Read on for information and support organisations if you've suffered a violent attack or a bereavement. There's also information on how to stay safe and how to help others.
Victim Supportline can provide help and information for anyone who has been affected by a crime, including a violent or sexual assault. It doesn't matter when the crime took place or what type of crime it was. You might not want to involve the police but instead want someone to listen to how you feel. If you do want to go to the police, Victim Support can help you deal with this and can accompany you at court. Call them on 0845 30 30 900 (local call rate, Monday-Friday 9am-9pm, Saturday/Sunday 9am-7pm, Bank Holidays 9am-5pm). Typetalk users should dial 18001 0845 30 30 900. You can also email them on supportline@victimsupport.org.uk.
If you want to report a crime, but are uncomfortable going directly to the police, you can call Crimestoppers, the independent charity working to fight crime, on 0800 555 111 (free, confidential, 24 hours a day, every day). Crimes can be reported in confidence, anonymously if you prefer, and calls are not traced.
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority is the organisation to contact for information about the government funded Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme for victims of criminal injury. You can find out more by calling 0800 358 3601 (free, Monday-Friday 9am-5pm).
Headway gives help and support to people affected by brain injury through a network of local groups and branches throughout the UK. They offer a wide range of services including rehabilitation programmes, carer support, social re-integration, community outreach and respite care. The services available will vary, depending on local needs and resources. Call the Headway Helpline for information, advice on sources of support, local rehabilitation services and a listening ear on 0808 800 2244 (free, Monday-Friday 9am-5pm) or email helpline@headway.org.uk.
The Child Death Helpline offers support to anyone affected by the death of a child, whatever age. The line is staffed by bereaved parents. Call 0800 282 986 (free, every evening 7pm-10pm, Monday-Friday 10am-1pm, Tuesday/Wednesday 10am-4pm).
Cruse Bereavement Care support all bereaved people. They offer advice, support, help and information, no matter how recently or long ago your loved one died. Call their helpline 0844 477 9400 (Monday-Friday 9.30am-5pm). Cruse also run services aimed specifically at supporting young people aged 12 to 18 (www.rd4u.org.uk ) on 0808 808 1677 (free, Monday-Friday 9.30am-5pm).
The organisation Support after Murder and Manslaughter or SAMM is a self-help group who offer understanding and support to families and friends who have been bereaved as a result of murder or manslaughter. Call their helpline 0845 872 3440 (local call rate Monday-Friday 9am-5pm), where your call will be answered by someone who has suffered a similar tragedy. You can also email enquiries@samm.org.uk.
If you would like training in what to do when faced with an accident or medical emergency, St John Ambulance are the leading providers of first aid training. As well as their traditional courses they run a series of short (some only 3-hour) courses aimed at specific needs such as Emergency Life Support, Basic First Aid or Family First Aid. You can book a course on line or call their information line 08700 10 49 50 (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm).
If you're an adult concerned about your safety in any situation, the Suzy Lamplugh Trust work to help people avoid violence and aggression and live safer, more confident lives. For further information email info@suzylamplugh.org or go to their website, where there's a lot of useful information on helping to avoid problems in many situations.
Most local areas offer courses in martial arts and self-defence systems. Contact your nearest leisure or health centre what courses they run or check local press and websites for details of such courses.
