Deborah Mitchell Counselling

It’s important to know where to turn for mental health support, especially in a crisis. Here’s a list of key mental health helpline numbers in the UK, along with information on when to use them:

If you are in immediate danger or someone’s life is at risk (e.g., serious injury, overdose, cannot keep safe):

• Call 999 or go to your nearest A&E (Accident & Emergency) department. A mental health emergency is as serious as a physical one.

For urgent mental health help, but not an immediate life-threatening emergency:

• NHS 111 (Mental Health Option): Call 111 and select the mental health option. This service is free, available 24/7, and can connect you to local NHS crisis lines and mental health professionals. This is a primary route for urgent, non-emergency mental health support.
• Your local NHS mental health crisis line: Many NHS trusts have specific 24/7 crisis lines. You can often find these by searching “NHS [your area] mental health crisis line” online, or by calling NHS 111.

General Mental Health Support and Listening Services (24/7 unless otherwise stated):

• Samaritans:
  • Call: 116 123 (Free, 24/7, confidential emotional support for anyone experiencing feelings of distress or despair.)
  • Email: jo@samaritans.org (Replies within 24 hours.)
• Shout Crisis Text Line:
  • Text: SHOUT to 85258 (Free, confidential, 24/7 text service for crisis support when you need immediate help. Text “YM” if you’re under 19.)
• SANEline:
  • Call: 0300 304 7000 (Open 4:30 pm – 10 pm every day. Offers emotional support and information if you’re affected by mental illness, including family members, friends, or carers.)
• CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably):
  • Call: 0800 58 58 58 (Open 5 pm – midnight every day. For men who are down or struggling with suicidal thoughts.)
  • Webchat: Via their website (thecalmzone.net/help/webchat/)

• Papyrus HOPELINEUK:
  • Call: 0800 068 4141 (24 hours, 7 days a week. For young people under 35 struggling with suicidal feelings, or for anyone concerned about a young person.)
  • Text: 07786 209 697
  • Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org
• The Silver Line (Age UK):
  • Call: 0800 4 70 80 90 (Free, confidential telephone service for older people, providing friendship, conversation, and support 24/7.)

Specific Helplines:

• Mind Infoline:
  • Call: 0300 123 3393 (Open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 6 pm, except bank holidays. Provides information on mental health problems, treatments, and services.)
  • Email: info@mind.org.uk
• Rethink Mental Illness Advice Line:
  • Call: 0808 801 0525 (Open Monday to Friday, 10 am to 2 pm. Practical advice on mental health conditions, benefits, legal rights.)
• Childline:
  • Call: 0800 1111 (Free, 24/7. For children and young people under 19.)
• Switchboard (LGBTQA+ Helpline):
  • Call: 0345 330 3030 (Open 10 am – 10 pm every day. For people who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or questioning.)
  • Email: chris@switchboard.lgbt
  • Webchat: Via their website

For those in Wales:

• C.A.L.L. (Community Advice and Listening Line):
  • Call: 0800 132 737 (Open 24/7. For anyone in Wales needing mental health advice and support.)
  • Email: call@helpline.wales

Important notes:

• GP (General Practitioner): Your GP is often the first point of contact for mental health concerns and can refer you to local services or provide advice.
• Hub of Hope: You can use the Hub of Hope website (run by Chasing the Stigma) to search for local mental health charities and services in your area.
• NHS Website: The NHS website (nhs.uk) provides comprehensive information on mental health services and how to access them.

If you are struggling, please reach out to one of these services. You are not alone, and help is available.

All contact numbers up to date as of 17/7/25