Are you, or is someone you know, struggling to cope with life? You can get immediate support from Samaritans if you call 116 123. Whatever you are going through, volunteers are waiting to listen to you talk through your concerns. Calls are free and available 24 hours a day and can be made from any phone.

Whether you speak to a support service, or family and friends, accepting help is important. You may not see a solution to your concerns right now but accepting help and letting someone know how you feel can help you to find a way through.

Support and information on this page have been designed for you if you have been having thoughts about suicide or are worried about someone else, or if you have been affected by a sudden bereavement. There is no shame in reaching out for help if you are unsure of what to do, and there are people who care that are ready to help you right now.

Are you finding it difficult to cope with life?

Find support:

  • Samaritans – Call 116 123 for support available 24 hours a day.
  • Papyrus – a national charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide. If you or a young person you know is struggling with life you can get confidential support from Papyrus’ Hopeline on 0800 068 4141 (9am – 12am midnight) every day of the year.
  • Oxleas – how to get help in a crisis – The Mental Health Crisis Line on 0800 330 8590 is a 24-hour telephone service for those who may be experiencing a mental health crisis. This line provides opportunity to speak with a mental health professional about your mental health crisis & can provide information and advice for carers, family, and friends.
  • Give us a SHOUT (85285) – Shout 85285 is a free and confidential text messaging service that is available 24/7. Text 85285 at anytime if you are struggling to cope and need immediate support to start a conversation with a trained volunteer who will listen and help you to get to a calmer and safe place.
  • Switchboard LGBT+ helpline – Switchboard provides a one-stop listening service for LGBT+ people on the phone, by email and through instant messaging. Call 0300 330 0630 (available from 10am – 10pm, every day).

Support if you are worried about someone else 

  • Samaritans ­– Call 116 123 for support available 24 hours a day.
  • Zero Suicide Alliance (ZSA) – provides free suicide prevention training that is accessible to all. ZSA helps people to learn how to identify when someone is presenting suicidal thoughts/behaviour, how to speak with them in a supportive manner, and how to help them find useful services and support.
  • Charlie Waller Memorial Trust – the charity provides mental health resources, support and training for parents and carers through school events and online webinars.
  • Bromley mental health and wellbeing toolkit – view this toolkit developed with local education settings that provides mental health and wellbeing resources for education staff and parents and carers to help better support children and young people.

Find support if you have experienced a sudden bereavement