Urgent mental health support

 

Samaritans (24 hours a day, every day)

Free, confidential support for anyone struggling to cope.

Call: 116 123

Website: www.samaritans.org

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Shout (24 hours a day, every day)

Free, confidential text support if you feel overwhelmed or in crisis.

Text SHOUT to 85258

Website: www.giveusashout.org

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NHS 111

For mental health help that is urgent but not an emergency.

England: call 111 and choose the mental health option, or use www.111.nhs.uk

Scotland: call 111 (NHS 24).

Website: www.nhs24.scot

Wales: call 111.

Website: www.111.wales.nhs.uk

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Mental health support and information

 

Mind (England and Wales)

Information, advice and a support line for anyone with a mental health difficulty.

Infoline: 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm)

Support Line: 0300 102 1234 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm)

Website: www.mind.org.uk

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CALM (adults aged 18 and over)

Support for anyone struggling, having suicidal thoughts, or worried about someone else.

Call: 0800 58 58 58 (5pm to midnight, every day)

Webchat and WhatsApp are available on the website.

Website: www.thecalmzone.net

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Breathing Space (Scotland)

Free, confidential support for people aged 16 and over with low mood, depression or anxiety.

Call: 0800 83 85 87 (Monday to Thursday 6pm to 2am; Friday 6pm to Monday 6am)

Website: www.breathingspace.scot

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C.A.L.L. Helpline (Wales)

Mental health listening and support.

Call: 0800 132 737 (24 hours a day, every day)

Website: www.callhelpline.org.uk

 

Lifeline (Northern Ireland)

Crisis support for anyone in distress.

Call: 0808 808 8000 (24 hours a day, every day)

Website: www.lifelinehelpline.info

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Domestic abuse and crime

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Refuge National Domestic Abuse Helpline (for women)

Call: 0808 2000 247 (24 hours a day, every day)

Live chat is available on the website.

Website: www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk

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Men's Advice Line (for men)

Call: 0808 8010327 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm)

Website: www.mensadviceline.org.uk

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Galop (for LGBTQ+ people)

Support with abuse, hate crime and violence.

Call: 0800 999 5428 (opening days and hours vary, so please check the website)

Website: www.galop.org.uk

 

Victim Support (England and Wales)

Free support for anyone affected by crime.

Call: 08 08 16 89 111 (24 hours a day, every day)

Live chat is available on the website.

Website: www.victimsupport.org.uk

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LGBTQ+ support

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Switchboard LGBTQ+ Helpline

A confidential listening service run by volunteers from the LGBTQ+ community.

Call: 0800 0119 100

Phone, chat and email options are on the website.

Website: www.switchboard.lgbt

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LGBT Foundation

Advice, emotional support and signposting.

Call: 0345 3 30 30 30 (Monday to Friday 9am to 8:30pm; weekends 10am to 5:30pm)

Website: www.lgbt.foundation

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Alcohol and drug support

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Talk to FRANK

Free, confidential information and advice about drugs.

Call: 0300 123 6600

Text: 82111

Website: www.talktofrank.com

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Drinkline

Free, confidential helpline if you are worried about your own or someone else's drinking.

Call: 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am to 8pm; weekends 11am to 4pm)

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Nacoa

Support for children of alcohol-dependent parents.

Call: 0800 358 3456

Website: www.nacoa.org.uk

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Alcohol Change UK

Information and guidance about alcohol (not a helpline).

Website: www.alcoholchange.org.uk

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NHS addiction support

Find local NHS services.

Website: www.nhs.uk/live-well/addiction-support

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ADHD support

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ADHD UK

Free online support groups, resources and information for adults and parents.

Website: www.adhd.co.uk (no public phone line)

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NHS Right to Choose (England only)

In England you can choose which NHS provider carries out your ADHD assessment. Local restrictions may apply, so check what is available in your area.

Guide: www.adhduk.co.uk/right-to-choose

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Parents and carers

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YoungMinds Parents Helpline

Support for parents and carers of children and young people aged 25 and under.

Call: 0808 802 5544 (Monday, Thursday and Friday 9:30am to 4pm; Tuesday and Wednesday 9:30am to 6pm)

Website: www.youngminds.org.uk

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Carers UK Helpline

Advice for anyone looking after a family member or friend.

Call: 0808 808 7777 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm)

Website: www.carersuk.org

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Money, benefits and housing

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StepChange

Free, confidential debt advice.

Call: 0800 138 1111 (Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm; Saturday 9am to 2pm)

Website: www.stepchange.org

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MoneyHelper

Free, impartial money guidance.

Call: 0800 011 3797 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)

Website: www.moneyhelper.org.uk

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Citizens Advice

Advice on benefits, housing, debt, employment and more.

England adviceline: 0800 144 8848 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)

Debt helpline (England and Wales):

0800 240 4420 (Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm; Saturday 9:30am to 1pm)

Citizens Advice also operates in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Use the website to find your local service. Website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk

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For healthcare workers

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Doctors in Distress

An independent charity offering peer support groups for healthcare workers. It is not a therapy or crisis service.

Email: contact@doctors-in-distress.org.uk

Website: www.doctors-in-distress.org.uk

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Important information

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This page is for signposting only. It is not medical advice, and coaching is not a crisis or emergency service. Listing an organisation here is not an endorsement.

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I try to keep this information up to date, but phone numbers, opening hours and services change. I take no responsibility for any information that is out of date or inaccurate. Please check with the organisation directly before relying on it.

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Last reviewed: 6 October 2026

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