Helpful links and resources for mental health services in the UK
If you're seeking help for mental health challenges, you're not alone. This page provides a list of trusted UK-based helplines, charities, crisis services, and resources focused on various topics. All information is drawn from reputable sources like the NHS, Mind, and specialised charities.
For immediate emergencies, call 999 or go to A&E. If it's a mental health crisis, contact NHS 111 (select the mental health option) or your local GP.
We've prioritised free, confidential services available nationwide or regionally.
General UK-Wide Helplines and Crisis Support
These 24/7 or extended-hour lines offer immediate, confidential support for any mental health concern, including suicidal thoughts or distress:
Samaritans: For anyone in distress. Call 116 123 (free, 24/7). Email: jo@samaritans.org (response within 24 hours).
Shout Crisis Text Line: Free, confidential 24/7 text support. Text SHOUT to 85258. Ideal for anxiety, depression, or crisis.
NHS 111 Mental Health Option: For urgent mental health help (non-emergency). Call 111 and select mental health. Available 24/7 in most areas.
SANEline: Emotional support for mental health issues. Call 0300 304 7000 (4:30pm–10pm daily).
National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK: For suicidal thoughts. Call 0800 689 5652 (6pm–midnight daily)
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): For suicide prevention. Call 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight daily). Webchat available.
Papyrus HOPELINEUK: For young people (under 35) with suicidal thoughts. Call 0800 068 4141 (24/7). Text 07860 039967.
Mind Infoline: General mental health advice. Call 0300 123 3393 (9am–6pm, Mon–Fri).
Childline: For under-19s. Call 0800 1111 (24/7, won't show on bills).
Hub of Hope: Searchable database of local mental health services.
Topic-Specific Resources
Eating Disorders
Beat Eating Disorders: UK's leading charity. Helpline: 0808 801 0677 (England). Support groups, recovery resources.
SEED (Support and Empathy for Eating Disorders): Groups and workshops.
SWEDA (South West Eating Disorders Association): Support in South West England.
First Steps ED: Advice and support.
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)/Trauma
PTSD UK: Awareness, resources, and support.
Combat Stress: For veterans. Helpline: 0800 138 1619 (24/7).
PTSD Resolution: Therapy for veterans and families. Helpline: 0300 302 0551.
Trauma Research UK: Mentoring for anxiety and trauma.
Addiction and Recovery
WithYou: Free support for drugs, alcohol, mental health. Search local services on website.
FRANK: Honest info on drugs. Helpline: 0300 123 6600 (24/7).
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): Support groups. Helpline: 0800 9177 650.
Turning Point: Crisis support.
Cocaine Anonymous UK: Helpline: 0800 612 0225.
Depression & Mood Disorders
Mind: Info and support. Infoline: 0300 123 3393 (Mon–Fri 9am–6pm).
Rethink Mental Illness: Advice line: 0300 5000 927 (Mon–Fri 9:30am–4pm).
Mental Health UK: Resources and local support.
Mental Health Foundation: Prevention-focused advice
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety UK: User-led support. Infoline: 03444 775 774 (Mon–Fri 10:30am–4:30pm).
No Panic: Helpline: 0300 772 9844 (10am–10pm daily).
Suicide Awareness and Hotlines
See general helplines above (e.g., Samaritans, CALM, Papyrus).
Additional:
SOS Silence of Suicide: Helpline: 0808 115 1505 (8pm–midnight, Fri–Mon).
Neurodivergence (e.g., Autism, ADHD)
National Autistic Society: Helpline: 0808 800 4104 (Mon–Thu 10am–4pm, Fri 9am–3pm).
ADHD Foundation: Resources and support.
Centre for ADHD and Autism Support: Peer support in North West London.
Autistica: Research and campaigning.
ADHD Aware: Peer groups and training.
Child Abuse and Domestic Violence
National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Refuge): 0808 2000 247 (24/7, women only).
NSPCC: Child protection. Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (adults concerned about a child).
ManKind Initiative: For male victims. Helpline: 01823 334 244 (Mon–Fri 10am–4pm).
Galop (LGBT+): Helpline: 0800 999 5428.
National Centre for Domestic Violence: Emergency injunctions. Helpline: 0800 970 2070.
Leeds
NHS 111 (select mental health option) for 24/7 access. Leeds CAMHS Crisis Call Line (under 18): 0800 953 0505 (8am–8pm daily). Connect Helpline (survivor-led, evenings): 0808 800 1212.
Bristol
NHS 111 (select mental health option). Bristol Mental Health Crisis Line: 0300 555 0334 or historically 0800 953 1919 (24/7 via AWP; confirm via 111). Bristol Mindline: 0117 203 4419 (Wed–Sun evenings).
Cardiff
NHS 111 (Wales; select mental health). C.A.L.L. Helpline (Wales-wide): 0800 132 737 (24/7 emotional support). Local crisis teams via 111 or GP. Samaritans: 116 123.
Belfast (Northern Ireland)
Lifeline: 0808 808 8000 (24/7 for distress/despair). Samaritans: 116 123. Regional crisis via local trusts or GP out-of-hours. For children: Childline 0800 1111.
Newcastle
NHS 111 (select mental health option). Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment (Newcastle/Gateshead): access via 111. Text support for BSL: 07860 064 775 (in some cases).
Sheffield
NHS 111 (select mental health). South Yorkshire crisis support routed via 111. Local IAPT/talking therapies for non-urgent. Samaritans: 116 123.
Regional Hotlines for Major UK Cities
Many regions use NHS 111 (mental health option) or national lines, but some have local variations.
Search the Hub of Hope or look below for more:
London
NHS 111 (mental health). CALM London: 0808 802 5858 (5pm–midnight). Central & North West London: 0800 0234 650 (24/7). North East London: 0800 073 0006 (24/7).
Manchester
Greater Manchester Crisis Line: 0800 953 0285 (24/7). MindLine: 0161 238 5149 (evenings). Samaritans: 116 123.
Birmingham
Birmingham & Solihull Crisis Line: 0800 915 9292 (24/7). Rethink: 0808 801 0442 (24/7 in some areas).
Glasgow
NHS 24: 111 (mental health). Breathing Space: 0800 83 85 87 (evenings/weekends). Samaritans: 116 123.
Edinburgh
NHS 24: 111. Mental Health Assessment Service: 0131 537 6000 (24/7). Breathing Space: 0800 83 85 87.
Liverpool
NHS 111 (select mental health option) for 24/7 urgent support. Mersey Care Urgent Mental Health: historically 0800 145 6570 or 0151 296 7200 (check current routing via 111). Liverpool Light (evening crisis cafe/support). For children/young people: CAMHS Crisis: 0151 293 3662 or related 111 option.
We aim to keep this page up to date.
Always verify details on the organisation's website, as services may evolve.
Last updated: 16/01/2026
