Providing advice to those who need it.

Email advice – advice@adviceni.net

The Age NI Advice and Advocacy service helpline offers free, independent and confidential support to older people, their families and carers on a range of issues including welfare benefits, community care, residential and nursing care and housing and health.

We provide information on: Understanding dementia; Treatments; How to get help locally; Maintain independence; Financial & legal matters; Caring for people with dementia; Changes in relationships and behaviour; Community care; Long-stay care.

We also provide signposting, support and a listening ear.

Autism NI is Northern Ireland's Autism charity.  A vital and much in demand service is our Autism NI Helpline, this is often the first point of contact pre and post diagnosis.  The challenge for many is finding out what relevant services there are locally, what resources have been useful to others, who the local professionals are and what they do and how to access further information or services.
 
Individuals, parents and professionals use the service to seek information on a wide range of issues related to Autism.  Providing practical and emotional support, a listening ear, enhancing networks and coping mechanisms, the Autism NI Helpline bridges families to appropriate services in their area.  

The Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic family Covid-19 Helpline. Are you a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic child, young person, parent or carer? You can speak to us about your worries, problems and stresses, and we can provide emotional support, practical advice and connect you to other organisations who can provide further help. Boloh also offers free therapeutic counselling in a range of different languages.

Cancer Focus Northern Ireland's NurseLine is a free and confidential helpline offering advice and support to anyone who has a question or concern about any aspect of cancer. Staffed by experienced Nurses, it is available to people with a cancer diagnosis, their families, carers and friends, and other professionals. Internal referrals can be made to our other Therapeutic Services such as Counselling, Family Support, Art Therapy, Bra-Fitting and Support Groups, as well as signposting to other support organisations. Contact our freephone number or email nurseline@cancerfocusni.org

If you're struggling with the weight of debt we're here to help you. Our service is completely free and available to all, regardless of age, gender, faith or background. When you call us, a local debt coach will arrange to see you, normally at your home, if you’re happy with this. Our expert staff engage with creditors, meaning you no longer have to. They will work out a realistic budget that prioritises your essential bills and help you find the best way out of debt. Your local debt coach will then explain the budget, and your options or choices to work your way out of debt, whatever this looks like. We support you, practically and emotionally, until you are debt free however long that takes. 
We also provide face-to-face adult financial education via our CAP Money Course and run groups with local churches to help people back into employment - CAP Job Clubs - and to live better on a limited income - CAP Life Skills.

LGBTQI+ Switchboard NI offers a listening ear and support to the LGBTQI+ communities of Northern Ireland to encourage positive mental health. Our service aims to reduce isolation, improve mental health and promote positive acceptance of the service user’s sexual orientation and / or gender. We signpost to relevant internal and external organisations to encourage more involvement within their communities and to make more informed choices with regards to their health and wellbeing. Email: switchboard@cara-friend.org.uk

The helpline provides a range of general and specialist advice services for carers.

Trained advisers can provide advice and information on a wide range of issues – welfare benefits, community care and carer support.


Providing emotional and practical support to family and friends of someone living with a serious mental illness. The CAUSE Helpline provides you with access to support and information from our dedicated team of Carer Advocates all who have direct personal experience of supporting a loved one with mental illness.
Founded in 1995, CAUSE is a unique peer-led regional charity offering services to families, partners and friends across Northern Ireland caring for a loved one who has experienced serious mental illness. CAUSE is run by carers for carers which gives us an organisation a true peer-led ethos and belief in the power of connecting with other people who have shared similar experiences of caring.
Our mission 
CAUSE provides practical and emotional support to empower families, partners and friends caring for a loved one who has experienced serious mental illness.
How CAUSE supports mental health carers – what we offer:
One-to-one support and advocacy from a Carer Advocate; Training for carers and professionals; A network of carer support groups across NI; A confidential Helpline for carers; Social opportunities where carers can meet other carers; Ways to engage with policy and service development related to mental health or carer issues. 

In addition to our general advocacy support service, we also provide dedicated and specialist services for carers with loved ones in the medium secure unit Shannon Clinic and  carers of a loved one with personality disorder.

Barnardo’s CBS advice line offers professional support and guidance to any adult concerned about a bereaved child or young person. The advice line is operated by experienced, skilled and professionally qualified staff, responding to parents, carers, social workers, teachers and GP’s amongst others. 

Email: catherine.meighan@barnardos.org.uk

ChildLine is the UK's free, 24-hour helpline for children and young people. ChildLine gives children access to confidential support when they need it and ensures all children and young people have someone to turn to.

Online 1-2-1 & email service available at www.childline.org.uk

The 24 Hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline offers support, help, signposting and referral to victims, family, friends and professionals of those affected by domestic and sexual abuse. The Helpline offers support and advice to those concerned about victims, those with concerns as to whether abuse is occurring and to professionals. The 24 Hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline aims to provide appropriate support and a listening ear while aiming to direct callers to the appropriate support in both an emergency and non-emergency situations. It takes courage to speak about domestic or sexual abuse. The Helpline has fully trained and experienced operators available 24/7 to provide support in a confidential setting to anyone that has been affected.

The Eating Disorders Association is Northern Ireland’s peer-led eating disorder charity. Founded in 1992, EDA offers support, advocacy and training services to eating disorder sufferers, their loved ones, professionals and the general public. The peer support service is free and confidential. You do not need to have a diagnosis and self-referral is accepted. The charity strives to be inclusive, trauma sensitive and a safe space for all. The support consists of a helpline (028 9023 5959), 1-1 sessions, group support and an advocacy service to help people access appropriate services. Support can be delivered via email, telephone, Zoom or in-person. EDA NI’s training service includes awareness talks and prevention workshops for children and young people. The charity also provides awareness training programmes for professionals who wish to further their knowledge on eating disorders. Email: info@eatingdisordersni.co.uk

Our Family Benefits Advice Service provides free, impartial and confidential advice on financial support available for families – particularly with registered childcare costs – as well as employment entitlements and workplace legislation. We complete “better off” calculations to help parents: Save money on their childcare costs; maximise their incomes; and identify other benefits they may be entitled to.

Guide Dogs NI supports adults, children and young people with a visual impairment, as well as supporting friends and family members with a range of canine and non-canine services. Speak to an expert who can provide information and advice on finding the right services for you to help you live actively, live independently and live well. 
 
Via the link you can contact us through a British Sign Language interpreter, or adults can complete a short form to request a call back. You can also contact the helpline via information@guidedogs.org.uk

Formally Action on Elder Abuse NI. If you are an older person and concerned about or affected by abuse it is vital that you understand this is not your fault and there are ways to get help and support. You can ring our dedicated, specialist helpline for advice, support and guidance. It is free to call from a landline or mobile, entirely confidential and the number will never appear on your phone bill. 
Our experienced helpline operators can help you make the best choice to keep yourself safe and put you in touch with the appropriate agencies. 


Housing Rights helpline provides advice to members of the public on homelessness, social tenancies, renting privately, Housing Executive or housing association rent arrears. They also provide mortgage debt and repossession advice and representation at court. Housing Rights  also provides training courses and information tools to other advice agencies and advocate for changes in policy, legislation and practice.

Informing Choices NI is a sexual and reproductive health charity. We champion informed choices around sex, sexuality and reproductive health and wellbeing through advocacy, counselling, education, information and training.

The Caring for Kin Helpline provides free, independent and confidential advice and support to kinship carers throughout Northern Ireland.  We have advisors who have specialist knowledge of the issue of kinship care.

The 'Caring for Kin' Project aims to ensure that kinship carers have access to the advice, information and support they need, as and when they need it.  Kinship carers can contact the helpline for advice on a range of issues, including advice and information on their legal rights and obligations and help and support accessing the financial support they need for the children in their care. 
 
Callers to the helpline will also receive information on a range of other support services to kinship carers and their children, including family recreation and training.  Several ‘Kin Together' support groups have been established to enable kinship carers to develop new friendships, share experiences and meet other people in the same position as them.
 
Calls to the helpline are free and and our trained advisors will be on hand to provide advice and assistance to kinship carers who are caring for, or considering caring for their family and friends' children.

The Labour Relations Agency provides information and guidance to anyone in Northern Ireland with a workplace-related query. It advises employers, employees, trade union representatives, employer bodies and others about employment rights and responsibilities. The LRA assists businesses to implement best practice employment relations and create harmonious workplaces that can develop and grow, which in turn supports economic recovery in Northern Ireland. The LRA also provide a range of workplace dispute resolution services, such as conciliation (both individual and collective), mediation and arbitration.

Law Centre NI provides free, confidential and independent legal advice and assistance in the areas of social security, employment and immigration and asylum.

Lifeline is the regional suicide prevention helpline service for people who are in distress or despair. Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and calls are answered by trained counsellors who can provide immediate confidential support and advice. No matter what your age or where you live in Northern Ireland, if you are or someone you know is in distress or despair, Lifeline is here to help.

Talk to us about accessing benefits, supports and services you may be entitled to.
Don’t rule yourself out.  Even if you already claim benefits, own your own home, work, claim a pension, or have some savings, you could be entitled to additional support.
Whatever your situation.  Don’t miss out.  Find out!  Contact Make the Call for a free and confidential assessment.  A friend or relative can make the call on your behalf (with your consent), providing they are with you when you call. Email: makethecall@dfcni.gov.uk. or text ADVICE to 079 8440 5248,

Whatever your circumstances or plans, MoneyHelper is on your side.  Online and over the phone, you will get clear money and pension guidance.  We can also point you to trusted services if you need more support.
MoneyHelper is here to help, so you can move on with life. MoneyHelper cuts through the jargon and complexity, explains what you need to do and how you can do it.  It is about putting you in control, with free, impartial help, that’s quick to find, easy to use and backed by Government.
Open to everyone, MoneyHelper is helping people to clear their debts, reduce spending and make the most of their income.
For money help all in one place, that’s free to use, MoneyHelper can support your and your family needs.
 WhatsApp: 077 0134 2744

If required we can pre book telephone appointments outside the above hours. We offer a virtual support hub to provide information, support and guidance to people living with a rare disease in Northern Ireland. Queries include: More information about your diagnosis; Emotional support and a listening ear; Practical support like benefits advice; Obtaining aids and equipment; Accessing mental health & wellbeing support near you.


NSPCC Helpline is intended for professionals and members of the public to seek help and advice on child protection issues and to report child protection concerns. The Helpline employs a range of staff from backgrounds in law enforcement, social work, education and health. NSPCC also provides commissioned helpline services including Female Genital Mutilation, Child Sexual Exploitation and Human Trafficking. The Helpline is a free 24/7 service which aims to protect children in NI. Email help@nspcc.org.uk.


Parents Support Line: A freephone service supporting parents and families by discussing issues or concerns on the phone, email or via Web Chat on their website. 

Parenting Programmes: Parenting NI offer a range of parenting programmes throughout Northern Ireland to help parents build on their parenting skills and knowledge.

Parental Participation: Parents can have their say on issues which are important to them through consultation in order to influence policy, planning and service delivery

Parentline NI is a free and confidential listening ear service offering advice, support and guidance for parents, carers and family members. 

It is well documented that parenting a child or young person can be hugely rewarding however at times it can be challenging.   Parentline NI is here to support parents through all stages of their parenting journey, whether they are parenting a newborn or a teenager, we can guide them through key milestones such as transitioning into school or through struggles such as bullying, social media or mental health issues.  

Our team of qualified and experienced support workers are available to ensure parents have a non-judgemental listening ear, providing them with the tools they need to navigate their anxieties and ensuring that no parent or carer feels they are on their own with little or no support.

The Service is available through a range of different channels including telephone, face to face and online.  Parentline NI is a service operated by Children in Northern Ireland and Relate NI, it is funded by the Health and Social Care Board.  

Positive Life is NI’s only HIV-specific charity. We provide information, advice and support to all people living with, or affected by, an HIV+ diagnoses in Northern Ireland and the border counties from a confidential and safe space.  We offer an holistic approach to managing the realities of living with HIV, including psychological and complementary therapies, drop-in, life-coaching, yoga and art sessions. We also provide practical advice and advocacy services for employment, finance, housing and other issues relevant to our clients. We also have an outreach service offering face to face support to people not able to travel to our centre. Positive Life facilitates groups for men, women, parents & toddlers, and the friends, families & carers of people living with HIV, to meet, talk and socialise. We also offer a confidential Rapid Testing service and Safer Sex packs on request.

Formally known as Action on Hearing Loss. We're here to support and help you, so you can take back control and live the life you choose. From day-to-day-care, to practical information, to campaigning for a fairer world for people with hearing loss, and funding research to find a cure, we’re taking action on hearing loss.   

Text: 07587 130 502   

Email: information.nireland@rnid.org.uk


The Roma Support Hub deals with queries from people within the Roma community regarding access to housing; benefits including Universal Credit and Child Benefits; discrimination; employment; food banks; Immigration (EUSS); education and many other issues. 

Please leave a message and an advisor will get back to you as soon as possible.  

Increasing levels of debt, paper work, health problems, severe weather, disease outbreaks and changing family circumstances can cause stress and anxiety. We offer a listening and signposting service for farmers and rural families across Northern Ireland. We can provide face to face support, help you source information and advice about business finance and debt, single farm payments, benefits, mental health assistance and many other issues. If you’re feeling worried or stressed and would like to talk to someone in confidence, our trained volunteers are ready to help. All calls are confidential and the Freephone helpline operates Monday to Friday 9am to 9pm (voicemail and support options available at all other times). We can support you by: Listening / Visiting / Accompanying / Helping you to find advice / Explaining. When you contact us we will: Listen / Not judge / Keep information confidential / Only do what you want us to do / Agree the next steps with you.

The Samaritans helpline provides a safe space for people to talk when things are getting to them; they do not have to be suicidal. People can be themselves and talk to Samaritans by telephone, face-to-face, email and via letter. The Samaritans’ trained volunteers provide listening support to anyone struggling to cope via the helpline which operates round the clock. They provide outreach support to individuals and vulnerable groups including at public events, in prisons, hospitals, schools and the workplace. Email Jo@samaritans.org.


Simon Community Northern Ireland is the leading homelessness charity in Northern Ireland. We operate prevention, accommodation and harm reduction services for people at risk of losing their home or who are already homeless. With a network of 22 hostels from L/Derry to Newry  accommodating single persons and families, every year we assist over 3,000 people who are in need. Our helpline received 33,000 calls in 2013 and each year we deliver over 200 prevention talks to schools and community groups.

The Compassionate Friends Helpline provides support for bereaved parents.  Our Helpline volunteers are all bereaved parents and are there to listen and care when you need someone to talk to and offer emotional support and an opportunity to talk through your feelings.  The Compassionate Friends run support groups for bereaved parents across Northern Ireland.  

The Consumer Council offers free, independent support and advice to all consumers and businesses in Northern Ireland. 

We have powers to investigate complaints about electricity, natural gas, coal, water & sewerage, postal services, airlines, buses, trains, ferry travel, and private parking charges. 

We understand that making a complaint can be stressful and daunting. Our advisors will investigate your complaint on your behalf and keep you updated throughout the process.

We can also give you advice on general consumer issues and if we cannot directly assist you with your issue, we will signpost you to the best organisation who can help.

We also carry out research and educate and inform consumers about their rights. We offer advice on how to save money and manage your household budget. We provide weekly home heating oil prices in your area and help you get the best deal on your home energy costs by comparing electricity and gas tariffs across all suppliers. 

Our service supports vulnerable consumers in all of the areas listed above. We also have dedicated teams to ensure companies who work in the areas mentioned above are meeting the needs of all consumers, especially the most vulnerable in Northern Ireland.

0800 121 6022 or (028) 902 51600

Email: contact@consumercouncil.org.uk


Thirtyone:eight’s safeguarding helpline is somewhere you can call, anonymously if you wish, to get advice and guidance on anything relating to safeguarding concerns, policy, procedure and practice. Our callers include concerned individuals, victims and survivors of abuse, and professional organisations such as churches, charities and statutory agencies.  

NI Helplines Awareness Day

Helplines Supporting NI Through Challenging Times

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