Mental Health & Wellbeing Resources

Mental Health & Wellbeing Resources

Samaritans — 24/7 Emotional Support

Samaritans is there for anyone who needs to talk, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You do not need to be suicidal to call — you can talk about anything that is troubling you, however large or small. Calls are confidential, anonymous, and non-judgmental. Samaritans volunteers are trained to listen, not to give advice or tell you what to do. The service receives a call for help every 10 seconds.

When to Call Samaritans

• You are feeling overwhelmed by life and need someone to listen
• You are having suicidal thoughts or feelings of hopelessness
• You are going through something difficult and do not have anyone to talk to
• You are worried about someone else and want to talk it through
• You feel lonely, isolated, or that nobody understands
• You are struggling with relationships, work, money, or bereavement

Mind — Mental Health Information & Support

Mind is the UK’s leading mental health charity, providing information, advice, and local services. The Mind Infoline provides information on types of mental health conditions, treatment options, medication, advocacy, and where to get help in your local area. Mind does not provide a crisis service (for crisis support, call Samaritans 116 123 or text SHOUT to 85258). Mind also runs over 130 local Minds across England and Wales, offering services such as counselling, peer support, advocacy, housing support, and crisis services.

24/7 Crisis Support — SHOUT

SHOUT is the UK’s first free, 24/7 crisis text service. It is staffed by trained volunteers who provide real-time emotional support via text message. SHOUT is particularly useful if you find talking on the phone difficult — you can text silently, from anywhere, at any time. The service covers anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, panic attacks, self-harm, abuse, bullying, and relationship issues.

Specialist Mental Health Helplines

NHS Mental Health Services

NHS 111 — Option 2 for Mental Health

NHS Talking Therapies (formerly IAPT)

• Self-referral: You can refer yourself directly to NHS Talking Therapies without seeing your GP. Visit 🌐 nhs.uk/talk or search “NHS Talking Therapies” with your postcode.
• What it offers: Evidence-based psychological therapies for common mental health problems — including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), counselling, guided self-help, and interpersonal therapy. Treatments available in person, by phone, or online.
• Conditions covered: Depression, generalised anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety, PTSD, phobias, OCD, health anxiety, and body dysmorphic disorder.
• Waiting times: The NHS target is 6 weeks from referral to first treatment session (75% of patients) and 18 weeks maximum (95% of patients).
• Interpreter services: Available — request when you are referred.

Community Mental Health Teams (CMHT)

For people with more complex or severe mental health conditions (such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression), Community Mental Health Teams provide specialist, multi-disciplinary care — including psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, psychologists, occupational therapists, and social workers. Access is usually through your GP or, in crisis, through NHS 111.

Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Teams (CRHT)

CRHT teams provide intensive support at home as an alternative to hospital admission. They offer short-term, daily support for people experiencing a mental health crisis. Access is usually via NHS 111 (mental health option), your GP, or an existing CMHT.

Self-Help & Digital Resources

Summary: Key Mental Health Contacts

Essential Mental Health Tips

1. If you are in crisis, reach out now — do not wait — call Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7) or text SHOUT to 85258. These services are there for exactly this moment. You do not need to have the “right words” — just saying “I need to talk” is enough.
2. Your GP is your gateway to NHS mental health care — book an appointment and be honest about how you are feeling. Your GP can refer you to NHS Talking Therapies, Community Mental Health Teams, or prescribe medication. If you feel you cannot wait, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option for immediate assessment.
3. You can self-refer to NHS Talking Therapies — you do not need to see a GP first. Visit nhs.uk/talk or search “NHS IAPT” and your area. This is the fastest route to evidence-based therapy for depression and anxiety.
4. Create a safety plan — write down warning signs, coping strategies, people to contact, professional support numbers, and ways to keep your environment safe. Keep this somewhere visible or in your phone. Samaritans has a free template at their website.
5. Talk to someone you trust — you do not need to protect other people from your feelings. The people who care about you would rather know you are struggling than find out later you suffered alone.
6. Support someone by listening, not fixing — if someone tells you they are struggling mentally, you do not need to have answers. Listen without interrupting, do not judge, ask open questions, and help them find professional support if they want it. Knowing someone cares can be life-saving.
7. Look after the basics — sleep, food, movement, and human connection are the foundation of mental health. When everything feels overwhelming, focus on one small thing you can do right now: drink a glass of water, step outside for 5 minutes, text a friend, or go to bed an hour earlier. Small changes add up.

This guide is part of the GOTOSHARP Information Hub — 32 essential articles covering UK public services, legal rights, financial literacy, and everyday life support for UK residents. Last updated: June 2026. For immediate, life-threatening emergencies — if someone has seriously harmed themselves or is at immediate risk — call 999 or go to your nearest A&E. Helpline numbers and opening hours are accurate at time of writing but may change — always verify on the organisation’s official website. If you are reading this and struggling, please reach out. You are not alone, and things can get better.