If you feel you are at risk of harming yourself or taking your own life, there are people you can talk to who can help immediately:
- speak to a friend, family member or someone you trust as they may be able to help you calm down and find some breathing space;
- call or email the Samaritans 24-hour support service on 116 123;
- go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department and tell the staff how you are feeling;
- contact NHS 111;
- or make an urgent appointment to see your GP.
- Read more from the NHS about getting help if you’re feeling suicidal.
If you don’t feel in immediate danger but would like to talk about your circumstances with someone who is trained to listen, the organisations below are there for you.
If you know someone is going through a tough time, where can you find advice and support?
It can be really worrying when someone you know about is going through a tough time. The charity Mind provide advice to help you support other people – and to look after your own wellbeing too.
- Read more about helping someone else
The Samaritans – 116 123
The free Samaritans phone line is available 24 hours a day throughout the year. There to give you the time and space to talk things through, to try and find a way through your problems, and to explore the options so you can make decisions that are right for you.
- Read more at samaritans.org
Shout Crisis Support – 85258
This free 24/7 UK text service is for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. Text SHOUT to 85258 for immediate support. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help. Shout is powered by a team of volunteers, who are at the heart of the service.
- Read more at giveusashout.org
HOPELineUK (prevention of young suicide) – 0300 102 2470 or text HOPE to 88247
Specialist telephone service run by suicide prevention charity Papyrus, staffed by trained professionals who give non-judgemental support, practical advice and information to children, teenagers and young people up to the age of 35 who are worried about how they are feeling, and to anyone who is concerned about a young person. You can also email pat@papyrus-uk.org.
- Read more at papyrus-uk.org
Frazzled Cafe
Frazzled Cafe meetings provide a ‘talk-in’ place where people who are feeling frazzled can meet fortnightly to talk and share their personal stories in a safe, anonymous and non-judgmental environment – a place where it’s ok, to not be ok.
Frazzled Cafe meetings are not about therapy or offering solutions. They provide a safe and confidential space where people can simply speak openly without worrying about judgement amongst a group of peers who understand how it feels to be frazzled. What is said in the meetings stays in the meetings and there is never a need to answer “fine” if asked “how are you?”
- Read more at frazzledcafe.org
Mind Infoline – 0300 123 3393
Mind Infoline can talk to you about where you can find help, and about medication and treatments, and more. They can also provide legal information and general advice on mental health related law. The line is open 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday.
- Read more at mind.org.uk
Side by Side Forum – Mind’s online community
It’s a powerful thing to connect with someone else over shared experiences. Side by Side is an online community where you can listen, share and be heard.
- Read more at sidebyside.mind.org.uk
Refuge – 0808 2000 247
The UK’s largest single provider of specialist domestic violence services – supporting more than 4,600 women, children and men each day.
- Read more at refuge.org.uk
Relate – 0300 100 1234
The UK’s largest provider of relationship support, supporting more than a million people each year of all ages, backgrounds and sexual orientations to strengthen their relationships.
- Read more at relate.org.uk
Shelterline – 0808 800 4444
Call 0808 800 4444 if you are homeless or at risk of losing your home. Run by housing charity Shelter, their housing experts can advise you, no matter what your housing situation. Shelterline is open 365 days of the year from 8am to 8pm throughout the week and 8am to 5pm at weekends.
- Read more at shelter.org.uk
StreetLink
If you or someone you know is sleeping rough in England or Wales, visit Streetlink.org.uk or download the StreetLink app. Provide as much information as you can and StreetLink’s national team will put you in touch with local support services.
- Read more at streetlink.org.uk
Film & TV Charity Support – 0800 054 0000
Whatever your situation, whether it’s financial difficulties, health issues or something else, and wherever you are in your career in the Film and TV industry, the Film & TV Charity may be able to help. Call the Film and TV Charity Support Line on 0800 054 0000 or send an email to support@filmtvcharity.org.uk.
Protect
Confidential advice for individuals who have witnessed wrongdoing in the workplace but are unsure about how to raise their concerns.
- Read more at protect-advice.org.uk
Switchboard LGBT+ helpline – 0300 330 0630
Founded in 1974, Switchboard LGBT+ is at the forefront of supporting LGBT+ communities in facing the issues of the day. The switchboard is open from 10am-10pm to help you with whatever you want to talk about. Nothing is off limits, and they understand how anxious you might feel before you pick up the phone.
