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Information and Support: Mental Health & Self-harm

If you, or someone you know, have been affected by mental health issues or self-harm, the following organisations may be able to help.

ChildLine

ChildLine is a free, 24-hour confidential helpline for children and young people who need to talk.

Phone: 0800 1111

Visit the ChildLine website

Mind

Mind provides advice and support on a range of topics including types of mental health problems, self-harm, legislation and details of local help and support in England and Wales.

Webchat

Phone: 0300 123 3393 (weekdays 9am - 6pm)

Visit the Mind website

YoungMinds

YoungMinds offers information, support and advice for children and young people on mental health, wellbeing, racism and self-harm.

YoungMinds Crisis Messenger: text YM to 85258.

Help for concerned parents of those under 25 is offered by phone.

Phone: 0808 802 5544 (Mon–Fri 9.30am-4pm)

Visit the YoungMinds website

Rethink Mental Illness

Rethink Mental Illness advice offers practical help and information for anyone affected by mental illness on a wide range of topics such as The Mental Health Act, living with mental illness, medication and care.

Webchat

Phone: 0808 801 0525 (Mon-Fri 9.30am-4pm)

Visit the Rethink Mental Illness website for advice and information

SANE

SANE provides confidential emotional support and information to anyone affected by mental illness. It also provides a resource for anyone affected by suicide.

Phone: 0300 304 7000 (4.30 - 10.30pm daily)

Visit the SANE website

The Mix

The Mix provide non-judgmental support and information for young people under 25 on a variety of issues including mental wellbeing, sex & relationships, bullying, exam stress, money, drugs and self-harm.

Webchat available.

If you’re aged 25 or under, and are experiencing a personal crisis, such as suicidal thoughts, abuse or assault, you can text THEMIX to 85258.

Phone: 0808 808 4994

Visit The Mix website

Meic

Meic provides bilingual information, advice and advocacy to children and young people up to the age of 25 in Wales.

Webchat is available via the website.

Phone: 080880 23456 or Text to 84001 (8am-12pm daily)

Visit the Meic website

Inspire

Inspire provides support services including addiction and mental health across Northern Ireland.

Phone: 0808 189 0036

Visit the Inspire website

SAMH

SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) can provide general mental health information and signpost you to your local services.

Phone: 0344 800 0550 (Mon-Fri 9am-6pm)

Visit the SAMH website

Community Advice & Listening Line

Community Advice & Listening Line offers emotional support and information on mental health and related matters to people in Wales.

Phone: 0800 132 737 (24/7) or text "help" to 81066

Visit the Community Advice & Listening Line website

Combat Stress

Combat Stress provides a confidential mental health helpline for serving and ex-service men and women with PTSD, depression and anxiety disorders.
Phone: 0800 138 1619 (24/7)

Visit Combat Stress website

PTSD Resolution

PTSD Resolution provides treatment to veterans and reservists to enable them to resolve the mental health problems associated with military trauma.

Phone: 0300 302 0551

Visit the PTSD Revolution website

Mental Health in the Farming Community

Mental Health Foundation

Mental Health Foundation provides a guide to Mental Health problems, topical issues and treatment options via their website.

Visit the Mental Health Foundation website

Other Sources of Information on Mental Health

These organisations may refer to other support services that the BBC has not necessarily verified.

Information from the NHS on Mental health

Visit the NHS website

Information from the NHS on self-harm

Visit the NHS website

Mental Health Foundation

Mental Health Foundation provides a guide to Mental Health problems, topical issues and treatment options via their website.
Visit the Mental Health Foundation website

Bipolar UK

Bipolar UK supports individuals, their families and carers affected by bipolar, providing information and support groups.
Visit the Bipolar UK website

Bipolar Scotland

Bipolar Scotland provides information, support and advice for people affected by bipolar disorder
Visit the Bipolar Scotland website

LifeSIGNS

LifeSIGNS (Self-Injury Guidance & Network Support) is an online, user-led voluntary organisation, founded to create understanding about self-injury and provide information and support to people of all ages affected by self-injury

Visit the Lifesigns website

Related Information and Support

If you are having feelings of despair, organisations listed on our support page for Suicide/Feelings of despair may be able to help.

You can find current information and support for issues covered by Action Line on the BBC Action Line website.