How to get help with mental health

15 May 2023, 16:36 | Updated: 13 May 2025, 11:13

If you're feeling stressed, anxious or depressed, or just want to feel happier, here's where to get support.

Mental Health Awareness Week takes place from 12th to 18th May 2025 and the theme is "community"

The Mental Health Foundation says: "Being part of a safe, positive community is vital for our mental health and wellbeing.

"We thrive when we have strong connections with other people and supportive communities that remind us, we are not alone. Communities can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and give us a sense purpose." Read more

Worried about someone? Click here

Where to get urgent help for mental health

Samaritans

• Confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
• Phone: 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline)
• Website: www.samaritans.org

CALM

• The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is leading a movement against suicide. Every week 125 people in the UK take their own lives. And 75% of all UK suicides are male. CALM exists to change this.
• Phone: 0800 58 58 58 (daily, 5pm to midnight)
• Website: www.thecalmzone.net

Papyrus

• Are you, or is a young person you know, not coping with life? For confidential suicide prevention advice contact HOPELINEUK.
• Phone – 0800 068 4141 (9am to midnight every day)
• Text: 07860 039967
• Website: www.papyrus-uk.org

Anxiety UK

• Charity providing confidential advice and support if you have anxiety, stress or anxiety-based depression.
• Phone: 03444 775 774 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm, except bank holidays)
• Website: www.anxietyuk.org.uk

Men's Health Forum

• 24/7 stress support for men by text, chat and email.
• Fast, free, independent health information.
• Website: www.menshealthforum.org.uk

Heads Together

• Too often, people feel afraid to admit that they are struggling with their mental health. This fear of prejudice and judgement stops people from getting help and can destroy families and end lives.
• Heads Together wants to help people feel much more comfortable with their everyday mental wellbeing and have the practical tools to support their friends and family.
• Website: www.headstogether.org.uk

Mind

• Mind provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem.
• They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
• Website: www.mind.org.uk

Need more help or advice? Here are more mental health resources from the NHS