We know that sometimes people can find things overwhelming. If you are finding things difficult and want to speak to someone about how you are feeling, you can find information on available services below: 

If you need immediate support

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts and you feel unsafe, you need to access support straight away. You should call 999 or go to your nearest Accident & Emergency (A&E). 

If you have the telephone number for your local crisis team, you can also call this number to speak to a mental health professional who will be able to take to you about what to do. 

Other sources of support

NHS urgent mental health helplines (England only). Offer 24-hour advice and support for you, your child, your parent or someone you care for. Find your local NHS urgent mental health helpline here. 

Make an appointment with your GP and talk to them about how you are feeling. If you are feeling overwhelmed and struggling with your mood, you can ask for an emergency appointment. A GP can advise you on helpful treatments, help you access mental health services or provide information on how to self-refer. 

Get advice from NHS 111 if you need support with your mental health but it is not an emergency. 111 will tell you the right place to get help if you need to see someone. 

Ring or text a friend or family member. Often our friends and family are keen to help. We just need to let them know how we are feeling.  

For further information on where to get help, you can find more information on the NHS website here. 

Free listening services

Samaritans are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They offer emotional support and a listening ear. Call 116 123. It’s a Freephone number, which can even be called from a mobile that has no credit, and the call will not appear on your phone bill. It’s totally confidential. 

SANEline is a specialist mental health helpline provided by mental health charity, Sane. You can call them on 0300 304 7000 between 4.30pm and 10.30pm each evening.

Shout is a text messaging mental health support service (text 'SHOUT' to 85258 to start)

If you are under 19, you can ring Childline – 0800 1111-  for help with any issue you are going through. They have trained counsellors who can provide support. 

For young adults aged 24 and under, you can text YoungMinds (text YM 85258; 24hr support), or call/email The Mix on: 0808 808 4994 (4pm – 11pm)/ email (24hr response time)

General support and information on mental health and wellbeing

Anxiety UK provide confidential advice and support for those living with anxiety and anxiety-related depression. Their helpline is open Mon-Fri, 9.30pm-5.30pm: 03444 775 774. 

Changing Faces is a charity that provides support to those living with a visible difference. They have self-help guides on their website and can help you to access trained practitioners. 

Mental Health Foundation champion good mental health for everyone. 

Mind have information leaflets on how to manage common mental health problems, as well as being able to access Mind's online community. They have an information line, open Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm: 0300 123 3393. 

The Wren Project provides free, ongoing, 1-1 listening support for people diagnosed with autoimmune disease, and in a period of distress living with their condition.

For a comprehensive list of mental health charities and support groups you can visit the NHS website here.