Shameless

If you or your family are living with some of the same problems as the families in Shameless, read on for information on available support.

The 24 Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline - www.womensaid.org.uk or www.refuge.org.uk - is for women experiencing physical, emotional or sexual violence in the home. They provide advice, information and support. Callers can be referred to local refuges and emergency and temporary accommodation on 0808 2000 247 ( free, confidential and open 24 hours a day).

The Helpline is a member of Language Line and can provide access to an interpreter for non-English speaking callers. The helpline can also access the BT Type Talk Service for deaf callers.

Callers in Northern Ireland can call 0800 917 1414 which is open 24 hours a day, or website www.niwaf.org.

Men experiencing domestic violence and abuse often need legal advice, emotional support or counselling, parenting support and information, help and guidance in finding alternative accommodation. The Men's Advice Line is a confidential helpline for men who experience violence from their partners or ex-partners. Call 0808 801 0327 (free, Monday to Friday 10am to 1pm, 2 to 5pm).

If you want to report a crime, but are uncomfortable going directly to the police, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 (free, open 24 hours a day). Crimes can be reported in confidence, anonymously if you prefer, and calls are not traced.

NAPAC - The National Association for People Abused in Childhood (www.napac.org.uk) provide support no matter how long ago the abuse took place, pointing people in the right direction to take control of their own recovery.  Call 0800 085 3330 (free & confidential,  Monday - Thursday 2pm - 8pm, Tuesday morning 11am -1.30pm, Friday evening 4pm – 8pm).

Stop It Now! advises anyone who has abused, or thought about abusing, a child.  They also support the family and friends of abusers. They encourage abusers to recognise their behaviour problems and seek help to change. Call 0808 1000 900 (free, confidential, Monday to Thursday 9am to 9pm, Friday 9am to 7pm). 

If you’re a young person ChildLine provides free and confidential counselling for anyone up to the age of 18. Call 0800 11 11 (free, open 24 hours a day). If you have difficulty in hearing or in using a regular phone try the textphone service on 0800 400 222.

They also provide a special helpline called The Line for any young person living away from home. This is the helpline for you if you live in a foster home or a children's home, if you're at boarding school or you've been in hospital for a long time. You can call The Line on 0800 88 44 44 (free, Monday to Friday 3.30pm to 9.30pm, Weekends 2pm to 8pm). ChildLine phone lines can be very busy  but do keep trying and you will get through. 

If you’re concerned about the safety of a child call the NSPCC Child Protection Helpline on 0808 800 5000 (free, confidential, 24 hour a day). A free textphone service is in place for people who are hard of hearing on 0800 056 0566.  There’s also an email helpline, send messages to  help@nspcc.org.uk.

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