Call Our Coronavirus Support Line: 0808 196 3651 

What is the British Red Cross coronavirus support line? 

The support line was set up to provide support to communities and people in need during the coronavirus pandemic. 

We give people without a support network someone to talk to, and can help them access things they may need like food, medicine and emotional support.

 

Who will you speak to if you call the coronavirus support line?

Our support line is run by our experienced 'psychosocial and mental health' volunteers at the British Red Cross. 

You will speak to a human (no bots here!) like former nurse Chris, who has been volunteering with us for 35 years.

What support can the coronavirus support line provide? 

Chris and the rest of our team of friendly volunteers will be more than happy to provide practical and emotional support, lend a listening ear and give you the contact details of local organisations offering all kinds of help.

Whether for yourself or if you are calling on behalf of someone you know, you can get confidential help with:

• Mental health: coping with self-isolation and loneliness, and a listening ear if you need it.
  
  
• Access to food or medication: collecting prescriptions if you can’t get to the doctors and arranging food deliveries at home.
  
  
• Guidance and advice: we can give you details of where to turn for financial help with rent, bills, benefits and homelessness.
  
  
  

Who is the coronavirus support line for?

The support line is for anyone who is lonely or worried or finding it difficult to access food and medication. 

We want to reach people who may not be receiving help from anywhere else, and who are at risk of further health and well-being issues as a result of isolation. 

This includes people who may be shielding but have no family or support system nearby and can’t get online for help. 

How do you contact the coronavirus support line? 

The number to call is 0808 196 3651

Does it cost anything to call the coronavirus support line?

No, calling our support line is completely free.

What are the hours of operation for the coronavirus support line? 

You can call us every day between 10am – 6pm. 

If you call outside our opening hours, please leave us a message with your contact details. We will get back to you in the morning.

Who can I contact outside the hours of the coronavirus support line?  

If you need someone to talk to someone urgently outside of our opening hours, the Samaritans are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Call the Samaritans for free on 116 123
or write them an email.

If you are worried you or someone you know may be at risk of coronavirus, please use the online NHS 111 coronavirus service. 

How else can you get support during the coronavirus pandemic?

From borrowing a wheelchair to having essentials delivered at home, you can find ways online to get help without calling the support line.

You can find advice about how to keep safe, and if you’re feeling anxious, how to take a calmer approach to your wellbeing.

If you feel lonely, we have information and support that may help. 
 
We have practical tips on how to keep your children happy during isolation, too.

How else are the British Red Cross helping during the coronavirus pandemic?

• Read how we are helping people in the UK and around the world.
  
  
• See how people in need can give help or get help or find more
  information.
  
  
• Find out how lockdown hasn’t stopped our service teams.
  
  
• Discover how our emergency appeal is helping to protect the world’s most vulnerable communities.
  
  
• Visit our press centre to find the latest on our coronavirus work.
  
  

*Your call may be recorded for quality and training purposes.