Non-NHS urgent support
Overview
If you or someone else needs urgent help, please call 111 for non-emergency medical advice, or 999 in a life-threatening emergency.
You can find useful contact information for organisations that provide support by contacting them directly or visiting their website.
Suicidal thoughts helplines
Mind
If you're experiencing suicidal thoughts or supporting someone who feels suicidal, there are organisations that can help. Visit the Mind website to find details of organisations that can help you.
Suicide Prevention UK (SPUK)
A charity offering daily support for anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts, including crisis help and bereavement support.
Papyrus
Focused on children and young people under 35, with their HOPELINE247 service available via phone, text, and email.
Shining a light on suicide
A national hub listing multiple organisations, safety planning resources, and community initiatives for suicide prevention.
National support
Alcoholics Anonymous
Free, confidential support for anyone worried about their drinking.
Anxiety UK
Provides support and resources for people living with anxiety disorders.
Beat
The UK’s leading eating disorder charity, offering helplines for adults and young people.
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
24/7 confidential support for those experiencing domestic abuse.
Age UK Advice Line
Support for older adults on wellbeing, housing, and financial issues.
Relate
Relationship support and counselling services for couples, families, and individuals.
Local support
Your local pharmacy offers quick, expert advice on minor illnesses, medicines, and healthy living. Pharmacists can help with prescriptions, over‑the‑counter treatments, and certain NHS services such as blood pressure checks, flu vaccinations, and stop smoking support, all without needing a GP appointment.
Your GP practice provides ongoing care for your health needs, from consultations and prescriptions to managing long‑term conditions. GPs can refer you to specialist services when needed, ensuring you receive the right support close to home.
Don't want to talk?
Text the Young Minds Crisis Messenger, for free 24/7 support across the UK if you are experiencing a mental health crisis.
All texts are answered by trained volunteers, with support from experienced clinical supervisors.
Texts are free from EE, O2, Vodafone, 3, Virgin Mobile, BT Mobile, GiffGaff, Tesco Mobile and Telecom Plus.
Text YM to 85258.
Shout is a free, confidential, 24/7 text support service for anyone in the UK who is struggling to cope.
To start a conversation, text the word 'Shout' to 85258. Trained Shout Volunteers are here to listen at any time of day or night and messages won't appear on your phone bill.
Safeguarding
If you’re concerned about the safety or wellbeing of a child, please speak to your Local Authority Safeguarding Team: