If you are in immediate danger, call 999 now or go to your nearest A&E.
Press Esc or the red button to leave this page quickly.
Crisis Support
You Are Not Alone
If you are in crisis right now, please reach out to one of the services below. These are free, confidential, and available around the clock. You do not have to be at breaking point to call — any level of distress is enough.
Emergency & Urgent Help
Emergency Services
UrgentIf you or someone else is in immediate danger or has taken an overdose, call 999 now.
Crisis & Listening Lines
Free, confidential support — you do not need to be suicidal to call.
Samaritans
Free, confidential listening for anyone struggling to cope — whatever you are going through. You do not have to be suicidal to call.
Shout 85258
Free, confidential crisis support by text. Text SHOUT to 85258 to be connected with a trained volunteer.
PAPYRUS HOPELINEUK
Confidential support for young people under 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide, and for anyone concerned about a young person.
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)
Helpline and webchat for anyone who needs to talk. Particularly focused on men, but open to all.
Mind Infoline
Information and signposting on mental health problems, treatments, and local services.
Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline
Information, support and referral for LGBT+ people. Staffed by LGBT+ volunteers.
Support for Neurodivergent People
Organisations with particular experience supporting autistic and ADHD individuals.
ADHD UK
Support and community for people with ADHD, including crisis resources and peer support.
Autistic UK
Run by and for autistic people. Peer support and signposting for autistic individuals in distress.
Ambitious About Autism
Support for autistic children, young people and their families, including a helpline.
While You Wait for Support
If you are waiting to speak to someone, these simple grounding techniques can help bring you back to the present moment.
5-4-3-2-1 Grounding
Name 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell, 1 you can taste. This anchors you in the present.
Box Breathing
Breathe in for 4 counts, hold for 4, breathe out for 4, hold for 4. Repeat 4 times. This activates your parasympathetic nervous system.
Cold Water
Hold your wrists under cold running water, or splash your face. The physical sensation can interrupt a spiral and bring you back to your body.
Safe Place Visualisation
Close your eyes and picture a place — real or imagined — where you feel completely safe. Notice the details: colours, sounds, smells, textures.
"Reaching out when you are struggling is one of the bravest things you can do. Please do not wait until you feel you deserve help — you already do."
— Maria Hartshorn, Resonance Counselling
When You Are Ready for Ongoing Support
Crisis support is for right now. When you are in a steadier place, ongoing therapy can help you understand and work through what you are experiencing.