I realise that this organisation is controversial and the moderators may wish to keep a special eye on any discussion. I am approaching this from the aspect of a health care professional seeking advice. http://www.outsiders.org.uk/helpline 0707 499 3527

As you can see, they are using a nasty 070 number. They make no mention of call charges and they format the number so as to distract from its nature. The idea of giving this number to a client who will probably also have financial issues is appalling.

Does anyone have an alternative number? There's nothing I can find on the Sayno database or in a google search.

allegro wrote on May 20^th, 2011 at 7:43am:

Does anyone have an alternative number? There's nothing I can find on the Sayno database or in a google search.

See this page which explains that the helpline is run from home and not a call centre. Thus, the alternative will be her home number and it would totally innappropriate to disclose it, even if we found it, without express written permission to do so.

It says that all calls are recorded and this could perhaps be done via the 070 number, rather than a device connected to her line, which would mean that bypassing the 070 number would mean those calls aren't recorded.

There is a geographic number on the page you linked to, 020 7354 8291, which it says is for Outsiders Club.

Thanks for finding that extra information. There are plenty of other alternatives for call routing where they don't want to disclose a home number but still route calls to it. Ranging from 03xx and VOIP to various 08xx. They have chosen the most expensive possible number that falls outside regulation for premium rate

allegro wrote on May 20^th, 2011 at 9:37am:

Thanks for finding that extra information. There are plenty of other alternatives for call routing where they don't want to disclose a home number but still route calls to it. Ranging from 03xx and VOIP to various 08xx. They have chosen the most expensive possible number that falls outside regulation for premium rate

I would have thought these days that a 01/02/03 number that terminates as a VoIP service. There would therefore be no need for per minute charges which would be likely to be incurred where calls are passed on to a normal landline number.

The cost to do this would be a suitable VoIP device and possibly a small monthly charge for use of the account.