Wellbeing support for national security vetting applicants
Updated 11 January 2024
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/wellbeing-support-for-national-security-vetting-applicants
We are aware that the vetting process for Applicants is rigorous and can be challenging. You will be asked a number of questions, some of which may be more difficult to answer than others and some may leave you with some uncomfortable feelings.
Vetting is essential to upholding national security, as it allows us to explore all areas which may be seen as a point of pressure and identify risk mitigations in the process. Our Vetting Clearance Officers endeavour to conduct every interview with compassion and empathy, and we are aware of the upset and/or distress the process may cause.
Below is a list of services which you can access if you have been affected by anything in the Vetting process. Please note that the list is not exhaustive and all phone lines may not be Freephone. Some organisations may also only deliver services on a local basis.
When contacting any of the listed services, you should not discuss your application for government security clearance. We advise that you limit the information you share. i.e. referring to “a job application process has highlighted my concerns/memories/traumas” rather than “I had to reveal lots of personal information as my new job requires me to hold a security clearance”.
1. Alcohol / Drug Issues
1.1 Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk
Helpline Number- 0800 917 7650
Email Helpline- help@aamail.org
1.2 Al-Anon
Helpline Number- 0800 008 6811
1.3 Drink Aware
1.4 Nacro
1.5 Talk to Frank
2. Bereavement
2.1 Cruse
www.cruse.org.uk- Bereavement Support
Helpline Number- 0808 808 1677
3. Bullying
3.1 National Bullying Helpline
www.nationalbullyinghelpline.co.uk
Helpline Number- 0300 323 0169
Telephone Number- 0845 225 5787
4. Financial Support
4.1 Step Change
Helpline Number- 0800 138 1111
4.2 Money Advice Service
About us - Money Advice Service
4.3 GamCare Gambling Support
4.4 Gamblers Anonymous UK
5. Mental Health
5.1 Anxiety UK
Helpline Number- 03444 775
Text Support- 07537 416 905
5.2 Support Line
SANEline
Helpline Number- 0300 304 7000
5.3 National Suicide Prevention Helpline
National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK
Helpline Number- 0800 689 5652
5.4 Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)
Helpline Number- 0800 58 58 58
5.5 The Mix (crisis line for under-25s)
Helpline Number- 0808 808 4994
5.6 Papyrus Hopeline (crisis line for under 35s)
HOPELINEUK - Papyrus UK - Suicide Prevention Charity
Helpline Number- 0800 068 4141
5.7 Samaritans
Free Phone: 116-123
6. Rape
6.1 Support for Male Survivors
www.malesurvivor.co.uk/support-for-male-survivors
Helpline Number- 0808 800 5005
6.2 Rape Crisis England and Wales
6.3 Rape Crisis Scotland
6.4 Rape Crisis Northern Ireland
7. Surviving Abuse
7.1 HAVOCA (Help for Adult Victims of Child Abuse)
7.2 MIND
www.mind.org.uk- Guide to Support
7.3 Refuge National Domestic Abuse Helpline
Helpline Number: 0808 2000 247
7.4 Women’s Aid
www.womensaid.org.uk (If you are living outside of England please click the link on the link for the ‘Sister Sites’ which will show accessible services in your area)
8. Trauma
8.1 MIND
https://www.mind.org.uk-Trauma
Infoline Number- 0300 123 3393
8.2 Miscarriage Association
www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk