O2 Removes Charges for Calling Freephone Helplines

The Telephone Helplines Association (THA), the membership and good practice organisation for helpline services in the UK and Ireland, have struck a deal with O2 which means that the public can now call charity and non-profit helplines for free from all of the UK's major mobile networks. This means that callers can access confidential help in a crisis without fear that the call will end up costing a fortune, or that the call will appear on a bill where it may be seen by others.

Mark McLean from THA explained: 'It's easier and more convenient to call a confidential helpline from a mobile than from a shared land line. Many helplines use freephone numbers, but the mobile companies usually charge callers to use these numbers. This can deter the very people who need these services the most from using them. What's more, people calling about sensitive health or welfare matters may not want other people to know. If the call is free to the caller, it won't appear on an itemised bill. So we're very pleased that O2 have made this move to help their customers gain access to support, information and practical help at times of crisis.'

O2 has made calls free to a special range of mobile-friendly telephone numbers for services that offer confidential help. The numbers start 0808 80 and the services are all full members of the THA, which means they are committed to providing high-quality services for callers. There are currently 140 services in this range including the Advisory Centre for Education, Arthritis Care, Cancerbackup, Elder Abuse Response, Muslim Youth Helpline, NSPCC, Parentline Plus, Wales Domestic Violence Helpline and Young Scot. These numbers are called Special Freephone Tariff numbers and are only available to helplines which are full members of the THA.

Mobile Networks: Who's Charging For What?

Find out more about membership of the THA.

Find out more about the Special Freephone Tariff. 

Contact the Telephone Helplines Association on 0845 120 3767 or email us at info@helplines.org.uk