Immediate Crisis Support (24/7)
Emergency Services: If there is an immediate risk of harm to yourself or your child, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E department immediately.
NHS 111: Call 111 and select the mental health option to speak with a trained professional who can direct you to local crisis teams.
Samaritans: Call 116 123 for free, any time of day or night. They offer a non-judgemental listening ear for anyone in distress.
Shout Crisis Text Line: Text the word ‘SHOUT’ to 85258. This is a free, confidential, 24/7 text service for anyone struggling to cope.
NSPCC Helpline: Call 0808 800 5000 for 24/7 help and support from trained counsellors if you have concerns about your own or a child’s safety.
Specialist Support for Parents
FamilyLine: While their main phone line is open Mon–Fri (9am–7pm), you can access their free 24/7 crisis support by texting FAMILYACTION to 85258.
YoungMinds Parents Helpline: Call 0808 802 5544 (Mon–Fri, 9:30am–4pm) for advice if you are worried about your child’s mental health or your own ability to support them.
Family Lives: Provides targeted crisis support and a confidential helpline at 0808 800 2222 for any aspect of family life.
How to Use This Guide
Prioritise Safety: If you feel you might act on harmful thoughts right now, use the 999 or 111 options immediately.
Talk to Someone Neutral: Reaching out to a service like Samaritans allows you to share difficult feelings privately.
Connect with Peers: When things feel less urgent, you can book a session on CosyChats.com to talk with experienced parents who understand the pressures of child-rearing in a judgement-free space.