United Kingdom Crisis Support
Support for parents, carers, and guardians who are helping someone through a mental health crisis. Clear steps, scripts, and calm guidance to help you take the next right step.
If someone is at immediate risk of harm, call emergency services without delay.
For urgent advice and next steps, use NHS 111 (phone or online).
Free, confidential support any time you need someone to listen.
Text SHOUT to 85258 for free, confidential text support in the UK.
Support for young people and young carers under 19 involves listening, crisis coping, and referral help.
Useful online resources for carers, guidance, and next steps.
• “I’m here and listening.”
• “You don’t have to handle this alone.”
• “Let’s choose one step together (call/text/help).”
• “You’re overreacting.”
• “Just try harder.”
• “Don’t feel this way.”
• “Other people have it worse.”
1) Validate feelings (“That sounds really hard”).
2) Ask gently (“Are you safe right now?”).
3) Reduce immediate stressors (lights, noise, alone time).
4) Choose one support step: 111/SHOUT/Samaritans/999.
Supporting someone in crisis is heavy. Take breaks, ask for help, and reach out to a listening service yourself — it matters.
You’ll be asked where you are, who you are calling about, whether there’s immediate risk, and what support you need right now.
Your GP can help with ongoing support and referrals. If it’s not an immediate crisis, but still concerning, ask for an urgent appointment.
