Get Help
Medical Emergency
Please phone the Emergency Services on 999
Helplines
If you’re feeling distressed or are concerned about someone else the following helplines could help.
- Samaritans provides confidential non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day. The Samaritans can be called on 116 123. You can also contact your local Samaritans branch if you’d like to talk to someone in your region.
- Anxiety UK helpline on 03444 775 774, open Mon-Fri 09:30-22:00 and Sat-Sun 10:00-20:00
- OCD-UK helpline on 03333 127 890, open 10am-4:45pm Mon-Fri
- Beat helpline for eating disorders is on 08088010677 (12-8pm Mon-Fri & 4-8pm Sat & Sun)
- Supportline for emotional support on 01708765200 or info@supportline.org.uk
Non-urgent Help
If you need non-urgent help with a mental health problem, visiting your local GP is the best source of information.
Out of Hours Help
If you can’t reach a GP during normal working hours, or you’re unable to access your GP, ring NHS direct on 111 in England or 0845 46 47 in Wales for medical advice.
You can also visit your nearest A&E department.
Worried about a child or young person
YoungMinds Parents Helpline offers free, confidential online and telephone support to any adult worried about the emotional problems, behaviour or mental health of a child or young person up to the age of 25.
You can call them on 0808 802 5544, 9:30am-4:00pm, Monday-Friday.
Other Organisations
Side By Side is a community support forum – hosted by the charity Mind – where individuals can talk about any aspect of their mental health.
The Mix is an open forum for under-25s to discuss mental health and other topics.
Bipolar UK community is a support forum for anyone affected by bipolar disorder.
Further information or support
SANE runs a national, out-of-hours mental health helpline offering specialist emotional support and information to anyone affected by mental illness, including family, friends and carers. The helpline is open every day of the year from 4.30pm to 10.30pm and can be reached on 0300 304 7000.
Mind offers advice, legal information, and support across a range of mental health conditions. Their helpline is open from 9am-6pm, Monday to Friday (except for bank holidays) and can be reached on 0300 123 3393. You can also text Mind at 86463.
Rethink Mental Illness offers practical advice and support to anyone experiencing severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, and to their carers and relatives. The Rethink Advice Line can be reached on 0300 5000 927.
If you’re under 35 and struggling with suicidal feelings, or concerned about a young person who might be struggling, you can call PAPYRUS on 0800 068 4141 (weekdays 10am-10pm, weekends 2pm-10pm and bank holidays 2pm–10pm), email pat@papyrus-uk.org or text 07786 209 697.
If you’re experiencing a personal crisis, are unable to cope and need support, text Shout to 85258. Shout can help with urgent issues such as suicidal thoughts, abuse or assault, self-harm and bullying.
If you are a man, you can call the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) on 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight every day) or use their webchat service.