Samaritans
24 hours a day, every dayFree, confidential support for anyone who’s struggling. You don’t have to be suicidal to call.
Urgent help
You don’t have to go through this alone
If you’re struggling right now, there are people who want to help, any time of day or night. Talking to someone is free and confidential.
Talk to someone now
Free and confidential, open 24 hours a day.
Shout
24/7 text serviceText a trained volunteer if you’d rather not talk on the phone.
NHS 111, mental health option
24/7 in England and WalesUrgent mental health help. Call 111 and choose the mental health option (option 2).
Across the UK
Services in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
NHS 24 (Scotland)
24/7Call 111 for urgent help in Scotland, including mental health support.
Breathing Space (Scotland)
Evenings and weekendsA free, confidential listening service for anyone in Scotland feeling low, stressed or anxious.
Lifeline (Northern Ireland)
24/7Crisis support for anyone in Northern Ireland who is in distress or despair.
Support for specific needs
Papyrus HOPELINE247
24/7For people under 35 having thoughts of suicide, or anyone worried about a young person.
Childline
24/7, for anyone under 19Free support for children and young people by phone or online chat.
CALM
5pm to midnight, every dayCampaign Against Living Miserably. Helpline and webchat for anyone who is struggling.
SANEline
4pm to 10pm, every dayEmotional support for anyone affected by mental illness, including family and friends.
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
24/7 (England)Free, confidential support if you’re experiencing domestic abuse, run by Refuge.
Beat
Check the website for current hoursSupport for anyone affected by eating disorders.
Cruse Bereavement Support
Check the website for current hoursFree support for anyone grieving after someone has died.
The Silver Line (Age UK)
24/7, for older peopleA free helpline for older people who want a friendly chat, day or night.
Mind Infoline
Weekdays, 9am to 6pmInformation about mental health problems, treatment and where to get help. Not a crisis line.
Opening times can change. Check each service’s website for the latest details. If a line is closed, Samaritans (116 123) and Shout (text 85258) are always open.
Non-urgent help
If you’re not in immediate danger but you’re finding things hard:
- Talk to your GP. You can ask for an urgent appointment if you need one.
- Refer yourself for talking therapy. In England you can self-refer to NHS Talking Therapies for free, without seeing a GP.
- Already under a mental health team? Use the crisis number in your care plan.
While you wait
If you’re waiting for a call back or an appointment, these might help you get through the next few minutes:
Worried about someone else?
How do I ask someone if they’re thinking about suicide?
It’s okay to ask directly: “Are you thinking about suicide?” Research shows asking doesn’t put the idea in someone’s head, and it can be a huge relief for them to be asked.
Listen without judging, and don’t try to fix everything. Let them know you care and that help is available. Encourage them to call Samaritans (116 123) or their GP, and offer to help them do it.
When should I call 999 for someone else?
Call 999 if someone has seriously hurt themselves, has taken an overdose, or tells you they’re about to act on thoughts of suicide and you can’t keep them safe. Stay with them if it’s safe to do so.
Looking after yourself while you support someone
Supporting someone who is struggling can be hard. It’s okay to set limits and to get support for yourself too. Samaritans and Shout are there for you as well, and Mind has guides for friends and family.