National Debt Service

Mental health support

Pick a service to visit. Crisis lines are open around the clock. Free and confidential.

  • Samaritans

    24-hour confidential listening line for anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide. Free to call from any phone in the UK and Republic of Ireland.

    Regulatory status: Charity Commission (England and Wales) and OSCR (Scotland)

    • 116 123 Primary line Free from all phones, including pay-as-you-go. No credit or call allowance required. Does not appear on phone bill. • 24 hours, every day
    • 0330 094 5717 Alternative if 116 123 is unreachable Local call charges apply

    Visit Samaritans

  • CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)

    Suicide prevention charity offering free, confidential support via helpline, web chat, and WhatsApp. Open 5pm to midnight every day. Open to anyone aged 15 and over.

    Regulatory status: Charity Commission (England and Wales)

    • 0800 58 58 58 Free from landlines, payphones, and all mobiles. Calls anonymous and confidential. Does not appear on phone bill. • 5pm to midnight, 7 days a week

    Visit CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)

  • Shout 85258

    Free, confidential, 24/7 mental-health text-message support for anyone in the UK who is struggling to cope. Trained volunteers respond by text.

    Regulatory status: Mental Health Innovations, registered charity 1175670 (England and Wales)

    • 85258 Text SHOUT to 85258 Not a voice line. Messages free; do not appear on phone bill. • 24 hours, every day

    Visit Shout 85258

  • Mind

    Mental health charity for England and Wales offering information and signposting. The Infoline handles non-urgent questions about mental health support and local services. **Not a crisis line** for after-hours crisis support, route to Samaritans (116 123).

    Regulatory status: Charity Commission (England and Wales)

    Visit Mind

See all mental-health support →