Ofcom is planning two more pan-European '116' helpline numbers for the UK.
Last year, 116000 was allocated to the Missing People service, 116111 to the NSPCC and 116123 to the Samaritans. These numbers work alongside the three organisations’ existing helpline numbers and are free of charge in the UK, whether called from a fixed line, a mobile or public phonebox. The same types of service are available on these memorable numbers across the EU.
Ofcom is now planning 116 006 as a helpline for victims of crime and 116 117 for non-emergency medical assistance. The medical helpline will always be free of charge in the UK, although mobile networks may charge for the crime helpline. (An announcement will be heard before any change is made).
Organisations interested in operating one of these helpline numbers are invited to apply to Ofcom by 1st October 2010.