External support
- Kooth & Qwell platforms available for young people and adults provided by most CCG’s across the country. Offering a chat service, peer support, access to articles and blogs.
- Information and support provided through Mind’s website for people living with Mental Health problems, or family/friends looking for how they can support someone better.
- Information and Support for young people aged 11-18 through Mind
- Speak to your GP, and they might refer you to a suitable service. See Mind’s guide on talking to your GP for guidance on discussing your mental health with them.
- Improving access to psychological therapies (IAPT) is an NHS programme offering talking therapies for common mental health problems, which you can often refer yourself without going to your GP. Find IAPT services near you here.
Charities supporting mental health
- local Mind, local Rethink Mental Illness, or local Turning Point branch may be able to offer you talking therapies. Sometimes these local organisations may also form part of a local IAPT service with the NHS.
- Mental Health Matters (MHM) offers a telephone counselling service and talking therapies in some areas.
- Anxiety UK offers talking therapies for anxiety. There is a fee but they do offer reduced costs for people on a low income.
- Cruse Bereavement Care may offer free counselling services if you have experienced the death of someone close to you.
Helplines and crisis support
- Befrienders worldwide offer a worldwide directory of emotional support helplines
- Campaign against living miserably (CALM) provides listening services, information and support for anyone who needs to talk including webchat. 0800 58 58 58
- Community Advice and Listening Line (C.A.L.L) provides information and support for people experiencing a mental health problem in Wales. 0800 132 737 (helpline) or text HELP plus your message to 81066.
- The Mix provide support and advice for under 25’s, including a helpline, crisis messenger service, and webchat. 0808 808 4994 (helpline) or text THEMIX to 85258.
- National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK provides a supportive listening service to anyone with thoughts of suicide, available 24/7. Helpline 0800 689 5652 for anyone 18+.
- Nightline association lists contact information for helplines and listening services in universities and colleges across the UK.
- Papyrus HOPELINEUK is confidential support for under-35’s at risk of suicide and others who are concerned about them. Open daily from 9am-midnight. 0800 068 41 41 helpline, text 07860039967, or email [email protected]
- Relay UK provides a talk/type relay service for anyone who has difficulty hearing or being understood when speaking over the phone. The cost of making a phone call through this service depends on your telephone service provider.
- Rethink mental illness provides support and information for anyone affected by mental health problems, including local support groups.
- Samaritans are open 24/7 for anyone who needs to talk. Helpline 116 123, e-mail [email protected] (response time24hrs), write a letter to Freepost SAMARITANS LETTERS.
- Sane offers emotional support and information for anyone affected by mental health problems. SANEline is open 4-10pm 0300 304 7000
- Shout is a confidential 24/7 text service offering support if you’re in crisis and need immediate help. Text Shout to 85258.
- Stay alive is an app with help and resources for people who feel suicidal or are supporting someone else
- Switchboard provides listening services, information and support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities. Helpline 0300 330 0630 open 10am-10pm every day. Chat available from 2pm.
