Where to get urgent help for mental health
If you need help for a mental health crisis, emergency or breakdown
Seek immediate expert advice and assessment. NHS urgent mental health helplines are for people of all ages.
You can call for:
- 24-hour advice and support – for you, your child, your parent or someone you care for
- help to speak to a mental health professional
- an assessment to help decide on the best course of care
If someone’s life is at risk
For example, they have seriously injured themselves or taken an overdose
Or
If you do not feel you can keep yourself or someone else safe
Call 999 or go to A&E now
A mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a physical one. You will not be wasting anyone’s time.
Here are services that can help NOW
These services offer confidential advice from trained volunteers. You can talk about anything that’s troubling you, no matter how difficult:
- Call 116 123 (free of charge from a landline or mobile) to talk to the Samaritans. They provide a 24hr helpline offering emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide. Alternatively, email jo@samaritans.org for a reply within 24 hours.
- Text “SHOUT” to 85258 to contact the Shout Crisis Text Line, or text “YM” if you’re under 19.
- If you’re under 19, you can also call 0800 1111 to talk to Childline. The number will not appear on your phone bill.
Coping during a crisis
The mental health charity MIND has information on ways to help yourself cope during a crisis. This includes calming exercises and a tool to get you through the next few hours.
