommodation and financial support, to report issues with asylum accommodation, and any other advice needed. MH can advise individuals in their language on issues such as:

• Accessing healthcare
• How to claim asylum
• Applying for asylum support including accommodation
• Notifying the Home Office if your circumstances change
• Finding legal representation

Telephone: 0808 8010 503 - A free asylum helpline available 24 hours a day

Website: http://www.migranthelpuk.org

Translated health information for migrants

Provides a list of translated information on a range of health and wellbeing subjects, translated into over 60 languages. All information targets migrant communities and subjects include:

• How to register with a GP and book a COVID-19 vaccine
• Flu vaccine information
• Infographics: Coronavirus overview and self-care
• Infographics: Migrants’ right to healthcare
• Keeping young people healthy
• Six steps to improve your wellbeing

Website: https://www.doctorsoftheworld.org.uk/translated-health-information/

Praxis

Praxis provide expert support to migrants and refugees in the UK. They are a leading expert in finding pathways out of destitution and supporting migrants facing homelessness, as well as survivors of trafficking and domestic violence and young people. They provide free immigration advice over the phone. Support includes securing rights, safe housing, influencing and advocacy and interpreting and training.

Telephone: 020 7749 7608 or 020 7749 7605 - Wednesday from 2pm to 4pm and Thursdays from 10am to 12:30pm

Website: https://www.praxis.org.uk/

The Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants

JCWI provide free legal advice to asylum seekers and refugees at all stages of the legal process, including:

• Applications to the Home Office
• Entry Clearance
• Appeals
• Judicial Review

If you are in the UK without status and need free and confidential legal advice, call the helpline: 

Telephone: 020 7553 7470 - Open Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10am and 1pm

Website: https://www.jcwi.org.uk/

Shelter

A person can contact the free Shelter helpline if they have nowhere to sleep or might be homeless soon, they have somewhere to sleep but nowhere to call home or could be at risk of harm. Their website also has specific information about accommodation options for Asylum Seekers.

Telephone: 0808 800 4444 - The helpline is open 365 days a year and accessible at the following times: 

8am - 8pm on weekdays

9am - 5pm on weekends and bank holidays

Website: Shelter Legal England - UKVI support and conditions for support - Shelter England

Local Support Services

Devon and Cornwall Refugee Support (DCRS)

Devon and Cornwall Refugee Support provide advocacy, advice, support, education, and a welcoming communal space for asylum seekers in the region. Accessing legal representation, financial support, and appropriate housing. DCRS provide social support and a welcome into Devon and Cornwall, ensuring that asylum seekers can seek sanctuary whilst the UK government decides on their claim.

Telephone: 07823 495 931 (Tues & Fri 10am-3pm) or Plymouth Hub Freephone: 0800 456 1210

Drop in: Mon & Thurs 10am – 1pm

Email: hub@dcrs-plymouth.org 

Website: DCRS | Devon & Cornwall Refugee Support (dcrs-plymouth.org)

Address: Masiande Centre, 7 Whimple Street, Plymouth, PL1 2DH

Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional 

British Red Cross 

Immediate help and longer-term support for survivors of trafficking and exploitation is available from a range of British Red Cross services. Refugee Support teams can provide help (including material assistance) for trafficked refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants. The Devon-based team can be contacted at:

Telephone: 01752 831619 or 07711 085135 (for normal calls, WhatsApp and messages)

The British Red Cross support line 0808 196 3651 is available Mon- Fri 10am-5pm and 10am-8pm on Wednesdays and can provide support in more than 200 languages, supporting people who are lonely, worried, and finding it difficult to access food or medication.

Drop-in sessions: Monday 9am-2pm: triage, signposting and appointment booking done, hot meal provided. An opportunity to socialise.

Email: plymouthrefugeesupport@redcross.org.uk 

Website: Contact your local refugee service (redcross.org.uk)

Address: 18 Catherine Street, Plymouth, PL1 2AD (Advisable to book an appointment apart from emergency cases)

Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional 

Plymouth & Devon Racial Equality Council-PDREC

Their aim is to work towards the elimination of racial discrimination and to promote equality of opportunity and good relations between persons of different racial groups. They support many areas for Minority communities depending on the needs of the individual. Areas of support include; Migrant health, reporting a hate crime, domestic abuse, social isolation, and financial support including access to benefits. The service covers the whole of Devon including Torbay and Plymouth.

Telephone: 01752 224555

Opening hours: Monday -Thursday 9am-5pm and Friday 9am- 4:30pm 

Email: enquires@plymouthrec.org

Website: Plymouth Racial Equality Council (plymouthanddevonrec.org.uk)

Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional

Ubuntu Devon Counselling

Ubuntu Devon Counselling provides holistic and evidence based multi-cultural counselling service for all communities, Ubuntu Devon works alongside community networks to ensure cultural sensitivity and accessibility. Providing counselling and practical support using multi-lingual, cross-cultural support workers and volunteers.

Telephone: 01392 201572/ 01392 848741

Email: info@ubuntucousellingservices.org.uk

Website: Ubuntu Counselling Services – Multicultural counselling in Devon

Address: Ubuntu Devon, Exeter Community Centre, 17 St David's Hill, Exeter, EX4 3RG

Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional

First Response Service (24/7) (NHS Mental Health Crisis Support)

Provide urgent help for people of all ages in mental health crisis. Run by Devon partnership NHS Trust.

Telephone: 0808 196 8708 (if you need help 24/7)

Website: First Response Service | Devon Partnership Trust

Referral Method: Self-referral

Diverse Ethnic Communities Service Directory for Devon, Plymouth and Torbay

This updated directory contains details of the many organisations and agencies, from all sectors, that offer support services for people from Black, Asian and Ethnically Diverse communities in Devon. It provides a more extensive list of available support across Devon, in addition to those services listed above. 

Website: DIVERSE-ETHNIC-COMMUNITIES-SERVICE-DIRECTORY-FOR-DEVON-2023-3.pdf

Sunrise Diversity                               *North Devon Only*

Sunrise Diversity is a charity which promotes equality, diversity, and social inclusion in rural communities. Sunrise Diversity is looking to reduce the barriers and challenges faced by individuals with diverse identities and promote a welcoming inclusive community.

Telephone: 01271 328915

Opening Hours: Mon-Thurs 9am-5pm

Email: admin@sunrisediversity.org.uk

Website: Sunrise Diversity | North Devon Based Charity Supporting Minority Groups

Address: 25 Castle Street, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 1DR- by appointment/referral only

Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional

Self-care and National Support Services

National Ugly Mugs (NUM)

NUM caseworkers are here to provide emotional and practical support to adults across sex industries. This could be just a listening ear, help with accessing resources or support to report harm, right through to the criminal justice system and court, if that is your choice. There are four members of the casework team. Two are qualified Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs), and there is also a specialist caseworker to support sex workers of colour and those who are trans/non-binary.

Telephone: 0161 629 9861 (general enquiries) / 0800 464 7669  (Sex Workers freephone) Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

Website: Victim Support – National Ugly Mugs 

UK – Salvation Army

The Salvation Army provides specialist support for all adult victims of modern slavery in England and Wales. Their confidential referral helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Telephone: 0800 808 3733

Website: www.salvationarmy.org.uk

Childline

Childline provide free, confidential support to children about any topic, including modern slavery and human trafficking. Children can speak to a counsellor on the phone:

Telephone: 0800 1111- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Website: www.childline.org.uk

NSPCC

If you’re worried about a child, even if you are unsure, the NSPCC helpline is available for advice from a trained counsellor. You don't have to say who you are.

Telephone: 0808 800 5000 - Help for adults concerned about a child (Mon-Fri 10am-8pm)

Email: help@NSPCC.org.uk 

Website: www.nspcc.org.uk

Pay and Work Rights Helpline - Acas

For cases of exploitation that do not meet the threshold for modern slavery. The Acas helpline is for anyone who needs employment law or workplace advice, including employers, employees and workers. 

Telephone: 0300 123 1100 Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm

Website: Contact us | Acas

Migrant Help

Migrant Help (MH) protect people affected by displacement and exploitation, helping them thrive as individuals and recover from their trauma. Core services include Asylum Support, and those seeking asylum in the UK can come to MH to seek help with applying for accommodation and financial support, to report issues with asylum accommodation, and any other advice needed. MH can advise individuals in their language on issues such as:

• Accessing healthcare
• How to claim asylum
• Applying for asylum support including accommodation
• Notifying the Home Office if your circumstances change
• Finding legal representation

Telephone: 0808 8010 503 - A free asylum helpline available 24 hours a day

Website: http://www.migranthelpuk.org

Local Support Services

Modern Slavery is where one person controls another by exploiting a vulnerability. It is often linked with human trafficking, where a person is forced into a service against their will- usually forced work or prostitution. The control can be physical, financial or psychological. 

Local services below are for those who think they are, think someone is being, have been or who are being sexually exploited in the context of modern slavery and/or human trafficking or as part of an abusive relationship in the sex industry. 

Supporting Initial Access to Medical Care

Potential victims and victims, regardless of residency, can receive emergency medical treatment and some primary care services through the NHS. Health and wellbeing should be an immediate primary concern for all professionals working with potential victims. In all cases, professionals working with potential victims should support them to self-refer to appropriate NHS health services as necessary.

Exeter Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)

The Exeter SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre) offers 24 hour access to counselling and services to support anyone of any age who has experienced rape or sexual assault. This could have been recently or in the past. Services offered include; forensic medical facilities and examination, emotional and practical support and sexual health and contraception information and services. Support staff and medical services are available at any time of the day or night. This can be with or without the need for police involvement.

Telephone: 0300 303 4626

Online Referral Form: Get help - Devon & Cornwall SARC - NHS (sarchelp.co.uk)

If you are a Police Officer referring a victim into the ISVA Service, you must use the below secure online referral form. Please do not use First Light's own website or advise victims to report directly. 

Secure online referral - Devon & Cornwall SARC - NHS (sarchelp.co.uk)

Website: Exeter SARC - Devon & Cornwall SARC - NHS (sarchelp.co.uk)

Address: Hawkins House, Pynes Hill, Exeter, EX2 5SS

You can find your local SARC centre here:  Find Rape and sexual assault referral centres services - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Referral Method: Telephone for self-referral or via professional referral form online

Devon and Cornwall Refugee Support (DCRS)

Devon and Cornwall Refugee Support provide advocacy, advice, support, education, and a welcoming communal space for asylum seekers in the region. Accessing legal representation, financial support, and appropriate housing. DCRS provide social support and a welcome into Devon and Cornwall, ensuring that asylum seekers can seek sanctuary whilst the UK government decides on their claim.

Telephone: 07823 495 931 (Tues & Fri 10am-3pm) or Plymouth Hub Freephone: 0800 456 1210

Drop in: Mon & Thurs 10am – 1pm

Email: hub@dcrs-plymouth.org 

Website: DCRS | Devon & Cornwall Refugee Support (dcrs-plymouth.org)

Address: Masiande Centre, 7 Whimple Street, Plymouth, PL1 2DH

Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional 

Ubuntu Devon Counselling

Ubuntu Devon Counselling provides holistic and evidence based multi-cultural counselling service for all communities, Ubuntu Devon works alongside community networks to ensure cultural sensitivity and accessibility. Providing counselling and practical support using multi-lingual, cross-cultural support workers and volunteers.

Telephone: 01392 201572/ 01392 848741

Email: info@ubuntucousellingservices.org.uk

Website: Ubuntu Counselling Services – Multicultural counselling in Devon

Address: Ubuntu Devon, Exeter Community Centre, 17 St David's Hill, Exeter, EX4 3RG

Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional

British Red Cross 

Immediate help and longer-term support for survivors of trafficking and exploitation is available from a range of British Red Cross services. Refugee Support teams can provide help (including material assistance) for trafficked refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants. The Devon-based team can be contacted at:

Telephone: 01752 831619 or 07711 085135 (for normal calls, WhatsApp and messages)

The British Red Cross support line 0808 196 3651 is available Mon- Fri 10am-5pm and 10am-8pm on Wednesdays and can provide support in more than 200 languages, supporting people who are lonely, worried, and finding it difficult to access food or medication.

Drop-in sessions: Monday 9am-2pm: triage, signposting and appointment booking done, hot meal provided. An opportunity to socialise.

Email: plymouthrefugeesupport@redcross.org.uk 

Website: Contact your local refugee service (redcross.org.uk)

Address: 18 Catherine Street, Plymouth, PL1 2AD (Advisable to book an appointment apart from emergency cases)

Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional 

Refugee Support Devon

Refugee Support Devon provide support for people who have been forced to flee their homes in other parts of the world. Refugees are supported to rebuild their lives, are helped to settle into the local community and supported to achieve their full potential.

Telephone: 01392 682185

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm, Drop in sessions Tuesday and Thursday 2-4pm

Email:  info@refugeesupportdevon.org.uk

Website:  Our Vision - Refugee Support Devon

Address: Exeter Community Centre, 17 St David's Hill, Exeter EX4 3RG

Referral Method: Self-referral

Make Amends Restorative Justice Service

This service aims to bring those who have been affected by crime into communication with those who are accountable. This is voluntary and is a way to help everyone move forward from what has happened. Restorative Justice between those affected and accountable for harm should always be facilitated by accredited practitioners.

Telephone number: 01803 222033

Email: makeamends@shekinah.co.uk  

Website: Shekinah - Make Amends

Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional 

Diverse Ethnic Communities Service Directory for Devon, Plymouth and Torbay

This updated directory contains details of the many organisations and agencies, from all sectors, that offer support services for people from Black, Asian and Ethnically Diverse communities in Devon. It provides a more extensive list of available support across Devon, in addition to those services listed above. 

Website: DIVERSE-ETHNIC-COMMUNITIES-SERVICE-DIRECTORY-FOR-DEVON-2023-3.pdf

Sunrise Diversity                               *North Devon Only*

Sunrise Diversity is a charity which promotes equality, diversity, and social inclusion in rural communities. Sunrise Diversity is looking to reduce the barriers and challenges faced by individuals with diverse identities and promote a welcoming inclusive community.

Telephone: 01271 328915

Opening Hours: Mon-Thurs 9am-5pm

Email: admin@sunrisediversity.org.uk

Website: Sunrise Diversity | North Devon Based Charity Supporting Minority Groups

Address: 25 Castle Street, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 1DR- by appointment/referral only

Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional

Self-care and National Support Services

National Ugly Mugs (NUM)

NUM caseworkers are here to provide emotional and practical support to adults across sex industries. This could be just a listening ear, help with accessing resources or support to report harm, right through to the criminal justice system and court, if that is your choice. There are four members of the casework team. Two are qualified Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs), and there is also a specialist caseworker to support sex workers of colour and those who are trans/non-binary.

Telephone: 0161 629 9861 (general enquiries) / 0800 464 7669  (Sex Workers freephone) Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

Website: Victim Support – National Ugly Mugs 

CrimeStoppers

Sex workers can report information anonymously about crimes committed against themselves or other sex workers to CrimeStoppers. They are an independent charity that allows you to report crime with a 100% guarantee of anonymity. 

Telephone: 0800 555 111

Online Form: Give information anonymously | Crimestoppers (crimestoppers-uk.org)

Website: Independent UK charity taking crime information anonymously | Crimestoppers (crimestoppers-uk.org)

SAAFE (Support And Advice For Escorts) 

A website and forum full of help, support and advice for escorts, particularly those new to the industry.

Website: https://saafe.info/main/index.php

Suzy Lamplugh Trust- National Stalking Helpline

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust aims to reduce the risk and prevalence of abuse, aggression, and violence- with a specific focus on stalking and harassment- through education, campaigning and support. They raise awareness about personal safety and stalking and can provide safety resources including personal safety alarms. 

Telephone: 020 7091 0014 (General Enquiries) 

National Stalking Helpline: 0808 802 0300

Website: www.suzylamplugh.org 

National Sexual Health Helpline

If you need sexual health advice now, you can call the National Sexual Health Helpline for free, Mon-Fri 9am-8pm or Sat-Sun 11am-4pm. It provides information about your nearest sexual health/GUM clinic if you want screening for sexually transmitted infections, post-exposure prophylaxis or sexual health information. Your call will be treated with sensitivity and in strict confidence. 

Telephone: 0300 123 7123

Website: Where can I get sexual health advice, now? - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Beyond The Streets

They offer a free confidential support service for women in the sex industry. Women support workers are available to take your call Mon-Thurs 9:30am-3:30pm and Fri 9:30am until noon. If no one is available to take your call, or you call outside of these times, leave your phone number or email address and someone will get in contact with you. 

Telephone: 0800 133 7870

Website: https://beyondthestreets.org.uk/i-want-support

If you're being forced into any kind of sex work, this is sexual exploitation, a form of Modern Slavery. For more information and advice please look at the Modern Slavery topic.

Local Support Services

Exeter Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)

The Exeter SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre) offers 24 hour access to counselling and services to support anyone of any age who has experienced rape or sexual assault. This could have been recently or in the past. Services offered include; forensic medical facilities and examination, emotional and practical support and sexual health and contraception information and services. Support staff and medical services are available at any time of the day or night. This can be with or without the need for police involvement.

Telephone: 0300 303 4626

Online Referral Form: Get help - Devon & Cornwall SARC - NHS (sarchelp.co.uk)

If you are a Police Officer referring a victim into the ISVA Service, you must use the below secure online referral form. Please do not use First Light's own website or advise victims to report directly. 

Secure online referral - Devon & Cornwall SARC - NHS (sarchelp.co.uk)

Website: Exeter SARC - Devon & Cornwall SARC - NHS (sarchelp.co.uk)

Address: Hawkins House, Pynes Hill, Exeter, EX2 5SS

You can find your local SARC centre here:  Find Rape and sexual assault referral centres services - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Referral Method: Telephone for self-referral or via professional referral form online

Devon Sexual Health Service

Devon Sexual Health, contraception, sexual health & HIV service. Providing free, non-judgemental sexual health services to both female and male sex workers. They appreciate that you may wish to be anonymous and not identifiable in the waiting room in your local area, therefore they do not offer specific clinics or sessions for sex workers. 

Telephone: 0300 303 3989

Website: www.devonsexualhealth.nhs.uk

Address: Find a Service Near Me – Devon Sexual Health

Referral Method: Self-referral

First Light

First Light is a charity providing Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence support for all, regardless of age, gender, or sexual orientation. You don't need to have reported to the police to access their services. Their website also provides useful information, advice and support, if you have experienced rape or sexual assault both recently and in the past.

Telephone: 03458 12 12 12 - Sexual Violence Recovery Service Helpline

Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

Email: info@firstlight.org.uk

Website: First Light – First Light

Referral Method: Self-referral

The Eddystone Trust

The Eddystone Trust is an independent sexual health charity based in the South West, UK. They offer a range of services that includes; non judgemental advice, free testing, free condoms, support for people living with HIV and training for anyone who wants to know more about sexual health. 

Telephone: 0800 328 3508

Email: info@eddystone.org.uk

Website: The Eddystone Trust | HIV & Sexual Health Service

Referral Method: Self-referral 

Devon Rape Crisis

A specialist support service for people in Devon and Torbay, who have experienced any form of sexual violence, at any point in their lives.

Telephone: 01392 204174

Email: support@devonrapecrisis.org.uk.  

Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 6pm to 9pm.

Website: https://devonrapecrisis.org.uk/

Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional

MSI Choices-Exeter Community Treatment Centre

MSI Reproductive Choices UK (MSI UK) is a registered charity who have been providing global reproductive health options. They provide NHS funded and self-funded (private) abortions, contraception, vasectomy services and post abortion care. 

Telephone: 0345 300 8090 

Opening hours: Please call to book your appointment before you arrive

Website: MSI Choices Exeter Abortion Clinic | MSI Reproductive Choices UK

Address: St Leonards Medical Practice (room1), Athelstan, Exeter, EX1 1SB on arrival please advise reception that you have an appointment in room 1

Referral Method: Self-referral 

CoLab Women

Colab is a multi-agency wellbeing hub that enables people and organisations to work together, to create the conditions for people to lead their lives best lives, and do their best work: and for organisations to achieve their greatest impact and value.

Telephone: 01392 202055

Opening Hours: 9.30am - 16:00

Website: CoLab Exeter

Address: Wat Tayler House, 3 king William Street, Exeter. EX4 6PD

Referral: Self-referral 

FearFree

We’ve been supporting people dealing with Domestic Abuse, Sexual Violence and Stalking for over 25 years. Whoever you are, whatever your background, whether you’re seeking help, looking for information or wanting to join our incredible team, please reach out and get in touch.

Telephone: 0345 155 1074

Opening Hours: 9.00am - 17:00

Website: Devon - FearFree

Address: Pavilion 3, Park5 Business Centre, 1st Floor Buckland House, Harrier Way, Exeter, EX2 7HU

Referral: Self-referral or via professional 

 

Self-care and National Support Services

Self Care

Although most people need some kind of social contact to maintain good mental health, everyone has different social needs. A person may be someone who is content with a few close friends, or they may need a large group of varied acquaintances to feel satisfied.

Loneliness in Older People

The Silver Line 

A free confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people. The Silver Line can also put people in contact with community activities in your local area.

Telephone: 0800 470 8090 - Open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Website: https://www.thesilverline.org.uk/

Age UK 

The Age UK Advice Line is a free, confidential, national phone service for older people, their families, friends, carers and professionals, which is open 365 days a year (8am-7pm). You can contact them, if you're feeling lonely or need some practical help and support. This organisation also offers a befriending service to support loneliness in later life, this is where a volunteer visits an older person once a week in their own home.  There is also telephone befriending, where a volunteer befriender will phone an older person.

Telephone: 0800 678 1602 (8am-7pm, 365 days a year)

Website: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/services/befriending-services/  

NHS Choices

NHS Choices has a range of advice on Loneliness including volunteering, continuing education and how to engage with social media and computers.

Website: Loneliness in older people - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Andy's Man Club

Andy's man Club are a men’s suicide prevention charity, offering free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups across the United Kingdom and online. Their goal is to end the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and help men through the power of conversation.

Meeting every Monday from 7pm (excluding Bank Holidays)

No referral or sign up required. Find your nearest group | Andy's Man Club (andysmanclub.co.uk)

Their clubs are open to any man aged 18 or over. 

Website: http://andysmanclub.co.uk

Loneliness in Younger People

It is recognised that Loneliness is not something that is exclusive to older adult, indeed many younger adults in particular can experience loneliness and a recent report from the office for national statistics highlighted Britain as the loneliest capital of Europe.  

Samaritans

Providing mental wellbeing support nationally, including crisis support and confidential suicide prevention advice. Any time, from any phone, for FREE. 

Telephone: 116 123, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Website: Contact Us | Samaritans 

Get Connected

A free confidential helpline for young people under 25, where people can seek help with emotional and mental health issues often linked to loneliness. The service is available 365 days a year and young people can get in touch by phone, webchat, email, text message or use the online help directory, WebHelp 24/7.

Telephone: 0808 808 4994 

Website: https://rethinkyourmind.co.uk/get-connected/

The Mix

The Mix provides a free, confidential helpline that gives young people in difficult situations the support and information they need to decide what they want to happen next. It could be anything from mental health, to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs. The mix can help with the feeling of loneliness, it is pretty commonplace and there are tonnes of young people feeling this way, even with social media.

The Mix is for young people who know they need help but don't know where to find it. You can contact them on social, by phone or by webchat. 

Telephone: 0808 808 4994 (4pm-11pm Mon-Sat)

Website: https://www.themix.org.uk/

Local Support Services

Age UK Exeter

Age UK's current aim is to tackle loneliness through numerous Age UK Exeter | Activities and events to help people feel more included in the community. They provide several services, activities and events, please visit their website. 

They also have a 'Volunteer Visiting', service, where volunteers from all walks of life can make regular home visits to those living alone and experiencing isolation. 

Telephone: 01392 455614- (Information and Advice Line)

Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday - 10:30am to 3:00pm (Info and Advice Line)

Email: iandaExeter@ageukexeter.org.uk 

Website: Welcome to Age UK Exeter

Referral Method: Self-referral

Local Directories

Pinpoint Devon is a directory with thousands of services and community groups across Devon, including volunteering, befriending and other services to help you feel less isolated.

Website: Pinpoint thousands of services and community groups across Devon (pinpointdevon.co.uk)

Devon Connect is an online community hub which connect people to their communities by social networking, you can find information and access local activities in your area.

Website: Devon Connect - Connecting communities in Devon.

Self-care and National Support Services

If you need to report an incident of stalking contact 101. Report it as early as possible to the police and tell others what is happening. If you are in danger dial 999.

National Stalking Helpline- Suzy Lamplugh Trust

The National Stalking Helpline gives practical information, support, and advice on risk, safety planning and legislation to victims of stalking, their friends, family, and professionals working with victims. 

If you contact the helpline via their online form, a Helpline Advisor will respond to you by email. They endeavour to respond to all online contact as soon as possible. If you need advice quickly, call the helpline. 

Telephone: 0808 802 0300

Online Form: National Stalking Helpline Enquiry Form | Suzy Lamplugh Trust

Website: https://www.suzylamplugh.org/stalking-help-and-advice

Paladin

Paladin provides a high level of advocacy to anyone at risk of serious harm or homicide from a stalker. They give initial advice and offer to complete a detailed assessment to anyone who calls their service and is affected by stalking.

Telephone: 020 3866 4107

Website: https://www.paladinservice.co.uk/

Protection Against Stalking- PAS

Protection Against Stalking is a national charity working within communities to raise public awareness about stalking and support victims of stalking through providing specialist support services. If you believe you are being stalked, but not in immediate danger, contact them.

Email: support@protectionagainststalking.org

Website: https://www.protectionagainststalking.org/

Citizen's Advice 

Citizen’s advice can provide advice on your legal rights if you think you could be experiencing sexual harassment at work.

Telephone: 0800 144 8848

Website: citizensadvice.org.uk

Revenge Porn Helpline 

A UK service supporting adults (aged 18+) who are experiencing intimate image abuse, also known as, revenge porn. The helpline was established in 2015 alongside the legislation which made it an offence to share intimate images or videos of someone, either on or offline, without their consent with the intention of causing distress. The helpline can assist you with: Non-judgemental and confidential advice, reporting and removal of content, social media advice, reporting to the police and legal advice.

Telephone: 0345 6000 459 – Monday to Friday 10am-4pm 

Email: help@revengepornhelpline.org.uk

Website: https://revengepornhelpline.org.uk/

Rights of Women- helping women through their rights in law

They give free legal advice and information to women in England and Wales on a wide range of issues including domestic violence, child contact, sexual violence and the criminal justice process, immigration and asylum, sexual harassment at work as well as other legal issues arising from relationship breakdown.

Telephone: 020 7490 0152 – Monday 3pm-5pm, Tuesday and Wednesday 6pm-8pm

Website: Sexual harassment at work - Rights of WomenRights of Women

Victim Support

If you’re experiencing persistent and unwanted attention, and the behaviour is making you feel fearful, harassed, or anxious, then you are a victim of stalking. It’s not something that you should have to live with, and they are here to help you. Victim support are an independent charity, and you can contact them regardless of whether you’ve contacted the police, and no matter how long ago the crime took place.

Telephone: National 0808 1689 111- 24 Hours

Devon and Cornwall: 0300 3030 554 Mon-Fri 12pm-6pm

Website: https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/

Respect

Respect phoneline is a confidential and anonymous helpline offering advice, information, and support for anyone concerned about their violence and/or abuse towards a partner or ex-partner of either sex.

Telephone: 0808 802 4040

Website: respectphoneline.org.uk

Men's Advice Line

A confidential helpline, run by Respect, for men experiencing domestic violence from a partner or ex-partner (or from other family members). Their focus is to increase the safety of men experiencing domestic abuse (and the safety of their children).

Telephone: 0808 801 0327

Website: http://www.mensadviceline.org.uk/

The Cyber Helpline

To ensure everyone in the UK has immediate access to expert, cybersecurity help when they need it. The Cyber Helpline is a movement by the cyber security community to step in and fill the gap in support for victims of cybercrime and online harms. They provide a free, confidential helpline for individuals and sole traders. They help victims understand, contain, recover and learn from cyber-attacks by linking them with cyber security technology & experts who provide relevant advice and guidance.

Online Form: CONTACT — The Cyber Helpline

Online Chat:  Get Help — The Cyber Helpline

Website: The Cyber Helpline

Technology Safety - A Toolkit for Survivors

Resources on this website explore technology in the context of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and violence against women. To talk to someone who can answer your questions and support you, you can call the National Domestic Abuse helpline. Information includes:

• Safety tips, information, and privacy strategies for survivors on the use of technology
• Spyware and Stalkerware information
• Smartphones - Increasing privacy & responding to abuse
• Tips on being webwise when sharing personal information online

Website: https://www.techsafety.org/resources-survivors

StreetSafe

StreetSafe is a service for anyone to anonymously report about public places where people have felt or feel unsafe, because of environmental issues, eg street lighting, abandoned buildings or vandalism and/or because of some behaviours, eg being followed or verbally abused.

Please note: 'StreetSafe' is not for reporting crime or incidents.

Website: StreetSafe | Police.uk (www.police.uk)

Local Support Services

If you are being harassed in a pub, club or bar, you can approach the staff and ‘Ask for Angela’. Staff will help you leave the situation safely and securely.

Harassment and stalking are often used as interchangeable terms. However, they relate to similar but different offences that can cause victims, their families and loved ones physical, psychological and emotional harm.

Offenders can stalk or harass their victims in a number of different ways, including:

• a text, answer phone message, letter or email
• a comment or threat in person or online (e.g. social media or online chat rooms)
• standing outside someone’s house or driving past it
• an act of violence
• damage to someone else’s property
• maliciously and falsely reporting someone to the police without any wrongdoing

FearLess

Formerly Splitz, FearLess supports people dealing with domestic abuse, sexual violence and stalking for over 25 years. They offer 1-to-1 victim support for adults, children and young people with experience of domestic abuse and 1-to-1 support for perpetrators.

Telephone: 0345 155 1074 

Email: For clients or those who do not use secure emails: admin.devon@fear-less.org.uk  

For professionals using a secure email address: referrals.devon@fear-less.org.uk.cjsm.net 

Website: Fear-less - Devon

Address: 1st Floor, Buckland House, Pavilion 3, Park 5 Business Centre, Harrier Way, Exeter, EX2 7HU

Referral Method: Self referral or via professional

SAFE Foundation

A trauma informed service that supports people experiencing domestic abuse. They deliver a range of therapeutic programmes and support adults and children experiencing difficulties in life. Their community-based therapeutic programmes are delivered through a range of interventions from individual and group counselling to organisational guidance, training and workshops.

Telephone: 03030 300 112

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9am-5pm (all appointments must be pre-booked with counsellors in advance)

Email: intake@wearesafe.org.uk ​

Website: SAFE Foundation (wearesafe.org.uk)

Address: 1 Alba Court, Emperor Way, Exeter, EX1 3QS

Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional

Self-care and National Support Services

If there is no immediate risk to the individual you may encourage them to contact:

Samaritans - (All age groups)

Providing mental wellbeing support nationally, including crisis support and confidential suicide prevention advice. Any time, from any phone, for FREE. 

Telephone: 116 123, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Website: Contact Us | Samaritans 

Papyrus - Suicide Prevention Charity (Young People) 

PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide is the UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people. If you or a young person you know is not coping, you can contact their HOPELINE247 for confidential Suicide Prevention advice. Text and email options are also available, please visit their website for more information. 

Telephone: 0800 068 41 41 - available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year 

Website: www.papyrus-uk.org

Childline

A confidential service where you can talk about anything, it is aimed at anyone under the age of 19 years and supports any issue. Trained counsellors will talk through anything, whether it is big or small, providing advice and discussions. Online 1-2-1 chats with counsellors and email options are also available. See their website for more details.

Childline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Telephone: 0800 1111

Website: Childline | Childline 

SANEline 

SANEline is an out-of-hours telephone helpline offering practical information, crisis care and emotional support to anybody affected by mental health problems.  They also provide a free text-based support service called Textcare. You need to be 16+ to use this service.

Telephone: 0300 304 7000 - 4pm-10pm each evening, every day of the year.

Website: www.sane.org.uk

CALM

The helpline is for people in the UK who are down or have hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support.

Telephone: 0800 585 858 Daily 17:00-00:00, 365 days a year

Website: www.thecalmzone.net

Rethink

Rethink is the largest severe mental illness charity in the UK and their information and advice service offers practical help on a wide range of mental health issues. 

Telephone: 0808 801 0525 - 9:30am – 4pm from Monday to Friday.

Website: https://www.rethink.org/

SHOUT

A free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. A text will prompt a conversation with trained volunteers. For individuals who are anxious, stressed, depressed, suicidal or overwhelmed and who need immediate support.

Text: 85258  - Available 24 hours a day

Website: https://giveusashout.org

MIND

'The charity for better mental health' has an extensive range of self help resources available.

Telephone: 0300 123 3393 9am-6pm Mon-Fri for non-urgent information about mental health services and support that may be available.

Website: https://www.mind.org.uk  

Andy's Man Club

Andy's man Club are a men’s suicide prevention charity, offering free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups across the United Kingdom and online. Their goal is to end the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and help men through the power of conversation.

Meeting every Monday from 7pm (excluding Bank Holidays)

No referral or sign up required. Find your nearest group | Andy's Man Club (andysmanclub.co.uk)

Their clubs are open to any man aged 18 or over. 

Website: http://andysmanclub.co.uk

Mindwell

Mindwell is a mental health website providing useful information about how to take care of your mental wellbeing and providing a range of self-help techniques. Although some resources are Leeds focussed, there is also lots of useful self-help resources and some links to national services. 

Website: https://www.mindwell-leeds.org.uk/

Stay Alive

The Stay Alive app is a suicide prevention resource, it is packed full of useful information and tools to help people to stay safe in crisis. There is help from emergency and crisis support services and an option to create a Safety Plan on how to stay safe when in crisis. 

Website: StayAlive - Essential suicide prevention for everyday life

Local Support Services

If you feel that you’re in immediate danger of seriously harming yourself, call 999 and ask for help. If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts and you can’t keep yourself safe you can attend your local A&E and ask to see the on call mental health team.

First Response Service (24/7) NHS mental health crisis services

Providing urgent help for people of all ages in mental health crisis. Run by Devon partnership NHS Trust.

Telephone: 0808 196 8708 (if you need help 24/7)

Website: First Response Service | Devon Partnership Trust

Referral Method: Self-referral

Pete's Dragons

Offering support and comfort for anyone impacted by suicide in Devon. They offer listening services, as well as practical advice and assistance. A self-referral form is available on their website. 

Telephone: 01395 277 780 open Monday to Friday- 9am - 5pm

Email: support@petesdragons.org.uk

Website: Home - Pete's Dragons (petesdragons.org.uk)

Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional

The Moorings

The Moorings @ Devon offer mental health support to anyone aged 18+ in the Devon area, from three locations in Barnstaple, Exeter, and Torquay. They provide out of hours helpline support and there is no need for an appointment.

The Moorings - Exeter

Telephone: 07990 790 920

Opening times: Mon-Fri 10am-midnight, Sat-Sun 12pm-midnight

Email: devonexeter.mhm@nhs.net

Website: https://www.mhm.org.uk/the-moorings-devon

Address: St Leonards GP Practice, Athelstan Road, Exeter, EX1 1SB

Referral method: Self-referral

The Moorings - Barnstaple

Telephone: 07850 927 064

Opening times: Thu-Mon, 6pm-11pm

Email:  devonbarnstaple.mhm@nhs.net

Website: https://www.mhm.etorg.uk/the-moorings-devon

Address: The Voice Meeting Rooms, Belle Meadow Court, Albert Lane, Barnstaple, EX23 8RJ

Referral method: Self-referral