If you are in immediate danger, feel unable to keep yourself safe, or you believe someone else is at risk, call 999 now or go to your nearest A&E.
If you need urgent mental health help but it’s not life-threatening, you can call NHS 111 and select the mental health option for your local crisis team.
Below you’ll find helplines and support services available across the UK. These are free, confidential, and available to anyone. You do not need to be a client to use them.
24/7 Immediate Support
Samaritans — 24/7 emotional support
– Call: 116 123 (free)
– Email: jo@samaritans.org
A listening service for anyone struggling to cope, any time of day or night.
Shout — 24/7 text support
– Text: SHOUT to 85258
A trained volunteer will respond via text. Ideal if you cannot speak safely or
prefer messaging.
NHS 111 — urgent mental health help
– Call: 111 (24/7)
Choose the mental health option to reach your local crisis team.
Childline (under 19s)
– Call: 0800 1111 (24/7)
Support for young people. Phone and online chat available.
General Support Helplines
These services offer emotional support, guidance, and signposting:
Mind
– Call: 0300 123 3393 (Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm)
Information on mental health problems, treatment options, and support
services.
SANEline
– Call: 0300 304 7000 (4pm–10pm daily)
Support for anyone affected by mental illness, including families and carers:
Switchboard (LGBTQIA+ support)
– Call: 0800 0119 100 (10am–10pm)
– Chat and email available
Non-judgmental support for LGBTQ+ communities:
The Silver Line (for older adults)
– Call: 0800 470 8090 (24/7)
Friendship, advice, and information for people aged 55+ :
YoungMinds Textline
– Text: YM to 85258 (for young people)
Parent helpline also available: 0808 802 5544 (Mon–Fri, 9:30am–4pm).
Support by Topic
Anxiety & Stress
Anxiety UK
– Call: 0344 477 5774 (Mon–Fri, 10:30am–4:30pm)
– Text: 07537 416905
Support for anxiety, panic, phobias, and related concerns.
No Panic
– Call: 0300 772 9844 (10am–10pm)
For panic attacks, anxiety disorders, and OCD.
Depression & Suicidal Thoughts
The following services offer listening support and crisis guidance:
– Samaritans: 116 123 (24/7)
– Shout Textline: Text SHOUT to 85258 (24/7)
– Papyrus HOPELINE247: For under-35s struggling with suicidal thoughts
o Call: 0800 068 4141
o Text: 07860 039 967
o Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org
Addiction (Drugs, Alcohol, Gambling)
With You (formerly Addaction)
– Free support for drug and alcohol issues. Web chat is available.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
– Call: 0800 917 7650
– Help for anyone worried about their drinking.
Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
– Call: 0300 999 1212
Support for drug addiction and recovery.
GamCare (Gambling)
– Call: 0808 8020 133 (24/7)
– Live chat available.
Eating Disorders
BEAT Eating Disorders
– England Helpline: 0808 801 0677
– Scotland: 0808 801 0432
– Wales: 0808 801 0433
– Northern Ireland: 0808 801 0434
Support for anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, and ARFID.
Maternal & Perinatal Mental Health
PANDAS Foundation
– Call: 0808 196 1776 (Mon–Fri, 10am–5pm)
Support with postnatal depression, anxiety, and maternal mental health.
Trauma & Abuse
NAPAC (National Association for People Abused in Childhood)
– Call: 0808 801 0331 (Mon–Thurs 10am–9pm; Fri 10am–6pm)
Rape Crisis England & Wales
– 24/7 Helpline: 0808 500 2222
Support for anyone affected by sexual violence.
Self-Help & Online Resources
These resources provide guides, tools, and explanations you can access anytime:
Mental Health Foundation – “Get Help”
Guidance on what to do if you’re struggling, types of support, and how to access
help.
Mind – Guides & Explainers
Articles on anxiety, depression, PTSD, self-care, crisis planning, and more.
Rethink Mental Illness – “Get Help Now”
Practical support for panic attacks, hearing voices, self-harm, and managing a crisis.
Finding a Therapist for Ongoing Support
If you are not in immediate crisis but feel you need professional support, you may
wish to connect with a qualified therapist.
Our directory includes verified graduates who meet professional standards and
training requirements.
You can browse practitioners by location, speciality, or approach.
A therapist cannot replace emergency support. If you feel unsafe, please use the
urgent services listed at the top of this page.
Important Disclaimer
This page provides general signposting and support information.
It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or emergency care.
If you feel unable to keep yourself safe, or someone else is at risk, please call 999
immediately or go to A&E.