National Helplines
Here is a list of national helplines where you can go if you’re looking for additional support or information. You can talk to someone who is trained to listen and support you over the phone or text, webchat or email. All these services are free and confidential and won’t show on your phone bill.
Shout
The UK’s 24/7 text service for anyone in crisis, anytime, anywhere. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help.
Visit: www.giveusashout.org
Text: TEXT SHOUT to 85258
Childline
Anyone aged 19 or under can speak to a Childline counsellor by phone or online about anything that is worrying them. At the moment, due to the coronavirus, the phone helpline and one-to-one webchat service are open from 9am to midnight every day (for a counsellor webchat, you need to join the queue before 10.30pm). You can also login on the Childline website to send an email and a counsellor will try to reply within 24 hours.
Call: 0800 11 11
Visit: www.childline.org.uk
Papyrus
Confidential advice for under-35s at risk of suicide and others who are concerned about them. Advisors are trained to provide help focused on staying safe from suicide. Opening hours for the phone helpline and text service are 9am–10pm on weekdays and 2pm–10pm on weekends and bank holidays.
Call: 0808 808 4994
Visit: www.papyrus-uk.org
Text: 07786 209697
Samaritans
The phone helpline provides 24/7 emotional support for anyone feeling down, experiencing distress or struggling to cope. There is also an email service (they aim to respond to emails within 24 hours).
Call: 116 123
Visit: www.samaritans.org
The Mix
Offers a phone helpline and one-to-one webchat service; both are open every day 4pm to 11pm. The Mix also provide an email service (they aim to respond to emails within 24 hours) and up to eight telephone counselling sessions for anyone under 25.
Call: 0808 808 4994
Visit: www.themix.org.uk
Every Mind Matters
Created during the Covid19 pandemic to show young people where to get help when faced with emotional difficulties.
Visit: https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/youth-mental-health/
BEAT Eating Disorders
Beat provide support to help young people who may be struggling with an eating problem or an eating disorder
Call the Youthline (under 18’s) 0808 801 0711 or Studentline 0808 801 0811 (9am – 8pm during the week and 4pm – 8pm on weekends and bank holidays)
Anti-Bullying Alliance
The Anti-Bullying website has links to a number of organisations that provide help or advice about bullying: