Helpline Freephone Range

Helplines Partnership (HLP) offers a dedicated range of freephone numbers that are exclusively available for helplines. HLP is authorised by Ofcom to operate the Helpline Freephone Range (HFR) scheme which provides confidentiality for vulnerable callers and removes cost barriers that could prevent them from accessing helplines.

HFR_INFOGRAPHHFR numbers are free to call from landlines and mobile phones within the UK and do not appear on itemised bills. Numbers begin '0808 80'. Costs are minimised for the helpline as incoming call costs are capped at 2.1 pence per minute (ppm) from both landlines and mobiles. Freephone numbers outside these arrangements (such as 0800 and 0808) may incur higher charges and helplines should check with their telecoms providers.

Helplines Partnership offers the scheme in partnership with the following providers:

Please note that there may be additional costs for line rental and routing plans etc. (sometimes called advanced features). HLP recommends that helplines contact participating providers to compare charges, services, terms and conditions offered, to enable an informed choice. Contact details will be provided when an application is received.

Costs to join the scheme
There is an application fee of £75 and an administration fee of £10 per month which can be paid annually if preferred. These costs are per HFR number.

Terms and Conditions FAQs Apply for HFR Download Brochure Contact Us

BT Payphone Access Charge
Exemption from the BT Payphone Access Charge (currently 70p per minute) is a further HLP benefit. Many vulnerable callers use payphones to seek support, therefore, a 30 minute call provides the potential saving of £21 to the helpline.
Find out more

Pricing is +VAT at standard rate.

  • As part of the Helplines Partnership, we were able to take advantage of the Helpline Freephone Range which means the organisation can provide a quality service whilst paying the lowest and most competitive rate for calls. We deal with over 1500 incoming telephone calls per month and the HFR ensures our costs are very low, beat all the competition and callers are afforded the time they need.
    Helpline Manager
    Scope

  • We operate a mental health crisis support line and some of our callers use the line several times a day, every day, with many of the calls above 20 minutes in length. Most of our callers use mobiles to call us and have run up bills for hundreds of pounds over the last few months. We felt that if we could provide a zero cost service to these callers we will be providing them with a vital life line at no cost to themselves. It’s proving to be very successful so far with benefits to both clients and ourselves.
    ICT Manager
    Norwich Mind