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If you or someone’s life is at risk:
- Call 999 for an emergency response.
If you can stay safe for now but need support:
- Call NHS 24 on 111 and choose the mental health option. Call 111 if you’re feeling distressed, in a state of despair, suicidal, or in need of emotional support.
Once you’ve called, you’ll be connected to a team of psychological wellbeing practitioners (PWPs). They’re specially trained advisors who work in mental health.
If you use a textphone, you can contact NHS 24 on 18001 111 or use the Relay UK app. - Contact your GP and ask for an emergency appointment.
Listening services for when you need to talk and be heard
Samaritans (24/7)
Call: 116 123
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Samaritans provide confidential emotional support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide. Calls are free.
Breathing Space
Call: 0800 83 85 87 (Monday to Thursday: 6pm–2am, Friday: 6pm – Monday 6am).
Breathing Space is a free, confidential helpline for anyone experiencing low mood, anxiety or depression, or who’s unusually worried and needs someone to talk to.
CALM
Call: 0800 58 58 58 (5pm to Midnight)
SHOUT
Crisis text line 85258 (24 hours, 7 days). Texts are free
For the Deaf community
The Deaf Health Charity SignHealth has a crisis text service: Text DEAF to 85258 for free and immediate support.
Get information about Breathing Space in BSL, including how to contact the service if you feel low, depressed or anxious.
Local organisations
Edinburgh Crisis Centre
Call: 0808 801 0414 (open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Email: edinburghcrisiscentre.org.uk
The Edinburgh Crisis Centre provides community based, emotional and practical support at times of crisis.
MHAS for Lothians
Call: 0131 537 6000 (24 hours, 7 days)
MHAS is an emergency mental health assessment service. It’s a mental health nurse-led team based at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital. You can call them about yourself or a friend/family member.