This directory brings together UK organisations offering mental health assistance, crisis intervention, safeguarding information, practical advice and specialist support across a range of circumstances.
Some services operate across the United Kingdom, while others are specific to England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. Opening hours, eligibility and availability may vary.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 or attend your nearest emergency department.
For international support, please visit our Crisis Information page or Find A Helpline.
Select the relevant section below
1. Mental Health Crisis & Suicide Prevention
NHS Urgent Mental Health Support
Urgent mental health assessment and support. In England, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option. Arrangements differ across the devolved nations.
Samaritans
Confidential emotional support for anyone experiencing distress, loneliness, suicidal thoughts or difficulty coping. Available 24/7.
Telephone: 116 123
Shout
Free, confidential, 24/7 text-based mental health support for people experiencing emotional distress.
Text SHOUT to 85258.
CALM – Campaign Against Living Miserably
Suicide prevention and emotional support for people experiencing difficulties with their mental health, including men.
Telephone: 0800 58 58 58
Mind
Mental health information, guidance on accessing crisis services, advocacy and support.
Rethink Mental Illness
Information and practical support for people living with mental illness, their families and carers.
2. Self-Harm & Safety Planning
Stay Alive
Suicide prevention and safety planning resources, including tools for managing suicidal thoughts and identifying sources of support.
https://stayalive.prevent-suicide.org.uk/
distrACT
Information, coping strategies and resources for people experiencing thoughts of self-harm or concerned about someone else.
https://www.expertselfcare.com/health-apps/distract/
Harmless
Specialist information and support relating to self-harm, suicide prevention and recovery.
Samaritans Self-Help
Self-help activities and techniques designed to help people recognise, understand and manage difficult emotions.
https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/self-help/
These resources may complement professional support but are not substitutes for emergency medical care or urgent crisis intervention.
3. Domestic Abuse
Domestic abuse can include physical, emotional, psychological, sexual and economic abuse, as well as coercive and controlling behaviour. Support is available regardless of whether abuse has been reported to the police.
National Domestic Abuse Helpline – Refuge
Confidential support for women experiencing domestic abuse in England. Available 24 hours a day.
Telephone: 0808 2000 247
https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/
Women's Aid
Information, practical guidance and access to domestic abuse support services.
Men's Advice Line
Specialist support for men experiencing domestic abuse, including coercive control and psychological, physical or sexual abuse.
Telephone: 0808 801 0327
https://mensadviceline.org.uk/
ManKind Initiative
Support for male victims of domestic abuse, including information about available services and options.
Telephone: 01823 334244
Respect Phoneline
Confidential support for people concerned about their own abusive, controlling or harmful behaviour towards a partner or family member.
Telephone: 0808 802 4040
https://respectphoneline.org.uk/
Scotland – Domestic Abuse & Forced Marriage Helpline
Telephone: 0800 027 1234
Wales – Live Fear Free
Telephone: 0808 80 10 800
https://www.gov.wales/live-fear-free
Northern Ireland – Domestic & Sexual Abuse Helpline
Telephone: 0808 802 1414
International Crisis & Mental Health Support
If you are outside the UK, crisis services, emergency telephone numbers and mental health support pathways will vary depending on your country.
Find A Helpline
https://findahelpline.com/
An international directory to help you locate emotional support, crisis helplines and specialist services in your country.
You may also contact a local healthcare provider, mental health crisis team or emergency department.
