If you need help right now

Counselling is not an emergency service. I am not able to respond to urgent messages, and there may be a wait before we could meet.

If you need support today, these services are free and available now.

Samaritans

Call 116 123, free, 24 hours a day, every day. You do not have to be suicidal to call. They are there for anything that is troubling you.

Shout

Text SHOUT to 85258, free, 24 hours a day. A text conversation rather than a phone call, which many people find easier.

NHS 111

Call 111 and choose option 2 for the mental health crisis line. They can arrange urgent assessment and support.

Emergency services

Call 999, or go to your nearest accident and emergency department, if you or someone else is in immediate danger, or if you have seriously harmed yourself.

Your GP

Your GP can arrange an urgent appointment and refer you to local mental health services. If it is out of hours, call 111.

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If none of these feels possible right now, telling one person near you is a reasonable first step. It does not have to be the right words.