Urgent mental health support 

Urgent mental health support can help someone when they're experiencing a mental health crisis to manage the symptoms they are currently experiencing and put strategies in place to help deescalate the crisis. 

This page shares FREE support options for when someone needs urgent mental health support.  

Samaritans

Call the Samaritans 24/7 helpline on 116 123 to talk to a trained volunteer if you are struggling to cope with your mental health and need support.

Find out more from the Samaritans website.

NHS 111

Call the NHS 111 24/7 helpline and select the mental health option if you need urgent help for your mental health.

Alternatively, get help from NHS 111 online. 

SHOUT

Text SHOUT to 85258 to get support with your mental health using SHOUT's 24/7 text messaging service.

Find out more from the SHOUT website.

PAPYRUS: HOPELINE247

Call the 24/7 PAPYRUS HOPELINE on 0800 068 41 41 if you are under the age of 35, or supporting someone under 35, for support with mental health and suicidal thoughts. 

Alternatively, text 07860 039 967  or email pat@papyrus-uk.org.

Find out more on the PAPYRUS website.

CALM

Call the CALM helpline on 0800 58 58 58 if you need to talk to someone and get support for your mental health. Open 5pm to midnight, 365 days a year.

Find out more on the CALM website.

If you are struggling with your mental health, we also recommend making an emergency appointment at your GP who can put you in contact with available local services and support.

Urgent icon
Call 999 or go to A&E if: 
  • someone's life is at risk - for example, they have seriously injured themselves or taken an overdose
  • you do not feel that you can keep yourself or someone else safe

Everyone deserves help. Mental health emergencies are serious. You are not wasting anyone's time. 

Additional helplines and support services