The NHS offer support via the NHS 111 service, accessible online or by calling 111 from your mobile or landline 24/7/365. Of course, for life-threatening emergencies call 999 and ask for the police or an ambulance depending on the situation.
Mental health and suicide prevention phonelines, text chat and webchat services
As someone that hasn’t left home for over 3 years, I am often alone and I find myself needing someone to talk to about my mental health from time-to-time. Sometimes that need is urgent.
Thankfully, even in a crisis situation (after some searching) I managed to find some places that were open out of hours and throughout the year, offering help and support in a variety of ways. At the time I took a mental note that someone else might need to know all this one day, without the annoying and unfruitful internet searching I went through.
You rarely have the luxury of time in a crisis.
Here is everything I found including the notes I scribbled covering support lines, webchats, text lines and other resources, along with their opening hours and contact details.
Mental health and suicide prevention support line information
Last Updated – September 2024
| General mental health support | Young persons mental health support |
| LGBTQIA+ mental health support | Over 55’s mental health support |
| Regional mental health support |
General mental health support
The Samaritans website is a constant here in the UK. They have the go-to helpline for crisis situations – simply call 116 123 to speak to a trained agent 24/7/365. They also offer an email contact service, self help app, and an online chat service with varying opening times. Visit the website for more detailed instructions on these other services.
The Mind Website is a huge library of information, and they have an entire section of their site dedicated to mental illness at Christmas alongside their Emergency helpline crisis resources, and mental health a to z. Their info line number is 0300 123 3393 and it’s open from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday. Mind also have regional offices you’ll be able to find via google, but their availabillity depends on where you live.
Shout is a 24/7 mental health chat service available throughout the UK to anyone who needs it. Simply text ‘SHOUT‘ to 85258 to speak, via text, with a trained volunteer. Note – during busy periods a response might take time.
Mental Health Matters have helplines and webchat services available (some 24/7) in multiple locations around the UK. Visit their Helpline and Webchat page to find out if they cover your area along with the relevant contact details.
The National Suicide Prevention Helpline is open 6.00pm to 3.30am (yes, overnight, when things can feel their worst) to anyone looking for a supportive listening service because of suicidal thoughts. They are open every day of the year.
Sane is an independent charity offering emotional support (and other services) to anyone affected by declining mental health and/or mental illness. Their SANEline is available on 0300 304 7000 and is open between 4.00pm and 10pm usually every day of the year. Alongside this they offer a textcare support service (not for a crisis situation) and a peer support forum (always open, but not a crisis service) that you can join anonymously.
SupportLine is a confidential emotional support service available to anyone in the UK. Their number is 01708 765200 but opening hours vary. They also offer an email support service, with full details on their contact page.
Young persons mental health support
Kooth is an online mental well-being community built specifically for children and young adults aged 10-25. They have an online team available to chat with or message , as well as a peer support network created to be used anonymously, making it easier to talk honestly and provide support to others. More information can be found on their website, but you’ll need to join before getting any specifics and the website isn’t clear about who can use it, so check if it’s right for you before signing up.
Papyrus is a suicide prevention charity for young people (up to age 35) and their concerned friends and family. They offer a HOPEline service, open from 9am to midnight every day on 0800 068 4141. They also have a text and email service available – full details on their contact page.
C.A.L.M. (Campaign Against Living Miserably) is an organisation on a mission to prevent suicide and help anyone understand that life is always worth living. Their helpline is open 365 days a year from 5pm to midnight and the number is 0800 585858. They also offer an online webchat service – visit their website for more information including useful resources and other support ideas they have.
The Mix provides essential support to the under 25’s, providing help and advice on any subject from mental health to finances. They have a helpline available 4pm to 11pm Monday to Saturday on 0808 808 4994, as well as an email service, counselling services, one-to-one chats, group community chats and crisis support service open to anyone 24/7. Visit their Get Support page for all the relevant contact information.
LGBTQIA+ mental health support
Switchboard is a national LGBTQIA+ service for anyone needing support from their community. They have a helpline open 10am to 10pm on 0800 0119 100, as well as email and chat services for those who aren’t able to talk.
Over 55’s mental health support
The Silverline is a helpline service for the over 55’s and it’s run by the national charity, Age UK. Their number is 0800 4 70 80 90, and there are operators available 24 hours a day, every day.
Regional mental health support
C.A.L.L. Helpline is a mental health support organisation speifically for those residing in Wales. They are open 24 hours a day 365 days a year, and their freephone number is 0800 132 737.
The NHS offer support via the NHS 111 service, accessible online or by calling 111 from your mobile or landline 24/7/365. Of course, for life-threatening emergencies call 999 and ask for the police or an ambulance depending on the situation.
Take care and feel well. Steph 💜
*You must not rely on the information on this website as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website
Creative Steph
“A kinder, more thoughtful world is a place we all deserve to live”
Email me: steph@creativesteph.co.uk
Creative Steph 