NHS 24/7 urgent mental health support

Life can be really difficult and you might sometimes feel completely overwhelmed. This kind of crisis situation can be triggered by many things, including bereavement, stress and social isolation, and may require an immediate response.

Remember, a mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a physical one. You will not be wasting anyone’s time.

Call or visit 111 online for mental health help

  • If you or someone else is in danger, call 999 or go to A&E now
  • If you need help urgently for your mental health, but it’s not an emergency, get help from NHS 111 online or call 111.

Who can call?

If you’re deaf or have hearing loss, please use the following link to be connected to local crisis service – NHS 111 – SignVideo.

If you aren’t able to make the call yourself, then anyone can call on your behalf – for example a friend, carer, loved one or even your GP. You can also access NHS111 online via 111.nhs.uk.

Support is there for anyone in England facing a mental health crisis, which could include:

  • Changes to your mood
  • Withdrawing from people (close family, friends, or work colleagues)
  • Not taking care of yourself like you usually would 
  • Having increased thoughts about your life not being worth living 
  • Excessive worry 
  • Feeling out of control or unable to cope 
  • Feeling anxious about leaving the house
  • Hearing voices or seeing things that others can’t 
  • Thinking about harming yourself.

By calling 111 for mental health help, the NHS can help to get you the urgent support you need.

Supporting children and young people’s mental health over the winter months resources

Download our Supporting children and young people’s mental health over the winter months Resource Pack. The pack provides information and other resources on supporting children and young people’s mental health.  

Other support available

If you need help urgently but you’re not at risk of harm or serious illness, visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111.

If it’s an emergency and you need immediate medical attention, call or text 999 for an ambulance. You can also go to your local Accident & Emergency department (find your nearest A&E here).

If you’re in danger because of another person, call or text 999 and ask for the police.

If you’d like to talk to someone in confidence about how you’re feeling, various charities provide free advice and support, including:

  • Childline: Call 0800 1111 (available 7:30am – 3:30am, seven days a week)
  • Hopeline UK (Papyrus): Call 0800 068 41 41, text 07860 039967 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org (available 9am to midnight, seven days a week)
  • Samaritans: Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org (available 24/7)
  • Shout: Text SHOUT to 85258 (available 24/7)
  • Student Space: Call 0808 189 5260 or text STUDENT to 85258 (available 24/7)
  • The Mix: Call 0808 808 4994 (available 3pm to midnight, seven days a week) or text THEMIX to 85258 (available 24/7)
  • YoungMinds: Text YM to 85258 (available 24/7)

Good Thinking is an online service that helps Londoners look after their mental health and wellbeing in a way that works for them.

On Good Thinking you’ll find lots of helpful digital resources, including free NHS-approved apps and top tips to help you get through the tough times.