Where to get external support

If you, or someone you know is in mental health crisis and needs medical help fast:

• Ring 999 to contact emergency services
• Go to your nearest Accident & Emergency (A&E) department

If it is not a medical emergency but you still need urgent help:

• Ring 111 for professional health advice 24/7 and 365 days a year and guidance on where to access appropriate health services
• Make an appointment with your GP

Crisis & emotional support helplines #

Employee Assistance Programme #

Phone: 0345 565 1851 (local call rates, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Website: medicash.org/employer-health-plan/employee-assistance-programme

Samaritans (UK) #

Phone: 116 123 (freephone, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Website: samaritans.org

SaneLine (UK) #

Phone: 0300 304 7000 (local call rates, 6pm-11pm, 7 days a week)
Website: sane.org.uk/how-we-help/emotional-support/saneline-services

Shout #

Text: text ‘Shout’ to 85258 (free from all major mobile networks in the UK, 24 hours, 7 days a week)
Website: giveusashout.org

Mental health information helplines #

Mind Infoline (England & Wales) #

Phone: 0300 123 3393 (local call rates, 9am-6pm, Mon-Fri)
Text: 86463
Website: mind.org.uk

SAMH (Scotland) #

Phone: 0344 800 0550 (call charges apply, 9am-6pm, Mon-Fri)
Website: samh.org.uk

Rethink Advice and Information Service #

Phone: 0808 801 0525 (local call rates, 9.30am-4pm, Mon-Fri)

Finding a therapist #

British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy Register (UK) #

Phone: 01455 883300 (local call rates, 10am-4pm, Mon-Fri)
Email: bacp@bacp.co.uk
Website: bacp.co.uk/about-therapy/information-about-counselling

The Black, African and Asian Therapy Network (UK) #

Website: baatn.org.uk/how-therapy-works

Counselling Directory (UK) #

Phone: 0333 325 2500 (local call rates, 10am-4pm, Mon-Fri)
Website: counselling-directory.org.uk

Last updated: 29 October 2024 (history)