Local support directory

Who to contact: local help at a glance

Last reviewed: June 2026

Sometimes you just need the right number to hand. This page brings together the most useful local and national contacts for older people across Chesterfield, Bolsover and North East Derbyshire, all in one place. It is worth keeping somewhere handy, perhaps by the telephone, or sharing with a family member. For more on any of these, do see our other guides, which go into each topic in detail.

In an emergency

  • Emergencies, or if someone is in danger: 999.
  • Urgent but not life-threatening medical help, and NHS advice: NHS 111, or 111.nhs.uk.
  • Urgent mental health support, day or night: call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option, option 2.
  • The Samaritans, at any time of day or night: 116 123.
  • The police, to report a crime or a suspicious caller when it is not an emergency: 101.
  • If you smell gas: the National Gas Emergency line, 0800 111 999.
  • In a power cut: 105.

Care, support and staying independent

  • Call Derbyshire, on 01629 533190, for a care needs assessment, equipment and adaptations, a personal alarm, community transport, and to report concerns about an adult at risk. Out of hours, 01629 532600.
  • Derbyshire Carers Association, on 01773 833833, for advice, support and assessments if you care for someone.
  • The Derbyshire Welfare Rights Service, on 01629 531535, for free benefits advice.

Money, benefits and bills

  • The Pension Service, on 0800 99 1234, to claim your State Pension or Pension Credit.
  • The Attendance Allowance helpline, on 0800 731 0122.
  • The Carer's Allowance Unit, on 0800 731 0297.
  • Citizens Advice, on 0808 250 5702 for Bolsover and North East Derbyshire, for free benefits checks, debt help and advice.
  • Your district or borough council (Chesterfield, Bolsover or North East Derbyshire), which deals with Housing Benefit, Council Tax support and the Disabled Facilities Grant.
  • MoneyHelper, on 0800 138 7777, for free money guidance.
  • National Debtline, on 0808 808 4000, or StepChange, on 0800 138 1111, for free debt advice.

Health and wellbeing

  • Your GP surgery, your first port of call for health worries, and a route to local activities through social prescribing.
  • Derby and Derbyshire Talking Therapies, on 0333 041 7262, free NHS talking therapy you can refer yourself to.
  • The Derbyshire Dementia Information and Advice Service, on 01332 208845, for support with memory worries and dementia.
  • Live Stronger for Longer, on 01773 766922, for free falls prevention and strength-and-balance classes.
  • The Ashgate Hospice Care Advice Line, on 01246 565026, for palliative and end-of-life care and support.

Getting out and staying connected

  • BrightLife, for telephone befriending and a regular friendly chat. Do get in touch with us.
  • Travel Derbyshire On Demand and community transport, through Call Derbyshire, on 01629 533190, and the local Dial-a-Bus, on 01246 209668.
  • The Hub, Low Pavement, Chesterfield, for community activities and groups, and Community Directory Derbyshire to search for clubs and lunch clubs near you.
  • The Volunteer Centre Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire, at chesterfieldvc.online, if you would like to volunteer.

Staying safe from scams and abuse

  • Dial 159 to reach your bank safely if you are ever unsure about a call.
  • Action Fraud, on 0300 123 2040, to report a scam or fraud.
  • The Citizens Advice consumer service, on 0808 223 1133, to report a rogue trader to Trading Standards.
  • To report abuse or neglect of an adult at risk, Call Derbyshire, on 01629 533190, or 01629 532600 out of hours.
  • Hourglass, on 0808 808 8141, for support around the abuse of older people.

Legal help and planning ahead

  • Derbyshire Law Centre, on 0800 707 6990, for free legal advice if you live in Derbyshire.
  • The Office of the Public Guardian, on 0300 456 0300, for powers of attorney.
  • Civil Legal Advice, on 0345 345 4345, to check whether you qualify for legal aid.

National helplines

  • Independent Age, on 0800 319 6789, for free advice and a friendly voice.
  • The Silver Line, on 0800 4 70 80 90, a free friendship helpline for older people, day or night.
  • Carers UK, on 0808 808 7777, for advice and support for carers.
  • The Samaritans, on 116 123, at any time.