If you are hurt or at immediate risk you can call 999 in the UK, for free, and ask for help from the emergency services (for example, the police, ambulance or fire service). You may be asked the following questions so the emergency services can work out how to help you.

• where are you (including the area or postcode)? (a postcode is a short sequence of numbers and letters at the end of your address)
• what phone number are you calling from?
• what has happened?

Don’t worry if you don’t have all the answers you should still call 999 and they will see how they can help.

If you need emergency help but cannot speak out loud because this could put you in danger, you can make a silent 999 call in the following way.

How to make a silent call to 999 from a mobile

If you don’t speak or answer questions, press 55 when prompted and your call will be transferred to the police.

Pressing 55 only works on mobiles and doesn’t allow the police to track your location.

If you don’t press 55 your call will be ended.

How to make a silent call to 999 from a landline

If you don’t speak or answer questions and the operator can only hear background noise, they’ll transfer your call to the police.

If you replace the handset, the landline may remain connected for 45 seconds in case you pick it up again.

Calling 999 from a landline automatically gives the police information about your location.

If you are worried about someone in the UK that you think may have been exploited (made to do something they didn’t consent to do) or if you have been exploited (made to do something that you did not consent to do) and need help you can do the following:

If you suspect  someone is being exploited and it is an emergency, call the police on 999 if it’s an emergency, or 101 if it’s not urgent. 

If you’d prefer to stay anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

If you don’t want to call the police, you can talk to a charity anonymously.

In the UK, you can call the Modern Slavery Helpline: (+44) 08000 121 700

The National Referral Mechanism (NRM) is the UK Government’s system for identifying and referring potential survivors of modern slavery to ensure that people can access the support they may need. You can find out more about the NRM in a booklet available here in several different languages.

You can call NSPCC’s helpline on 0808 800 5000 if you think a child is in danger of trafficking.

You can find our more information here about what happens when you call the Modern Slavery Helpline in the UK.

You can call The Salvation Army (The Salvation Army is a charity) on their confidential Referral Helpline 0800 808 3733 for advice and support.

The helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to anyone who suspects that they, or someone they have come across, might be a victim of modern slavery in need of help. 

Other Human Trafficking Helplines:

• Poland – La Strada Poland Helpline: (+48) 22 628 99 99

• Hungary – National Hotline: (+36) 06 80 / 20 55 20

• Moldova – La Strada Moldova: (+373) 0800 77 777

• Romania – Hotline against Trafficking: (+40) 0800 800 678

• Slovakia – Slovak Crisis Centre DOTYK: (+421) 903 704 7

Keeping safe from exploitation in the UK

There is information for Refugees on Keeping Yourself Safe from Exploitation available in Ukrainian, Russian, Polish & English from The Salvation Army.

There is information for Ukrainian Nationals Arriving in the UK (financial support, housing, immigration status & children) available in Ukrainian and English from the Red Cross.

Workers’ Rights in the UK

The Gangmasters & Labour Abuse Authority (GLA) provide information about your Workers’ Rights in the UK Leaflets in lots of different language’s.

Just Good Work App provides job seekers and workers advice on recruitment, employment and life in a new destination.

Some of the above information is from the Human Trafficking Foundation, available in more detail here

Personal safety

The following information is from Crimestoppers:

• Taxis and Ubers: Getting a taxi? Use a valid taxi service or online cab checker to confirm it is licensed. You can send the registration number to a friend so that they know which car you’ve got in. Feeling uneasy about a driver? Listen to your instincts: if in doubt, don’t get in the car.
• Cars: Make sure your car has enough fuel to complete your journey. Check it for broken lights and windscreen cracks.
• Cars: Park in busy areas where there is good lighting, especially at night. Never give a lift to a stranger.
• Trains and buses: If you are waiting for a bus stand in a well-lit place near other people.
• Trains and buses: Someone bothering you? Tell the guard or driver – you can stay with the guard or driver if you continue to feel uncomfortable.

Looking after your belongings

• Do not be over-protective of your belongings. If you are a victim of theft (and the chances are very low), you can get a new phone and you can order new bank cards. If you are in a dangerous situation leave your possessions and seek help in the nearest safe place.
• Keep your bag closed: if it is open an opportunist thief is more likely to see what you have and take it.

Last updated: 01.12.2024.