What to expect
Key information about our helpline
We can help if you finding it hard to cope with the pressures you are under, or if your mental or physical health is making it difficult for you to access the support you need.
Phone: 0800 567 7699
Email: helpline@porchlight.org.uk
Our helpline provides information and is a gateway to a range of support to do with housing, mental health, employment, money and benefits, feelings of loneliness and isolation.
The service is free and runs 24/7.
Referrals into Porchlight's services can only be made during office hours (usually 9am-5pm). If you call us out of office hours, we will offer advice and guidance, and make plans for someone to contact you at the next available opportunity.
At times, we can receive a lot of calls - especially between 11am and 2pm - so if you can’t get through straight away we urge you to please keep trying, or you can send us an email. Each call is important to us and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
Taking the first step
We understand that when the pressures start mounting up, it can be very difficult to take the first step to reach out for help.
Our helpline advisers are friendly and will listen carefully so they can give you guidance and help you access the right local support for you personally. They won't judge you and are committed to your privacy.
What will happen if you're referred to us
If you are referred to Porchlight’s services for more help, one our support team will work with you to set achievable goals and actions that can help you move forward. You choose what you want help with and what support you want to access. If we can’t help you directly, we will put you in touch with people who can.
General information we recommend
If you need general information on housing, mental health, money and benefits, and employment, we recommend visiting our pages here.
If you are in emotional distress
If you need help for a mental health crisis, emergency or breakdown, it is important to know that support is still available, even if services seem busy at the moment.
The Release the Pressure team in Kent is available 24/7 to provide urgent support with trained counsellors who will listen, no matter what you are going through.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, feel unable to keep yourself safe or you’re worried about someone else, it may feel overwhelming but you are not alone and there is support out there: text the word Kent to 85258 or call 0800 107 0160 for free confidential support at any time. Their text support service is a 24/7 service. It is confidential, free for most mobile phone networks, and won't show up on your phone bill.
You can also webchat with Mental Health Matters, an independent charity, who are available 24/7.