Crisis Resources: Where to Get Help Now
Essential crisis helplines, services, and what to do if you or someone you know is in immediate danger or distress.
If You're in Immediate Danger
Call 999 (UK) or 911 (US) if you or someone else is in immediate physical danger.
Go to your nearest A&E / Emergency Room if you feel you might harm yourself or someone else.
Tell someone — a family member, friend, neighbour, teacher — anyone you trust. You don't have to face this alone.
You deserve help. Reaching out is not weakness — it's the bravest thing you can do.
UK Crisis Helplines
Samaritans: Call 116 123 (free, 24/7). Email jo@samaritans.org. You don't have to be suicidal to call — they support anyone going through a tough time.
SHOUT Crisis Text Line: Text SHOUT to 85258 (free, 24/7). Trained volunteers provide text-based support.
Papyrus (under 35s): Call 0800 068 4141 or text 07860 039 967. Specifically for young people experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): Call 0800 58 58 58 (5pm-midnight, daily). Webchat available. Particularly supports men.
Childline (under 18s): Call 0800 1111 (free, 24/7). Online chat available.
NHS 111: Call 111 for urgent medical advice when it's not a 999 emergency.
Crisis Resolution Home Treatment Teams: Contact your local team through your GP or NHS 111 for intensive mental health support at home.
International Crisis Lines
USA: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline — call or text 988 (24/7). Crisis Text Line — text HOME to 741741.
Canada: Talk Suicide Canada — call 1-833-456-4566 (24/7). Crisis Text Line — text 45645.
Australia: Lifeline — call 13 11 14 (24/7). Beyond Blue — call 1300 22 4636.
Ireland: Pieta House — call 1800 247 247. Samaritans Ireland — call 116 123.
New Zealand: Need to Talk? — call 1737 (24/7). Lifeline NZ — call 0800 543 354.
International Association for Suicide Prevention: Visit https://www.iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/ for crisis centres worldwide.
What to Do After a Crisis
Once the immediate danger has passed, it's important to get ongoing support. Contact your GP to discuss what happened.
Create a safety plan — a written document listing warning signs, coping strategies, people to contact, and reasons to keep going.
Remove access to means of harm where possible. Ask someone you trust to help with this.
Be gentle with yourself. Crises are exhausting. Rest, eat, hydrate, and let people support you.
Consider talking therapy. Your GP can refer you to NHS talking therapies, or you can self-refer at nhs.uk/talk.