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.
Physical/sexual abuse
Women's Aid
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.