NHS 111
NHS 111 provides 24-hour information and advice on any health problems or services. For support for your mental health dial 111 and select option 2.
Samaritans
The Samaritans provide 24-hour support to anyone who needs it:
Student Space
The Student Space provides access to dedicated support services for students by text or webchat. For information on what to expect from each of these services, please visit the Student Space website.
- Text: To start a conversation text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 (available 24 hours)
- Student Space webchat (available 16.00 – 23.00)
If you're outside the UK, Befrienders Worldwide has a tool to search by country for emotional support helplines around the world.
Other Helplines
Listed below are a number of useful organisation and charity helplines that support individuals experiencing emotional difficulties (including mental health crisis).
The list aims to provide a quick reference guide to the different types of support available and is not exhaustive.
The charity Mind has also put together a list of some of the different types of mental health issues people may encounter. Each issue has a ‘Useful Contacts’ section.
Beat
Beat supports people affected by eating disorders. The helplines are open 365 days a year, 15.00 – 20.00, Monday to Friday. They also have a one-to-one web chat service available on their website.
CALM
The Campaign Against Living Miserably offers a helpline and website for young men. Their helpline and webchat are open between 17.00 – midnight all year round.
Childline
A private and confidential service for children and young people up to the age of 19.
CRUSE
CRUSE Bereavement Care provide a helpline which is open Monday – Friday, 9.30 – 17.00 (Tuesdays, 13.00 – 20.00).
Drinkline
Drinkline runs a free, confidential helpline for people who are concerned about their drinking or someone else’s. Their helpline is open between Monday – Friday, 9.00 – 20.00 and at weekends between 11.00 – 16.00.
London Nightline
London Nightline provides confidential listening, support and information for students by students. Their helpline is available between 18.00 – 8.00 every night of term.
Men’s Advice Line
Provides a helpline for advice and support for men experiencing domestic violence and abuse. Helpline is available Monday – Friday, 10.00 – 17.00 and webchat is available Wednesdays, 10.00 – 11.30 and Thursdays, 14.00 – 16.00.
National Domestic Violence Helpline
24-hour helpline providing advice and support to women experiencing domestic violence/abuse.
No Panic
No Panic provides help to those experiencing panic and anxiety-related problems. The main helpline is open every day between 10.00 – 22.00 (charges may apply). They also have a 24-hour crisis line.
- Telephone: +44 (0)300 772 9844 (Helpline)
- Telephone: +44 (0)1952 680 835 (24-hour crisis line)
- No Panic website
NSPCC
NSPCC provides a 24-hour helpline for anyone concerned about a child or young person at risk of abuse.
Papyrus HOPELINE247
HOPELINE247 provides a specialist telephone service giving support, practical advice and information to anyone who is worried about how they are feeling or to anyone who is concerned about another person. The telephone service is available 24/7.
Rape Crisis
Rape Crisis provides a national helpline which is open 24/7 or you can contact your nearest Rape Crisis Centre.
SANELine
SANE provide emotional support and information to anyone affected by mental illness, including families, friends and carers. The helpline is open between 16.00 – 22.00 every evening.
Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline
Provides a helpline between 10.00 – 22.00, 365 days a year, giving advice, information and support to lesbians, gay men, bisexual and trans people.
Talk To Frank
Talk To Frank provides 24-hour confidential information and advice to those affected by drugs and substance abuse.
