Ofcom delivers universal helpline numbers

OFCOM will soon standardise a raft of helpline numbers throughout the EU. Vulnerable callers will soon be able to dial 116 numbers no matter which European country they are calling from.

The EU Commission has reserved pan-European 116 numbers for three types of service which are:

116 000 for missing children hotlines.
116 111 for children’s helplines.
116 123 for emotional support helplines.

Ofcom says these numbers will be free of charge whether from a fixed line, a mobile or a phone box.

Other 116 numbers will be set up soon and, with help from the national Government in question will be allocated to suitable organisations.

"These new numbers will offer people the peace of mind that if they ever need to call these kinds of services, they will be able to do so wherever they are in Europe," said Ofcom’s Chief Executive, Ed Richards. µ

L'Inq
Ofcom