Where to get urgent help for mental health

If you need help for a mental health crisis or emergency, you should get immediate expert advice and assessment.

It’s important to know that support services are available for you to access, whatever you’re going through.

Call 999 or go to A&E now if:

• someone’s life is at risk – for example, they have seriously injured themselves or taken an overdose
• you do not feel you can keep yourself or someone else safe

A mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a physical one. You will not be wasting anyone’s time.

Get advice from 111 or ask for an urgent GP appointment if:

• you need urgent help for your mental health

Get help from 111 online or call 111 and select the mental health option.

111 will tell you the right place to get help. You may be able to speak to a trained mental health professional over the phone.

A GP can advise you about helpful treatments and also help you access mental health services. You may be able to refer yourself to some services.

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.

Other services that can support you:

Samaritans – 116 123

A 24/7 service for emotional support for mental health and crisis response.

Mind support line – 0300 102 1234

This is a safe space for you to talk about your mental health. Open 9.00am to 6.00pm, Monday to Friday (except bank holidays).

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 (6.00pm to midnight every day).

SANEline

If you’re experiencing a mental health problem or supporting someone else, you can call SANEline on 0300 304 7000 (4.30pm–10.00pm every day).

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.

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+.

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) 

You can call the CALM on 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight every day) if you’re affected by suicide or suicidal thoughts. Or if you prefer not to speak on the phone, you could try the CALM webchat 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.

NHS Talking Therapies – click here

Talking therapies, or psychological therapies, are effective and confidential treatments delivered by fully trained and accredited NHS practitioners. 

CRUSE (Bereavement Counselling) – 0808 808 1677

A service offering free and confidential support for anyone affected by grief.

Relate (Relationship Counselling) – 01325 461 500

A service offering counselling for relationships and intimate topics.

Escape Family Support – 07702 833944

A service offering support for carers and family members of those struggling with substance and alcohol misuse.