If you are in a mental health crisis, or know someone who is, then here are some ways you can get help.

If you or someone else is at risk right now

If you, or someone else, feels like you might attempt suicide, or may have seriously harmed yourself, you need urgent medical help. Please:

  • Call 999 for an ambulance
  • Go straight to A&E, if you can
  • Call your local NHS mental health response line – call 111 and select the mental health option when prompted any time of day or night if you are worried about your own or someone else’s mental health. It’s available 24/7 for  mental health signposting and support.

If you can’t do this by yourself, ask someone to help you.

Mental health emergencies are serious. You’re not wasting anyone’s time.

For other crisis situations

If you can keep yourself, or someone else, safe for a short while, but you still need urgent advice:

  • Call your local NHS mental health response line – call 111 and select the mental health option when prompted any time of day or night if you are worried about your own or someone else’s mental health. It’s available 24/7 for  mental health signposting and support.
  • Contact your GP surgery and ask for an emergency appointment.

If you, or the person you’re concerned about, is already under the care of NHS mental health services, then there may be a care plan which outlines what to do in a crisis. This might be to contact your GP or the Adult Mental Health Team that supports you.

Do you need some urgent coping tools?

Here are some crisis resources that you can use right away, by yourself, wherever you are.

Someone to talk to

Samaritans offer emotional support and a listening ear 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call free on 116 123 or email [email protected]

Mind operates an Information Line which provides information on types of mental health problem, where to get help, medication and alternative treatments and advocacy. It operates from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday (except Bank Holidays)

SANE provide emotional support and specialist information to anyone affected by mental health problems. Their SANE Line operates from 4.30pm to 10.30pm every day of the year. Call 0300 304 7000

SHOUT – a 24/7 text service for anyone who is in a crisis. Text 85258

CALM (campaign against living miserably) is specifically for men. The service is open 7 days a week, from 5pm to midnight. Call 0800 58 58 58

Childline (for anyone under 19) Call 0800 1111

Papyrus suicide support helpline – Hopeline 247

Side by Side is an online, supportive community provided by Mind.

Rethink Advice phone line –  Monday to Friday – 09.30am to 4pm (except Bank Holidays). Call 0300 5000 927

Mindline Trans+ is a confidential, mental health support helpline for people who identify as Trans, A gender, Gender Fluid, Non-binary and also supports family members and friends and provides signposting to other services and resources – Call 0300 330 5468

Signposting and information

Cornwall Mind can signpost you to mental health services – Email [email protected]

Visit Mind for mental health help and information.

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