Help in a mental health crisis

If you or someone you know needs help for a mental health crisis or breakdown, you should get immediate expert advice and assessment. In an emergency call 999.

It's important to know that support is available, even if services seem busy at the moment. NHS urgent mental health helplines are for people of all ages. You can call for:

• 24-hour advice and support – for you, your child, your parent/carer, friend or someone you care for
• Help to speak to a mental health professional
• An assessment to help decide on the best course of care

You can find a local NHS urgent mental health helpline (England only) on the NHS website. Please note that there may be different numbers for your home and university areas, so make sure you check which number to call.

You can also contact the following free listening services from the voluntary sector:

• Call 116 123 to talk to Samaritans 24/7, or email: jo@samaritans.org for a reply within 24 hours
• Text "STUDENT" to 85258 to contact the Shout Crisis Text Line, or text "YM" to the same number if you're under 19 for support from Young Minds.
• If you're under 19, you can also call 0800 1111 to talk to Childline on their 24 hours helpline. The number will not appear on your phone bill.
• Text THEMIX to 85258 to contact the Mix
• If you're experiencing thoughts of suicide, phone Hopeline UK on 0800 068 41 41, or text them on 07786 209 687 between 9am – 10pm weekdays, 2pm – 10pm weekends or email pat@papyrus-uk.org
• Call the CALM helpline on 0800 58 58 58 between 5pm and midnight.

Self-guided support for your mental health and wellbeing

The Student health app is designed to reduce your worries, feel more confident and get the support you need at what can be a challenging time for any student.

Students Against Depression is a website offering advice, information, guidance and resources to those affected by low mood, depression and suicidal thinking.

Student Space is here for students through coronavirus. However you’re feeling, help and guidance is available. Explore a range of trusted information, services and tools to help you with the challenges of student life. You can use their search tool to find the services available at your university.

For support with an eating disorder, phone Beat’s studentline on 0808 801 0811 or go to the Beat website to access their one to one chat forum.

If you are worried about an eating disorder, please contact your GP, visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111

Sexuality or gender identity support: call the Switchboard LGBT+ helpline on 0300 330 0630 between 10am and 10pm every day.

Support in Shropshire

Please take a look at the mental health section of our website, which contains lots of helpful information and links.