Emergency Help

Disclaimer: Please note that we are a peer-network and not an official support organisation/public body - so cannot provide you with individual or official guidance.

The following emergency information and guidance is taken from NHS, Samaritans, Citizens Advice, Rethink Mental Illness, Shout, The Trussell Trust and Crisis online support and advice pages.
Please put your safety first and seek out the appropriate emergency support.

My Welfare/Life is at Risk

Get yourself OUT of immediate physical harms way.
If this is an emergency, call 999.
Not sure? You can call 111 (NHS) or 101 (Police - for reporting minor and non-emergency crimes)
If you need/want to just talk to someone, call Samaritans on 116 123 .

ASSIST Line on 0800 6895652. A National helpline offering supportive listening service to anyone throughout the UK with thoughts of suicide or thoughts of self-harm. They are open 24/7 for those aged 18 or over.
Childline on 0800 1111 for 24-hour confidential support to children and young people up to the 19th birthday.
CALM on 0800 585858. They used to be aimed specifically at men. But they are now able to help anyone. Their helpline is open between 5pm and midnight every day of the year.
CASS on 0808 8008088 (Tuesday - Thursday, 7pm-9.30pm except some holidays) for women looking for confidential and anonymous self-injury support. Text, webchat and email support also available.
PAPYRUS on 0800 068 4141. Work with people under 35 who are having suicidal feelings. And with people who are worried about someone under 35. Their helpline is open 10am – 10pm in the week. And between 2pm and 10pm at weekends and bank holidays.
Silverline on 0800 4708090. Aimed at people over 55. Their helpline is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
The Mix on 0808 8084994. Aimed at people under 25. Their helpline is open between 4pm and 11pm, 7 days a week. They also run a crisis text service which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Crisis text message service: Text THEMIX to 85258

I need to talk to someone - texting

Shout is the UK’s first 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help. Shout is powered by a team of volunteers, who are at the heart of the service. We take people from crisis to calm every single day.

Text HOME to 85258 from anywhere in the UK, anytime.

Website: https://www.giveusashout.org/

I need to talk to someone - phone/email/letter

Whatever you're going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. They are there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Helpline: 116 123 (free)

Website: https://www.samaritans.org/

You can communicate with Samaritans in the way that suits you best:

You can write a letter to: Chris, Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK, PO Box 9090, STIRLING, FK8 2SA
You could email them: jo@samaritans.org or use their self help app: http://selfhelp.samaritans.org/

I'm homeless right now - or at risk

Contact Crisis

They can help you if you're homeless or are at risk of becoming homeless,:

find a safe home and settle in
learn, get an education and skills training
find work and apply for jobs
look after your health and well-being
volunteer and meet new people

Website: https://www.crisis.org.uk/get-help/services/how-crisis-can-help-you/

You can also see their pages on Homelessness Support and Benefits

Find a Food Bank

We know it’s a challenging time for everyone at the moment as the coronavirus pandemic unfolds. Food banks are grassroots, community organisations aimed at supporting people who cannot afford the essentials in life.

If you are in financial crisis and live in England or Wales, please call our confidential free helpline on 0808 208 2138 (open Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm). Or you can contact your local food bank using the below map.

Website: https://www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/find-a-foodbank/

You may also wish to see our specific pages on: