Charities & Organisations

These trusted UK charities and organisations offer free or low-cost support for people going through divorce and separation.

General divorce and family support

Citizens Advice

The go-to resource for free, impartial guidance on almost any issue related to divorce.

What they offer:

• Free advice on divorce process, finances, benefits, housing, and debt
• Online information and webchat
• Local bureaux for face-to-face appointments
• Help understanding your rights

Best for: General guidance, benefits advice, understanding your options

Contact:

• Website: citizensadvice.org.uk
• Phone: 0800 144 8848
• Webchat available on website

Relate

The UK’s largest provider of relationship support, offering counselling and advice.

What they offer:

• Relationship counselling (couples and individuals)
• Family counselling
• Mediation services
• Workshops and courses
• Online and telephone support

Best for: Emotional support, deciding whether to separate, improving communication

Cost: Sliding scale fees based on income. Some free services available.

Contact:

• Website: relate.org.uk
• Phone: 0300 100 1234

Resolution

The professional body for family lawyers committed to a non-confrontational approach.

What they offer:

• Find a Resolution member solicitor
• Guides to the divorce process
• Information on collaborative law and mediation
• Separation and divorce toolkit

Best for: Finding a constructive, settlement-focused solicitor

Contact:

• Website: resolution.org.uk
• Find a solicitor: resolution.org.uk/find-a-law-professional

Support for parents

Gingerbread

The leading charity for single parents in England and Wales.

What they offer:

• Expert advice line for single parents
• Online community and peer support
• Local groups across the UK
• Information on benefits, childcare, housing, work
• Campaigns for single parent rights

Best for: Single parents needing practical advice and peer support

Contact:

• Website: gingerbread.org.uk
• Helpline: 0808 802 0925 (free)
• Online community: membership is free

Families Need Fathers

Support for fathers, and their families, going through separation.

What they offer:

• National helpline
• Local support groups
• Information on rights and legal processes
• Peer support from other fathers
• Support for grandparents too

Best for: Fathers seeking advice and support during separation

Contact:

• Website: fnf.org.uk
• Helpline: 0300 0300 363

Family Lives

Support for all aspects of family life, including relationship breakdown.

What they offer:

• Free confidential helpline
• Online support and forums
• Parenting advice
• Support through family breakdown

Best for: Parents needing emotional support and parenting advice

Contact:

• Website: familylives.org.uk
• Helpline: 0808 800 2222 (free)

Domestic abuse support

Women’s Aid

The national charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children.

What they offer:

• Live chat support
• The Survivors’ Forum (online community)
• Information and resources
• Directory of local services
• Support for friends and family

Best for: Women experiencing domestic abuse

Contact:

• Website: womensaid.org.uk
• Live chat: Available via website
• Local services: womensaid.org.uk/domestic-abuse-directory

Refuge

Runs the National Domestic Abuse Helpline and provides refuge accommodation.

What they offer:

• 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline
• Refuge accommodation
• Community outreach services
• Support for children affected by abuse

Best for: Anyone experiencing domestic abuse, especially those needing emergency help

Contact:

• Website: refuge.org.uk
• Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (24 hours, free)

ManKind Initiative

Support for male victims of domestic abuse.

What they offer:

• Confidential helpline for male victims
• Information and signposting
• Support for family and friends
• Resources for professionals

Best for: Men experiencing domestic abuse

Contact:

• Website: mankind.org.uk
• Helpline: 01onal823 334244

Children and young people

Childline

Free, confidential support for children and young people.

What they offer:

• Free helpline for under-19s
• Online chat and email
• Message boards
• Information on family problems including divorce

Best for: Children and teenagers affected by parents’ divorce

Contact:

• Website: childline.org.uk
• Helpline: 0800 1111 (free, 24 hours)

Winston’s Wish

The UK’s childhood bereavement charity, also supporting children through family breakdown.

What they offer:

• Helpline for families
• Resources for children dealing with loss
• Support for children experiencing family changes
• Guidance for parents

Best for: Children struggling with grief and loss related to family changes

Contact:

• Website: winstonswish.org
• Helpline: 08088 020 021

Legal support and advice

Law Centres Network

Free legal advice from local law centres across the UK.

What they offer:

• Free legal advice on family law
• Help with housing, benefits, debt
• Some representation for eligible clients
• Community-based services

Best for: Those who can’t afford a solicitor and don’t qualify for legal aid

Contact:

• Website: lawcentres.org.uk
• Find a law centre: lawcentres.org.uk/i-am-looking-for-advice

Rights of Women

Free legal advice for women on family law and other issues.

What they offer:

• Free legal advice phoneline
• Information and guides
• Training for professionals
• Campaigns for women’s rights

Best for: Women seeking free legal information on divorce and family matters

Contact:

• Website: rightsofwomen.org.uk
• Family law helpline: 020 7251 6577

LawWorks

Connects people who can’t afford legal advice with pro bono lawyers.

What they offer:

• Free legal advice clinics
• Pro bono legal help
• Directory of free legal clinics

Best for: Finding free legal advice when you don’t qualify for legal aid

Contact:

• Website: lawworks.org.uk
• Find a clinic: lawworks.org.uk/legal-advice-individuals

Mental health and wellbeing

Mind

Mental health charity offering support and information.

What they offer:

• Information on mental health conditions
• Advice on getting help
• Local Mind services across England and Wales
• Infoline for support

Best for: Mental health support during divorce

Contact:

• Website: mind.org.uk
• Infoline: 0300 123 3393

Samaritans

24-hour emotional support for anyone in distress.

What they offer:

• Round-the-clock listening service
• Phone, email, and in-person support
• No judgement, complete confidentiality
• Support for any worry, not just crisis

Best for: Emotional support any time, day or night

Contact:

• Website: samaritans.org
• Phone: 116 123 (free, 24 hours)
• Email: jo@samaritans.org

Financial support

StepChange

Free debt advice and solutions.

What they offer:

• Free debt advice
• Debt management plans
• Budgeting help
• Online tools and resources

Best for: Managing debt during and after divorce

Contact:

• Website: stepchange.org
• Phone: 0800 138 1111 (free)

Turn2us

Helps people access money available to them through benefits and grants.

What they offer:

• Benefits calculator
• Grants search tool
• Information on financial support
• Help accessing charitable grants

Best for: Checking what financial support you’re entitled to

Contact:

• Website: turn2us.org.uk
• Benefits calculator: turn2us.org.uk/benefits-calculator

Getting help

Not sure where to start? Here’s a quick guide: