Crisis services and planning for a crisis
This guide explains what mental health crisis services are available, how they can help and when to access them. It also explains how you can plan for a crisis. If you're feeling in crisis right now, see our emergency advice.
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Useful contacts
Other organisations
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)
0800 58 58 58
thecalmzone.net
Provides listening services, information and support for anyone who needs to talk, including a web chat.
Community Advice and Listening Line (C.A.L.L.)
0800 132 737 (helpline)
81066 (text HELP plus your message)
callhelpline.org.uk
Provides information and support for people experiencing a mental health problem in Wales.
Helplines Partnership
helplines.org
Membership body for helplines in the UK. Includes a searchable directory of services.
Hub of Hope
hubofhope.co.uk
UK-wide mental health service database. Lets you search for local, national, peer, community, charity, private and NHS mental health support. You can filter results to find specific kinds of support.
Mind Recovery Net
mindrecoverynet.org.uk
Publishes information on recovery colleges, including a searchable list of providers.
The Mix
85258 (crisis messenger service, text THEMIX)
themix.org.uk
Support and advice for under 25s, including a crisis messenger service, email and webchat.
National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK
0800 689 5652
spuk.org.uk/national-suicide-prevention-helpline-uk/
Helpline offering a supportive listening service to anyone with thoughts of suicide. Open from 6pm to midnight every day. If you are unable to connect to the main number above you can call 0800 689 0880.
NHS 111 (England)
111
18001 111 (text relay)
NHS 111 BSL service
111.nhs.uk
Non-emergency medical help and advice for people in England.
NHS 111 (Wales)
111
111.wales.nhs.uk
Non-emergency medical help and advice for people living in Wales. Select option 2 to access a 24/7 helpline offering urgent mental health support.
NHS UK
nhs.uk
Information about health problems and treatments, including details of local NHS services in England.
Nightline Association
nightline.ac.uk
Lists contact information for helplines and listening services in universities and colleges across the UK.
Papyrus HOPELINEUK
0800 068 41 41
07860039967 (text)
[email protected]
papyrus-uk.org
Confidential support for under-35s at risk of suicide and others who are concerned about them. Open 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Relay UK
relayuk.bt.com
Provides a talk/type relay service for anyone who has difficulty hearing or being understood when speaking over the phone. The cost of making phone calls through this service depends on your telephone service provider.
Rethink Mental Illness
0808 801 0525
rethink.org
Provides support and information for anyone affected by mental health problems, including local support groups.
Samaritans
116 123 (freephone)
[email protected]
Freepost SAMARITANS LETTERS
samaritans.org
Samaritans are open 24/7 for anyone who needs to talk. You can visit some Samaritans branches in person. Samaritans also have a Welsh Language Line on 0808 164 0123 (7pm–11pm every day).
Sane
0300 304 7000
sane.org.uk
Offers emotional support and information for anyone affected by mental health problems, including a helpline.
Shout
85258 (text SHOUT)
giveusashout.org
Confidential 24/7 text service offering support if you're in crisis and need immediate help.
Switchboard
0800 0119 100
hello@switchboard/lgbt
switchboard.lgbt
Listening services, information and support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.
This information was published in October 2018.
This page is currently under review. All content was accurate when published.
References and bibliography available on request.
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