Mental health support available in the UK

Mental Health Resources Available in the UK – Support & Guidance

Mental health is an essential aspect of overall well-being, and fortunately, there are numerous resources available in the UK to provide support, guidance, and treatment. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges, knowing where to turn for help is crucial. Below, we explore some of the key mental health services and resources in the UK.

NHS Mental Health Services – Free Support & Therapy

The National Health Service (NHS) provides free mental health services across the UK. You can access support through your GP, who can refer you to specialists or local services. The NHS also offers Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT), which provides talking therapies for anxiety, depression, and stress-related conditions.

Key NHS Mental Health Resources:

• NHS Talking Therapies – Self-referral service for conditions like depression and anxiety.

• Crisis Support – NHS 111 and local crisis teams offer immediate help for mental health emergencies.

• Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) – Support for children and young people.

Top Mental Health Charities & Organisations in the UK

Several mental health charities operate across the UK, offering helplines, online support, and in-person services.

Best UK Mental Health Charities:

• Mind (www.mind.org.uk) – Provides information, support, and local services.

• Samaritans (116 123, www.samaritans.org) – 24/7 helpline for anyone in distress.

• Rethink Mental Illness (www.rethink.org) – Support groups and advocacy services.

• YoungMinds (www.youngminds.org.uk) – Specialises in youth mental health support.

• CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) (www.thecalmzone.net) – Support for men’s mental health challenges.

Workplace & Student Mental Health Support in the UK

Many employers and educational institutions provide dedicated mental health resources.

• Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) – Many workplaces offer confidential counselling and support.

• Student Wellbeing Services – Universities and colleges provide free counselling and mental health support for students.

• Togetherall (www.togetherall.com) – An anonymous online mental health community for students and employees.

• 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.

Best Mental Health Apps & Online Support in the UK

Digital mental health resources can provide immediate and accessible support.

• Headspace – Meditation and mindfulness app.

• SilverCloud – Online therapy for anxiety and depression (NHS-approved in some areas).

• Kooth – Free, confidential online support for young people.

• Shout 85258 – Free 24/7 text support for those in crisis.

Helplines for Urgent Mental Health Support in the UK

If you need immediate help, the following mental health helplines are available:

• Samaritans – 116 123 (free, 24/7 support).

• Shout – Text "SHOUT" to 85258 for confidential crisis support.

• Mind Infoline – 0300 123 3393 (mental health advice and guidance).

• CALM – 0800 58 58 58 (suicide helpline).

• National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK- 0800 689 5652

Mental health support is widely available across the UK, whether through the NHS, charities, workplaces, or online platforms. If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to access help, it is available and you are not alone.

For more information, visit the NHS website (www.nhs.uk) or one of the leading UK mental health charity websites listed above.