What to do if you are concerned for someone's welfare

What to do if you are concerned for someone's welfare

If you're concerned about someone's welfare, they need the right care from the right person.

When to call 999
Call 999 if there's:

an immediate risk to life of a person

an immediate risk of serious harm to a person

The most appropriate service will attend. This may be an ambulance or the police.

Medical support
For medical help or advice, you can call 111.

Or you can use the NHS online service:

If you're in England.

If you're in Wales.

Other agencies who could support
If you're concerned about someone who is experiencing emotional distress, contact the Samaritans.

Shout Crisis is a 24/7 text messaging service for mental health support.

The Hub of Hope has a directory of mental health support services.

Mind are a mental health charity providing advice and support.

The NSPCC has a helpline if you’re concerned about a child.

Papyrus has suicide prevention advice.

Other reporting options to the police
If someone has gone missing, you can report that to the police.

If you think an adult or a child might be being abused, cuckooed or in some other way exploited, report that to the police.

If you’re concerned that someone might be the victim of domestic abuse, you can tell the police about that.