If you have fallen victim to a crime while overseas, or if somebody close to you has died as a result of a violent act abroad, then you might not want to speak to anyone but your closest friends and relatives about it. However, such events can be very distressing, and talking to a doctor or a counsellor about it can really help. While there are few resources available along these lines for free when you are outwith the uk, there are several organisations within the UK that the Consul can put you in touch with if you feel you need it.

If you are arrested abroad, stay calm, co-operate fully with the investigation, and avoid being violent or abusive, as you can really make things a lot worse for yourself if you do.

As a British national, it is your right to demand that the British Consul is notified of your arrest and incarceration. Tell your friends or relatives back home to speak to the British Consul or the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London ? the number is +44 (0) 207 008 1500. The charity Prisoners Abroad, which was set up to help British Citizens that are imprisoned in foreign countries, could be able to help, so it's worth getting in touch with them as well.

There are certain things that the Consul can do for you when you are abroad, if you want. They can contact your friends and relatives to let them know what has happened, and ask them to send money, tickets, or official documents, if that is what you want. They can also explain how to transfer funds if you need cash for travel or legal fees.

You may need the services of English-speaking doctors, lawyers and interpreters, and they can put you in touch with them.

In the case of a genuine emergency, they can lend you up to ?100 in the local currency as long as you can present a cheque backed up by a valid cheque guarantee card. If you genuinely have no friends or relatives that you can borrow money from, they might be able to lend you the money for your travel home, although you must meet their strict criteria.

However, there are several things that an office of the Consul cannot do for you when you are abroad. They cannot sort you out with better hospital treatment than the locals are entitled to, pay hotel, legal, medical or travel costs, provide you with legal advice, investigate crimes, or intervene in legal proceedings.