Crisis helplines
If you’re in crisis and need to talk urgently, these helplines are staffed by trained people who are ready to listen:
Samaritans
Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call 116 123 (free from any phone) or email jo@samaritans.org
www.samaritans.org
SANEline
Telephone helpline for anyone experiencing a mental health problem, including family, friends and carers. Call 0300 304 7000 (4.30pm–10.30pm daily).
www.sane.org.uk
National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK
24-hour helpline for anyone with thoughts of suicide. Call 0800 689 5652
www.spbristol.org
Papyrus HOPELineUK
Confidential support and advice for young people under the age of 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide, or those concerned about them. Call 0800 068 4141, text 07860039967 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org
www.papyrus-uk.org
Switchboard
Telephone helpline for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Phone operators all identify as LGBT+. Call 0300 330 0630 (10am–10pm daily), email chris@switchboard.lgbt or use their webchat service.
www.switchboard.lgbt
Shout 85258
24-hour text support service for anyone who is feeling anxious, stressed or overwhelmed. Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258.
www.giveusashout.org
Refuge
National helpline for anyone experiencing domestic abuse. Call 0808 2000 247 (24-hour helpline)
www.refuge.org.u kh
Sobs
SOBS offers support for those bereaved or affected by suicide through a helpline answered by trained volunteers who have been bereaved by suicide and a network of local support groups.
https://uksobs.org/
Helplines Partnership
For a directory of UK helplines:
www.helplines.org/helplines
Other services
Alcoholics Anonymous
For those who need help with a drinking problem. Call free on 0800 9177 650 (24hr helpline), email help@aamail.org or use the webchat service.
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk
Anxiety UK
Support for those affected by anxiety and stress. Call 03444 775 774, text 07537 416905 or email support@anxietyuk.org.uk
www.anxietyuk.org.uk
Bipolar UK
Support for people affected by bipolar.
www.bipolaruk.org
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)
Support service for men aged 15 to 35. Call 0800 58 58 58 (5pm to midnight daily) or use their webchat service.
www.thecalmzone.net
Cruse Bereavement Support
A support service for those who are struggling with grief and bereavement. Call 0808 808 1677 or use their webchat service.
www.cruse.org.uk
Mind
Advice and support for anyone experiencing a mental health problem, including friends and family. Call the Mind Infoline on 0300 123 3393 or email info@mind.org.uk
www.mind.org.uk
OCD UK
Advice, information, and support service run by people with OCD, for people with OCD. Call 01332 588112.
www.ocduk.org
Rape Crisis UK
For those who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or any kind of sexual violence. Call 0808 802 9999 or use the webchat service.
www.rapecrisis.org.uk
Therapist directories
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
www.bacp.co.uk
UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)
www.psychotherapy.org.uk
Counselling Directory
www.counselling-directory.org.uk
