Helplines provide an immediate source of support if you are suicidal, in crisis, or just need to talk to someone understanding and non-judgemental.
Please note that different helplines have different policies on suicide and self-harm. Some will simply listen and offer support, whereas others will intervene actively (for example, by calling an ambulance) if they feel you are in danger. If you don’t know what a helpline’s policy is and it’s important to you, you can ask at the start of the call.
Contents
International helplines
UK helplines
US helplines
Canada helplines
Befrienders Worldwide
Helplines listed by country. Covers just about every country in the world.
0800 and 0808 numbers are free and will not show up on phone bills, unless called from a mobile.
Several of these helplines can also be contacted by email or text message – check their websites for details.
Bristol Crisis Service for Women 0117 925 1119
For women in emotional distress, particularly those who self-injure.
CALL (Wales) 0800 132 737
For help with feelings such as depression, anxiety or suicide.
ChildLine 0800 11 11
For children and young people.
Get Connected 0808 808 4994
For young people.
MindinfoLine 0845 766 0163
Information on almost anything to do with mental health.
NAPAC 0800 085 3330
For people abused in childhood.
NHS Direct (England & Wales) 0845 46 47
Health advice and information.
NHS 24 (Scotland) 08454 24 24 24
Health advice and support.
RASASC 08451 221 331
Confidential help and support for women and girls who have experienced rape or sexual abuse – however long ago.
Samaritans 08457 90 90 90
Confidential emotional support. You can also visit them in person.
Saneline 0845 767 8000
Information, crisis care and emotional support for anybody affected by mental health problems.
Child Help USA (for children and adult survivors of abuse) 1-800-422-4453
Help Now Hotline 1-800-435-7609
Hope Line Network 1-800-784-2433
National Alliance for Mentally Ill 1-800-950-NAMI
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233
National Drug and Alcohol Hotline 1-800-662-4357
National Eating Disorder Hotline 1-800-931-2237
National Mental Health Association 1-800-969-6642
National Suicide Hotline 1-888-784-2433
Panic Disorder Helpline 1-800-647-2642
Rape, Abuse and Incest National Helpline 1-800-656-4673
Sexual Assault Crisis Line 1-800-643-6250
United Way Crisis Help Line 1-800-233-4357
National Crisis Line 1-800-999-9999
Kids Help Phone 1-800 668 6868
Centre for Suicide Prevention
Lists crisis lines by province.
Thanks to Lea for providing the US and Canada helpline information.