Urgent help
Your thoughts and feelings are important, and you have taken a positive step reaching out for support. If you need immediate help we would urge you to reach out to the organisations below to find the support you deserve.
Crisis Messenger
Crisis Messenger is a free text service providing 24/7 crisis support across the UK. If you’re aged 25 or under, and are experiencing a personal crisis, are unable to cope and need support, you can text THEMIX to 85258. They can support you with topics such as suicidal thoughts, abuse or assault, self-harm, bullying, or relationship breakdowns.
Samaritans
Samaritans offers a listening service and emotional support to anyone about any issue, with a special focus on suicidal feelings. They are open all day, everyday. You can call the helpline for free on 116 123 or email at [email protected]. They are also currently piloting a new webchat service where you can chat to a volunteer online. Opening times for this vary and it is not always available. The Samaritans website is www.samaritans.org if you want more information.
A&E and 999
If you feel at any point that you are unable to keep yourself safe and are in immediate danger, call the emergency services on 999, or go to your local A&E department to explain your situation to them, so that they can support you.
Other support options
Childline
- ChildLine offers information, advice and confidential counselling to anyone aged 18 and under on any issue affecting them.
- Their phoneline is open all day every day by calling on 0800 1111, or you can go to www.childline.org.uk to access their webchat service. They also have a message board for young people on their website.
- You can visit their website to access more information on them or send an email using a Childline account.
Papyrus (suicide prevention)
- Confidential support and advice service for children and young people under the age of 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide, or anyone concerned that a young person could be thinking about suicide.
- The helpline number is 0800 068 4141 and is open from 9am to midnight every day.
- You can also text them on 077862 09697, email [email protected].
National Domestic Abuse Helpline (domestic abuse)
- 24-hour freephone operated by Refuge and staffed by female advisors.
- They can be contacted on 0808 2000 247 and are open 365 days of the year, 24 hours a day.
- Alternatively, you can send a message via a form on the website with details of how and when someone can get in touch with you safely. They also operate a webchat which is open Monday to Friday 3pm-10pm.
Galop (LGBT+ support)
- Galop is an LGBT+ anti-abuse charity working with and for LGBT+ victims and survivors of interpersonal abuse and violence. They also support people supporting a survivor of domestic abuse; friends, families and those working with a survivor.
- You can contact their helpline on 0800 999 5428 and it’s open Monday to Friday 10am-5pm and Wednesday and Thursday 10am-8pm. Galop also have a coversion therapy helpline and LGBT+ hate crime helpline.
- Their webchat service is available on Wednesdays and Thursdays 5pm-8pm.
CALM (suicide prevention)
- CALM is an organisation which offers help, information and advice to anyone. They deal with issues such as abuse, bullying, mental health, relationships, suicide and self-harm.
- The CALM helpline is open everyday from 5pm-12am (midnight) on 0800 58 58 58.
- You can webchat with them via their website or via whatsapp.
Victim Support (victims of crime)
- Victim Support (England and Wales) offers emotional and practical support, advice and information to people affected by crime, including their friends, family and any other people involved.
- Their helpline is free and confidential, and available 24/7 on 0808 16 89 111.
- On their website you can also chat to them online or find the details for services in Scotland or Northern Ireland.
Street Link (homelessness)
- A free website, mobile app and phone service for England and Wales, which enables people to send an alert when they see someone sleeping rough to connect that person to local support services that can help to end their homelessness.
- Streetlink itself is not an outreach service accommodation provider or emergency service.
- The app is free and available on Apple and Android devices. You can find out more information at on their website or their phone number is 0300 500 0914.
Anti-Terrorism Hotline (terrorism)
- If you know of a plan or are involved in extremist activities, you can talk to the anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321 who can help to prevent threat to lives or property.
- You can also make a report on https://www.met.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/ath/possible-terrorist-activity/.
Beat (eating disorders)
- Beat offers support and information for people affected by eating disorders.
- Their helpline is open everyday from 9am–midnight during the week, and 4pm–midnight on weekends. You can call them on 0808 801 0677, or their Youthline on 0808 801 0711.
- They also have a webchat service available Monday to Thursday from 8pm to midnight.
Befrienders Worldwide (international support)
- Befrienders Worldwide centers provide an open space for those in distress to talk and be heard.
- This is via telephone helplines, SMS messaging, face to face, internet chat, outreach and local partnerships.
- They have information for helplines all over the world which you can find on their website.