Charities offering mental health support
While my day-to-day work focuses on supporting individuals who are generally mentally well, I understand that sometimes more intensive support is needed. If you’re going through a severe mental health crisis, it’s essential to contact your GP as soon as possible. In addition to medical help, there are several incredible charities in the UK dedicated to offering support during tough times. Below are some key organisations that provide vital mental health assistance, along with their contact details.
Phone: 116 123 (available 24/7)
The Samaritans provide emotional support to anyone in distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide. Their confidential service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every single day of the year. You can call them for free, whether you’re experiencing a crisis yourself or concerned about someone else.
Phone: 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays)
Mind is a well-known mental health charity in the UK that offers information and advice to people experiencing mental health problems. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness, and promote understanding. Mind also offers legal advice and has a network of local services that provide hands-on support in communities.
National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK
Phone: 0800 689 5652 (Open from 6pm)
This helpline provides confidential support and advice to anyone feeling suicidal or at risk of harming themselves. It’s open in the evenings, offering a lifeline when people might feel most vulnerable. If you need someone to talk to, they are there to listen.
Phone: 0300 304 7000 (4:30pm – 10:30pm daily)
SANE offers emotional support and information for anyone affected by mental illness, including family, friends, and carers. Their helpline is open every day from 4:30pm to 10:30pm, providing a compassionate listening ear for those in need.
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)
Phone: 0800 58 58 58 (5pm – midnight)
Webchat: www.thecalmzone.net/get-support
CALM is a leading movement aimed at preventing male suicide, which is the biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK. They offer a helpline and webchat service, providing support to anyone struggling with their mental health, not just men. Their focus is on reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations about mental health.
Text: Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 (available 24/7)
Shout is a free, confidential mental health text service available 24/7, offering immediate support to anyone in crisis. Whether you’re feeling anxious, stressed, or overwhelmed, you can simply send a text message to start a conversation with a trained volunteer who can help you navigate your feelings.
Phone: 0808 808 4994 (3pm – midnight)
Text: Text ‘THEMIX’ to 85258 (anytime)
Web: www.themix.org.uk
The Mix is the UK’s leading support service for young people under 25. They offer free, confidential help via phone, text, and online chat, along with useful articles and resources on a range of mental health issues. If you’re a young person struggling with anything from relationship issues to mental health concerns, The Mix is here to help.
Phone: 0808 801 0677 (Weekdays 12pm – 8pm, Weekends 4pm – 8pm)
Beat is the UK’s leading charity for those suffering from eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder. They offer support to both individuals struggling with eating disorders and their families, providing helplines, online support groups, and resources for long-term recovery.
Phone: 0808 801 0525 (Monday to Friday, 9:30am – 4pm)
Rethink Mental Illness provides expert advice and information to people affected by mental illness. They offer a wide range of services, from crisis support and helplines to support groups, housing, and advocacy. Their goal is to improve the lives of everyone living with severe mental health issues.
Papyrus (Prevention of Young Suicide)
Phone: HOPELINEUK 0800 068 4141 (9am – midnight)
Text: 07860 039967
Papyrus is a charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide among young people under the age of 35. Their HOPELINEUK provides confidential advice and support to young people feeling suicidal and to anyone concerned about a young person who may be struggling.
Parents Helpline: 0808 802 5544 (Monday to Friday, 9:30am – 4pm)
YoungMinds is the UK’s leading charity committed to improving the emotional well-being and mental health of children and young people. They provide resources, a helpline for parents, and advocacy to ensure that young people receive the mental health care they need.
These charities are doing remarkable work to ensure that no one has to face their mental health challenges alone. If you or someone you know needs support, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of these services.
