UK Mental Health Helplines: Who to Call and When

Samaritans (116 123) and Shout (text 85258) are always available, day or night, and are listed at the top of every page on this site. But depending on your situation, one of these other UK services might be a better fit.

If you're under 35 and having suicidal thoughts

Papyrus HOPELINE247 — call 0800 068 4141 or text 88247, 24 hours a day, every day. This is also the right number if you're worried about a young person, not just for young people themselves.

If you're affected by suicide, or feel life isn't worth living

CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) — call 0800 58 58 58, 5pm to midnight, every day. If talking on the phone feels like too much, CALM also offers webchat and WhatsApp support.

If you want to talk to someone who understands mental illness specifically

SANEline — call 0300 304 7000, 4.30pm to 10pm, every day. This is for anyone experiencing a mental health problem, or supporting someone who is.

If you're LGBT+

Switchboard — call 0300 330 0630, 10am to 10pm, every day. Every phone operator identifies as LGBT+.

For general information (not a crisis line)

Mind Infoline — call 0300 123 3393, 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday (except bank holidays), or text 86463. This is for information about mental health problems, treatments, and where to get further help — it's not a listening or crisis service, but a good next step if you want to understand your options.

If you're under 19

Childline — call 0800 1111, free, 24/7. It won't appear on your phone bill.

Try this: Save one or two of these numbers in your phone now, while you're feeling okay. It's much easier to reach for a number that's already there than to search for one in a difficult moment.

Helpline details can change over time — if any of the above ever looks out of date, the NHS Every Mind Matters urgent support page is a reliable place to double-check.