Mental Health Crisis Helplines

If you're in a crisis and need to talk right away, there are a lot of helplines run by trained individuals. They won't judge you and might be able to help you understand what you're feeling. Most of these helplines are available 24/7, so you can reach out to them anytime you need support. Remember, it's important to reach out for help when you're feeling overwhelmed or in crisis. 

• Samaritans. To talk about anything that is upsetting you, you can contact Samaritans 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can call 116 123 (free from any phone), email jo@samaritans.org or visit some branches in person. 

• Shout. If you would prefer not to talk but want some mental health support, you could text SHOUT to 85258. Shout offers a confidential 24/7 text service providing support if you are in crisis and need immediate help.

• Papyrus HOPELINEUK. If you're under 35 and struggling with suicidal feelings, or concerned about a young person who might be struggling, you can call Papyrus HOPELINEUK on 0800 068 4141 (24 hours, 7 days a week), email pat@papyrus-uk.org or text 07786 209 697.

• C.A.L.L. If you live in Wales, you can call the Community Advice and Listening Line (C.A.L.L.) on 0800 132 737 (open 24/7) or you can text 'help' followed by a question to 81066.

• SANEline. If you're experiencing a mental health problem or supporting someone else, you can call SANEline on 0300 304 7000 (4.30pm–10.30pm every day).

• National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK. Offers a supportive listening service to anyone with thoughts of suicide. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK on 0800 689 5652 (6pm to midnight every day).

• Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM). You can call the CALM on 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight every day) if you are struggling and need to talk. Or if you prefer not to speak on the phone, you could try the CALM webchat service.

• The Mix. If you're under 25, you can call The Mix on 0808 808 4994 (3pm–midnight every day), request support by email using this form on The Mix website or use their crisis text messenger service.

• Nightline. If you're a student, you can look on the Nightline website to see if your university or college offers a night-time listening service. Nightline phone operators are all students too.

• Switchboard. If you identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, you can call Switchboard on 0300 330 0630 (10am–10pm every day), email chris@switchboard.lgbt or use their webchat service. Phone operators all identify as LGBT+.

• Helplines Partnership. For more options, visit the Helplines Partnership website for a directory of UK helplines (you can filter by keywords, topics and location). 

• If you're outside the UK, the Befrienders Worldwide website has a tool to search by country for emotional support helplines around the world.

HUB OF HOPE - FIND A LOCAL SERVICE

Hub of Hope local service finder could help you find more local mental health services near you. You can filter results based on your needs. 

WORKPLACE EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME (EAP)

Your work might offer an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), which you can generally access without the need to go through your manager or HR. EAP should provide some free counselling sessions (usually up to 6 sessions). 

COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY

University or college students should have access to free student counselling service. You should be able to access it without going through your tutors. Search your institution's website for more information.