Urgent Help
If you’re under 19 you can confidentially call, chat online or email about any problem big or small.
Sign up for a free Childline locker (real name or email address not needed) to use their free 1-2-1 counsellor chat and email support service.
Can provide a BSL interpreter if you are deaf or hearing-impaired.
Hosts online message boards where you can share your experiences, have fun and get support from other young people in similar situations.
- Opening times: 24/7
NHS 111
To get urgent mental health advice from the NHS, call 111 and select the mental health option. 111 will tell you where you can get help. They may also be able to put you through to a trained mental health professional over the phone.
111 can support anyone who is feeling unsafe, distressed or worried about their mental health. They can also give information and advice about what to do if you’re worried about someone else.
If you would rather get help online, you can use 111 online.
- Opening times: 24/7
At HOPELINE247 – PAPYRUS’s dedicated 24-hour suicide prevention helpline – trained advisers work on a safety plan with young people aged 35 and under who are experiencing thoughts of suicide, to help keep them safe for now.
To receive support from HOPELINE247, ring 0800 068 4141; text ‘HOPE’ to 88247; or email pat@papyrus-uk.org.
Text SHOUT to 85258.
Shout provides free, 24/7 text support for young people across the UK 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.
Texts can be anonymous, but if the volunteer believes you are at immediate risk of harm, they may share your details with people who can provide support.
- Opening times: 24/7
YoungMinds is leading the movement to make sure every young person gets the mental health support they need, when they need it, no matter what.
If you are a young person and need support with your mental health, visit youngminds.org.uk. If you are a parent or carer worried about a young person, call the Parents’ Helpline on 0808 802 5544.
