Mental health helplines, text and online chat

If you need to talk, there are trained people ready to listen. The person on the other end won’t judge you. And they could help you make sense of what you’re feeling.

This page lists some numbers you can call or message for emotional support.

I'm just glad I finally found someone to listen, guide, and advise me with empathy and kindness.

Emotional support and listening helplines

These services are all staffed by people who want to listen to you, confidentially, without judgement. Some are open 24/7, although not all.

If you don't get through to someone at first, keep trying. Remember that whatever you're going through, you deserve support.

I really appreciate the help and kindness you spoke to me with – it’s everything that I really need right now.

If you're outside the UK

• The Befrienders Worldwide website has a tool to search by country for emotional support helplines around the world.
• Find A Helpline has helplines in 130+ countries to access helplines on a range of topics.

Text and online chat services

These organisations offer support you can access by typing, instead of speaking:

Shout

• Text SHOUT to 85258

Available 24/7 every day. This service is for everyone in the UK, whatever age you are. You can talk to them about anything you're struggling with.

CALM

If you're over 18:

• Whatsapp service (scan QR code on their website)
• Live webchat (click the speech bubble on their website)

Available from 5pm to midnight every day. They can help if you’re feeling suicidal, have been affected by suicide, or are worried about someone else.

Helplines for children and young people

These are some services designed specifically for younger people to use:

Helplines for specific communities and situations

These lines are staffed by people who understand and want to help:

Where else can I turn for help and understanding?

There are lots more national helplines besides these.

Take a look at our useful contacts and support pages for anyone experiencing:

• Abuse
• Alcohol or drug addiction
• Bereavement
• Caring responsibilities
• Housing problems
• LGBTQIA+ issues
• Learning disabilities
• Money problems
• Parenting issues
• Racism
• Trauma

There might also be a local helpline in your part of the UK that could support you.

• Our Infoline can help you find local support lines
• Your local Mind branch website might list local helplines
• Hub of Hope has a searchable directory of local services across the UK.
• The Helplines Partnership website has a searchable directory of UK helplines

If you're looking for more formal mental health support, our page on how to help from your GP is a good place to start.

Tips for calling a mental health helpline

Not sure what to say in that first call or message? Our page on how to open up about your mental health has lots of tips.

You might also want to consider:

• What times are the service open?
• Is it free to call or is there a cost involved?
• Is what you say confidential? For example, many services have policies on what to do if you tell them you plan to attempt suicide.
• What will you do if the line is busy? It's often worth trying several times. Or you might plan to call back later or try a different service.

You might be able to find this information on the organisation's website. Or you could ask the advisor to explain their policies during the call.

If you need support to talk on the phone

• If you have hearing or speech difficulties, you can use the Relay UK app on a mobile device or computer.
• If you need a translator or British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter, ask the organisation if they have a translation service.
• If you have a disability or you’re neurodivergent, some organisations might have to make reasonable adjustments for you. This can include how they communicate with you. Our guide to disability discrimination explains more.

If calling a helpline might put your safety at risk

If your home environment is abusive or unsafe, it might feel impossible to call anyone for help or support.

You can find your nearest safe space on the UK SAYS NO MORE website. These are private spaces in pharmacies, banks or job centres. Here you can can safely and discreetly call a helpline, support service or friend.