If you’re thinking about hurting yourself or others, please call 999 or seek out the nearest A&E department and ask for a crisis resolution team.
Mental health is extremely important for all of us – sometimes we don’t feel our best, and that’s perfectly ok. Anxiety, depression, loneliness, panic attacks, and even suicidal thoughts can all play a major role in our lives, which can become debilitating for some.
As a People First company, Vanguard is committed to the wellbeing of our employees. Following this, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of FAQs and links, which are intended to help guide you to the right service and make sure you get the critical help you need.
Whatever storm you are going through, you do not have to go through it alone.
If you suffer from poor mental health, it can often help to voice your concerns to someone close to you. This could be a friend, a family member, a colleague, your partner or even a member of your local community such as a faith leader or tutor.
Ideally, you would talk to the person that you are most comfortable sharing with. Even then, we understand it can be difficult to talk about what you’re feeling and going through. See this guide on talking to friends about your mental health for tips on how to talk through your problems in a calm and effective way.
If you don’t feel like you can talk to anyone you know, or would prefer to talk to a stranger, there are people out there who want to help. See our other FAQs to see what services exist and who you can talk to.
Many mental health services are on the NHS, but you will usually need to be referred by a GP to access more complex or specialist services, or to receive a prescription for medication.
Your GP should take your mental health concerns seriously. If you are unhappy with your GP, or would prefer to see another practitioner, you can ask to switch doctors at the same practice or register at another practice.
As for helplines and webchat services, the vast majority are free, although phone calls and texts may be charged by your network. Always check beforehand to avoid unexpected charges.
Alternatively, if you can afford it, private mental health services such as therapy may be available depending on your area. While this could prove expensive, it could help circumvent long waiting times and get you urgent assistance.
You can use the BACP website to search for therapists near you, which also allows you to view pricing ranges and types of appointments (online/in-person).
If you would prefer to text instead of call, the following services may be of use:
SHOUT – An entirely free and confidential texting service that will connect you to a trained volunteer. The service operates 24/7 and remains open over holidays like Christmas.
Contact – Text SHOUT to 85258
CALM – Campaign Against Living Miserably leads the fight in suicide prevention. Their services are available from 5pm to midnight, every day of the year.
Contact – Message their live webchat.
Anxiety UK – An organisation that offers a range of support services for anxiety. They operate a 24/7 chatbot that can provide mental health advice and guidance.
Contact – Message Anxia in the bottom right corner of their website.
If you haven’t found what you’re looking for here – don’t worry. There are a broad range of services and information out there that can help with your mental health troubles.
Here is a list of additional resources:
NHS Mental Health Website – Information & support for mental health services.
Mental Health Foundation – A complete list of guides & information for mental health related issues.
Befrienders Worldwide – Worldwide directory for mental health services.
C.A.L.L. Helpline – Mental health helpline for Wales.
Childline – Mental health support for those aged 18 and under.
Hub Of Hope – A UK-wide directory for mental health support.
The Mix – Mental health helpline for under-25s.
National Suicide Prevention Helpline – Mental health helpline open from 6pm to midnight.
Nightline Association – Mental health support for students, run by students.
Relay UK – Mental health helpline for people with hearing or speech difficulties.
Sane – Emotional support and information for mental health problems.
Switchboard – Mental health support for LGBTQ+ people.
If you are experiencing mental health problems, you may want to talk to your GP about your concerns. Your doctor will help work out what kind of support you need and may refer you to the right mental health service, which could include therapy, medication, counselling, or a mixture of the above.
Local councils may also provide services such as counselling, crisis support, and therapy. You can often get in touch with these services independent of your GP.
Finally, pharmacists are trained healthcare professionals and can advise on medications used to treat mental health conditions, and even point you in the right direction of mental health services.
The following helplines may be of use:
Samaritans – The charity operates a 24/7/365 mental health helpline, which remains open over Christmas, New Year, and holidays.
Contact – Call 116 123, or write an email to jo@samaritans.org.
CALM – Campaign Against Living Miserably leads the fight in suicide prevention. Their services are available from 5pm to midnight, every day of the year.
Contact – Call 0800 58 58 58, or message their live webchat.
Contact – Use this link and enter your postcode to find the appropriate contact details.
For legal, financial, or health advice, the following services may be of use:
Citizens Advice – Offers advice on a range of topics including benefits, housing, employment, family, law, and courts. They offer in-person appointments and drop-in sessions to help resolve anything you may be struggling with.
Contact – Visit their website and enter your postcode to find your nearest branch and the appropriate contact information.
MIND – Runs two infolines for general and legal advice, which are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm (excluding holidays).
Contact – Call 0300 123 3393 or email info@mind.org.uk for general advice, or 0300 466 6463 or legal@mind.org.uk for legal advice.
Rethink Mental Illness – An organisation that offers practical advice such as mental health care, benefits/debt, courts/prison, and your rights. Their helpline is open Monday to Friday (excluding holidays) from (9:30am to 4:00pm).
Contact – Call 0808 801 0525 or message their webchat in the bottom right corner of their website.
Whatever struggle you are going through right now, there are people who care for you and want to help. With the right advice and guidance, there can be brighter days ahead – don’t let that get robbed from you. Please get help today.
