Other helplines and support

In an emergency, call 999 or NHS 111 mental health crisis support. If you’re under 19 and you need help call Childline on 0800 1111 or visit the Childline website.

If you’re worried about a child

If you’re worried about the wellbeing or safety of a child, call:

the NSPCC Child Protection Helpline on 0808 800 5000
the NHS on 111, or visit 111.nhs.uk for non-emergency health concerns

You can also report concerns about a child being abused or neglected to your local council.

Mental health support

If you need mental health support, call:

Samaritans talking service on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) for men on 0800 585858 or use the live chat, 5pm to midnight
suicide charity Papyrus (for under-35s) on 0800 0684141, text 07860 039967 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org
The Mix (for those between 10 to 25 years) on 0808 808 4994 or text THEMIX on 85258

You can also text ‘Shout’ to 85258 for mental health support if you’re struggling to cope.

For domestic abuse support

If you or a loved one is experiencing domestic abuse, call:

Refuge, for women and children, on 0808 2000 247, or chat online for domestic abuse support 3pm -10pm Monday to Friday
Respect, the domestic abuse helpline for men, on 0808 8010327
National Helpline for LGBT+ Victims and Survivors of Abuse and Violence on 0800 999 5428

For food or housing support

If you need support with food or housing, contact:

The Trussell Trust for emergency help with food – search for your local foodbank online
Shelter for urgent housing advice on 0800 800 4444, or chat online for housing advice
Streetlink on 0300 500 0914 (if you’re concerned about someone over 18 sleeping on the street)

You can also get support on many parenting topics by reading our parenting advice articles.