Mental health
Many people go through periods of difficulty in their lives. If you, or someone you know, needs support, there are services and people available to make sure anyone with a mental health problem has someone to turn to for advice and support. Find out how to access NHS mental health services below.
Urgent advice: NHS 111 - urgent mental health helpline
- If you or someone else is in danger, call 999 or go to A&E now
- If you need urgent help for your mental health, call the 24/7 mental health response line on: 0800 953 1919.
- You can also get help from NHS 111 online or call 111
Your mental health is as important as your physical health.
NHS mental health services
There are NHS therapy and counselling services available for people who need support for their mental health. NHS talking therapies services are for people in England aged 18 or over, to talk about their mental health.
NHS talking therapies service can help treat conditions like:
- Depression
- Generalised anxiety
- Social anxiety
- Panic and agoraphobia
- Other phobias
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Body dysmorphic disorder
You can speak to your GP about NHS talking therapies, or you can get in touch with the service directly.
Further local and national support available:
Samaritans
Whatever you're going through, you can call any time, from any phone for free.
Mind Bristol helpline
A confidential helpline providing a safe place to talk if you, or someone you know, is in distress.
CALM
A suicide prevention charity on a mission to help people end their misery, not their lives.
Anxiety UK
Anxiety UK is a national charity, helping to support people living with anxiety, stress and anxiety-based depression.
Rethink mental illness
Equality, rights, fair treatment, and the maximum quality of life for all those severely affected by mental illness.
Mental health services for children and young people
There is help available for children and young people who need support with their mental health.
If you are a parent, guardian or carer of a child or young person who needs support with their mental health, then you can contact their GP. They will be able to help point you in the right direction to support them.
There are local services in the community to help children and young people. You may have heard about the Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) that help children and young people to cope with their mental health.
Further local and national support available:
OTR (off the record)
OTR is a mental health social movement by and for young people aged 11-25. It is a free and confidential service.
Young Minds
Whether you want to understand how you’re feeling, find ways to feel better, or support someone who's struggling, Young Minds can help.
Childline
You can contact Childline about anything. Whatever your worry, it's better out than in. They are ready to support you.
Kooth
Get free, safe and anonymous support.
SEND and You
The Information, advice and support service for Children and Young People with SEND and their families in Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset