You have come here because you may be in too much pain or desperation to be bothered with a website or you may just want to speak to someone in a hurry.

Talking things through with an empathic listener really does help – this is not flannel – it is evidence based.

The numbers below will help you to speak to someone as quickly as possible.

Please also see the various resource pages of this website for topic specific telephone help such as addiction, debt, employment etc.

In a mental health emergency or crisis, where a person's mental or emotional state gets worse quickly, it is important to get help without delay. There are many ways to get help whether you or someone you know have had these sorts of feelings before or not.

Veterinary Helplines

Vet Helpline 07659 811 118

Friendly people with personal experience of the veterinary profession are there to talk to you in complete confidence about whatever a troubling you.

When you call, you will reach an answering machine which is frequently checked. Leave your contact details and your call will be returned – there is always somebody on duty 24/7

Veterinary Surgeons Health Support Programme 07946 634 220

Completely confidential professional help with alcohol, drug, addiction & mental health issues. This is the number of the national coordinator who can also be reached on VSHSP@Vetlife.org.uk

General Helplines

Rural Stress Helpline 0845 094 8286

Confidential listening service for anyonein a rural area feeling troubled, anxious, worried, stressed or needing information.

E-mail: ruralstresshelpline@rase.org.uk

Samaritans 08457 90 90 90

You can call the Samaritans any time of the day or night. 

Common reasons to call the Samaritans are:

• Relationship and family problems
• Loss, including loss of a job, a friend or a family member through bereavement
• Financial worries
• Job-related stress or overwork
• College or study related stress
• Body image issues 

E-mail: jo@samaritans.org.uk

Saneline 0845 767 8000

National out-of-hours confidential telephone helpline offering practical information, crisis care and emotional support to anybody affected by mental health problems. The service is open every day and receives tens of thousands of calls every year from service users, family members, carers and health professionals. 
Telephone Lines open 6pm to 11pm every day (charged at local rates)

Mind

Mind - The UK's leading mental health charity offers a factsheet on Crisis Services.

Direct Gov

Advice on mental health emergencies.

Other Ways of Getting Help in an Emergency

• In an emergency it is possible to visit your local NHS Accident & Emergency department and ask to see the duty psychiatrist

• If you are currently being treated for a mental illness your care plan will have names and numbers to call in an emergency

• If you are concerned there is an immediate danger you can call 999

• NHS Direct Tel: 0845 4647 can also provide you with medical advice at any time of the day or night and have an on-line mental health check tool on their website

• It is worth checking to see if the local Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) can provide a crisis support team contact. Most areas have a mental health crisis team. These teams are made up of psychiatric nurses, social workers and support workers and they:

  • Are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week

  • Respond to a crisis within four hours (wherever possible)

  • Carry out assessments under the Mental Health Act (1983)

  • Provide support and short-term help until another team is available or the help is no longer needed