If you need to talk
These are free, they are confidential, and you do not have to be in crisis to use them. You do not need to have a reason ready.
- 116 123
24/7
Samaritans
Free, 24 hours a day, every day. You don't have to be suicidal to call.
- jo@samaritans.org
Replies within 24h
Samaritans, by email
If you would rather write than talk. Response usually within a day.
Shout
Text-based, free, and silent — nobody around you will hear anything.
- 111
24/7
NHS 111
For urgent medical help when it isn't a 999 emergency. Option 2 for mental health.
- 999
24/7
Emergency services
If you have already harmed yourself, or you don't think you can stay safe.
Outside the UK, findahelpline.com lists free crisis lines by country.
This site is a place to write, not a service that can help in an emergency. Nobody here is monitoring what you write in real time. You can still write something - the two aren't alternatives.