United Kingdom — Crisis Support
Calm, practical support options for young people — plus clear “what to do next” steps for friends, parents, carers, and schools.
If someone is at immediate risk of serious harm, call emergency services now.
If you can: stay with the person, remove obvious hazards, and keep things calm and simple.
For urgent advice and next steps, contact NHS 111 (phone or online).
If you’re unsure what counts as “urgent,” it’s okay — that’s what 111 is for.
Free, confidential text support 24/7.
Text: SHOUT to 85258
Listening support for anyone — any age — without judgement.
Call: 116 123 (UK)
Support for children and young people (phone + online).
Call: 0800 1111
Suicide prevention support for young people and anyone worried about a young person.
Call: 0800 068 4141
Support for mental health, crisis, relationships, and life pressures.
Best for “I need to talk to someone” even if it’s not an emergency.
1) Breathe out longer than you breathe in (4 in / 6 out).
2) Name 5 things you can see (slowly).
3) Text SHOUT or call someone you trust.
4) Move to a safer space (light on, door open, near others if possible).
Step 1 — Safety first: If you’re at immediate risk, call 999/112.
Step 2 — Reduce risk: Move away from anything you could use to harm yourself.
Step 3 — Don’t be alone if you can help it: message someone / sit near others / open your door.
Step 4 — One support action: Text SHOUT to 85258 or call 111 / 116 123.
• “I’m really glad you told me.”
• “You don’t have to handle this alone.”
• “Are you safe right now?”
• “Would you prefer to text Shout or call 111 together?”
• “You’re overreacting.”
• “Other people have it worse.”
• “Just calm down.”
• “You’re doing this for attention.”
1) Stay with them (or keep contact by text/call).
2) Ask: “Are you safe right now?”
3) Choose one action: 111, Shout, Samaritans, or 999 if danger.
4) Reduce risk (remove hazards, change location, get another adult).
Supporting crisis is exhausting. If you’re shaking, panicky, or exhausted — that’s a normal response. Try: water + breathing + one support call for you.
They may ask: where you are, who you’re calling about, whether there’s immediate risk, and what you need right now. It’s okay to say: “I’m not sure — we just need urgent mental health support.”
If it’s not “right this second” but still serious, GP support can be a key next step. You can ask for an urgent appointment and explain safety concerns.
Tip: Write 3 bullet points before the call so you don’t forget.
Ask for: pastoral lead, safeguarding lead, school counsellor, wellbeing team, form tutor, SENCO (if relevant).
“I’m worried about my mental health / safety and need help today. I’m not okay right now and need to speak to the wellbeing/safeguarding team.”
Ask for small adjustments: a quiet space, permission to leave class, reduced pressure, written instructions, a check-in person.
School should follow safeguarding procedures. If you believe there is immediate danger, call 999.
• Press feet into the floor.
• Name 5 things you can see.
• Sip water (cold helps).
• Hold something textured (keys, fabric, stress ball).
Try: 4 in / 6 out for 10 breaths. Longer exhale tells your body “we’re safe enough for now.”
• Headphones + one calming song
• Dim lights / hoodie / blanket
• Step outside for air (with someone, if possible)
• Slow walk (even 2 minutes counts)
If you can’t do everything, do one thing: text, call, or move to safety.
These links help you find urgent pathways and local options based on where you are.
