Useful mental health helplines. A simple guide and links to mental health helplines and crisis services available, how they can help and when to access them.
A crisis service is any service that is available at short notice to help you resolve a mental health crisis, or to support you while it is happening. These services can be provided by:
What crisis services could help me?
There are lots of different ways you can access help when you’re experiencing a crisis. On this page, you’ll find more information about the following services:
Crisis services and situations when this service can help.
Accident & Emeregency (A&E)
When you need immediate medical help – especially if you think you might act on suicidal thoughts, or you’ve harmed yourself and need urgent medical attention.
Emergency GP appointment
When you need urgent support for your mental health, but there’s no immediate danger to your safety or the safety of others. Contact your GP Surgery or the out of hour service.
Crisis Resolution Home Treatment Team (CRHT)
When you need urgent support, and you’re already in contact with your local mental health services.
How can I access this service?
You can:
Take yourself directly there (if it’s too far to walk you could take public transport, call a taxi, or ask a friend to give you a lift).
Call 999 if you need an ambulance.
When you Need to talk to someone right away about how you’re feeling.
SANEline
0300 304 7000
sane.org.uk
SANEline is a national out-of-hours telephone helpline offering emotional support and information for people affected by mental health problems.
The Silver Line
If you’re an older person (over the age of 55), the Silver Line is there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to provide information, support and friendship. You can call them from anywhere in the UK on 0800 4 70 80 90 (freephone).
CALM
If you’re a man experiencing distressing thoughts and feelings, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is there to support you. They’re open from 5pm–midnight, 365 days a year. Their national number is 0800 58 58 58, and they also have a webchat service if you’re not comfortable talking on the phone.
Nightline. If you are a student, you can look at the Nightline website to see if your university or college offers a night-time listening service. Nightline phone operators are all students too.
Switchboard, the LGBT+ helpline
If you identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, Switchboard is available from 10am–11pm, 365 days a year, to listen to any problems you’re having. Phone operators all identify as LGBT+. Their national number is 0300 330 0630, or you can email chris@switchboard.lgbt.
C.A.L.L.
If you live in Wales, you can contact the Community Advice and Listening Line (C.A.L.L). for a confidential listening and support service. Their number is 0800 123 737 or you can text ‘help’ to 81066.
Mind
Mind Infoline: 0300 123 3393
mind.org.uk
The Mind InfoLine offers thousands of callers confidential help on a range of mental health issues. Mind helps people take control of their mental health. We do this by providing high-quality information and advice, and campaigning to promote and protect good mental health for everyone. They also provide a special legal service to the public, lawyers and mental health workers.
No Panic
Helpline: 0800 138 8889
nopanic.org.uk
We are a voluntary charity which helps people who suffer from Panic Attacks, Phobias, Obsessive Compulsive Disorders and other related anxiety disorders including those people who are trying to give up Tranquillisers. No Panic specialises in self-help through telephone recovery groups.
ChildLine
Helpline: 0800 1111
childline.org.uk
ChildLine is a counselling service for children and young people. You can contact ChildLine in these ways: You can phone on 0800 1111, send us an email, have a1-2-1 chat with us, send a message to Ask Sam and you can post messages to the ChildLine message boards . You can contact ChildLine about anything – no problem is too big or too small. If you are feeling scared or out of control or just want to talk to someone, you can contact ChildLine.
YoungMinds
Helpline: 0800 018 2138
youngminds.org.uk
Parents’ Information Service gives advice to parents or carers who may be concerned about the mental health or emotional well being of a child or young person.
Get Connected
Freephone: 0808 808 4994 (1pm – 11pm)
getconnected.org
Confidential National helpline for young people under 25 helps them work out what they need most. Can put them in touch with places that can help – whatever the issue.
Papyrus
Papyrus HOPElineUK: 0800 068 41 41
papyrus-uk.org
Support for those dealing with suicide, depression or emotional distress – particularly teenagers and young adults.
Campaign Against Living Miserably
Helpline: 0800 58 58 58
thecalmzone.net
Support for young men under 35 suffering from depression.
Aware Defeat Depression
Helpline: 08451 202 961
aware-ni.org
Provides information and support to people affected by depression in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
The Samaritans
Tel: 116 123 (Free)
samaritans.org
Whatever you’re going through, we’re here to help 24 hours a day. We won’t judge you and we won’t share what you tell us with anyone else. Get in touch by telephone, email, letter and face to face in the UK andIreland. Visit befrienders.org if you live outside the UK or Ireland.
