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We See You

Support in Your Community

Following the recent unrest in Northern Ireland, many people may be feeling worried, isolated, uncertain, or affected by what has happened in their communities.

This page has links to local services, groups and organisations that can offer practical advice, support and advocacy.

Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported in their community. Whatever your background, culture, ethnicity, or nationality, we are here to help you find the support that is right for you.

Support when you need it

Emergency Help
If You Are in Immediate Danger

Call 999 if:
- You are being attacked
- Someone is threatening you
- You feel unsafe right now
- A crime is happening now
If English is not your first language, the emergency services can arrange an interpreter.

Contact Details
- Emergency: 999
- Non-emergency: 101
- Crimestoppers (anonymous): 0800 555 111
- Report online: www.psni.police.uk/report
Interpreters are available 24 hours a day for non-English speakers.

Protect Yourself

The “Protect Yourself” resource is a personal safety guide developed by the Police Service of Northern Ireland. It provides practical advice to help individuals and families reduce risk and stay safe based on their circumstances. The guide is available in a range of languages, including English, Arabic, Mandarin, Polish and others.

Protect Your Home

The “Protect Your Home” resource from the Police Service of Northern Ireland provides practical, low-cost advice to help make homes more secure and reduce the risk of crime.
Housing

Housing Emergency Support

If you or your home has been threatened or attacked, support is available.

Anyone affected by violence, intimidation or threats and who feels unsafe in their home is encouraged to contact the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE). NIHE can provide housing advice, assess housing need, assist with emergency accommodation and support people who are unable to remain safely in their home. In emergency situations, NIHE works with civil contingency partners to provide temporary accommodation for households requiring immediate support.

Contact Details

W. www.nihe.gov.uk

Homelessness Helpline

T. 03448 920 908

General Enquiries

T. 03448 920 900
E. information@nihe.gov.uk

Repairs

T. 03448 920 901
Advice, Legal and Financial Support
Community Advice Antrim & Newtownabbey

Community Advice Antrim & Newtownabbey provides free, independent and confidential advice on a wide range of issues, including benefits, housing, employment, debt and immigration.

Advice can be accessed by telephone, email, face-to-face appointments and outreach services. Multilingual support is available through an interpretation service, helping people from diverse communities access advice and support in a language they understand.

W. https://communityadvicean.co.uk/about-community-advice-antrim-newtownabbey/

Law Centre NI

The Law Centre Northern Ireland offers free, independent and specialist legal advice, casework and representation in the areas of social security and other legal matters. The Law Centre NI can also help with:
- Immigration and asylum matters
- Family reunion applications
- Visa issues
- Social security appeals
- Employment rights
- Housing rights
W. www.lawcentreni.org

Finance Support Service

The Finance Support Service provides advice and support for people experiencing financial difficulties or crisis. The service can help with benefits, grants, budgeting and other forms of financial support.

T. 0800 587 2750
Textphone: 0800 587 2751
W. www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/finance-support

NI Direct

NI Direct is the official digital gateway for Northern Ireland citizens to access public services and government information. NI Direct provides information and advice on a wide range of public services, including benefits, housing, healthcare, education, immigration and support following community unrest.

W. www.nidirect.gov.uk

Helplines NI

Helplines NI provides information on more than 35 helplines offering support and advice on mental health, family issues, financial difficulties, employment, housing and emotional wellbeing. Many services provide support by telephone, while others offer email, text and webchat support.

W. www.helplinesni.com/about
Mental Health and Wellbeing

Lifeline

Lifeline is a free and confidential support service available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for anyone experiencing emotional distress, anxiety, severe stress, despair, suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis.

Trained counsellors provide immediate support, advice and reassurance, and can arrange face-to-face counselling where appropriate. Support is also available for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, and free interpreter services can be provided for people whose first language is not English.

Lifeline is open to everyone and aims to ensure that people from all communities can access support in a safe, respectful and understanding environment.

T. 0808 808 8000
W. www.lifelinehelpline.info/interpreting-support

Aware NI

Aware NI delivers mental health awareness and suicide prevention programmes, helping people build resilience, improve wellbeing and better understand mental health.

W. www.aware-ni.org

Community Wellbeing Support

Provides support and signposting to services that can improve mental health, emotional wellbeing and resilience.

W. communitywellbeing.info

Impact Network NI

Community support service operating across Antrim, Newtownabbey and Carrickfergus, providing practical support and community-based wellbeing services.

T. 028 9447 8645
E. info@impactnetworkni.org
W. www.facebook.com/p/Impact-Network-NI-100067885251369/?locale=en_GB

Public Health Agency: Suicide Prevention Resources

The Public Health Agency provides information, guidance and resources relating to mental health, emotional wellbeing and suicide prevention.

W. www.publichealth.hscni.net
Young People and Family Support

Youth Engagement Service (YMCA / Start360)

Support service for young people aged approximately 11–25 years who require additional support to engage in education, training, employment or community activities. The service helps young people build confidence, develop skills and access opportunities that support their future development.

T. www.start360.org/services/youth-engagement-service-yes

Youth Treatment Service (ASCERT / Start360)

Provides assessment, treatment and therapeutic interventions for young people experiencing difficulties related to alcohol or drug use. Family support is also available where appropriate.

T. 0800 254 5123
W. www.ascert.biz

Self-Harm Intervention Programme (SHIP)

Support service for young people who self-harm or experience thoughts of self-harm.

The programme provides assessment, intervention and referral to appropriate services.

T. 0800 254 5123
W. www.publichealth.hscni.net/publications/ship-self-harm-intervention-programme-information-patients-and-familiescarers

Drugs and Alcohol Mental Health Service (CAMHS)

Provides therapeutic support for individuals experiencing significant mental health difficulties alongside alcohol or drug misuse.

T. 028 9442 4693
W. www.northerntrust.hscni.net/services/child-health-development-and-emotional-wellbeing-services/drugs-and-alcohol-mental-health
Travel and Useful Information

TrafficWatch NI

During periods of unrest or disruption, traffic delays and road closures may occur.

Allow extra time for journeys and check TrafficWatch NI before travelling.

W. trafficwatchni.com/twni

Public Transport

During periods of unrest or disruption, bus and train services may be delayed or cancelled.

Customers can check the latest travel updates through the Translink website, social media channels or the Journey Planner App.

W. www.translink.co.uk
Useful Emergency Contacts
- Emergency Services: 999 or 112
- Police (Non-Emergency): 101
- Housing Executive: 03448 920 900
- Northern Ireland Electricity Networks: 03457 643 643
- NI Gas Emergency Service: 0800 002 001
- Northern Ireland Water: 03457 440 088
- Flooding Incident Line: 0300 2000 100
Hate Crime and Community Safety
What is Hate Crime?

Hate crime is a crime against a person because of their race, religious belief, sexual orientation, political opinion, gender identity or disability. A hate crime is a crime that happens because of who a person is or who someone thinks they are.

A person may be targeted because of their:
- Race or ethnic background
- Religion or belief
- Disability
- Sexual orientation
- Gender identity
- Political opinion
Hate crime can include:
- Verbal abuse
- Threats or intimidation
- Online abuse
- Damage to property
- Physical assault
- Harassment
If you experience or witness a hate crime, help is available. You can get support whether or not you decide to report the incident to the police.

How to Report Hate Crime

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) investigates hate crime and helps people who feel unsafe.

You should contact the police if:
- You have been the victim of a crime
- Someone has threatened or intimidated you
- Your home or property has been damaged
- You are worried about your safety or the safety of your family
The police can:
- Record and investigate incidents
- Provide advice about staying safe
- Refer you to support services
- Arrange an interpreter if English is not your first language
Contact Details
- Emergency: 999
- Non-emergency: 101
- Crimestoppers (anonymous): 0800 555 111
- Report online: https://www.psni.police.uk/report
Interpreters are available 24 hours a day for non-English speakers.

Hate Crime Advocacy Service (HCAS)

Funded by the Department of Justice and the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the Hate Crime Advocacy Service (HCAS) offers a safe and confidential space to provide support to victims of hate crime and hate incidents across all protected characteristics.

HCAS can support you whether or not you have reported the incident to the police. They accept referrals from organisations as well as self-referrals. Interpreters across a wide range of languages are available on request.

W. hcasni.com

Hate Incident Practical Action (HIPA) Scheme

The Hate Incident Practical Action (HIPA) Scheme is available across Northern Ireland to support victims of hate incidents in their home.

Supported by the Department of Justice, PSNI, Northern Ireland Housing Executive and Department for Communities, the scheme can provide personal and home protection measures where a home has been damaged or where someone has been targeted because of their race, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, political opinion or religious belief. The scheme is available to both homeowners and tenants.

W. www.nihe.gov.uk/community/anti-social-behaviour/hate-crime/hipa