Getting immediate help

If you are feeling suicidal, depressed or need urgent help you should talk to someone you trust or reach out to one of a number of 24/7 helplines, run by groups such as GamCare or the Samaritans, who have people waiting to talk to you and help you. Here is a list of free helplines and other ways you can get help and stay safe.

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Samaritans Crisis Helpline
Call 116 123

The Samaritans are a UK charity that offer a confidential listening services for anyone in crisis or feeling suicidal. Their helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and free to call from both landlines and mobiles. You can also email them.

GamCare is the leading UK provider of free information, advice and support for anyone affected by gambling harms. They offer a free helpline that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also live chat to one of their advisors via their website.

Mind (0300 123 3393)

If you are in crisis, but don’t feel ready to speak to someone yet, and need advice on self-help methods to help you look after yourself, you can visit the Mind website and access their free crisis coping tools. You can also speak to Mind's Infoline, which provides information and signposting, or their Legal Line, which provides legal information and general information about mental health related law. Both of these helplines are available between 9am to 6pm, from Monday to Friday (except bank holidays).

Emergency Services (999)

If you feel that you might act on your suicidal feelings, or if you have seriously harmed yourself, call 999 for an ambulance or head straight to A&E.

NHS (111)

If you need medical attention or advice quickly, but it is not an emergency, you can call 111 and speak to an advisor. You can also visit the NHS Mental Health website if you live in England to find a local NHS urgent mental health helpline.