Tackling the recession: Help and support

General advice

• Directgov provides easy access to the public services you use and the information you need, delivered by the UK government
• Citizen's Advice Bureau online service provides independent advice on your rights
• Advice Now is an independent, not for profit website providing accurate information on rights and legal issues
• Advice UK is the largest UK network of advice-providing organisations

Family and health

Feeling under stress? Support is available for anyone who feels overwhelmed.

• Your local GP surgery can offer support and advice, recommend treatments such as talking therapy or counselling
• The Samaritans offer confidential and emotional support to those experiencing personal crises, and help with managing stress. Call 08457 90 90 90

If your relationship is under pressure, if you are feeling stressed and financial difficulties are getting too much, help and support is available to you.

• Relate provides a wide range of services for couples, families and individuals. You can access support on your own, or with others; face to face, on the phone or through their website. Call 0300 100 1234
• Citizens Advice Bureau offers advice on family matters and individuals rights, should a partnership or marriage end

Advice for younger people and families

• Tax Credit Helpline can advise you on what payments you might be able to claim from the government. Call 0845 300 3900
• Child Benefit Enquiry Line offers tax-free payment that you can claim for your child, available to anyone who qualifies regardless of income or savings. Call 0845 302 1444
• Directgov Young People provides advice, support and guidance to young people (aged 13-19) about any issues from school, college, work or in your personal life. Call 080 800 13 2 19
• Get Connected is a free email and telephone helpline that helps young people find the service best suited to their needs. You explain your problem and they'll explain your options and suggest services where you can get the best help. Call 0808 808 4994
• The Lone Parent Helpline offers advice on maintenance, benefits and money. Call 0808 802 0925
• Youthinformation.com includes over 1,000 information topics and holds contact details for more than 1,200 national organisations

Advice for older people

• AgeUk provides a wide range of information and advice on issues that effect older people. Call 0800 00 99 66
• Home Energy Saving Programme provides assistance to householders to make their homes more energy-efficient. All low-income and pensioner households are entitled to free loft and cavity insulation. Call 0800 512 012

This page was last updated on 23 December 2011