Crisis Resources
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 now. This page lists crisis and urgent support resources across the UK.
A full list of UK crisis lines, mental health support, and specialist resources for neurodivergent individuals and their families — with opening hours and contact details.
In an immediate emergency
If you believe there is an immediate risk to someone's life, call 999 now. Do not wait. The emergency services are trained to help in mental health crises as well as physical emergencies.
Police, ambulance, and fire. Call 999 if someone is in immediate danger — including a mental health crisis where there is risk to life.
24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
Urgent medical advice when it is not a 999 emergency. Trained clinical advisers can help you decide what to do next. Also available online at 111.nhs.uk.
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Go to your nearest A&E department for a mental health crisis if you cannot wait for other support. You can ask to be seen by a mental health professional when you arrive.
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Mental health crisis lines
These services are for anyone who is struggling — you do not need to be in a life-threatening crisis to call. If you are finding things hard, please reach out.
For anyone struggling to cope, whatever the reason. Free, confidential, non-judgemental. You can also email jo@samaritans.org if calling feels difficult.
24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Free from all phones.
Free, confidential crisis support by text message. For anyone feeling overwhelmed or in crisis who finds it easier to text than to talk.
24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Free from all UK mobile networks.
For anyone feeling low or in crisis. Freephone helpline and webchat service. Originally focused on men, but now open to all. Webchat available at thecalmzone.net.
5pm–midnight, 365 days a year
Mental health information and support — advice about conditions, treatments, and where to find local services. Also available via text: 86463.
Monday–Friday, 9am–6pm (closed Bank Holidays)
Expert advice and information for people living with mental illness and those who support them. Can help with practical issues including benefits, housing, and care plans.
Monday–Friday, 9:30am–4pm
For adults experiencing a serious mental health crisis, your local NHS trust's crisis team can provide intensive home-based support as an alternative to hospital admission. Search "[your area] mental health crisis team" or ask NHS 111 to refer you.
Availability varies by area — contact NHS 111 for out-of-hours access
Neurodivergent-specific support
These helplines are run by organisations with specialist knowledge of neurodivergent conditions. They can provide advice, information, and practical support for individuals and families.
Advice and information for autistic people and their families — on diagnosis, education, employment, benefits, and local services. Free from landlines and most mobiles.
Monday–Thursday 10am–4pm, Friday 9am–3pm
Information and support for people with ADHD and co-occurring conditions. Advice for individuals, families, educators, and employers.
Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm
Support and guidance on dyslexia — assessment, support at school and work, and available resources. Also provides training for professionals.
Monday–Wednesday & Friday 10am–4pm, Thursday 10am–8pm
Support for children and adults with dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder / DCD) and their families. Information on diagnosis, education, daily life, and employment.
Monday–Friday, 9am–1pm
Support and information for people with Tourette syndrome and their families — covering school, work, medication, and living well with TS.
Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm
Children and young people
These services are specifically for children and young people, or are particularly well-suited to younger people in crisis.
Free, confidential support for anyone under 19. You can call, chat online, or email about anything — there is no problem too big or too small. Volunteers are trained to listen without judgement.
24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Free from all phones.
Dedicated support for young people under 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide, and for anyone worried about a young person. Trained professionals provide confidential guidance. Also text: 88247 or email: pat@papyrus-uk.org.
Monday–Friday 10am–10pm, weekends & Bank Holidays 2pm–10pm
Free 24/7 crisis support for young people by text. Trained crisis counsellors respond to help you through difficult moments. Part of the Shout network.
24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Free from all UK mobile networks.
NHS specialist mental health services for children and young people under 18. Referral is usually through your GP, though some areas accept self-referral. In a crisis, contact your local CAMHS crisis team if one exists in your area, or attend A&E.
Routine services: office hours. Crisis teams: varies by area — NHS 111 can advise out-of-hours.
Support for parents and carers
Supporting a neurodivergent child or family member can be exhausting, isolating, and overwhelming. These services exist for you too.
Support for parents and families navigating challenges including behaviour, school difficulties, special needs, and family breakdown. Non-judgemental, free, and confidential.
Monday–Friday 9am–9pm, Saturday–Sunday 10am–3pm. Free from landlines and most mobiles.
Advice and support for unpaid carers — including information on benefits, rights at work, local support services, and carer wellbeing.
Monday–Friday, 9am–6pm
Information, advice, and support for families of disabled children — including guidance on EHCPs, benefits, equipment, and local services. Free parent-to-parent support also available.
Monday–Friday, 9:30am–5pm. Free from landlines and most mobiles.
Support for parents experiencing perinatal mental health difficulties. Particularly relevant for parents of neurodivergent children who are also experiencing postnatal depression or anxiety.
Monday–Sunday, 11am–10pm
Text and online support
If calling feels overwhelming, these text and online options provide support without requiring a phone conversation.
Email the Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org. You will receive a personal response within 24 hours. Useful if you need time to write out your thoughts.
Response within 24 hours, 7 days a week
Free 24/7 crisis text support. Text SHOUT for general crisis support; text YM for the YoungMinds service specifically for young people. Both connect you to a trained crisis counsellor.
24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Free from all UK mobile networks.
Live webchat support for anyone feeling low or in crisis, available at thecalmzone.net. An alternative to calling for those who find text easier.
5pm–midnight, 365 days a year
Information guides, online forums, and a local Mind finder at mind.org.uk/information-support. Peer support communities available through their Side by Side platform.
Guides available 24/7; forum moderation hours vary
Free online emotional support through trained volunteer listeners. Available via chat at 7cups.com. Particularly useful for those who want to talk through feelings without calling a helpline.
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Finding local support
Many of the best services are local. Here is how to find what is available in your area.
Every local authority in England must provide a free, impartial SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Service) for families of children with SEND. They can attend meetings with you and advise on your rights. Search "SENDIASS [your area]" or ask your local council.
Office hours — varies by area. Free service.
NHS specialist mental health services for children under 18. Your GP can refer your child. In a crisis, contact NHS 111 who can connect you to your local CAMHS emergency team or advise on the best route.
Routine referral: via GP. Crisis: NHS 111 or A&E.
For adults who need ongoing mental health support. Referral is usually through your GP. CMHTs provide care coordination, therapy, and medication reviews for adults with significant mental health needs in the community.
Routine referral: via GP. Crisis: NHS 111 or A&E.
Free advice on benefits, housing, employment, debt, and family matters. Available online at citizensadvice.org.uk and through local offices across the UK. Particularly helpful for those navigating benefit claims or workplace difficulties.
Online: 24/7. Local offices: office hours — check your local Citizens Advice for details.