Life is not always easy and we often need somewhere to turn for help. The information on this page will let you know about charities, groups and agencies that can support you.
Working closely together with NHS England, organisations listed cover England, Scotland and Wales.
There are also many locally based support organisations that can be found by:
If you are not registered with a doctor then we advise that you do this as soon as you can. They should always be your first step towards receiving health support, whatever your needs. They can offer guidance on the best support services available to you in
your area.
To find your local doctor visit the NHS service search website. You will have to visit the surgery to register.
If you need advice or medical support immediately call 111 or in an emergency 999.
You can also download a copy of our Support booklet and download a version in Welsh .
General support
Samaritans
Samaritans are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week providing confidential emotional support for people who are struggling to cope, in emotional distress or thinking about suicide.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army provides a range of support and programmes for everyone. These cover food and shelter provisions for the homeless, drop-in centres, reuniting families, support for alcohol and substance abuse, domestic violence and those with special needs.
Citizens Advice Bureau
Citizens Advice provide free information and advice on issues including:
- Legal matters
- Money problems
- Employment
- Housing
- Benefits
- Relationship concerns
Phone
- 03444 111 444 (England)
- 03444 772 020 (Wales)
- 0808 800 9060 (Scotland)
Citizens Advice Bureau website
Alcohol and substance abuse
Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous is freely available to everyone and aims to help those who want to get sober and remain sober. It’s anonymous and all groups are treated confidentially.
Narcotics Anonymous
Narcotics Anonymous is a support organisation for men and women for whom drugs have become a problem. It is supported by recovering addicts. They encourage going to meetings, listening with an open mind, asking questions and staying clean.
Turning Point
You can go to Turning Point for help with drug or alcohol issues, a mental health concern, a learning disability or if you are looking for an employment solution. They’ll give you the individual support you need.
Mental health and suicide
Maytree Respite Centre
Maytree, in North London, supports people in suicidal crisis in a non-medical setting and offers free residential support, with the opportunity to be heard in complete confidence with compassion and warmth.
Rethink
Rethink supports those who are suffering from mental illness as well as the people who support them, such as family members and carers. They offer a wide range of services, including support groups and telephone support.
Together
Together offers a wide variety of support to help people deal with the personal and practical impacts of mental health issues.
Befrienders International Network
Befrienders, available worldwide in many languages, listen to people who are lonely, depressed, feeling bullied, self harming or considering suicide.
Mind
Mind supports anyone who is suffering mental distress or experiencing a mental health problem. Support could include looking at your medication, alternative treatments and understanding the legal system.
CALM
Campaign Against Living Miserably is a charity that confidentially supports men, of any age, who are down, in crisis, depressed or considering suicide.
- Freephone 0800 585858 (National) - 5pm to midnight every day
- 0808 802 5858 (London) - 5pm to midnight every day
- CALM website
SANE
SANE provides care and emotional support for people with mental health problems, their families and carers. They also offer Textcare, a system of message support via texts to you. Young SANE is a virtual community that focuses on mental ill health for people under 25.
The Listening place
The Listening Place offers free face-to-face support by appointment for those who feel life is no longer worth living. Based in London, they offer support for over 18s.
Young people
NHS GO
Designed by young people for young people, NHS GO is a free app that gives 24/7 access to health information that helps young people take control of their health. It can help answer questions about your health and give instant access to information that can help you stay well.
Available on App store and Google Play
Papyrus
Papyrus offers confidential support and advice to young people and adults and anyone worried about a young person or adult. They offer practical advice and support to vulnerable people and those who may be at risk of suicide.
Freephone 0800 068 4141
Monday to Friday 10am to 10pm
Saturday and Sunday 2pm to 10pm
Bank holidays 2pm to 5pm
Mindfull
Mindfull is a service available for those aged 11 to 17-years-old. They offer support and advice about mental health and emotional wellbeing. There is also a chatroom that you can access.
Childline
Childline is available all day every day and is a confidential service for children and young people up to the age of 19. You can speak to Childline about anything.
Bereavement
Cruse
Cruse Bereavement Care promotes the wellbeing of bereaved people to enable them to understand their grief and cope with their loss by providing counselling, support, information and advice.
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS)
SOBS is a charitable organisation that offers support and advice to those bereaved by suicide. A self help organisation that aims to provide a safe, confidential environment where you can share feelings, experiences and support.
If You Care Share Foundation
If You Care Share Foundation is there to help you through the difficult times. They provide emotional and practical support for prevention, intervention and support after suicide.
Domestic abuse
Refuge / Women's Aid
Refuge’s specialist services include refuges, independent advocacy, community outreach projects, culturally specific services and the 24 hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline.
Women’s Aid is the national charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children. Providing life-saving services to those experiencing violence and fear in the home
Lucy Faithfull Foundation
The Lucy Faithfull Foundation is a UK-wide child protection charity dedicated to reducing the risk of children being sexually abused. They work with families that have been affected by sexual abuse, including adult male and female sexual abusers; young people with inappropriate sexual behaviours; victims of abuse and other family members.
Support in Scotland
Breathing Space
Breathing Space offers confidential phone support to anyone in Scotland who is experiencing low moods, depression and anxiety.
Living Life
Living Life is a free telephone service available to anyone over the age of 16 who is feeling low, anxious or depressed. You can access their support either by a referral through your doctor or by phoning the number directly.
SAMH
SAMH is the Scottish Association for Mental Health and is Scotland’s leading mental health charity. It provides help, information and support to people with mental health problems.
See Me
See Me is Scotland’s programme to tackle mental health stigma and discrimination. See Me does not provide direct support to individuals in mental distress but can provide information on how to access services.