Mental Health Crisis Helplines
Hey folks,
We are very aware that this time of year can be incredibly difficult for many.
One of our main goals as an organisation is to tackle loneliness. We do this by providing a place for people to spend time together, gain new skills and to grow our community - however we are not mental health professionals. In light of this, as well as us being closed for a couple of weeks over the holiday period, we want to sign post you to the following crisis helplines should you or a loved one need it.
We will be back in January 2024. Lots of love, keep safe and we’ll see you soon.
The Exchange Team
If you're in crisis and need to talk right now, there are many helplines staffed by trained people ready to listen. They won't judge you, and could help you make sense of what you're feeling.
Samaritans. To talk about anything that is upsetting you, you can contact Samaritans 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can call 116 123 (free from any phone). You can also call the Samaritans Welsh Language Line on 0808 164 0123 (7pm–11pm every day).
SANEline. If you're experiencing a mental health problem or supporting someone else, you can call SANEline on 0300 304 7000 (4.30pm–10.30pm every day).
National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK. Offers a supportive listening service to anyone with thoughts of suicide. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK on 0800 689 5652 (6pm to midnight every day).
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM). You can call the CALM on 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight every day) if you are struggling and need to talk. Or if you prefer not to speak on the phone, you could try the CALM webchat service.
Shout. If you would prefer not to talk but want some mental health support, you could text SHOUT to 85258. Shout offers a confidential 24/7 text service providing support if you are in crisis and need immediate help.
The Mix. If you're under 25, you can call The Mix on 0808 808 4994 (3pm–midnight every day), request support by email using this form on The Mix website or use their crisis text messenger service.
Papyrus HOPELINEUK. If you're under 35 and struggling with suicidal feelings, or concerned about a young person who might be struggling, you can call Papyrus HOPELINEUK on 0800 068 4141 (24 hours, 7 days a week), email pat@papyrus-uk.org or text 07786 209 697.
Nightline. If you're a student, you can look on the Nightline website to see if your university or college offers a night-time listening service. Nightline phone operators are all students too.
Switchboard. If you identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, you can call Switchboard on 0300 330 0630 (10am–10pm every day), email chris@switchboard.lgbt or use their webchat service. Phone operators all identify as LGBT+.
Helplines Partnership. For more options, visit the Helplines Partnership website for a directory of UK helplines. Mind's Infoline can also help you find services that can support you. If you're outside the UK, the Befrienders Worldwide website has a tool to search by country for emotional support helplines around the world.
Urgent mental health helpline
Anyone who lives in England can call a local NHS urgent mental health helpline for support during a mental health crisis. Anyone can call these helplines, at any time.
These helplines offer similar support to a crisis team. The NHS website has more information on urgent mental health helplines, including how to find your local helpline.
On Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Eve, Mind in Bexley are hosting online groups to join in the festivites.
‘We are offering three groups over Christmas and New Year. Join our host Rebecca Makis on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and/or New Year's Eve. Rebecca will be hosting a variety of online festive gatherings and activities during Christmas and New Year, giving Bexley residents the opportunity to celebrate with others.
The online groups available are:
Christmas Day games and music - 10am–12pm
Boxing Day games and music - 10am–12pm
New Year’s Eve music for fun special - 3pm-5pm
Please register and book your place online. To register, visit: https://buff.ly/49pSVRj