Crisis
Your safety matters. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, it’s important to seek immediate expert help. Support is available whatever you’re going through.
Urgent Advice
Call 111 (or use 111 online) and select the mental health option. You may speak with a trained nurse or mental health professional who can guide you to the right support.
You can also contact your GP for urgent advice about mental-health services, medication, or local crisis teams.
Immediate Danger
If someone’s life is at risk, including serious self-harm or overdose, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E. Mental health emergencies are as serious as physical emergencies, you will not be wasting anyone’s time.
Free Listening Services
Confidential support is available 24/7. If you need to talk to someone right now:
Samaritans: Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
Shout Crisis Text Line: Text SHOUT (or YM if under 19) to 85258
Childline (under 19s): Call 0800 1111
These services only share your information if there is an immediate risk of harm.
Coping in the Moment
If you are in distress right now, these tools may help:
Breathing, grounding, and sensory exercises to reduce emotional overwhelm
Short crisis tools designed to help regulate before reaching out for further help
These aren’t a substitute for emergency support, but they may help while you wait.
Planning Ahead
If you or someone close to you is struggling with suicidal thoughts, a safety plan can help you prepare for difficult moments:
Staying Safe – online safety-plan templates and video tutorials.
Mind: Planning for a Crisis – guides for crisis planning and managing thoughts of suicide.
These resources can help you understand triggers, identify support networks, and plan steps to stay safe.
If You’re Unsure What to Do
If you feel unsafe, overwhelmed, or unable to cope:
Reach out immediately
You deserve support
Help is available right now
Historical Abuse
Historical abuse, abuse that happened in the past, including many years ago can be reported in the UK. These reports are taken seriously, and there are established procedures for investigation and support.
Please see Guidance around reporting historical abuse
FAQ: Crisis
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Call 999 or go to your nearest A&E if you or someone else is in immediate danger. Mental health emergencies are treated as seriously as physical ones.
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You can call Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7) or text SHOUT to 85258 to reach the Shout Crisis Text Line. Under 19s can call Childline on 0800 1111.
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Call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option to speak to a nurse or mental health professional. You can also contact your GP for urgent guidance.
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Mind offers simple grounding exercises and tools for managing distress, including breathing techniques and safety plans. Visit mind.org.uk for immediate support materials.
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A safety plan helps you identify personal warning signs, coping strategies, and emergency contacts. You can create one online at stayingsafe.net or through Mind’s templates.