Stay Connected, Stay Safe

Why regular contact matters

Living alone or far from loved ones can make it harder for others to notice when you become unwell or need assistance. A small, agreed check-in routine can help someone notice an unexpected change. It cannot prevent every emergency or sudden death, but it can create a clearer way to ask for help.

Choose a check-in that suits your life

• Choose one or two trusted people who agree to check in with you.
• Decide whether a daily message, regular call or another schedule is realistic.
• Agree what counts as a missed check-in and when someone should follow up.
• Share relevant contact details with permission and update them if you move or change numbers.
• If family contact is unsafe or difficult, choose a friend, neighbour, community contact or other trusted person.

Respect privacy and consent. Nobody should be pressured to disclose their location or personal medical information.

If someone unexpectedly does not respond

1. Try the agreed contact methods, allowing for work, sleep, travel, phone issues and time zones.
2. Contact a trusted person the individual has agreed you may approach, if appropriate.
3. If you have a reasonable concern for their immediate safety, seek urgent help rather than waiting for the next scheduled call. In the UK, call 999 for an immediate emergency and explain the facts and last known contact.
4. For a non-immediate concern, contact the appropriate local police or support service for advice. In the UK, 101 is the police non-emergency number. Do not enter someone’s home without lawful authority or put yourself at risk.

There is no universal waiting period before reporting a person missing or seeking urgent assistance. Explain why you are concerned and follow the service’s guidance.

When you feel unwell

Contact your GP practice for symptoms that concern you, persist or worsen. In England, NHS 111 can help with urgent but non-life-threatening health concerns. For a life-threatening emergency, call 999. Do not wait for a friend to respond if you need emergency medical help.

Let someone you trust know that you are unwell if it is safe and you choose to. They may help with transport, practical tasks, appointments or a check-in. See our Physical Health guide.

A gentle plan for people living overseas

Choose a check-in time that works across time zones. Keep a trusted local contact as well as someone in your home country if possible. If you move house, change employer or travel for an extended period, tell your agreed contacts how to reach you. Consider making an emergency contact card in your wallet or phone, without sharing sensitive account details.

Printable Emergency Contact & Check-in Plan

My agreed check-in schedule:

Trusted contact 1 (name and number):

Trusted contact 2 or local backup:

What to do if I miss a check-in:

My GP practice or relevant service (optional):

When I will review this plan:

Privacy: Fill this in only on a copy you can store securely. Share details only with people you trust and who have agreed to help. Never put passwords, bank PINs or unnecessary sensitive information on this form.