Ukrainian migrant support hub

A gateway for Ukrainian migrants and those who support them to access information, events and services.
Шлюз для доступу до інформації, подій та послуг для українських мігрантів та тих, хто їх підтримує.

Emergencies & crime

Violence and crimes

If you or someone else is threatened with violence, or there is a serious crime that has just happened, or is happening now, you should call 999 and ask for the police. They will ask you about the situation and where you are. If necessary, they will send a police officer.

If the crime has already happened or an urgent response isn’t required, you should call 101.

Calling 999

Dial 999 on a phone to speak to the emergency ambulance, police or fire services.

What should I do if my phone has no credit?

999 calls are free and you do not need credit on your phone.

Can I call 999 if I don’t speak English?

Yes. If you can't speak English, try saying the word ‘help’ in your own language, or say the name of your language. Stay on the line and don't hang up. The operator will try to identify your language and connect you to an interpreter service.

If there is someone nearby who can speak English it may be best to try and show them what has happened and get them to call.

What should I do if my partner is violent, and I can’t talk out loud?

Call 999. After you have connected, press ‘55’ on your phone. You will be transferred to the police. They will ask you simple yes or no questions, which you can respond to by tapping number buttons on your phone.

How do I use 999 if I'm hard of hearing or speech impaired?

If you're using the Relay UK app, type the 999 button. If you're using a textphone, call 18000. You'll then be connected to a Relay Assistant. Tell them which emergency service you need.

Can I send SMS messages to 999?

The emergencySMS service is for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech impairments, letting them send SMS messages to 999. You need to register with this service before you can use it.

Sexual assault

If you have been raped or sexually assaulted, there are services that can support you. Sexual assault includes any sexual act which you were forced into or didn’t consent to. This may include penetration of the vagina, anus or mouth, groping or forced kissing. It may have been from someone you know, or your partner. Being in a relationship does not mean you have given your consent.

Sexual assault and rape are very serious crimes, but it is up to you whether you choose to report it to the police. You will still be able to get support and protection if you don’t choose to report it. People of all ages and genders can be at risk and you should not feel afraid to get help.

What to do if you've recently been raped or assaulted

You may be feeling many strong emotions, or feel numb and confused. If there is someone you trust and are able to talk to, you might want to talk to them first. There are also free services you can talk to at any time.

You should get medical help as soon as possible, as you may now be at risk of sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy, or have injuries. If you have serious injuries you should call 999 and ask for an ambulance, or go to your nearest accident and emergency.

You don’t need to decide if you want to report the crime immediately – but if possible, avoid washing or changing your clothes immediately after, as these may provide important forensic evidence if you do report it.

Sexual Assault Referral Centres

Sexual Assault Referral Centres provide free medical, practical and emotional support to people who have been sexually assaulted or raped. They can provide you with medical exams, testing for sexually transmitted diseases, emergency contraception, and refer you to mental health support.

If you choose to report the crime to the police, they can connect you with a specially trained police officer. They will explain what will happen next if you choose to do this.

Getting help if it happened some time ago

There are many services to support you, even if it happened years ago. There are services who you can talk to and get free advice, or therapy. 

Where to get help
Search for support options
Am I allowed to defend myself if someone attacks me?

You are allowed to use reasonable force to defend yourself, protect your property or prevent a crime. You may arrest someone yourself if they are committing a crime.

Am I allowed to attack a burglar who enters my home?

You are allowed to use reasonable force to protect yourself, and you don’t necessarily need to wait to be attacked before attacking.

Can I carry a weapon to defend myself?

Carrying weapons in the UK is illegal. This includes knifes, pepper spray and any item designed to cause injury to others.

What should I do if someone threatens me or is verbally abusive because of my race, religion, sexuality or disability?

If you believe you are in danger you should call 999 immediately and ask for the police. If the event has already passed, or you’re not in immediate danger, you should report them to the police by calling 101 or reporting it to a hate crime service. 

Where to get help
Search for support options
Should I be afraid of the police?

You should not be afraid to talk to the police if you have been the victim of a crime. The police are there to uphold the law, and should never use violence against you or ask you for money or bribes.

Medical emergencies
Life-threatening emergencies

If you or someone else needs immediate medical help for a life-threatening emergency you should call 999 or go to the nearest A&E hospital. When you call 999, you should first say ‘ambulance’. You will then be asked questions about the situation, where you are, and for a number they can call you on. If necessary, they will send a paramedic.

Where to get help
National Health Service
Find Your Nearest A&E
Calling 999

Dial 999 on a phone to speak to the emergency ambulance, police or fire services.

What should I do if my phone has no credit?

999 calls are free and you do not need credit on your phone.

Can I call 999 if I don’t speak English?

Yes. If you can't speak English, try saying the word ‘help’ in your own language, or say the name of your language. Stay on the line and don't hang up. The operator will try to identify your language and connect you to an interpreter service.

If there is someone nearby who can speak English it may be best to try and show them what has happened and get them to call.

What should I do if my partner is violent, and I can’t talk out loud?

Call 999. After you have connected, press ‘55’ on your phone. You will be transferred to the police. They will ask you simple yes or no questions, which you can respond to by tapping number buttons on your phone.

How do I use 999 if I'm hard of hearing or speech impaired?

If you're using the Relay UK app, type the 999 button. If you're using a textphone, call 18000. You'll then be connected to a Relay Assistant. Tell them which emergency service you need.

Can I send SMS messages to 999?

The emergencySMS service is for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech impairments, letting them send SMS messages to 999. You need to register with this service before you can use it.

Urgent but not life-threatening situations

If you have a problem that is not life-threatening, but needs urgent help, you should call 111 or go to your nearest urgent treatment centre or walk-in centre. These centres are usually only open in the day time. If you call 111, they will ask you about the situation, and tell you what you should do next.

Where to get help
National Health Service
NHS 111
National Health Service
Find Walk-in Centre Services
Mental health crisis

If you or someone else needs urgent help due to a mental health issue, you can call an NHS helpline. You will be able to talk with a mental health professional who can give advice and support.

If they have tried to hurt themselves, or have attempted suicide, you should call 999 or go to your nearest accident and emergency hospital. If they are having suicidal thoughts or are feeling very anxious, and can speak English, there are free listening services such as Samaritans that can be called at any time, who will listen to you. They cannot offer advice or practical help.

Where to get help
Search for support options
Fire

You should call 999 and say ‘fire’. You will be connected to the fire services who will ask about the situation and where you are.

Calling 999

Dial 999 on a phone to speak to the emergency ambulance, police or fire services.

What should I do if my phone has no credit?

999 calls are free and you do not need credit on your phone.

Can I call 999 if I don’t speak English?

Yes. If you can't speak English, try saying the word ‘help’ in your own language, or say the name of your language. Stay on the line and don't hang up. The operator will try to identify your language and connect you to an interpreter service.

If there is someone nearby who can speak English it may be best to try and show them what has happened and get them to call.

What should I do if my partner is violent, and I can’t talk out loud?

Call 999. After you have connected, press ‘55’ on your phone. You will be transferred to the police. They will ask you simple yes or no questions, which you can respond to by tapping number buttons on your phone.

How do I use 999 if I'm hard of hearing or speech impaired?

If you're using the Relay UK app, type the 999 button. If you're using a textphone, call 18000. You'll then be connected to a Relay Assistant. Tell them which emergency service you need.

Can I send SMS messages to 999?

The emergencySMS service is for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech impairments, letting them send SMS messages to 999. You need to register with this service before you can use it.

Car accidents

If you’re involved in a vehicle accident that has caused damage or injuries, here is what you need to do.

1
Stop your car

The law says that you must stop as soon as it’s safe to do so, even if it seems like a small accident.

Turn off the engine, and then turn on your the car’s hazard lights to show other road users that they need to be careful

2
Check for injuries

Check whether you or anyone involved in the accident are injured. If there’s a medical emergency, call 999.

Calling 999

Dial 999 on a phone to speak to the emergency ambulance, police or fire services.

What should I do if my phone has no credit?

999 calls are free and you do not need credit on your phone.

Can I call 999 if I don’t speak English?

Yes. If you can't speak English, try saying the word ‘help’ in your own language, or say the name of your language. Stay on the line and don't hang up. The operator will try to identify your language and connect you to an interpreter service.

If there is someone nearby who can speak English it may be best to try and show them what has happened and get them to call.

What should I do if my partner is violent, and I can’t talk out loud?

Call 999. After you have connected, press ‘55’ on your phone. You will be transferred to the police. They will ask you simple yes or no questions, which you can respond to by tapping number buttons on your phone.

How do I use 999 if I'm hard of hearing or speech impaired?

If you're using the Relay UK app, type the 999 button. If you're using a textphone, call 18000. You'll then be connected to a Relay Assistant. Tell them which emergency service you need.

Can I send SMS messages to 999?

The emergencySMS service is for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech impairments, letting them send SMS messages to 999. You need to register with this service before you can use it.

3
If needed, call the police

If the accident is blocking the road, dial 999 and ask for the police.

Calling 999

Dial 999 on a phone to speak to the emergency ambulance, police or fire services.

What should I do if my phone has no credit?

999 calls are free and you do not need credit on your phone.

Can I call 999 if I don’t speak English?

Yes. If you can't speak English, try saying the word ‘help’ in your own language, or say the name of your language. Stay on the line and don't hang up. The operator will try to identify your language and connect you to an interpreter service.

If there is someone nearby who can speak English it may be best to try and show them what has happened and get them to call.

What should I do if my partner is violent, and I can’t talk out loud?

Call 999. After you have connected, press ‘55’ on your phone. You will be transferred to the police. They will ask you simple yes or no questions, which you can respond to by tapping number buttons on your phone.

How do I use 999 if I'm hard of hearing or speech impaired?

If you're using the Relay UK app, type the 999 button. If you're using a textphone, call 18000. You'll then be connected to a Relay Assistant. Tell them which emergency service you need.

Can I send SMS messages to 999?

The emergencySMS service is for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech impairments, letting them send SMS messages to 999. You need to register with this service before you can use it.

4
Exchange contact details

Give your name and address to the other people who were involved. The law requires this, but you don’t have to give your phone number. 

Ask for their name and address. If they won’t tell you, dial 101 on your phone to speak to the police.

If you have hit a parked car and the owner isn’t there, write your details on a piece of paper and slide this under the windscreen wipers so they can find it.

At this stage, it’s usually best not to admit that the accident was your fault. The police or insurance companies will decide that later.

5
Collect other information

If possible make a note of the following:

  • the vehicle registration number of all vehicles involved
  • insurance details of the other drivers involved
  • who is the registered owner of all vehicles involved, and their name and address.
  • details about the accident including the time and date, weather conditions, and a list of damage caused and any injuries
  • photos of the scene of the accident

If there are other witnesses, you could ask for their contact details now.

6
Report the accident

You should report the accident to the police within 24 hours if you couldn’t exchange contact details with the other driver, or if anyone was injured. You can do this online, or at a police station.

If you want to make an insurance claim, contact the insurer as soon as you can. If there is very little damage, such as a small mark or scratch, you might not want to make an insurance claim.

Rescue from the sea or mountains

The UK has rescue services that can help you if you are in trouble at sea or in mountain areas. Call 999 and ask for the coast guard or mountain rescue.

Calling 999

Dial 999 on a phone to speak to the emergency ambulance, police or fire services.

What should I do if my phone has no credit?

999 calls are free and you do not need credit on your phone.

Can I call 999 if I don’t speak English?

Yes. If you can't speak English, try saying the word ‘help’ in your own language, or say the name of your language. Stay on the line and don't hang up. The operator will try to identify your language and connect you to an interpreter service.

If there is someone nearby who can speak English it may be best to try and show them what has happened and get them to call.

What should I do if my partner is violent, and I can’t talk out loud?

Call 999. After you have connected, press ‘55’ on your phone. You will be transferred to the police. They will ask you simple yes or no questions, which you can respond to by tapping number buttons on your phone.

How do I use 999 if I'm hard of hearing or speech impaired?

If you're using the Relay UK app, type the 999 button. If you're using a textphone, call 18000. You'll then be connected to a Relay Assistant. Tell them which emergency service you need.

Can I send SMS messages to 999?

The emergencySMS service is for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech impairments, letting them send SMS messages to 999. You need to register with this service before you can use it.

What should I do if I smell gas?

You should open the windows and leave your house immediately. You should then call the National Gas Emergency Service number on 0800 111 999, who will send out a gas engineer.

Do I have to pay to use emergency services?

No