Chemist4U and the National Bullying Helpline: Our Partnership & How They Support You

Chemist4U has partnered with the National Bullying Helpline to make sure anyone affected by bullying, including body bullying, can access trusted, confidential support. This page introduces who they are, how they help, why we’re supporting their work, and where to reach them if you need help.

Three key takeaways

  • The National Bullying Helpline provides confidential guidance for anyone affected by bullying at work, school, home, or online.
  • Chemist4U is partnering with the organisation to raise awareness of body bullying and signpost patients to safe, reliable support.
  • Chemist4U has donated to the charity to help expand its services and reach more people in need.

Who are the National Bullying Helpline?

The National Bullying Helpline is a UK-based, confidential, not-for-profit organisation offering practical support to anyone affected by bullying. They provide impartial guidance for adults, employees, parents, and young people, helping people understand their options and take safe steps toward resolving difficult situations.

They were founded to give clear, accessible advice to people experiencing bullying in any setting. Their team supports callers dealing with workplace issues, school bullying, online harassment, body-related bullying, or general intimidation. The service focuses on practical steps, explaining rights, signposting to further help, and offering calm, impartial guidance when someone needs to talk to a trained advisor.

Their mission is to ensure no one feels alone when facing bullying and to provide a confidential space where people can get straightforward, reliable advice on what to do next.

Christine Pratt, Founder of The National Bullying Helpline, said: "We wholeheartedly support the anti-bullying campaign in support of those who find themselves targeted due to use of weight-loss injections. In the light of recent statistics commissioned by Chemist4U we announce that we stand behind this important campaign and are pleased to offer our unconditional anti-bullying expertise to further this cause. The figures from the research revealed 92% are told to 'eat less, move more' - a throwaway phrase used all too frequently to shame or belittle others. The constant background of criticism is preventing members of the public from seeking the medical support they clearly need, and this has got to stop.” 

How they help people

The National Bullying Helpline offers confidential advice to anyone affected by bullying, providing practical guidance, emotional reassurance, and clear next steps. Their team supports people dealing with workplace issues, school bullying, online harassment, or body-related bullying, and helps them understand their rights and available options.

They offer support through:

  • confidential phone and email guidance
  • signposting to further services when needed
  • advice on workplace bullying, digital harassment, school bullying, and appearance-based bullying
  • templates, resources, and step-by-step actions

No issue is too small to discuss, and callers are encouraged to reach out even if they’re unsure whether their experience “counts” as bullying.

What counts as bullying?

Bullying involves repeated or persistent behaviour that harms, intimidates, or undermines someone. It can include verbal comments, exclusion, misuse of power, body shaming, or online harassment. It covers any pattern of behaviour that causes distress, fear, or humiliation.

Examples include:

  • repeated negative comments about someone’s appearance or body
  • threatening, mocking, or belittling behaviour
  • spreading rumours or isolating someone
  • online harassment, including messages, posts, or image sharing
  • workplace misuse of authority, unreasonable demands, or intimidation

Who can contact them?

Anyone affected by bullying can contact the National Bullying Helpline. This includes adults, young people, parents, employees, and anyone experiencing bullying in person or online.

They support:

  • adults dealing with workplace bullying
  • employees needing guidance on their rights
  • young people experiencing school bullying
  • parents seeking advice for a child
  • anyone facing body-related bullying or online harassment

Is the service confidential?

Yes. The helpline is confidential, meaning your information is not shared without consent unless someone is at risk of harm. Contacting them does not appear on medical records, employment files, or any official documentation.

Confidentiality means:

  • your call or email is private
  • your employer or school is not informed
  • your GP is not notified unless you choose to share information
  • safeguarding is followed only when necessary to keep someone safe

How to reach them

You can contact the National Bullying Helpline by phone, email, or through their website. They offer confidential guidance, online resources, and practical tools to help you understand your options. Support is available to anyone affected by bullying in any setting.

Ways to get in touch:

  • Phone: confidential advice from trained advisors
  • Email: for written guidance, templates, and follow-up support
  • Website: information, resources, and online contact forms

The helpline publishes current opening hours on its website, along with alternative ways to reach support outside these times.

Their website includes guides, printable templates, and advice pages for people who prefer written resources or cannot talk on the phone.

If you feel unsafe, at risk of harm, experiencing threats, or struggling with your mental health, contact NHS 111, your GP, Samaritans (116 123), or 999 in an emergency. The helpline can offer guidance, but urgent risks need immediate medical or emergency support.

How their organisation works

The National Bullying Helpline is an independent, not-for-profit organisation. Their trained advisors offer practical, impartial guidance to anyone affected by bullying, focusing on clear next steps and safeguarding rather than counselling or long-term therapy.

Independent, non-profit support

  • They operate as a UK charity focused on accessible, confidential advice.
  • Their aim is to offer reliable, impartial information to anyone who needs it.

How their advisors help

  • Advisors listen, assess the situation, and explain your rights.
  • They outline practical steps you can take at work, school, or online.
  • They provide templates, signposting, and clear guidance so you understand your options.

Training and safeguarding

  • Staff are trained in bullying support, digital safety, workplace rights, and safeguarding.
  • Safeguarding procedures are followed when someone may be at risk of harm.

Practical guidance, not counselling

  • The helpline focuses on actionable advice rather than emotional counselling.
  • Their goal is to help callers feel informed and able to take safe next steps.

Why Chemist4U is partnering with them

Chemist4U is committed to supporting patient wellbeing beyond physical health. Bullying, especially body bullying, can affect confidence, mental well-being, and how people engage with healthcare. Partnering with the National Bullying Helpline helps us signpost safe, trusted support whenever our patients need it.

Why this matters for patient wellbeing

  • Bullying can contribute to anxiety, low self-esteem, and avoidance of healthcare.
  • Body bullying is linked with unhealthy relationships around weight, food, and appearance.
  • People managing weight, skin conditions, hair loss, or chronic conditions can be especially vulnerable.

Our responsibility as a healthcare provider

  • We want patients to feel safe, respected, and supported.
  • Signposting trusted support is part of our duty of care.
  • The partnership ensures patients know where to turn if bullying is affecting their wellbeing.

“People often reduce weight loss to willpower alone, insisting that everyone simply needs to ‘eat less and move more’. This approach to obesity care is that it is not only ineffective but can also be misleading and damaging. Obesity is a complex, chronic condition that requires a more comprehensive approach to management. Clinically supported treatments can be truly life-changing - not just for weight itself but for confidence, health and major life milestones, from improving mobility to becoming eligible for IVF. The truth is, most people are already doing it, already trying, already making changes for their health, and they deserve support, not criticism."

James O'Loan the CEO of Chemist4U
James O’Loan, CEO & Superintendent Pharmacist

We've donated to their cause

Chemist4U has made a financial donation to help the National Bullying Helpline expand its reach and resources. This supports their ability to provide confidential guidance, update their tools, and assist more people across the UK.

Ensuring our patients have access to support

Many of our patients manage conditions that affect appearance, such as weight concerns, skin conditions, or hair loss. Signposting the helpline ensures they have immediate access to confidential, impartial support whenever bullying affects their confidence or mental wellbeing.

Raising awareness of the damage body bullying can cause

Body bullying can affect emotional wellbeing, trigger anxiety, and undermine healthy behaviour. By supporting the National Bullying Helpline, Chemist4U is helping highlight the harm body shaming can cause and encouraging people to seek help early.

According to NHS mental health guidance, prolonged stress or intimidation can affect mood, sleep, and self-esteem, and support is recommended if someone feels overwhelmed or distressed.

Frequently asked questions

Do they offer help for employers or managers?

Yes. They provide workplace guidance, HR templates, and practical advice for employers managing bullying concerns.

Do they help with online bullying and social media harassment?

Yes. They offer advice on digital safety, managing online harassment, and where to seek further help if needed.

Is the service free?

The helpline is not-for-profit. Advice is free, though standard call charges may apply depending on your provider.

Can I stay anonymous?

Yes. You can choose not to give your name, and your details aren’t shared unless someone is at risk of harm.

How will Chemist4U promote this partnership to patients?

We’ll share the partnership across our website, guides, and treatment pages so patients know where to find support when bullying affects their well-being.

Sources

James O'Loan - CEO & Superintendent Pharmacist
James O'Loan , CEO & Superintendent Pharmacist on 19 November 2025
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