Crisis support and helpful links

For over 65 years, Samaritans have offered a non-judgemental, confidential helpline for anyone going through a tough time, regardless of their background. Samaritans was founded in 1953, at a time when it was still illegal to be gay in the UK, and the helpline has provided a vital lifeline where anyone can share what’s on their mind without judgement or pressure.

Telephone: 116 123

Opening times: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), provide life-saving services, information and advice to help anyone struggling with life.

As well as their live chat service, they have trusted tools that provide practical ways to manage mental health and they campaign to make sure everyone has the knowledge and skills to unite against suicide.

Telephone: 0800 58 58 58

Opening Times: 5pm – midnight, 7 days a week

The National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK is a compassionate and understanding lifeline for those grappling with their mental wellbeing or thoughts of suicide.

Telephone: 0800 689 5652

Opening times: 6pm – midnight, 7 days a week here

SANE runs a national, out-of-hours mental health helpline offering specialist emotional support and information to anyone affected by mental illness, including family, friends and carers. They are open every day of the year.

Telephone: 0300 304 7000

Opening times: 4:30pm to 10:30pm, 7 days a week

Switchboard is the national LGBTQIA+ support line. For anyone, anywhere in the country, at any point in their journey. They can discuss anything related to sexuality and gender identity. Whether it’s sexual health, relationships or just the way you’re feeling. All phone operators identify as LGBTIA+.

Telephone: 0800 0119 100

Opening times: 10am – 10pm, 7 days a week

Galop have decades of experience in supporting LGBT+ people who are victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence, hate crime, so-called conversion therapies, honour-based abuse, forced marriage, and other forms of abuse.

Telephone: 0800 999 5428

Opening hours:

Mon – 9:15am - 8pm
Tues – 9:15am - 8pm
Wed – 9:15am - 4:30pm
Thurs – 9:15am - 4:30pm
Fri – 9:15am - 4:30pm
Closed on weekends

Childline is a counselling service for children and young people aged up to 18 provided by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Child (NSPCC).

Telephone: 0800 11 11

Opening times: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Papyrus UK is a confidential support and advice service for anyone aged under 35 who is experiencing thoughts of suicide.

Telephone: 0800 068 41 41

Opening hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week