Date published: 12 June 2026

There is help and advice available following the recent public disorder. This includes information about housing, how to report a crime, schools, benefits and financial support.

Hate crime is a crime against a person because of their race, religious belief, sexual orientation, political opinion, gender identity or disability.

If you’re a victim or witness to a hate crime of any type or feel threatened, report it to the police:

• call 999 in an emergency
• contact your local police on 101
• call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
• report online 

The police can get interpreters 24 hours a day for non-English speakers.

There is also support available through the Hate Crime Advocacy Service. They: 

• offer a safe and confidential space to provide support to victims of hate and signal crimes
• can support you whether or not you have reported the crime to the police
• accept referrals from all agencies and self-referrals. 

Interpreters across a wide range of languages are available upon request. 

If you or your home has been threatened or attacked, there is a range of help and support available.

Anyone affected by violence and feeling unsafe in their home are advised to contact the Housing Executive for support. Help is available as follows:

• homelessness helpline: 03448 920 908
• general enquiries:
  • phone: 03448 920 900 
  • email:  information@nihe.gov.uk
• repairs: 03448 920 901

These services are available out-of-hours on the same phone numbers.

You may be eligible for help from the Hate Incident Practical Action Scheme. There is information at this link:

• Hate Incident Practical Action Scheme  

General housing and homelessness advice is also available on the NI Housing Executive website.

You should note the following numbers in case of emergency:

• emergency services – 999 or 112
• Housing Executive – 03448 920 901
• Northern Ireland Electricity Networks – 03457 643 643
• NI Gas Emergency Service – 0800 002 001
• Northern Ireland Water Waterline – 03457 440 088
• Flooding Incident Line – 0300 2000 100

There is advice from the Police Service of Northern Ireland on protecting yourself and your home at these links:

• Protecting yourself 
• Protecting your home

The Make the Call service helps people access all the benefits, supports and services they are entitled to. You can either:

• phone 0800 232 1271

or 

• ask for a call back by texting ADVICE to 079 8440 5248

Find out more at this link:

• Make the Call

The Finance Support Service provides advice and support for those experiencing a financial crisis for whatever reason. 

• phone: 0800 587 2750
• textphone: 0800 587 2751

Find out more at this link:

• Finance support

This support can help for short-term living expenses or household items. 

If you're in an extreme or exceptional situation or you're in a crisis, you can apply for help from Discretionary Support. 

Depending on your personal circumstances, you could be offered either an interest-free loan or a grant that you would not have to pay back.

Find out more about Discretionary Support and apply online:

• Discretionary Support

More advice on support and advice can be found at this link:

• Supports and advice services

If you have been a victim of crime or abuse in Northern Ireland there is information available, including about organisations and groups that can give you free advice and support, at these links:

• Help for victims of crime 
• Support services for victims 
• Coming forward as a victim 
• Coming forward as a witness 
• Giving a statement to the police 

You can get the latest bus and train updates at the following links:

• Translink latest updates
• Translink

You can also check Translink’s social media accounts for public transport updates.

• @Translink_NI

Information on any traffic disruption or road closures is available from TrafficwatchNI at the following links:

• @TrafficwatchNI
• TrafficwatchNI

All timetabled public exams will continue to take place as planned.

Students are advised to: 

• go to their examination centres as scheduled 

and 

• allow extra time for travel where necessary

If students have questions about their exams, they should speak to their school or college.

Schools should try to stay open all day, particularly where pupils have a limited commute. Some schools may have to take individual decisions based on PSNI advice or local circumstances.

• Support and guidance for parents/ carers and schools - Education Authority

• Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council
• Ards and North Down Borough Council
• Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council
• Belfast City Council
• Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council
• Derry City and Strabane District Council
• Fermanagh and Omagh District Council
• Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council
• Mid and East Antrim Borough Council
• Mid Ulster District Council
• Newry, Mourne and Down District Council

• Be ready for emergencies