Mental health problems – an introduction

Explains what mental health problems are, what may cause them, and the many different kinds of help, treatment and support that are available. Also provides guidance on where to find more information, and tips for friends and family.

Useful contacts 

Other organisations

Adferiad

adferiad.org
Information and support for people affected by mental health problems in Wales.

Anxiety UK

03444 775 774 (automated helpline)
anxietyuk.org.uk
Advice and support for people living with anxiety. Some services are only available through a paid membership. And some charge a fee.

Beat

0808 801 0677 (England)
0808 801 0433 (Wales)
beateatingdisorders.org.uk
Offers information and advice on eating disorders, and runs a supportive online community. Also provides a directory of support services at HelpFinder.

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.

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)

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

Carers UK

0808 808 7777
[email protected]
carersuk.org
Advice and support for anyone who provides care.

Disability Rights UK

disabilityrightsuk.org
Information and support on disabled people's rights. 

FRANK

0300 123 6600
talktofrank.com
Confidential advice and information about drugs, their effects and the law.

Hearing Voices Network

hearing-voices.org
Information and support for people who hear voices or have other unshared perceptions, including local support groups.

MindOut

mindout.org.uk
Mental health service run by and for LGBTQ people.

NHS UK

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

No Panic

0300 7729844
nopanic.org.uk
Helpline and support for people with anxiety disorders.

Papyrus HOPELINEUK

0800 068 41 41
88247 (text)
[email protected]
papyrus-uk.org
Confidential support for under-35s at risk of suicide and others who are concerned about them. Open 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Samaritans

116 123 (freephone)
[email protected] (Email responses may take several days. This service will close from 26 April 2026.)
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 to 11pm every day).

Sane

0300 304 7000
[email protected]
sane.org.uk
Offers emotional support and information for anyone affected by mental health problems, including a helpline. 

Student Minds

0808 808 4994
studentminds.org.uk
Mental health charity that supports students. Runs Student Space, offering online information and helpline support delivered in partnership with The Mix.

Time to Change Wales

timetochangewales.org.uk
Campaign to end stigma and discrimination against people with mental health problems.

Turning Point

turning-point.co.uk
Health and social care services in England for people with a learning disability. Also supports people with mental health problems, drug and alcohol abuse or unemployment.

YoungMinds

0808 802 5544 (Parents Helpline)
85258 (text the word 'shout')
youngminds.org.uk
Advice and support for young people for their mental health. Also supports parents and carers through a helpline and chat service.