In immediate danger right now, or seriously worried about someone's safety?

Call 999
Crisis & urgent support

If today feels like too much, here's exactly who to call.

The Thelma Matilda Alves Foundation is not a crisis service, and we don't run a helpline of our own. What we can do is point you, quickly and clearly, to the real-time support that's built for exactly this moment — for you, or for someone you love.

Everything below is free, confidential, and available right now.

Numbers and opening hours on this page are checked regularly, but helpline services do sometimes change theirs. If a line is busy, try again, try a text-based option instead, or use NHS 111 — you will get through to help.
Life at risk, right now

Call 999 or go to A&E

If you or someone else has seriously harmed themselves, or is in immediate danger of doing so, this is an emergency. Don't wait to see if it passes.

Call 999 now
Free from any phone, 24 hours a day
In crisis, but not life-threatening

Call NHS 111, and choose the mental health option

You'll be connected to a trained mental health advisor who can talk it through with you and get you to the right local support — for yourself or someone else, at any age.

Call 111
Free, 24/7 · or go to 111.nhs.uk

Helplines you can call or text today

Trained listeners, not emergency services — for when you need to talk to someone now, about anything.

Samaritans

For anyone, about anything that's troubling you — no matter how difficult.

Every day, 24 hours

Call 116 123

Shout

Free, confidential crisis text support — good if talking out loud feels too hard right now.

Every day, 24 hours

Text SHOUT to 85258

SANEline

Support if you're affected by mental illness — including if you're a family member, friend or carer.

Daily, 4pm–10pm — confirm on sane.org.uk

Call 0300 304 7000

CALM

The Campaign Against Living Miserably — support if you're struggling or affected by suicide.

Daily, 5pm–midnight

Call 0800 58 58 58 Webchat

Papyrus HOPELINE247

Under 35 and having thoughts of suicide, or worried about a young person who might be.

Every day, 24 hours

Call 0800 068 4141 Text 88247

Childline

For anyone under 19 — the number won't show up on your phone bill.

Every day, 24 hours

Call 0800 1111

Talking to your GP

Your GP is often the fastest route into ongoing mental health support, not just a one-off crisis call. Here's how to get seen quickly.

01

Ask for an urgent or same-day appointment

Say clearly that it's about your mental health and that you need to be seen urgently — most practices hold same-day slots for exactly this.

02

You don't need the right words

"I'm not coping" or "I think I need help with my mental health" is enough to start. You don't need a diagnosis before you're allowed to ask for help.

03

Ask what happens next

Your GP can refer you to NHS mental health services, prescribe medication if appropriate, or sign you off work — ask what your options are.

04

You can also self-refer

In England you can refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies directly, without seeing a GP first — search "NHS Talking Therapies" plus your area.

Supporting someone you love

Watching someone you care about struggle is frightening, and it's common not to know what to say. Here's somewhere to start.

What helps

  • Ask directly. Asking "are you thinking about suicide?" does not put the idea in someone's head — it opens the door for them to be honest.
  • Listen more than you talk. You don't need to fix it in the conversation. Being heard, without judgement, is its own kind of help.
  • Stay in touch. A short message the next day — "thinking of you" — tells someone they weren't a burden for opening up.
  • Help them make the call. Sitting with someone while they ring a GP or a helpline can make it feel possible.

Support for you, too

  • SANEline (0300 304 7000, daily 4pm–10pm) explicitly supports family, friends and carers, not just the person struggling.
  • Rethink Mental Illness Advice Service (0808 801 0525, Mon–Fri 9.30am–4pm) gives practical advice to carers and family members — on the Mental Health Act, benefits, and day-to-day support.
  • You're allowed to look after your own wellbeing while you support someone else — it isn't selfish, it's what makes the support sustainable.
If you believe someone is in immediate danger — they've told you a specific plan, taken action to harm themselves, or you cannot keep them safe right now — call 999 or take them to A&E. You don't need their permission to get emergency help, and you won't be overreacting.

A few things to avoid

  • Promising total secrecy — say instead that you'll only involve others if it's about keeping them safe.
  • Minimising ("it can't be that bad") even with good intentions — it can shut the conversation down.
  • Waiting for the "right moment." There often isn't one. A plain, direct question is usually welcomed.

The Thelma Matilda Alves Foundation is not a crisis or emergency service and cannot respond in real time. This page signposts to independent NHS and charity services; each is responsible for its own opening hours, availability and confidentiality policy. In an emergency, always call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.