Our Talkline

Talkline FAQs

 

Will the call be anonymous?

All our calls are anonymous, we do not take or store any identifying data from you. The only exception to this is if you leave a voicemail message asking for us to call you back. We delete this information once we have made two attempts to contact you. If you tell us something during the call that makes us worried for your safety, we will ask you for permission to have your name and some other details if you would like us to make a safeguarding referral on your behalf. We have more information in our Talkline Policy. 

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Will everything I tell you be confidential?

Everything you tell us during the call is confidential. We will make some anonymous notes on the call so we can improve our Talkline offering. If you tell us something during the call that makes us worried for your safety, we will ask you for permission to have your name and some other details for us to make a safeguarding referral on your behalf. We have more information in our Talkline Policy.

 

Are you an abortion provider?

We are not an abortion provider. We can provide information on how to contact NHS abortion providers if requested.

 

Will you tell me what to do?

We will never tell you what to do. If you are considering an abortion, the choice is yours alone to make. Our Talkline volunteers can support you to talk through your thoughts, feelings and circumstances in a judgement-free environment. This space to talk often allows people to be more confident in their decisions. We can share information on NHS abortion or counselling services if requested. 

 

What does pro-choice and pro-voice mean?

We are a pro-choice and pro-voice organisation. We see this as an extension of our pro-choice views. For us, this means creating spaces for people to share their individual and unique stories, however they feel about their decisions or experiences. This is one of the ways we challenge abortion-related stigma.   

 

How much will I be charged for the call?

Our telephone system uses the internet to connect your call. This means if your phone contract has data charges, you will be charged at your normal rate. We recommend connecting to secure Wi-Fi to make your call for the best connection.

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I’m struggling to get through to you, what should I do?

Sometimes our line might be busy if our volunteer is speaking to someone else. You are welcome to try the line again later in the evening.  You can also leave a message asking us to call you back. 

 

Can you book an abortion appointment for me?

We cannot book an abortion appointment on your behalf. We can give you information on how to book your NHS abortion consultation yourself.

 

Is the Talkline a counselling service?

We aren't a counselling service, but we are a safe, non-judgemental space for people who may not have anyone else to talk to. Our Talkline volunteers are there to listen. This is similar to the way talking therapies are structured, so both the Talkline and further counselling can be complementary. Talkline volunteers can signpost callers to counselling services if the caller feels that would be beneficial.

 

I’ve just had an abortion and have aftercare questions, can you give me advice?

Our Talkline volunteers cannot give medical advice. We recommend contacting your abortion provider directly for aftercare advice. We can help you find the right number to do this.

 

Who will I be speaking to when I call the Talkline?

Our dedicated Talkline volunteers are based all over the UK. They are all pro-choice and pro-voice, and have been trained by Abortion Talk team members. Our Talkline volunteers come from all walks of life and professions, including GPs, midwives, abortion providers, and professionals in policy, digital and design. 

 

I haven’t had an abortion, but my partner has. Can I still call you?

Absolutely. Our Talkline is for everyone with abortion experiences, and that includes partners, friends and family members of someone who has had an abortion, or who is considering an abortion.

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