Phone24/7Anyone, any age
Samaritans
Talk to someone any time about whatever is troubling you. Free and confidential.
- Phone
- 116 123
- Opening hours
- 24/7
CrisisListeningFree
Visit siteYou're not on your own
Get support.
Free, confidential helplines and services across the UK for young people, parents and carers. Whatever you're going through, someone is ready to listen.
If you need help right now
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E. These services are free and open around the clock.
Phone24/7
Text24/7Anyone, any age
Shout
Free, confidential text support if you're struggling to cope and would rather not speak out loud.
- Text
- Text SHOUT to 85258
- Opening hours
- 24/7
CrisisText supportFree
Visit site
Phone24/7Under 35s and those worried about them
Papyrus HOPELINE247
Advice and support for anyone having thoughts of suicide.
- Phone
- 0800 068 4141
- Text
- Text 88247
- Opening hours
- 24/7
Suicide preventionCrisisFree
Visit siteAnyone in the UK
NHS 111
Urgent medical or mental health help when it isn't a 999 emergency. Select the mental health option.
- Phone
- 111
- Opening hours
- 24/7
Urgent careNHSFree
Visit siteSupport for young people
Somewhere to talk, text or chat — about anything from anxiety and low mood to bullying, identity and life at home.
Phone24/7Under 19s
Childline
Free, private support about anything at all — by phone, online chat or email.
- Phone
- 0800 1111
- Opening hours
- 24/7
Under 19sChat & emailFree
Visit siteSupport for parents & adults
Guidance for the adults supporting a young person — and for looking after your own wellbeing too.
PhoneParents and carers
YoungMinds Parents Helpline
Advice if you're worried about a child or young person's mental health or behaviour.
- Phone
- 0808 802 5544
- Opening hours
- Mon–Fri, 9:30am–4pm
Parents & carersAdviceFree
Visit siteA note on these services
Spark UK does not run these helplines and is not responsible for the content or availability of external services. Details such as opening hours can change — please check each organisation's website for the latest information. Sparks of Knowledge is a resource library, not a crisis or counselling service.