Help · Crisis support
There is someone to talk to right now
Every service on this page is free and confidential, and staffed by people who hear conversations like yours every day. You don't need the right words, and it doesn't need to be an emergency — reaching out early is exactly what these lines are for.
Numbers re-checked against each organisation's own website — last: 2026-07-23
Talk to someone today
Call or text — whichever feels easier. All four answer around the clock.
UK
Samaritans
Free to call from any phone in the UK and Ireland, day or night, 365 days a year, about anything you're going through.
UK
Shout 85258
Free, confidential 24/7 UK text service for anyone struggling to cope.
US
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Free, confidential support 24/7 across the United States. Call or text 988, or chat online.
US
Crisis Text Line
Free 24/7 text-based support in the US — often easier than a phone call. Affiliated lines: Canada text 686868, Ireland text 50808; in the UK the same service runs as Shout 85258.
Outside the UK and US
global
Find a crisis centre (IASP directory)
International directory of crisis centres and helplines, country by country.
Worried someone is being pulled in deeper
For families and friends — non-judgmental, and used to exactly this situation.
US · global
Parents for Peace
Confidential helpline (9am–5pm PT) for families worried a loved one is being radicalized — non-judgmental, run partly by families who've been there.
US
Life After Hate
Helps people leave extremist movements and rebuild — founded by formers.
A relationship that doesn't feel right
US
Love Is Respect
US support for young people on unhealthy or abusive relationships — call, chat or text.
Not in crisis, but want to take stock? Try the private self-check → or head back to the help hub.