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Information to keep you safe
Sometimes it can be a minefield to find the information you need, whether on a personal level or for the unique needs of your client. Here you’ll find a range of useful links and resources to signpost you in the right direction.
Always remember if you are in immediate danger call 999
sILENT
solutions
In an emergency and you are fearful for your safety and that of your children, please ring 999 (from your mobile) and try to speak to the operator if you can, even by whispering. You may also be asked to cough or tap the keys on your phone to answer questions.
If you don't speak or answer questions, press 55 when prompted and your call will be transferred to the police. Please note: that pressing 55 only works on mobiles and doesn't allow the police to track your location.
Call 999 from a landline
If you don't speak or answer questions and the operator can only hear background noise, they'll transfer your call to the police.
Safe Spaces
Safe Spaces are available in Boots, Morrisons, Superdrug and Well pharmacies, TSB banks and lots of other independent pharmacies across the UK.
Once you are inside, specialist domestic abuse support information will be available for you to access. Many Safe Spaces are also prepared to respond to the ‘Ask for ANI’ codeword, to provide victims with a discreet way to access help calling the police on 999 or specialist support services.
UK SAYS NO MORE is working with Boots UK, Morrisons, Superdrug and Well pharmacies, TSB banks and independent pharmacies across the UK to provide Safe Spaces in their consultation rooms for people experiencing domestic abuse.
How to access a Safe Space
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Walk into any participating pharmacy in the UK.
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Ask at the healthcare counter to use their Safe Space.
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A pharmacist will show you to the Safe Space. Which will be the consultancy room.
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Once inside, you will find displayed specialist domestic abuse support information for you to access, to make that call or access Bright Sky safely.
Did you know that if you are experiencing domestic abuse and need immediate help, you can ask for ‘ANI’ in a participating pharmacy.
‘ANI’ stands for Action Needed Immediately. If a pharmacy has the ‘Ask for ANI’ logo on display, it means they’re ready to help. They will offer you a private space, provide a phone and ask if you need support from the police or other domestic abuse support services.
Participating pharmacies will display posters in their window and around the shop to let customers know that they can approach their staff to seek help.
Ask for Ani
How does Ask for ANI work?
When a someone uses the codeword or asks for help, the member of staff will ask the victim to accompany them to a consultation room.
They will then check whether the victim is in danger and wants the police to be called. If so, the staff member will offer the use of a phone to dial 999 or make the call on the victim’s behalf. This may be the only opportunity for a victim to contact the police and get immediate help, but in some cases the victim may not need emergency help and the staff member will assist them to contact a national domestic abuse helpline or local support service. They may also contact the police via 101.
Ask for Ani' was launched in response to surging levels of domestic violence during the Covid pandemic.
cutitout
#CutItOut is a major campaign launched by Northamptonshire Police in 2019, aimed at hair and beauty professionals and the wider public as part of its priority to tackle domestic abuse.
The #CutItOut brand originated in Norwich, Norfolk, following a tragic murder. In 2017, weeks after confiding in her hairdresser Annie Reilly, Kerri McAuley was killed by an abusive partner. As a result of this, the campaign, which has since seen success in Rochdale too, was developed.
The launch was also the first training event for more than 160 of Northampton's hair and beauty professionals. Jointly-funded by the force and the OPFCC, it has the full involvement and support of our partners VOICE, the CPS and Crimestoppers.
Sometimes people are more likely to talk to someone they trust about abuse rather than report it to the police. The salon may be the ideal place to seek help as it could be one of the few places their abuser will allow them to go, or go without them.
Brightsky
Bright Sky is a mobile app and website for anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or who is worried about someone else.
The app can be downloaded for free via the app stores. Please only download the app if it is safe for you to do so and if you are sure that your phone isn’t being monitored.
Launched in partnership with Vodafone, the app includes questionnaires to assess the safety of a relationship, plus a section on dispelling myths around domestic and sexual abuse. The website is focused on how to spot the signs of domestic abuse, advice on how to support someone you have concerns for, and ways to find help.
Both have access to a unique UK-wide directory of specialist domestic abuse support services with contact details, and nationwide helplines.
More information:
Bright Sky is a safe, easy to use app and website that provides practical support and information on how to respond to domestic abuse.
NATIONAL HELPLINES
Provides advice, information and support for people affected by alcohol, drug misuse or gambling.
Helpline: 0300 456 429
National Domestic Violence Helpline
24 hour Helpline: 0808 2000 247
National Centre for Domestic Violence
Free emergency injunction service for survivors of domestic violence:
Helpline: 0844 8044999
Offers a range of services aimed at female victims of domestic abuse.
Helpline: 0808 2000247
Domestic Violence charity to support and advocate on behalf of female victims of domestic abuse. If you are in need of information and support, please email: helpline@womensaid.org.uk or contact a local domestic abuse service by using their Domestic Abuse Directory www.womensaid.org.uk/domestic-abuse-directory.
Victim Support National Helpline
Free and confidential support to help victims of crime deal with their experience:
Helpline: 0845 30 30 900
The National LGBT+ Domestic abuse
Helpline: 0800 999 5428
Email: help@galop.org.uk
Support and information for male victims of domestic abuse:
Helpline: 0870 794 412
Confidential helpline for men experiencing domestic violence – emotional support, practical advice and signposting to other services for specialist help
Helpline: 0808 801 0327
Guidance and information to anybody who is currently or has been affected by harassment or stalking
Helpline: 0808 802 0300
Paladin National Stalking Advocacy Service
Advice and support to high risk victims of stalking
Helpline: 0207 840 8960
Support with Honour Based Violence crimes such as Forced Marriage
UK Helpline: 0800 5999 247 | Monday – Friday: 9am – 5pm. info@karmanirvana.org.uk
Professionals contact: help@nspcc.org.uk. 0808 800 5000
18 or under? Childline offers free, confidential advice and support whatever your worry, whenever you need.
Helpline: 0800 1111
One Voice 4 Travellers offer support to women and girls suffering from or affected by abuse, especially domestic abuse.
Helpline: 01945 430 724
Samaritans
Northamptonshire HELPLINES
Contact NDAS
You can access help and support via our helpline. Your call will be answered by fully trained, friendly and supportive staff. Any information you give will be treated confidentially.
Helpline: 0300 0120154
You can also contact us via email or online chat.
For any general enquires, email: info@ndas-org.co.uk
For advice and support, email: advice@ndas-org.co.uk
Please note that these email addresses are only monitored during office hours
Northamptonshire Rape Crisis (NRC) is an independent charity that supports people who have been sexually abused, assaulted or raped. They offer specialist, independent and confidential help and support for both men and women for both historic and current reports.
Helpline: 0300 222 59 30
Northamptonshire Sunflower Centre provides free, confidential advice and support for high risk victims of domestic abuse.
Helpline: 01604 888211
Northamptonshire Voice
Offers free & confidential emotional and practical support and information to male and female victims of crime; victims don’t need to have reported the crime and it doesn’t matter when or where the crime was committed.
Helpline: 0300 3031965
Serenity Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)
If you have been raped or sexually assaulted we will offer you (and your family) practical help and emotional support, including what you want to do next and support you in your choices.
24/7 Helpline: 01604 601713
Email:Serenity@nhft.nhs.uk
S2S provide free and confidential support for adults experiencing difficulties with drugs and alcohol. They’ll listen to your needs and make sure they tailor the support to your needs.
Helpline: 0808 169 8512
Call 111 for non emergencies and 999 for emergencies
The Lowdown (Supporting Young People)
The lowdown is a voluntary Mental Health charity, providing free and confidential counselling, emotional wellbeing, sexual health and LGBTQ support services for 11-25 year olds.
Helpline: 01604 634385
LGBTQ Group: 07585 737482
NADASA is made up of different services across the county working together to support adults and children who risk or have experienced domestic or sexual abuse.
Offer refuge and groupwork to women and children victims of domestic abuse.
Helpline: 01604 230311
eve2eve@eve.org.uk or text 07827 239 496
Support for families and carers affected by the drug or alcohol use in Northamptonshire.
Helpline: 01933 227078
Citizens Advice Witness Service
Citizens Advice Witness Service provides free and independent support for both prosecution and defence witnesses for every criminal court in England and Wales.
General information: 0300 33 21000
The Mental Health Hub Northampton
https://www.nhft.nhs.uk/mentalhealth-number/
Spring- Social Prescribing service in Northamptonshire
https://www.springnorthamptonshire.org/