Trusted help, checked by me

If a call, text or email doesn’t feel right, trust that feeling. The people below are real, they’re free or low-cost, and they’re used to helping. No question is too small.

How these links are chosen

These resources are selected because they are recognised, independent, UK-relevant, and useful for older adults, carers, and people building digital confidence.

Kindred Compass avoids random blogs, influencer websites, affiliate review sites, sponsored “Top 10” lists, and forums as primary advice sources.

Kindred Compass does not receive money from these links. They are provided to help you find reliable support.

Did an AI or a search result give you a phone number?

Please check it here before you ring. AI assistants sometimes give phone numbers that look right but aren’t — and scammers plant fake “support numbers” online, hoping they get repeated.

Every number on this page was checked by me against the organisation’s own website; the date is at the bottom. And for your bank, the safest number is always the one printed on the back of your card.

Buttons marked open the organisation’s own website as a separate page — Kindred Compass stays open behind it, ready for when you come back.

If you’re worried about a scam

Dial 159 — reach your real bank

If someone rings about your money — saying they’re your bank, the police, or a company — hang up. Then dial 159. It connects you safely to your own bank’s fraud team, so you can check if the call was genuine. It works from most UK phones and costs no more than an ordinary call. 159 is run by Stop Scams UK — a partnership between the main UK banks and phone companies, set up so there’s one easy number to remember, like 101 or 111. Their website lists exactly which banks take part.

Call 159 stopscamsuk.org.uk

Report Fraud — tell the police what happened

If a scam has already happened — you’ve shared details or lost money — this is the official place to report it. You may remember it as Action Fraud; it changed its name. You’ll be given a crime reference number, and you can report for someone else too. Open day and night.

Call 0300 123 2040 reportfraud.police.uk

In Scotland, call the police on 101 instead.

A text message that looks wrong? Forward it to 7726

Free, and nothing to explain to anyone — simply forward the text to 7726. Your phone company will check it and can block the sender. (On a phone keypad, 7726 spells SPAM.)

An email that looks wrong? Send it to the experts

Forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk — the government’s team for scam emails — then delete it. That’s all it takes, and you’ve helped protect other people too.

Victim Support — if a scam has left you shaken

Being tricked can knock anyone’s confidence. It is not your fault, and it can help to talk. Victim Support is free, confidential, and there day and night.

Call 0808 168 9111 victimsupport.org.uk

If you’d like friendly help with technology

AbilityNet

A charity that helps older and disabled people feel at home with technology. Their checked, friendly volunteers can even visit you at home. Weekday office hours; calls cost no more than an ordinary call.

Call 0300 180 0028 abilitynet.org.uk

Age UK Advice Line

Free to call, every day from 8am to 7pm. As well as general advice, they can help you find friendly, face-to-face computer classes near you.

Call 0800 678 1602 ageuk.org.uk

Good Things Foundation

A network of local community centres offering free, relaxed sessions where you learn at your own pace — often over a cup of tea. Your local library can usually point you to the nearest one.

Visit Good Things Foundation

Digital Unite

Hundreds of short, simple guides you can print and keep — like how to use WhatsApp, or how to search for something. One small step at a time.

Visit Digital Unite

Health

Kindred Compass can explain health information in plain English, but it does not replace medical advice.

NHS

Trusted health information and guidance from the National Health Service.

Visit the NHS

NHS App guidance

Help with using the NHS App for appointments, prescriptions, and health information.

Learn about the NHS App

GP online services

Information about using online services from your GP surgery.

Visit NHS GP services

If you’re worried about money, bills or shopping

Citizens Advice consumer helpline

Free advice about your rights — a faulty purchase, a dispute with a shop, or trouble with a phone or broadband company. Open Monday to Friday.

Call 0808 223 1133 citizensadvice.org.uk

Welsh-language line: 0808 223 1144.

MoneyHelper

Free, government-backed guidance on everyday money — bills, pensions, and what you may be entitled to. Plain English, and nothing to buy.

Call 0800 138 7777 moneyhelper.org.uk

Cheaper broadband and phone deals (“social tariffs”)

If you receive Pension Credit or Universal Credit, you may be entitled to a much cheaper broadband or mobile deal. It’s official, and asking won’t affect your benefits. Ofcom keeps the up-to-date list — search “social tariffs” on their website.

Visit Ofcom

Independent Age

Advice and support for older adults, including money, benefits, care, and wellbeing.

Visit Independent Age

Age UK benefits advice

Guidance on benefits and financial support for older people.

See Age UK benefits advice

Daily Living

Use Which? when you want independent reviews before choosing products or services — washing machines, broadband providers, energy companies, or insurance.

Which?

Independent consumer reviews and advice on products and services.

Read independent reviews from Which?

Some of their full reviews need a paid subscription.

Citizens Advice consumer advice

Help with consumer rights, faulty goods, services, bills, and complaints.

Get consumer advice