Urgent support 

(Correct as of February 2026)

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For urgent, free, 24/7 mental health support, the following resources are available immediately: 

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1. Emergency Services & Urgent NHS Help

• Call 999: For immediate danger or emergency.

• NHS 111 (Option 2): Call 111 and select the mental health option (available 24/7 across England and Wales) to speak with a trained mental health professional.

• A&E (Accident & Emergency): Go to your nearest hospital emergency department if you cannot keep yourself safe. 

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2. Immediate Text Support (24/7)

• Shout 85258: Text "SHOUT" to 85258 for free, confidential, 24/7 text support. This is for when you are struggling to cope and need immediate, silent, and anonymous help.

• YoungMinds Crisis Messenger: Text "YM" to 85258 if you are under 19. 

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3. Immediate Phone Support (various times)

• Samaritans: Call 116 123 for free, 24/7, 365 days a year. They offer a safe place to talk about whatever is troubling you.

• National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK: Call 0800 689 5652 (6pm to midnight daily).

• Papyrus HOPELINE247: Call 0800 068 4141 (24/7) or text 07786 209697 if you are under 35 and struggling with suicidal feelings, or are worried about a young person.

• CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): Call 0800 58 58 58 (5pm to midnight daily).

• C.A.L.L. (Wales): Call 0800 132 737 or text 81066 (24/7) for emotional support and information if you live in Wales.

• SANEline: Call 0300 304 7000 (4:30pm to 10:30pm daily). 

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4. Other Immediate Resources

• Local Crisis Cafés/Safe Havens: These offer in-person, out-of-hours support as an alternative to A&E. You can find your local service via the NHS website.

• Hub of Hope: A database to find local mental health charities and support services near you.

• Childline: Call 0800 1111 for those under 19 (free and won't appear on the phone bill).

• Switchboard (LGBTQIA+): Call 0300 330 0630 (10am–10pm daily) or use their webchat. 

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Note: These services are free, though some, like SANEline, may charge local call rates if not using a freephone number.