100+ organisations and resources offering help with VAWG and much more. Scroll down to find Plymouth-centred guidance and support related to:
1 Domestic abuse
2 Stalking
3 Sexual abuse
4 Technical precautions (online and mobile safety)
5 Protective Orders
6 Financial support
7 Food
8 Housing
9 Pets
10 Child contact
11 Support for children
12 Support for carers
13 Finding companionship
14 Alcohol/drug dependency
15 Behavioural change support
16 Neurodiversity
17 Adult mental health
18 Military
19 The courts
Please email info@plymsorop.org.uk if you find a broken link or incorrect telephone number. This page was last updated 27-Jul-2026
1 DOMESTIC ABUSE
National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247
Integrated Domestic Abuse Service Plymouth (IDASP) – whether someone needs support in the community, a safe place to stay, or help to rebuild their life, they can access the support they need through this coordinated network of specialist providers
01752 429736 / https://www.idasp.org/
Trevi – for women-only support www.trevi.org.uk
Little Sanctuary – provides a drop-in safe space for women who have experienced overlapping and/or complex trauma including childhood, sexual, domestic, repeated abusive relationships, addiction, child removals, homelessness and offending www.transformingplymouthtogether.org.uk/little-sanctuary / fiona@greenspacehub.co.uk
Intercom Trust – for LGBTQ+ support www.intercomtrust.org.uk
Mankind – for men-only support 01823 334244 / www.mankind.org.uk
Aurora – armed forces advocacy service for naval and army, supporting domestic abuse victims currently serving or where suspect is currently serving
02392 479254 / armedforces@aurorand.org.uk
See section 18 further down this page for other military-related resources
Highbury Trust – delivers domestic abuse awareness course in 12 sessions over 6 weeks via WISER programme designed for women with a learning disability or borderline learning disability
07763 501954 / www.plymouthhighburytrust.org.uk / nicola.lambert@plymouthhighburytrust.org.uk
The Olive Project – helping BAME women with housing, immigration, accessing benefits, safety planning and domestic/sexual trauma 07990 858510
Karma Nirvana – specialists in supporting people affected by honour-based abuse 0800 5999 247
2 STALKING
National Stalking Helpline 0808 802 0300
Suzy Lamplugh Trust – provides guidance and advice 07747 611308
www.protectionagainststalking.com
Paladin National Stalking Advocacy Service 020 3866 4107
‘Hollie Guard’ app turns your mobile device into an emergency tool, automatically recording audio and video data without needing to unlock your phone
‘Peoplesafe’ app is a personal safety and lone worker alarm application that turns a smartphone into a monitored emergency device
3 SEXUAL ABUSE
SALT – Sexual Abuse Listening Therapy Plymouth – runs courses, 1:1s and workshops; provides letters to employers to help people get reasonable adjustments made to enable them to attend work 01752 600599 / email@saltsouthwest.co.uk / text only 07469 200256
First Light – offers therapy and counselling 03458 121212 / info@firstlight.org.uk
Operation Emotion – support for men who have been sexually abused 07539 810096 / opem@pm.me
4 TECHNICAL PRECAUTIONS (online and mobile safety)
www.refugetechsafety.org has a map of a house explaining what to consider in the home in terms of passwords, camera and location settings, and advice on domestic safety and security
www.thecyberhelpline.com offers self-help through a 24/7 chatbot, expert helpline and in some cases investigations through their 150+ IT volunteers
National Databank Good Things Foundation can help with free mobile data for 12 months https://www.goodthingsfoundation.org/databank/
Avast One app can tell you whether any tracking apps have been downloaded onto your device, and includes a VPN option to hide online activity
5 PROTECTIVE ORDERS SUPPORT
NCDV www.ncdv.org.uk / 0800 9702070 / text NCDV to 60777
Gill Akaster 01752 203500
Ria Cohen 07791 881697 (not Legal Aid)
Family Law 01752 674999
Nash & Co 01752 664444
University Law Clinic 01752 585502
Wolferstans 01752 663295
Woollcombe Younge 01752 660384
6 FINANCIAL SUPPORT
www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators will help you work out what benefits you are entitled to
Citizens Advice Bureau 03444 111 444 / for debt enquiries text DEBT to 78866 / for all other enquiries text ADVICE to 78866
Money Advice Plymouth – a debt advice service that assesses you to create a personalised financial statement, and helps you consider options like Debt Relief Orders, Bankruptcy and Individual Voluntary Arrangements 01752 208156 / www.moneyadviceplymouth.org.uk
National Databank Good Things Foundation can help with free mobile data for 12 months https://www.goodthingsfoundation.org/databank/
7 FOOD
Plymouth soup run – location varies daily, contact them for times and locations
01752 404134 / http://www.plymouthsouprun.org.uk / info@plymouthsouprun.org.uk
Plymouth Foodbank
Call their referral partner Plymouth City Council, who will be able to issue you with a foodbank voucher if necessary
Call 01752 668000, option 1 then option 3, or go to www.plymouth.foodbank.org.uk
8 HOUSING
Fire safety and arson threats – Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service will conduct a fire safety review, check existing safety measures and add extra where required, and can be contacted if threats of arson are received or for issues with hoarding or unsafe exit points
0800 0502 999 / firekills@dsfire.gov.uk
Homeless or at risk of homelessness?
– Plymouth City Council can help find housing, check eligibility for housing benefits, and help with housing-related legal issues
– If you have children below 18 years old, child social services can help with emergency housing
*** If you are fleeing domestic abuse, it is important that you SAY “fleeing domestic abuse” when you request support for emergency housing ***
01752 668000 / CommunityConnections@plymouth.gov.uk
Shelter – offers local housing rights workshops, and free face-to-face advice via drop-in or appointments
Ernest English House, Buckwell Street, Plymouth PL1 2DA
0808 800 4444 / www.england.shelter.org.uk / devon@shelter.org.uk
Women’s Aid – can provide 24/7 advice, and advise where refuge space is available across the UK 0808 2000 247
9 PETS
Refuge4Pets
– can offer support with fostering pets whilst you are in emergency accommodation
– may be able to provide pet food if you have experienced financial abuse
– can help with pet chip updates if you are worried about your abuser finding out your new address
0300 4000 121 / info@refuge4pets.org.uk
RSPCA www.rspca.org.uk/reportaconcern / call 0300 123 8960 or use the online chat on their website
10 CHILD CONTACT
AppClose – this court-approved app helps separated parents to manage child contact, schedules, expenses, and communication
– Send text messages and make audio or video calls without sharing your phone number or location
– Messages cannot be deleted or changed by users, and can be shared with the court if you need to
Child Social Services Plymouth 01752 668000
11 SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN
Barnardo’s
– works with children and young people who are in care, have a disability, are young carers or are in a vulnerable position
– provides education, training, advocates, mental health advice, homelessness support, supports care leavers
www.barnardos.org.uk/get-support-for-young-people
We Matter – for kids aged 8-17 who have witnessed or experienced domestic abuse and are no longer living with perpetrator WeMatter@victimsupport.org.uk
NSPCC 0808 800 5000 / help@nspcc.org.uk
Childline 0800 1111
Papyrus – “hopeline” for teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal 0300 102 2470 / text HOPE to 88247 / or use the 24/7 live webchat button at https://www.papyrus-uk.org/help-me/hopeline-24-7
The Zone – supporting young people with issues with mental health, housing, financial support, sexual health, counselling, drug and alcohol support
14-16 Union Street, Plymouth PL1 2SR
Their website has opening hours and info on when appointments or walk-ins are offered https://www.thezoneplymouth.co.uk/contact
01752 206626 / info@thezoneplymouth.co.uk
12 SUPPORT FOR CARERS
Caring4Carers – has dedicated groups for under-16s and those aged 16-25
01752 201890 / caringforcarers@improvinglivesplymouth.org.uk
13 FINDING COMPANIONSHIP
Sunflower Women’s Centre – one-to-one support and group programmes, practical support, advocacy, and access to wider services including debt advice and health and wellbeing
Also offers socialising via cookery groups, art therapy, book clubs, crochet and craft groups etc, armed forces support, relationship support
01752 255 758 / admissions@trevi.org.uk
Andy’s Man Club – a drop in, no need to book – open to all males who are struggling with emotional difficulties or suicidal thoughts
They meet every Monday at 7pm (except bank holidays)
Find your nearest location at https://andysmanclub.co.uk/groups/
Men’s Sheds – supporting connection, conversation and creation, encouraging people to come together to make, repair and repurpose, supporting projects in their communities
There are a number of ‘sheds’ in Plymouth including Veterans Men’s Shed, Janner Men’s Shed, Derriford Men’s Shed, Keyham Green Places, Plymouth Men’s Shed, as well as sheds in Yealmpton and Saltash
01392 257505 / https://menssheds.org.uk/find-a-shed/
14 ALCOHOL/DRUG DEPENDENCY
Harbour
Hyde Park House, Mutley PL4 6LF
01752 434343 / harbourcentre@harbour.org.uk
Hamoaze House – support for everyone in a family where there is drug/alcohol abuse 01752 566100 / office@hamoazehouse.org.uk
Alcoholics Anonymous 0845 769 7555
Narcotics Anonymous 0300 999 1212
15 BEHAVIOURAL CHANGE SUPPORT
Gifted Women – supports women who have been out of work or education for 6 months or more into employment,
to rebuild their lives after facing homelessness, problematic substance abuse or having had criminal convictions,
via trauma-informed courses to increase confidence, one-to-one support, employability drop-ins, social drop-ins, work experience placements, and support to overcome the barriers of moving forward with life
07931 462893 / www.giftedwomen.org.uk / info@giftedwomen.co.uk
AHIMSA – supporting loving non-violent relationships, by working with people who cause harm to change their behaviour, while supporting their (ex)partners and families to stay safer – offers one-to-one sessions and group work over 30 weeks – also runs groups for 16-25 year olds
01752 213535 / enquiries@ahimsa.org.uk
Respect Phoneline – a confidential and anonymous helpline offering advice, information and support for anyone concerned about their violence and/or abuse towards a partner or ex-partner
Call 0808 802 4040 (Mon-Fri 10am-5pm) / webchat (Mon-Fri 9am-10am) at www.respectphoneline.org.uk
CFO Evolution – tailored support for offenders
CFO particularly works with those who are considered disadvantaged, are ill-equipped to effectively engage with the mainstream, face barriers preventing them from successfully reintegrating into their local community, lack the hard and softer life/functional skills required by employers, and are not fully supported by existing programmes
07955 442407 / www.creatingfutureopportunities.gov.uk/cfo-evolution/ / plymouth.hub@seetec.co.uk
16 NEURODIVERSITY
https://ndconnection.co.uk/resources/grooming-and-coercive-control – a library of resources for neurodiverse issues
Livewell Southwest – Children, Young People and Families (CYPFS) Neurodiversity Wellbeing Team for Plymouth
– offers support for children and families who are registered with a Plymouth GP facing difficulties associated with neurodiversity and those on waiting lists in Plymouth for CAMHS and CDC
01752 435404 / https://www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk/children-young-people-and-families-neurodiversity-wellbeing-team
Plymouth Information, Advice and Support for SEND Service (PIASS) – offers support to children, young people and parents of children with SEN – they can attend meetings and liaise with professionals 01752 258933 / www.plymouthias.org.uk
Friends and Families of Special Needs Children – empowering families with disabled children – monthly activities for children who are disabled/with SEN and their carers & siblings, sessions around inform and support with DLA applications, EHCP workshops, and has a lending library 01752 204369 / www.friendsandfamilies.org.uk
Transition to Adulthood – a ‘padlet’ bringing together multiple resources and signposting support to help your child navigate their way into adulthood https://padlet.com/helenlittle/transition-to-adulthood-nayvhb4f94efngsp
17 ADULT MENTAL HEALTH
*** When struggling, it is not uncommon for people to have difficult thoughts or feelings of hopelessness – it is very important that you seek help from the right sources if you are having thoughts of hurting yourself ***
Mental Health First Response at NHS 111 is open 24 hours, 7 days per week – dial 111 when experiencing mental health distress or a crisis, and select the mental health option (you can also phone NHS 111 for urgent medical problems)
24 hour Plymouth Mental Health Team support line 01752 434922 / 0800 923 9323
Samaritans 116 123 (free from mobile or landline) / in person at 20 Oxford Place, Western Approach, Plymouth PL1 5AJ
Staying Safe – if you’re struggling and you’re not sure if you want to live or die, before you do anything, look at this site and watch the videos for some ideas about how to get through https://stayingsafe.net
Valued Lives 01209 901438 (7 days a week 5pm-midnight)
SHOUT – 24/7 text service – text Shout to 85258
SANE 4pm-10.30pm 365 days a year 0300 304 7000
Campaign against living miserably (CALM) – organisation supporting men who feel suicidal (open 5pm to midnight) 0800 58 58 58
CRUSE bereavement – for those in crisis following bereavement (weekdays 9.30-5pm, except Tuesday 1-8pm) 0808 808 1677 / www.cruse.org.uk
Phone apps:
The ‘Stay Alive’ phone app is a suicide prevention resource that you can use if you are thinking of harming yourself or if you are concerned that somebody else may be considering suicide
‘Calm Harm’ app can help you identify and manage the urge to self-harm
‘Hub of Hope’ app is a comprehensive directory of community mental health services to find support for yourself or someone else
Non-emergency mental health support:
Mental Health Matters – provides out of hours telephone support for patients of Community Mental Health Teams 0800 001 4330
Plymouth Options – Plymouth Talking Therapies service – if you’re aged 16+ and feeling anxious, low or stressed, you can self-refer at 01752 435419 / https://www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk/plymouth-options / livewell.plymouthoptions@nhs.net
MIND – Support groups, outreach work, training / Runs workshops, support groups and courses / Has a day centre and a café 01752 264960 www.plymouthmind.com
Rethink Mental Illness – supports people to become more involved in social, leisure, educational, training, volunteering, and employment opportunities outside their home; empowers independent living; helps people to make positive and meaningful links with others
01752 251072 (Mon-Fri 9-5pm) / https://www.rethink.org / plymouthservices@rethink.org
Marbles Lost and Found (It’s OK not to be OK) – a mental health information hub and community
https://www.facebook.com/marblewarriors/?locale=en_GB / nicky@marbleslostandfound.org
Hub of Hope – the UK’s largest and most comprehensive directory of community mental health services to find a service for yourself or if you want to support someone who is struggling https://hubofhope.co.uk/ / ‘Hub of Hope’ mobile app
Man Down UK – dedicated to supporting men with mental health challenges, they run informal, peer-led talking groups that provide a safe, judgment-free space for men to share their struggles and connect with others who understand https://mandown.org
Overcoming – understand your symptoms and start feeling better, with a range of self-help guides on over 30 emotional and psychological problems https://overcoming.co.uk/
Living Life to the Full – their proven CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) approach can help you to help yourself, by learning to sort out your feelings when you feel low, worried or hopeless using their free self-help courses and downloads https://llttf.com/
CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) – handouts in one handy place https://www.getselfhelp.co.uk
MentalHealth.org – guidance on topics from coping with trauma to eating disorders, from suicide prevention to panic attacks https://www.mentalhealth.org/
Please be aware that their guidance and signposting for military veterans is aimed at the US, not the UK
Beat Eating Disorders – the UK’s eating disorder charity
Monday-Friday 3-8pm: helpline 0808 801 0677 / one-to-one webchat at https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/
For other non-emergency medical/mental health interventions, contact your GP during normal working hours
18 MILITARY
Aurora – armed forces advocacy service for naval and army, supporting domestic abuse victims currently serving or where suspect is currently serving
02392 479254 / armedforces@aurorand.org.uk
Op Nova – supports veterans and their families with education and employment, housing, mental health, relationships, and drug and alcohol support
0800 917 7299 / opnova@forcesemployment.org.uk
Op Courage South West – the specialist NHS mental health and wellbeing service for military veterans, service leavers, and reservists, with guidance on housing, debts, welfare, employment and social inclusion
0300 034 9986 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) / https://www.mhm.org.uk/op-courage-south-west / mevs.mhm@nhs.net
Plymouth Veterans and Family Hub – run by veterans and their families, for veterans and their families
– Social activity, including Brew & Banter, Bingo and Fish & Chip night
– Peer support and mentoring
– Information, advice and guidance on employment, housing, welfare benefits etc
01752 241057 / https://www.improvinglivesplymouth.org.uk/veterans-and-family-hub / VFHub@improvinglivesplymouth.org.uk
SSAFA – The Armed Forces charity 0800 260 6780 / https://www.ssafa.org.uk/
Help for Heroes https://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/
Combat Stress – helps military veterans with issues relating to mental health 0800 323 4444
Royal British Legion 0808 802 8080 / https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/
Royal Navy and Royal Marines Welfare 0800 145 6088
Naval Families Federation – supporting RN and RM serving personnel and their families with advice on housing, education, family life (including domestic abuse, separation, parenting), finance, health and more 023 9265 4374 / https://nff.org.uk/ / contactus@nff.org.uk
Naval Children’s Charity (NCC) – provides a wealth of support, guidance and resources to help dependent children (up to and including the age of 25) whose parents/guardians serve or have served in the Royal Navy and who are in need, hardship or distress – they offer financial assistance, free resources and a range of opportunities to address the challenges that the children and young people face as a result of their parents’ service
– see https://www.navalchildrenscharity.org.uk/life-chances/ to access sports camps, sailing trips, theatre workshops, craft courses, tech camp and more
– see https://www.navalchildrenscharity.org.uk/university-bursary-scheme/ for university bursaries
023 9263 9534 (08:30-16:00 Monday to Friday) / https://www.navalchildrenscharity.org.uk/ / caseworkers@navalchildrenscharity.org.uk
Give Us Time – provides UK Forces families with free holiday accommodation, so they can take time to rest, recover and restore relationships
07411 665354 / enquiries@giveustime.org.uk / https://giveustime.org.uk/
Military Kids Club Heroes (MKC Heroes) – a school-based peer support group for children and young people from Armed Forces and veteran families across Plymouth, helping them cope with challenges like parental deployment, separation, and frequent school moves
https://www.mkcheroes.org/ / https://www.facebook.com/p/Future-Fit-Military-Kids-Club-Heroes-100092515244917/ / info@mkcheroes.org
19 THE COURTS
Community Advice & Support Service (CASS+) – free, confidential, practical help and emotional support (not legal advice) if you’re going through criminal court proceedings in Exeter, Newton Abbot, Plymouth, Bodmin or Truro https://www.cassplus.org/ / email admin@cassplus.org
CASS+ Family – if you’re going through family court in Devon or Cornwall, you’re unable to get Legal Aid and you can’t afford a solicitor, get help (not legal advice) by completing the family court self-referral form here
https://www.cassplus.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/CASS_Family_leaflet_2025.pdf / email family@cassplus.org
What happens in magistrates’ courts https://www.gov.uk/courts
CAFCASS guide to the court process and what to expect
https://www.cafcass.gov.uk/parent-carer-or-family-member/my-family-involved-private-law-proceedings/court-process-and-what-expect-private-law