999 – The Main Emergency Number

This is the emergency number for police, ambulance, fire brigade, coastguard, cliff rescue, mountain rescue, cave rescue, etc.

112 – Another Emergency Number

This operates exactly the same as 999 and directs you to exactly the same emergency call centre.
The important thing about 112 is that it will work on a mobile phone anywhere in the world.
So on your next foreign holiday, you don’t need to make a note of the emergency number for the country you visit; you just need 112.
Incidentally, a EU requirement is that emergency call centres must provide a translations service.

101 – The Non-Emergency Number for the Police

Use 101 when you want to contact the police, but it’s not an emergency – i.e. an immediate response is not necessary and/or will not be serve any purpose.
As a general rule if the crime is not currently in progress, use 101.
101 can also be used to give information about a crime committed, or to contact the police with a general enquiry.

111 – The Non-Emergency Medical Number

This is available nationwide and replaced and expanded on the former NHS Direct service.
Use this for illnesses and minor injuries where life isn’t threatened, but you would like some advice on what to do next.

Other Useful Contact Numbers

ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Services)
0300 123 1100

Age UK
0800 678 1174

Bereavement Advice Centre (Funerals, Probate & Tax)
0800 634 9494

Business Debt Line
0800 197 6026

Citizens Advice – Adviceline
0808 278 7880

Citizens Advice – Consumer Helpline
0808 223 1133

Emergency Homelessness Number
01257 515 142
0808 800 4444 (Shelter 8am to 8pm)

Domestic Abuse Helpline
0808 2000 247 (National Helpline 24hrs)

Domestic Violence Help (Female) Clare House
01772 435 865

Domestic Violence Help (Male) Mankind
01823 334 244

DWP ESA Helpline
0800 055 6688

DWP PIP Claim Line
0800 917 2222

DWP PIP Helpline
0345 850 3322

HMRC Child Benefit Helpline
0345 200 3100

HMRC Self Assessment Helpline
0300 200 3310

HMRC Tax Credits Helpline
0345 300 3900

Maximus (Telephone support service to help claimants complete their ESA50 capability for work questionnaire)
0800 288 8777

Mind (Mental Health Support)
0300 123 3393

Money Advice Service
0800 138 7777

National Debt Line
0808 808 4000

Pensions Advisory Service
0800 011 3797

Pension Wise
0800 1383 944

Samaritans
116 123

Scope (Disability Support)
0808 800 3333

Victim Support (Domestic Abuse)
0300 323 0085

Welfare Rights (Lancashire)
0300 123 6739