This time of year can be particularly difficult for some people, especially given the year we have experienced. Whilst ACAMH cannot offer personal advice, we do urge you to reach out if you are concerned about yourself or a loved one, these helplines and support groups can offer expert advice.
For those based in the UK, if you need support please use these helplines as provided by NHS website. For those outside the UK please use an internet search to find an organisation that can offer direct support. Do not suffer in silence, reach out. Wishing you a safe and peaceful time.
Anxiety UK: Charity providing support if you have been diagnosed with an anxiety condition.
TAUK to us service provides personalised support and information/signposting for anyone living with anxiety. Book a 30 minute confidential call for just £25. Please note: this is NOT a crisis service. If you need urgent crisis support, please contact call NHS 111 and select option 2 for urgent mental health support. 18+ only
Beat: the UK’s eating disorder charity
England Phone: 0808 801 0677; Scotland Phone: 0808 801 0432; Wales Phone: 0808 801 0433; Northern Ireland Phone: 0808 801 0434 (Helplines are open 365 days a year from 15:00pm-20:00pm.)
Bipolar UK: A charity helping people living with manic depression or bipolar disorder.
CALM is the Campaign Against Living Miserably, for men aged 15 to 35.
Phone: 0800 585858 (Helplines are open 17:00pm-midnight, 365 days a year. Webchat and Whatsapp is also available.)
Cruse Bereavement Care: Phone: 0808 808 1677 (Monday – Thursday 10:00am-2:00pm; Christmas Day 10:00am-14:00pm, New Years Day Closed.) Email service also available.
Mencap: Charity working with people with a learning disability, their families and carers.
Mental Health Foundation: Provides information and support for anyone with mental health problems or learning disabilities.
Mind: Promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems. Helplines are closed: Wednesday 25 December (Christmas day), Thursday 26 December (Boxing day), and Wednesday 1 January (New year’s day).
Support Line Phone: 0300 102 1234 (Monday to Friday, 09:00am to 18:00pm, except bank holidays) The support line is a safe space for you to talk about your mental health. The advisors are trained to listen to you and help you find specialist support if you need it.
Infoline Phone: 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 09:00am to 18:00pm, except bank holidays) Provides an information signposting service.
Legal Line Phone: 0300 466 6463 (Monday to Friday, 09:00am to 18:00pm, except bank holidays) Provides legal information and general advice on mental health related law.
Welfare benefits line: 0300 222 5782 (Monday to Friday, 09:00am-17:00pm, except bank holiday) Supports anyone with mental health problems who is navigating the benefits and welfare system.
No Panic: Voluntary charity offering support for sufferers of panic attacks and OC).
No Panic Helpline Phone: 0300 772 9844 (365 days a year, 10:00am to 22:00pm).
NSPCC: Children’s charity dedicated to ending child abuse and child cruelty.
Phone: 0800 1111 for Childline for children (24-hour helpline).
Phone: 0808 800 5000 for adults concerned about a child (Monday – Friday 10:00am-16:00pm).
OCD Action: Support for people with OCD. Includes information on treatment and online resources.
Phone: 0300 636 5478 (Monday to Friday, 09.30am to 20:00pm). Calls are charged at the same rate as a normal landline.
PAPYRUS: Young suicide prevention society.
Phone: HOPELINE247 0800 068 4141 (24-hours every day, 365 days of the year).
Text: 88247
Rape Crisis: A charity working to end sexual violence and abuse.
Phone: 0808 500 2222 (24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year)
Refuge: Advice on dealing with domestic violence.
Phone: 0808 2000 247 (24-hour helpline)
Online chat also available (Monday to Friday, 10:00pm-22:00pm.)
Rethink Mental Illness: Support and advice for people living with mental illness.
Advice Service phone: 0808 801 0525 (Monday to Friday, 9:30am – 16:00pm, excluding bank holidays)
Samaritans: Confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
Phone: 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline).
SANE: Emotional support, information and guidance for people affected by mental illness, their families and carers.
SANEline: 0300 304 7000 (365 days of the year, 16:00pm to 22:00pm).
Textcare: comfort and care via text message, sent when the person needs it most: www.sane.org.uk/textcare.
YoungMinds: Information on child and adolescent mental health. Services for parents and professionals.
Shout 85258: If you are a young person struggling to cope, (free, 24/7 support)
Phone: Parents’ helpline 0808 802 5544 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 16:00pm)
