24/7 support across London — free and confidential

Every area of London now has access to a 24‑hour NHS mental health crisis line, available to anyone who needs urgent support.

These lines are:

• Free to call
• Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Staffed by trained mental health professionals

👉 You do not need to be known to services to call.

Find Your Local Crisis Line

North West London

(Brent, Harrow, Hillingdon, Kensington & Chelsea, Westminster)
📞 0800 023 4650

(Ealing, Hounslow, Hammersmith & Fulham)
📞 0800 328 4444

North Central London

(Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey, Islington)
📞 0800 151 0023

North East London

(City & Hackney)
📞 0800 073 0006

(Newham)
📞 0800 073 0066

(Tower Hamlets)
📞 0800 073 0003

(Barking & Dagenham, Havering, Redbridge, Waltham Forest)
📞 0300 555 1000

South West London

(Kingston, Merton, Richmond, Sutton, Wandsworth)
📞 0800 028 8000

South East London

(Croydon, Lambeth, Lewisham, Southwark)
📞 0800 731 2864

(Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich)
📞 0800 330 8590

👉 These crisis lines are supported by NHS mental health trusts across London and can provide immediate advice, emotional support, and access to urgent care if needed.

If You’re Not Sure Who to Call

📞 Call NHS 111 and select the mental health option

• Available 24/7 across England
• You will be connected to your local crisis service
• You can call for yourself or someone else

👉 This is often the easiest place to start if you feel unsure. [nhs.uk]

Walk‑In and Community Crisis Support

In some areas, you can also access:

• Crisis cafés / recovery cafés
• Walk‑in support spaces (often evenings and weekends)
• Local mental health hubs

These provide:

• Immediate, face‑to‑face support
• A safe space to talk
• Help without an appointment

👉 Many operate without referral and are designed for early or urgent support.

A Final Reminder

If things feel overwhelming or you are in crisis:

👉 Please don’t wait and don’t isolate

There are people available right now who:

• Will listen
• Will take you seriously
• Can help you find the right support

If you are feeling overwhelmed, unable to cope, or at risk of harming yourself, it’s important to reach out for support immediately.

There are services available 24 hours a day to help you through this moment.

Urgent NHS Support

NHS 111 – Mental Health Option

📞 Call 111 and select the mental health option

• Available 24/7
• Free from landlines and mobiles
• You’ll speak to a trained professional who can guide you to the right support

👉 This is often the first step if you’re not sure what to do

Emergency Support

Emergency Services

📞 Call 999 or go to A&E

• If you feel you are in immediate danger
• If you are at risk of harming yourself or others

👉 This is the right place to go in an emergency — you will be taken seriously and supported.

Free Listening and Emotional Support

Samaritans

📞 Call 116 123 (free, 24/7)
🌐 www.samaritans.org

• A confidential, non‑judgemental listening service
• You don’t need to be in crisis — you can call anytime

Shout (Text Support Service)

📱 Text SHOUT to 85258 (free, 24/7)

• Confidential support via text message
• Ideal if you find it difficult to speak on the phone

Mind Infoline

📞 Call 0300 123 3393
📧 info@mind.org.uk

• Advice on mental health and available support
• Open weekdays, with additional resources online

Local London Crisis Support

Many London areas have urgent mental health helplines available 24/7.

👉 You can:

• Ask your GP
• Call NHS 111
• Search your local NHS trust website

These services can:

• Provide immediate advice
• Arrange urgent assessments
• Support you during a crisis

Waiting for support can feel frustrating or difficult — especially when things feel overwhelming.

There are small things you can do in the meantime to help manage stress and anxiety.

Simple Ways to Support Yourself at Home

1. Breathing for Calm

Try slow breathing:

• Inhale for 4 seconds
• Hold for 4 seconds
• Exhale for 6 seconds

Repeat for a few minutes to help your body settle.

2. Grounding Yourself

If thoughts feel overwhelming:

• Name 5 things you can see
• 4 things you can touch
• 3 things you can hear

👉 This can help bring your focus back to the present moment.

3. Gentle Routine

• Try to keep regular sleep and meal times
• Get outside for a short walk where possible
• Keep expectations small and manageable

4. Talking to Someone You Trust

Even one conversation can help:

• A friend
• A family member
• A support worker

👉 You don’t have to explain everything — just sharing can help.

5. Be Kind to Yourself

If things feel difficult:

• What you’re feeling is valid
• You are not alone in feeling this way
• Support is on the way

If You Are in Crisis — Please Reach Out

You do not have to face a mental health crisis alone

If you are feeling:

• Overwhelmed or unable to cope
• At risk of harming yourself
• In emotional crisis

👉 Please seek help immediately

You can:

• Call NHS 111 and select the mental health option
• Contact your GP urgently
• Call 999 or go to A&E if you are in immediate danger

A gentle but important reminder

It can feel easier to withdraw or isolate when things are difficult — but support is most important in those moments.

👉 Reaching out is a strong and important step.

Reaching out can feel difficult — knowing what happens next can help.

Initial Contact

• You may complete a referral form or speak to a professional
• You’ll be asked about how you’ve been feeling

Assessment or First Appointment

• A trained professional will listen and understand your situation

• You may discuss:

  • Your thoughts and feelings
  • How long things have been affecting you
  • Any support you already have

Next Steps

• You may be offered therapy, advice, or a treatment plan
• In some cases, there may be a waiting period before ongoing support begins

👉 You are always part of the conversation — your voice matters.

There are several ways to access mental health support, depending on what feels most comfortable for you.

1. Speak to Your GP

Your GP is often the first step.

They can:

• Listen to how you’ve been feeling
• Offer advice or initial support
• Prescribe medication if appropriate
• Refer you to specialist mental health services

👉 You don’t need to have the “right words” — just explaining how you feel is enough.

2. Access NHS Talking Therapies (IAPT)

You can refer yourself directly to NHS Talking Therapies services in London.

These services offer:

• Support for anxiety, stress, and low mood
• Counselling and therapy
• Online or in‑person sessions

👉 You do not need a GP referral to access these services.

3. Community Mental Health Services

For more additional or ongoing support, NHS services may provide:

• Specialist mental health teams
• Crisis support where needed
• Ongoing care and treatment

Your GP or therapist can guide you to the right service.

Looking after your mental health is just as important as looking after your physical health — but it’s not always easy to know where to start.

You might be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, low, disconnected, or simply not yourself. You might be trying to cope quietly, hoping things will improve, or unsure whether what you're experiencing is “serious enough” to ask for help.

At Basch Helps, we want to make one thing clear:

👉 If you’re struggling, you deserve support — and help is available.

Across London, the NHS provides a range of services to support adults with their mental health, from early support through to specialist care.

If You Are in Crisis — Please Reach Out

You do not have to face a mental health crisis alone

If you are feeling:

• Overwhelmed or unable to cope
• At risk of harming yourself
• In emotional crisis

👉 Please seek help immediately

You can:

• Call NHS 111 and select the mental health option
• Contact your GP urgently
• Call 999 or go to A&E if you are in immediate danger

A gentle but important reminder

It can feel easier to withdraw or isolate when things are difficult — but support is most important in those moments.

👉 Reaching out is a strong and important step.

How Basch Helps Can Support You

At Basch Helps, we complement NHS services by providing:

• 1‑to‑1 befriending support
• A safe space to talk
• Emotional support during difficult periods
• Guidance and signposting to the right services

We are not a clinical service, but we are here to help ensure you don’t feel alone while navigating support.

Local London Crisis Support

Many London areas have urgent mental health helplines available 24/7.

👉 You can:

• Ask your GP
• Call NHS 111
• Search your local NHS trust website

These services can:

• Provide immediate advice
• Arrange urgent assessments
• Support you during a crisis