If you need help for a mental health crisis or emergency, you should get immediate expert advice and assessment. It’s important to know that support services are available for you to access, whatever you’re going through.
Get help from 111 online, call or visit their website – Check your mental health symptoms – NHS 111
You can also find support on the Get Help Now page – Get Help Now – Be Well BWD
Looking for information about local mental health services that can support you?
If you are struggling with your mental health, please contact your GP for advice, support and referral to services. Alternatively you can contact and self refer to the services below:
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
SignVideo – British Sign Language (BSL)
If you are part of the deaf community and need to access our 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.
Access a BSL interpreter here if you live in East Lancashire or Blackburn with Darwen
NHS Talking Therapies
Talking Therapies can help with a variety of problems. Some of the most common mental health problems we work with are panic disorder, depression, postnatal depression, generalised anxiety disorder, chronic worry, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), health anxiety and social anxiety.
For some problems there is more than one choice available, for some there is only one talking therapy option that is recommended to be effective. A practitioner will discuss the best options available for you during your initial telephone assessment.
You are able to self-refer to the service on the website.
Call: 01254 226037
Rugby League Cares Men’s Mental Health Fitness
You don’t need to be a rugby league fan or even a sports fan to take part and benefit from the programme. They are giving men genuine real-life examples that they can relate to and learn from. The programme involves 6 x 1 hour sessions over 6 weeks, looking at a different topic each week. The sessions will equip you with tip and tools to build your own mental fitness and a better mindset as well as support others around you who may be struggling.
Talk Ourselves Well
A safe and social space for men who may find it difficult to talk about the problems and challenges they are facing.
The Talk Ourselves Well group is for men, aged 18 and over and meets every Thursday in Whitehall Park, Darwen between 7pm and 9pm. Everyone is encouraged to take responsibility in setting up the session which is under a canopy around a campfire. The group also meets for the first 3 Saturdays of the month for the All Bloke Walk and Talk.
What3Words camp location: Vets.Dining.Nurses
First session is free then after that a minimum donation of £3+
Lancashire Women’s Centre
Lancashire Women’s Family Wellbeing Service offers one to one emotional health and wellbeing support to families in the Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen community who may be struggling with their mental health during the perinatal period (pregnancy up until a child is 2 years old) Working in partnership with the Borough’s Family Hubs.
Andy’s Man Club
Weekly peer-to-peer support groups designed to break down stigma around men’s mental health, offering a safe space for men to openly discuss their struggles in a judgment-free environment. The groups are free of charges and bookings, completely confidential and a place that is free of any judgement – you can simply turn up, and talk as much or as little as you desire with no pressure.
Details: Monday 6pm – 9pm, location: Community Wellbeing Hub, Darwen End, Ewood Park
Email: healthandwellbeing@brfctrust.co.uk
Call – 01254 924890
Mind Rover Matter
A unique initiative aimed at supporting individuals with severe mental illness through wellness football and social sessions. This programme is designed to create a safe and inclusive environment where participants can engage in physical activity while fostering social connections.
Details: Wednesday 1-3pm, location: Blackburn Rovers Indoor Centre
Email: healthandwellbeing@brfctrust.co.uk
Call – 01254 924890
Men in Sheds
Connects socially isolated men with mental health concerns, with others experiencing similar concerns, through shared interests.
Details: Thursday 11am to 12.30pm, location: Darwen End, Ewood Park
Email: ilyas.patel@brfctrust.co.uk
Call – 01254 508257
Dad Matters
Becoming a dad brings big changes – exciting, but sometimes challenging and overwhelming.
Dad Matters Blackburn with Darwen supports you on this journey, helping you feel confident, connected, and not alone.
They provide a listening ear, raise awareness of dads’ mental wellbeing, and help you access the right support when you need it.
Newground Together – Great Outdoors (Shadsworth Hub)
Outdoor activities to support mental wellbeing, helping you feel better through nature, gentle exercise, and social connection. Sessions include walking groups, community gardening, crafting, cycling, and volunteering – all suitable for a range of ages and abilities.
Healthier Lancashire & South Cumbria
Health organisations have worked together to put a service directory of Mental Health Support Services across Lancashire and South Cumbria.
Lancashire Mind
Mind is a leading mental health service that provides information, advice, and practical support to people experiencing mental health problems. It offers a wide range of services, including helplines, local support groups, advocacy, and wellbeing programmes, helping individuals understand their mental health and access the help they need. Mind also works to reduce stigma, influence public policy, and promote better mental health services, ensuring that people are treated with dignity, respect, and understanding.
National Support
Hub of Hope
The Hub of Hope are the UK’s largest mental health support directory. Whether you want to find a service to help you feel better or you want to support someone who is struggling, they can help and find a service in your area nationwide.
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 their 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.
Independent Age
Provides a free confidential helpline for older people. It provides help, support and advice on a range of topics affecting older people, including mental health.
Call their helpline on 0800 319 6789
The Silver Line
Provides a free confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people.
Open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Need help? Call ANYTIME on: 0800 4 70 80 90