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Seeking help for a mental health problem

A guide to taking the first steps, making empowered decisions and getting the right support for you.

Mind's services

  • Mind's helplines provide information and support by phone and email.
  • Local Minds offer face-to-face services across England and Wales. These services include talking therapies, peer support and advocacy.
  • Side by Side is our supportive online community for anyone experiencing a mental health problem.

Other organisations

British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)

bacp.co.uk
Professional body for talking therapy and counselling. Provides information and a list of accredited therapists.

Community Advice and Listening Line (C.A.L.L.) 

0800 132 737 (helpline)
81066 (text HELP plus your message)
callhelpline.org.uk
Provides information and support for people experiencing a mental health problem in Wales.

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)

0800 58 58 58
thecalmzone.net
Provides a helpline and online chat, as well as information and support, for anyone affected by suicide or suicidal thoughts.

Healthtalk.org

healthtalk.org
Information about people's experiences of mental health problems and treatments, including audio and videos.

Hub of Hope

hubofhope.co.uk
UK-wide mental health service database. Lets you search for local, national, peer, community, charity, private and NHS mental health support. You can filter results to find specific kinds of support.

NHS 111 (England)

111
18001 111 (text relay)
NHS 111 BSL service
111.nhs.uk
Non-emergency medical help and advice for people in England. If you call 111, select option 2 to access a 24/7 helpline offering urgent mental health support. 

NHS 111 (Wales)

111
111.wales.nhs.uk
Non-emergency medical help and advice for people living in Wales. If you call 111, select option 2 to access a 24/7 helpline offering urgent mental health support. 

NHS Services Finder

nhs.uk/service-search (England)
111.wales.nhs.uk/localservices (Wales)
Searchable database of NHS services.

NHS UK

nhs.uk
Information about health problems and treatments, including details of local NHS services in England.

Patient

patient.info
Offers information about healthcare. Has a directory of health professionals, including information about private healthcare and professional qualifications.

Samaritans

116 123 (freephone)
[email protected]
Freepost SAMARITANS LETTERS
samaritans.org

Samaritans are open 24/7 for anyone who needs to talk. You can visit some Samaritans branches in person. Samaritans also have a Welsh Language Line on 0808 164 0123 (7pm–11pm every day).

Professional organisations

General Medical Council (GMC)

gmc-uk.org
Helps to protect patients and support doctors, and maintains a register of licensed doctors.

Information Standard

england.nhs.uk/tis
Certification programme for all organisations who produce healthcare information for the public.

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)

nice.org.uk
Produces guidelines on best practice in healthcare.

Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)

nmc.org.uk
Regulates nurses and midwives in the UK.

This information was published in December 2017.

This page is currently under review. All content was accurate when published. 

References and bibliography available on request.

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