There are services across Cambridgeshire which support people when they are in need of urgent help. Make contact today.
Mental health crisis
If you or someone you know, is thinking of hurting themselves, has made threats to hurt you or someone else, and is feeling distress that seems overwhelming or suicide seems the only option: there are many organisations that can help with these feelings.
Contact the NHS First Response Service for mental health support for yourself, or on behalf of someone else. Dial 111 and select option 2. The phone line is available 24 hours a day.
For more general information on support around mental health in Cambridgeshire, go to the Keep Your Head website .
Domestic abuse
Information about domestic abuse is available from Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Domestic Violence Partnership.
There is also support for domestic abuse on the Cambridgeshire Constabulary website.
There are Safe Spaces locations for people experiencing domestic abuse in pharmacies and other organisations across the UK. You can ask to use the safe space, where there will be specialist information around getting help.
Social care crisis
If you are struggling to carry out essential tasks, or are concerned that another adult or older person is unable to look after themselves, please contact us.
Contact us
Telephone: 0345 045 5202 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
Outside office hours
If someone is in danger and unable to protect themselves, or cannot remain in the community without immediate intervention, telephone: 01733 234 724.
In an emergency
If you are worried about an adult who is in immediate danger or needs medical treatment contact the police and/or call an ambulance on 999.
Food banks
Food banks provide emergency food supplies for people in crisis. The Trussell Trust runs a network of over 400 foodbanks including many in Cambridgeshire. You may need a foodbank voucher - contact the foodbank for more information.
Find a foodbank near you - Trussell Trust website
Housing
District councils are responsible for emergency housing and homelessness. They also have housing officers who can provide information and advice on housing issues.
- Cambridge City housing information
- East Cambs housing information
- South Cambs housing information
- Hunts housing information
- Fenland housing information
Help with utilities
Citizen's Advice can help if you are struggling to pay energy bills.
Utility providers have to help you come to a solution.
Anglian Water's WaterCare service can provide practical help to those who need it. This includes people who have a sight or hearing impairment, disability, those who are receiving mental health support, and carers. WaterCare can also help if you are going through a life change which affects your finances.
Anglian Water has a Priority Services register for groups of customers who may be vulnerable. There is also a Anglian Water Extra Care support service if you are going through changes which may affect your finances.
Scope has a Disability Energy Support service. Free energy and water advice to disabled people, helping to manage energy and water needs. Help for any disabled person or household in England or Wales where 1 or more disabled people live.
Money in an emergency
You can find information on budgeting loans and financial help on the Gov.uk website .
Cambridgeshire Local Assistance Scheme can provide a safety net to people facing unexpected financial difficulties and hardship.
The Money Advice Service has free and impartial information. There is a helpline and online chat function.
You can also contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau for advice.
Credit unions
Credit unions are financial organisations which are set up to help people rather than make a profit. They aim to offer loans, encourage people to save and to help those who need financial assistance.
They are a cheaper, safer way to borrow than payday loans or loan sharks.
Members of credit unions have something in common. This could be living in a certain area, working for a certain employer, or in a particular industry.
'Payday' or short term loans
Payday loans are lenders who charge very high interest rates for short term borrowing. Using payday loans can lead to serious debt problems if you miss a repayment.
Money Advice Service - cheaper, lower risk alternatives to payday loans
Loan sharks - illegal money lenders
Loan sharks may seem helpful at first, but can resort to threats or violence if you miss repayments.
Money Advice Service - why it is never a good idea to use a loan shark
