If you are concerned about yourself, a friend or a loved one, these helplines and support groups can offer expert advice:
The organisations below are mainly UK based, for worldwide helplines and support see HelpGuide.org.
Find UK resources near you at the Hub of Hope website.
For non life-threatening emergencies in the UK you can also call NHS 111 and select the Mental Health option, you’ll be connected to the Mental Health Hub to speak to a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP).
If someone is in immediate danger to themselves and/or to others, dial 999 for an ambulance or go directly to the nearest A&E department. (UK only)
It’s OK not to be OK. It’s NOT OK not to tell anyone.
Mental Health Helplines
- Anxiety UK: Charity providing support if you’ve been diagnosed with an anxiety condition. 03444 775774. www.anxietyuk.org.uk
- Bipolar UK: Charity helping people living with manic depression or bipolar disorder. www.bipolaruk.org.uk
- Childline: Online or on the phone, anytime. 0800 1111 (24hrs). www.childline.org.uk
- Men’s Health Forum: 24/7 stress support for men by text, chat and email. www.menshealthforum.org.uk
- Mental Health Foundation: Provides information & support for anyone with mental health problems or learning disabilities. www.mentalhealth.org.uk
- Mind: Promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems. 0300 123 3393 (Mon – Fri, 9am -6pm). www.mind.org.uk
- No Panic: Voluntary charity offering support for sufferers of panic attacks and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Offers a course to help overcome your phobia/OCD & includes a helpline. 0844 9674848. www.nopanicorg.uk
- OCD Action: Support for people with OCD, includes information on treatment and online resources. 0845 3906232. www.OCDAction.org.uk
- OCD UK: A charity run by people with OCD, for people with OCD, includes facts, news and treatments. 0845 1203778 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm). www.OCDuk.org
- PAPYRUS: Young suicide prevention society. HOPElineUK 0800 0684141. www.papyrus-uk.org
- Rethink Mental Illness: Support and advice for people living with mental illness. 0300 5000927. www.rethink.org
- Samaritans: Confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress of despair. 116 123 (Free 24hr helpline.) www.samaritans.org.uk
- SANE: Emotional support, information and guidance for people affected by mental illness, their families and carers. 0300 3047000 (4.30-10.30pm Daily). www.sane.org.uk/support
- Young Minds: Information on child and adolescent mental health; services for parents and professionals. Parents’ Helpline-0808 8025544 (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-4pm). www.youngminds.org.uk
Abuse (Child, Sexual, Domestic Violence)
- NSPCC: Children’s charity dedicated to end child abuse & cruelty. 0800 800 5000 (24hr Helpline for adults concerned about a child.) Also see Childline in first column. www.nspcc.org.uk
- Refuge: Advice on dealing with domestic violence. 0808 2000247 (24hr helpline). www.refuge.org.uk
Addiction (Drugs, Alcohol, Gambling)
- Alcoholics Anonymous: 0845 7697555 (24hr Helpline). www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk
- Gamblers Anonymous: www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
- Narcotics Anonymous: 0300 9991212 (Daily 10am-Midnight). www.ukna.org
Crime Victims
- Rape Crisis: 0808 029999 (To find your local services; Daily 12-2.30pm, 7-9:30pm). www.rapecrisis.org.uk
- Victim Support: 0808 1689111 (24hr Helpline). www.victimsupport.org
Alzheimers
- Alzheimers Society: Provides Information on dementia, including factsheets and helplines. 0300 2221122 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm. Weekends 10am-4pm). www.alzheimers.org.uk
Bereavement
- Cruse Bereavement Care: 0844 477 9400 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm). www.cruebereavementcare.org.uk
Parenting
- Family Lives: Advice on all aspects of parenting, including dealing with bullying. 0808 8002222 (Mon-Fri, 9am-9pm; Sat-Sun, 10am-3pm). www.familylives.org.uk
Eating Disorders
- Beat: 0808 16891111 (24hr Helpline). www.victimsupport.org
Learning Disabilities
- Mencap: Charity working with people with learning disabilities, their families and carers. 0808 8081111 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm). www.mencap.org.uk
Relationships
- Relate: The UK’s largest provider of relationship support. www.relate.org.uk
Managing Workplace Stress & Mental Health Issues
For worldwide helplines and support see HelpGuide.org
Find UK resources near you at the Hub of Hope website.
For non life-threatening emergencies in the UK you can also call NHS 111 and select the Mental Health option, you’ll be connected to the Mental Health Hub to speak to a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP).