Guide to UK Free Mental Health Helplines
In this post, we signpost you to the various free helplines that exist for people suffering from mental health issues. There exist many helplines of this nature, and you may be confused by their sheer volume.
Studies show that when you are faced with too many options, you are likely to take no action at all. To help address this problem, we outline exactly what each of these free helplines offers for people suffering from mental health problems. Since we provide alcohol rehab and drug rehab in London, this theme ties in with our offerings, and our clients will benefit from this information that follows.
After you have read this guide, you will be in a better position when deciding which particular helpline or helplines to reach out to. At Cassiobury Court, we believe in the value of free mental health helplines.
Free helplines provide you with someone to talk to when you are going through a crisis or when you just need somebody to talk to. Furthermore, many of these helplines are available 24 hours a day and 7 days a year, meaning you can contact someone when traditional ‘bricks and mortar’ services are closed.
How mental health helplines work
Whilst each of these helplines is slightly different, each one aims to help you in times of crisis. When you contact these free helplines, you will essentially benefit from a ‘listening service’. An advisor will talk you through your emotions and offer non-judgemental support.
We now outline many popular mental health helplines available in the UK today. We simply list these helplines alphabetically.
1. Anxiety UK
Anxiety UK is a charity that provides help to people who have been diagnosed with anxiety. Anxiety UK’s resource centre offers resources to help relieve and support people suffering from stress, anxiety and anxiety-based depression.
Anxiety conditions supported by Anxiety UK include agoraphobia, social anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, social phobia, health anxiety, panic attacks, OCD, General Anxiety Disorder, claustrophobia and Body Dysmorphic Disorder.
Phone: 08444 775 774 (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-5.30pm)
Website: www.anxietyuk.org.uk
2. Bipolar UK
Bipolar UK is a nationwide charity. Bipolar UK dedicates itself to assisting those suffering from bipolar, their carers and their families. Biopolar UK assists around 80,000 each year.
Website: www.bipolaruk.org.uk
3. CALM
CALM stands for the Campaign Against Living Miserably. CALM is dedicated to preventing male suicide. Suicide is the biggest cause of death under the age of 45.
Website: www.thecalmzone.net
4. Men’s Health Forum
Men’s Health Forum (MHF) is set up to help tackle the high rate of male premature death. One in man in five currently dies before the age of 65. MHF raises awareness about male premature death through Men’s Health Week.
Website: www.menshealthforum.org.uk
5. Mental Health Foundation
Mental Health Foundation aims to help people understand, protect and sustain their mental health. This organisation’s key aim is prevention.
Website: www.mentalhealth.org.uk
6. Mind
Mind is perhaps the most well-known helpline on this list. Mind provides advice and support for people suffering from mental health issues. Mind also campaigns to improve services and raise awareness about mental health problems.
Phone: 0300 123 3393 (Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm)
Website: www.mind.org.uk
7. No Panic
No Panic assists to help people who experience panic attacks, phobias, OCF and other anxiety-related disorders. No Panic is also on hand to assist carers of people who suffer from anxiety issues. No Panic promotes a range of self-help solutions. No Panic empowers people with skills that allow them to manage and alleviate their anxiety.
Phone: 0844 967 4848 (daily, 10am-10pm)
Website: www.nopanic.org.uk
8. OCD Action
OCD Action is a national charity set up to help people who suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). OCD Action also raises awareness of OCD amongst the public.
Phone: 0845 390 6232 (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-5pm)
Website: www.ocdaction.org.uk
9. OCD UK
OCD UK is a national charity supporting adults and children affected by Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. OCD UK assists around one million people in the UK. OCD is totally service-led. It is run by sufferers for sufferers. OCD UK offers mutual support groups for people living with OCD across the country.
Phone: 0845 120 3778 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)
Website: www.ocduk.org
10. PAPYRUS
Papyrus UK is a charity set up to prevent suicide amongst men and women under the age of 35. As well as offering a free helpline through HOPELineUK, Papyrus UK also offers awareness and prevention training.
Phone: HOPElineUK 0800 068 4141 (Mon-Fri,10am-5pm & 7-10pm. Weekends 2-5pm)
Website: www.papyrus-uk.org
11. Rethink Mental Illness
Rethink Mental Illness helps people in the UK who are affected by mental health problems. This charity helps around 60,000 each year in England. Rethink helps these people get through crises and realise they are not alone. Rethink also helps to change attitudes and policy relating to mental illnesses.
Phone: 0300 5000 927 (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-4pm)
Website: www.rethink.org
12. Samaritans
The Samaritans provide a 24-hour helpline. The Samaritans offer a safe place for people to talk about their issues and problems. Many people contacting the Samaritans suffer from depression. Some, although not all, may feel suicidal when contacting the Samaritans. The Samaritans offer emotional support for people going through emotional distress or anyone considering suicide. The Samaritans aim to reduce the number of people committing suicide in the UK and Ireland.
Phone: 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline)
Website: www.samaritans.org.uk
13. Sane
Sane aims to improve the quality of life for people affected by mental health. SANE’s aim is to raise public awareness, exexciting research, and bring more effective professional treatment and compassionate care to everyone affected by mental illness. SANE offers emotional support and information to anyone affected by mental health problems through their helpline and email services.
Phone: 0845 767 8000 (daily, 6-11pm)
Website: www.sane.org.uk
14. YoungMinds
YoungMinds exists so that young people have the strongest possible voice in improving their mental health.
Phone: Parents’ helpline 0808 802 5544 (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-4pm)
Website: www.youngminds.org.uk
