Guidance on managing communications

At Mental Health UK, we believe everyone deserves the space to choose how and when they are contacted – especially when it comes to something as personal as supporting a cause.

The good news is that there are simple, free ways to manage your contact preferences – not just with us, but with other organisations too.

How we communicate with you

We know that everyone’s circumstances are different. Whether you want to hear from us more, less, or in a different way – we’re here to listen.

If you’d like to change how we contact you, please get in touch with our Supporter Care team 9:30am–4pm, Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays:

Your support means the world to us, and your preferences will always come first. Read our full privacy policy.

 

The section below guides you through the different ways you can reduce unwanted contact from charities, companies, or marketers — helping you stay in control of your mail, calls, emails, and doorstep visits so you feel safer, less overwhelmed, and more protected.

Fundraising Reference Service (FPS)

You might feel you are hearing from too many charities or you just want to take a break. The FPS lets you choose which charities can contact you – and how. It is run by the Fundraising Regulator.

It is designed to give you more control and peace of mind. You can also register on behalf of others, such as:

  • vulnerable individuals in your care, or
  • someone who has died and is still receiving fundraising messages.

You can contact the FPS on:

The FPS is only applicable to charities registered in England and Wales. If you are a Scottish or Northern Irish resident and want to stop receiving charity mailings, you will have to contact the charity directly.

Telephone Preference Service (TPS)

If you are receiving marketing calls you didn’t ask for, the TPS can help. It’s a free service that allows you to opt out of sales and marketing calls you did not ask for.

Once you are registered with the TPS, companies are legally required to stop calling you.

If you continue to receive unwanted calls, you can make a complaint to the TPS.

You can contact the TPS on:

If you have provided Mental Health UK with your phone number, we can contact you even if you are registered with TPS. You can opt out by contacting Supporter Care. See above for the contact details.

Mailing Preference Service (MPS)

The MPS helps reduce unwanted direct mail from charities, businesses, and advertisers.

It’s a great way to cut down on clutter and make sure your post box only brings what matters to you.

Once have you have registered with MPS, it can take some time for the ‘exclusion’ to take effect. This is usually around 28 days.

You can contact MPS on:

Unwanted leaflets

The MPS cannot stop things like leaflets being posted through your door, but you can take some simple steps to reduce the amount.

You can put a ‘no junk mail’ sticker on your door or post box. This may deter some leaflet deliveries.

You can also opt-out of Royal Mail door-to-door ‘advertising mail’ deliveries by completing their online opt-out form:

‘No cold calling’ signs

Cold calling includes when someone knocks on your front door to try to sell you goods or services, or asks for a donation to a charity. It is not illegal and does not always require a licence.

It is best if you never invite anyone into your home, even charity fundraisers that you may wish to support.

What about charity fundraisers?

Charity fundraisers who work door to door should only be asking for a regular gift or an online gift. They should not ask for cash.

What is a ‘no cold calling’ sign?

if you do not want cold callers, a ‘no cold calling’ sign can help. You can display one your gate, door, or window. This lets visitors know you do not wish to receive uninvited sales or fundraising calls – and most will respect that.

You can download a free ‘no cold calling’ sign online, or request one from your local council or trading standards office.

What is a ‘no cold calling zone’?

You may also find that your area is in a ‘no cold calling zone’. You can usually find out where the zones are in your area by contacting your local council. Your home might not be in a cold calling zone, but you might think it should be. You can contact your local council to tell them this.

What if I get a cold caller even if I have a sign or leave it in a note calling zone?

You might have a ‘no cold calling’ sign or live in a no cold calling zone. If you get a cold caller, you can say “no thank you” and close the door quickly.

What if I have an unwanted doorstep caller who keeps coming back?

You might have an unwanted doorstep caller who keeps coming back.

The law says that a trader who ignores your request to leave is committing a criminal offence. This is under a law called The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024.

You can call the Police. Many regional police forces offer advice on how to respond if you receive unwanted doorstep callers. If you think you are in immediate danger, call the Police on 999, or 101 for non-emergencies.

Opting out of emails

if you receive an unwanted email this is either because you:

  • Opted in to receiving emails from that organisation, or
  • Provided your details and they are using those details. This is called ‘soft opt-in’.

If you provide your email address to an organisation, it is allowed to contact you. But they must provide a way for you to unsubscribe so you can opt-out easily.

If you might think the organisation has obtained your email illegally or without your knowing, you can complain to the organisation directly.

Further advice and information

 

Last updated: November 2025

All information correct at time of publishing. Please note Mental Health UK cannot accept responsibility for the content or accuracy of external websites.

Other relevant pages

 

Privacy policy      Complaints policy     Supporter promise