Support in a crisis
Places to turn when you need help urgently, and options for ongoing support.
For people aged 16 and over. Each service has its own age limits. Choose what feels relevant and take your time.
Read or save the full booklet (PDF)
Start here
For people aged 16 and over. You do not need to read this whole booklet.
Immediate danger
Any age
If you have taken an overdose, seriously harmed yourself or may be about to act, call 999 or go to A&E.
1 I need to talk or text now
Telephone and text - page 3
All helplines are together. Start with the options that match your age and location.
2 I want support in London
London support - pages 4-5
Ages 16-17 and 18+ are clearly separated. Drop-ins come before appointment-based services.
3 I want other support or practical tools
Broader support - pages 6-8
Local services elsewhere in the UK, safety-planning tools, peer support and reading.
Read if you’re struggling
Dr Jay Watts
“But it is a state, not a verdict.”
In this passage, Dr Watts explains that crisis can make the present feel permanent and make other possibilities hard to see. This feeling can change. It does not define you or settle what your future can hold.
Her message is to focus on getting through the immediate moment and allowing time and support for something to shift. You do not need to work out your whole future right now.
Telephone & text helplines
Choose a service for your age and area. Numbers for booking local appointments are kept with those services on the next pages.
Samaritans - 116 123
Ages 16-17 and 18+
Free, day or night. Talk about what is happening without needing to explain it perfectly.
Shout - text SHOUT to 85258
Ages 16-17 and 18+
Free UK text support, 24/7, if talking aloud feels difficult.
NHS urgent mental health support - 111
Ages 16-17 and 18+
England: select the mental health option. Wales: press 2. Scotland: NHS 24 mental health support. You can also ask your GP for an urgent appointment.
West London NHS crisis line - 0800 328 4444
Adults 18+; ages 16-17 use option 2 (Speak CAMHS)
Ealing, Hounslow and Hammersmith & Fulham. Adults: free, 24/7. Speak CAMHS: Mon-Fri 8am-11pm; weekends/bank holidays noon-8pm. Outside those hours, use NHS 111.
CALM - 0800 58 58 58
Adults 18+
Suicide support, 5pm-midnight daily. Webchat and WhatsApp options are on its website.
National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK
Check age eligibility directly
0800 587 0800; alternative 0800 689 0880. 6pm-midnight daily.
SOS Silence of Suicide - 0808 115 1505
Check age eligibility directly
Mon-Fri 8pm-midnight; weekends 4pm-midnight.
Lifeline - 0808 808 8000
Northern Ireland - check age eligibility
Crisis response for people experiencing distress or despair.
London: urgent & drop-in support
Start with your age group. These spaces do not replace emergency medical treatment. For telephone help, see page 3.
Circle - South Ealing
Ages 16-17; also supports young people up to 18
In-the-moment support. 46 South Ealing Road, W5 4QA. 020 3475 0060. Drop-in: weekdays 2.30-6pm; weekends/holidays 12.30-4pm. Booked appointments may also be available.
Hestia Safe Spaces
Adults 18+ - local residents
Free drop-in support, no referral. Open 2pm-10pm daily, including bank holidays. Check the right location before travelling.
Hounslow Safe Space
Adults 18+
020 3869 2793. Bridgelink Centre, 373 Summerwood Road, Isleworth TW7 7QR.
Ealing Safe Space
Adults 18+
020 3869 2791. Wolsey Wing, St Bernard’s Hospital, UB1 3EU.
Hammersmith & Fulham Safe Space
Adults 18+
020 3869 2792. Dawes Road Hub, 20 Dawes Road, SW6 7EN.
Other London crisis cafés
Age limits vary
Hestia’s directory lists community crisis spaces across London. Check age, catchment and opening times directly.
West Middlesex University Hospital - A&E
Any age - emergency medical help
Emergency department open 24 hours. Twickenham Road, Isleworth TW7 6AF. In immediate danger, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.
London: appointments & crisis stays
Adults 18+. Contact the service before travelling. These are assessed or booked services, rather than walk-in emergency care.
The Listening Place
Adults 18+ - suicidal feelings
Free, regular face-to-face listening appointments across London. Self-refer online or call 020 3906 7676. This is not a drop-in or telephone helpline.
James’ Place - London
Men 18+ - suicidal crisis
Free, focused therapy by appointment. Self-referrals accepted. London: 020 3488 8404, Mon-Fri 9.30am-5.30pm. 20 Bunhill Row, EC1Y 8LP. Check the full eligibility criteria.
Maytree
Adults 18+ - suicidal crisis
A short residential stay may be available after an initial conversation and assessment. Self-referral or professional referral. Call 020 7263 7070; a place is not guaranteed.
Daleham Gardens Crisis House
Adults 18+ - Camden and Islington
Staffed residential crisis support. Telephone self-referrals accepted: 020 3317 6860, 24 hours daily. 3 Daleham Gardens, NW3 5BY. Eligibility and assessment apply.
Drayton Park Women’s Crisis House
Women 18+ - Camden and Islington
Residential support with telephone self-referrals and referrals from others. Contact details and full eligibility are on the service page. Assessment and availability apply.
Broader support: outside London
These are local services, not UK-wide options. Check the age and catchment area first. For urgent telephone support, return to page 3.
Hub of Hope
Ages and areas vary
Search for support near you. This is a directory, not a crisis response service.
Dial House - Leeds
Check age and local access rules
A place to spend time during crisis. Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat and Sun, 6pm-1am. Contact from 6pm: 0808 800 1212; text 07922 249 452.
OASIS Crisis House - Leeds
Check age and local access rules
Residential support through the local Crisis Resolution and Intensive Support Service. No direct referrals.
Edinburgh Crisis Centre
Check age and local access rules
Telephone, text and email support, with face-to-face support discussed with the team. 0808 801 0414; text 07974 429 075.
The Sanctuary - Bristol
Ages 16+ - local GP registration required
For Bristol, North Somerset or South Gloucestershire. Appointment-based support. 0117 454 7980, Thu-Tue 4pm-11pm; closed Wed.
Greater Manchester crisis cafés
Age and access rules vary
No.93, Harpurhey: 0161 271 0339 / 07778 012838. Call before visiting. Mon-Fri 8pm-1am; weekends 3pm-1am. Other local spaces are listed online.
Suicide Crisis - Gloucestershire
Check age and local access rules
For local residents experiencing suicidal thoughts. First contact: 07975 974455, 9am-10pm daily. Arrange support before travelling.
Broader support: practical tools
For people aged 16+. Choose what fits your needs; individual resources may have their own age guidance. You do not need to finish a worksheet before asking for help.
Stay Alive
App and website
A personal safety plan, grounding tools, support contacts and a LifeBox for things that matter to you.
The Help Me Stay Plan
Neurodivergent-friendly planning
A free workbook designed with neurodivergent experiences in mind. You can use it with someone you trust.
Get Self Help - suicidal thoughts materials
Worksheets and coping tools
Safety-plan worksheets, pocket cards and practical coping materials. Use at your own pace or with a clinician.
A hope box or soothe box
Comfort and connection
Ideas for a physical or digital collection of photographs, messages, familiar music or sensory items, alongside a safety plan.
Reasons to Stay
Letters to read
Volunteer-written letters offering warmth and hope. A reading resource, not immediate crisis support.
Broader support: peer support & reading
Optional resources alongside support. Check age guidance for groups; peer resources are not emergency treatment. Some material may feel upsetting.
Not the Void
Peer support - check group age guidance
Connection with people who have experienced suicidal feelings. Check meeting arrangements directly.
IASP - Suicidal Crisis Support
Information
Safety-planning guidance and international support links. This is not a helpline.
Mapping Our Madness
Peer-written workbook
Thinking ahead about warning signs, immediate needs, trusted people and what helps.
Navigating Crisis - Fireweed Collective
Peer-written handout
A short guide to navigating crisis from a lived-experience and social justice perspective.
Fireweed Collective Crisis Toolkit
Peer resources
A collection on suicidal feelings and crisis planning. Some content and service links are US-focused.
Outside the UK
Find local support
Find A Helpline and Befrienders Worldwide list support internationally. In immediate danger, use your local emergency service.
Befrienders Worldwide
International directory