In the UK

If you’re in distress or crisis

If you’re struggling right now, you don’t have to wait until things feel serious enough to reach out. I’m not able to offer crisis support through this website, and I don’t read survey answers as they come in, so if you need to talk to someone, please contact one of the services below.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, please contact your local emergency number now. In the UK, that’s 999.

Need

support?

Find A Helpline: a free directory of helplines in over 150 countries, so you can find support where you live. [findahelpline.com]

Befrienders Worldwide: emotional support centres around the world for anyone feeling lonely, in despair or having thoughts of suicide. [befrienders.org]

Anywhere in the world

• Samaritans (UK-wide): call 116 123, free, 24 hours a day

• Shout (UK-wide): text SHOUT to 85258, free, 24 hours a day

• England: NHS 111, option 2, 24 hours a day

• Scotland: NHS 24 Mental Health Hub, call 111, 24 hours a day

• Northern Ireland: Lifeline, 0808 808 8000, 24 hours a day

• The Silver Line (Age UK, for people aged 55 and over, UK-wide): 0800 470 80 90, 24 hours a day

• Scotland: Breathing Space, 0800 83 85 87, for ages 16 and over, weekdays 6pm to 2am and 24 hours at weekends

• If you’re under 55, Samaritans and Shout are there for loneliness too.

If you’ve lost someone

• England, Wales and Northern Ireland: Cruse Bereavement Support, 0808 808 1677

  (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 9.30am to 5pm, Tuesday 1pm to 8pm)

• Scotland: Cruse Scotland, 0808 802 6161 (Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm, weekends 10am to 2pm)

If you’re feeling lonely

If you’ve been treated unfairly or discriminated against

• England, Scotland and Wales: Equality Advisory Support Service, 0808 800 0082

  (Monday to Friday 9am to 7pm, Saturday 10am to 2pm)

• Northern Ireland: Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, 028 90 500 600

If you experienced abuse as a child

• NAPAC (UK-wide): 0808 801 0331, for adults who experienced any kind of abuse in childhood

  (Monday to Thursday 10am to 9pm, Friday 10am to 6pm)

If you’ve experienced unwanted touch or pressure

• England and Wales: Rape Crisis England & Wales, 0808 500 2222, for ages 16 and over, 24 hours a day

• Scotland: Rape Crisis Scotland, 08088 01 03 02, for ages 13 and over, every day 5pm to midnight

• Northern Ireland: Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline, 0808 802 1414, 24 hours a day

• If the pressure you experienced wasn’t sexual, the services under “If you’re in distress or crisis” can help.