When it all gets too much, help is available. Mental health crisis helplines, text services, webchats… here 24/7 to help you
If you need help for a mental health crisis or emergency, you can get immediate expert advice and assessment.
If you or someone you are with is at immediate risk to themselves or others, call 999. They won’t judge you, they are here to help.
We can all have times where we are facing a range of life’s challenges. Sometimes it can feel overwhelming but there is always help available. Below are links to some of the many support services that are there when you need them whatever the time of day or night. You can also contact your GP for advice and support.
Local Support Services
Get help from 111 online, call or visit their website – Check your mental health symptoms – NHS 111
You can also find mental health support services on the Adult Mental Health webpage here – Mental Health Support For Adults – Be Well BWD
Initial Response Service
The Initial Response Service (IRS) is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
It is staffed by trained mental health professionals who are able to provide assessment and referrals to appropriate services – If you feel you are unsafe, distressed or worried about your mental health you can call them for help and support.
Call – 0800 013 0707
Mental Health Crisis Line
Lancashire and South Cumbria Care’s Mental Health Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 0800 953 0110.
It is staffed by trained mental health professionals who are able to provide assessment and referrals to appropriate services – ring it if you need to access services or for advice about someone who needs treatment/support.
SignVideo – British Sign Language (BSL)
If you are part of the deaf community and need to access mental health services, whether for urgent or routine care, the support of a BSL interpreter is available here and they will help you to communicate with our call handlers or mental health practitioners.
Wellbeing Helpline and Texting Service
There is also a Wellbeing Helpline & Texting Service, staffed by volunteers and those with lived experience, that offers emotional support – ring if you want to chat about your mental health or are lonely etc. It can be contacted on 0800 915 4640 or by texting ‘Hello’ to 07860 022846.
Directory of Mental Health Support in Lancashire
Can’t see a service you are looking for? Health organisations in Lancashire and South Cumbria have worked together to develop an interactive map of mental health services.
National Support Services
Samaritans: Listening service
To talk about anything that is upsetting you. 24/7 Call 116 123 (free from any phone), email jo@samaritans.org.
Papyrus Hopeline UK: Support for under 35’s
If you’re under 35 and struggling with suicidal feelings, or concerned about a young person who might be struggling.
Call 0800 068 4141, email pat@papyrus-uk.org or text 07786 209 697
Shout Crisis Text Service
You can text SHOUT to 85258 from anywhere in the UK, at any time of day to connect with a trained Crisis Volunteer. Shout is a free, confidential and 24/7 text messaging service for anyone in the UK who needs support
SANE Line: Helpline
If you’re experiencing a mental health problem or supporting someone who is call 0300 304 7000 (4.30pm–10.30pm every day), email support@sane.org.uk or find out about their text care service on their website
The Mix: Support for under 25’s
Essential support for the Under 25s.
Call 0808 808 4994 Or Text Crisis Messenger ‘THEMIX’ to 85258, or access their Group Chat or Online Community on their website
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)
CALM is a UK-based suicide prevention charity offering free, confidential support to anyone struggling with life. They provide a helpline and webchat open daily, alongside practical resources to help people manage difficult feelings and find support. CALM also works to reduce stigma around mental health and encourage people to open up about how they’re feeling.
Download the app – Meet the CALMzone app: Free mental health support in your pocket | CALM
Call on 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight every day) or use their webchat service.
Switchboard: Support for the LGBTQ+ community
If you identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender Call 0800 0119 100 (10am–10pm every day), email hello@switchboard.lgbt or use their webchat service. Phone operators all identify as LGBT+
GamCare National Gambling Helpline
Free, 24/7 national helpline. Call 0808 8020 133 for confidential support on gambling. GamCare also offer live chats and an online community
Hub of hope: Mental health support for all
Hub of Hope is a national mental health directory set up by Chasing the Stigma