Mind the WaitUrgent help

Practical guide · UK

Mental-health help at night and weekends

Nights and weekends can feel harder because ordinary routines and services are quieter. Make the plan before the worst part of the night if you can, and focus on the next safe step rather than solving everything.

Make the next ten minutes safer

  • Move to a lit or shared space, or nearer another safe person.
  • Move away from anything you might use to hurt yourself, or ask someone else to hold it.
  • Save NHS 111, Samaritans on 116 123 and one trusted person in your favourites.
  • Choose one low-demand action: water, a blanket, familiar television, or sitting near someone.

Use a human service

  • For urgent mental-health help in England, use NHS 111 online or call 111 and select the mental-health option.
  • Samaritans offers free listening on 116 123 at any time.
  • Shout offers UK crisis text support: text SHOUT to 85258.
  • Use the nation-specific links on Mind the Wait if you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

When it is an emergency

  • Call 999 or go to A&E if you or someone else is in immediate danger.
  • If you are unsure whether you need A&E, NHS 111 can advise.
  • Do not drive yourself to A&E if you are unsafe to drive.
Keep it manageable

You do not have to complete every step today. Choose the smallest useful action, such as writing one sentence, saving one number or asking one person to sit with you while you call.

Trusted sources and next steps

NHS urgent mental-health help ↗Samaritans contact options ↗Shout ↗

General UK information, not a diagnosis or personal treatment plan. Services differ across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Information reviewed 23 August 2026.