Phone lines you can call for urgent help

If you need urgent help - or perhaps just need to speak with somone right away - here are some numbers you can call. If you live in our intercollegiate halls, remember there is a trained member of the team available in hall 24 hours, 365 days a year; just ask at reception for the person on duty.

NHS 111 (or 999 in an emergency)

Call 111 free from any phone to speak with a trained health advisor. They can give you advice over the phone, help direct you to the most appropriate service for your needs, or in some cases arrange a visit by a doctor or mental health team.

If you need immediate help in a serious emergency, call 999 for ambulance, police, or fire service.

Samaritans 116 123

Call 116 123 from any phone (freephone) for a safe space to talk, in your own way, about whatever – phone line open 24 hours a day. 

More info: www.samaritans.org

HOPEline 0800 068 41 41

Confidential support and advice for young people under the age of 35 who may be having thoughts of suicide, and for family and friends who may be supporting a young person with thoughts of suicide.

Call 0800 068 41 41 (freephone) or text 07 786 209 697

Open 9am – 10pm weekdays, 2pm – 10pm weekends, 2pm – 10pm bank holidays. 

More info: www.papyrus-uk.org

SOS Silence of Suicide 0808 115 1505

If you’re having thoughts of suicide, self-harm, experiencing extreme anxiety, depression, or other mental health emergencies, you can call the SOS suicide helpline for immediate, confidential support. Along with those directly struggling to cope, SOS also provides emotional support and information to friends, family members, and carers. If you’re worried about someone else’s wellbeing and safety, you can speak to our helpline for guidance on how to support them.

Call 0808 115 1505 (freephone)

Open 8pm – midnight weekdays, 4pm – midnight  weekends.

More info: sossilenceofsuicide.org

CALM (for men) 0800 58 58 58

Confidential listening, information and support for men who are down or have hit a wall for any reason. Call 0800 58 58 58 or webchat at www.thecalmzone.net. 

Open 5pm – midnight every day.

SaneLine 0300 304 7000

National out-of-hours mental health helpline offering specialist emotional support, guidance and information to anyone affected by mental illness, including family, friends and carers.

Open 4:30pm – 10:30pm daily.

More info: www.sane.org.uk.

Find more at Hub of Hope

If you're looking for professional help with something specific, you could also search Hub of Hope - available online or as an iOS app / Android app.