Mental Health Support: Where to Find Help in the UK and Ireland

If you are finding things hard, you do not have to cope alone. This page lists free, confidential places to find support in the UK and Ireland. It is not about any product: food supplements are not a treatment for mental health conditions, and the best first step is to talk to someone.

If you are in immediate danger

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, or you feel you cannot keep yourself safe, call 999 in the UK or 112 or 999 in Ireland, or go to your nearest emergency department.

Talk to someone now

Samaritans: 116 123

Samaritans is free to call from any phone in the UK and Ireland, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can talk about anything that is troubling you, however big or small.

Lifeline (Northern Ireland): 0808 808 8000

Lifeline is Northern Ireland's free crisis response helpline for people who are experiencing distress or despair, available 24 hours a day.

Shout: text SHOUT to 85258

Shout is a free, confidential, 24/7 text support service in the UK for anyone who is struggling to cope. In Ireland, you can text 50808.

Getting help through the health service

Your GP

Your GP is often the best place to start. They can talk through how you are feeling and explain the options available, including talking therapies and referrals to local services.

NHS 111

In England, Scotland and Wales, you can call NHS 111 if you need urgent help for your mental health but it is not an emergency. In Northern Ireland, contact your GP or GP out-of-hours service, or call Lifeline.

Talking therapies

In England, you can refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies without seeing a GP. In other parts of the UK and in Ireland, ask your GP about counselling and talking therapy services in your area.

Everyday wellbeing

Alongside professional support, small daily habits can help many people feel more able to cope. The NHS suggests five steps to mental wellbeing: connect with other people, be physically active, learn new skills, give to others and pay attention to the present moment. You can read more in our article The Holistic Journey: A Mind, Body and Spirit Approach to Wellbeing.

Supporting someone else

• Ask how they are, and listen without judging.
• Encourage them to talk to their GP or contact one of the services above.
• If you think they are in immediate danger, call 999.
• Look after yourself too. Samaritans is there for you as well.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Samaritans number?

116 123. It is free from any phone in the UK and Ireland, at any time.

Is there a text service if I do not want to talk?

Yes. In the UK, text SHOUT to 85258. In Ireland, text 50808.

Can food supplements help with mental health conditions?

No. Food supplements are not a treatment for mental health conditions. Please speak to your GP or one of the services listed on this page.