External mental health services
There are many services and organisations that offer help and support to people experiencing mental health difficulties.
Talk to your GP
Your GP may be the first person you talk to about your mental health problems. You can talk them about the feelings you're having and they may refer you to specialist services if they feel it will help you.
TalkCampus
TalkCampus provides a safe, totally anonymous online space to air concerns with other students and get support for your mental health and wellbeing. It's available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
For more information and to download the app, see our TalkCampus article.
Shout 85258 (UK)
The text message support service from Shout 85258 is anonymous and available 24/7. Trained volunteers can help with issues including anxiety, abuse, loneliness, self-harm and suicide. To start a conversation, text the word Shout to 85258. Shout is a free, confidential, anonymous service for anyone in the UK (anyone contacting the service outside of the UK will be charged at the relevant text rate). It won’t show up on your phone bill.
Text about it (Republic of Ireland)
Students who are residents of the Republic of Ireland (ROI) can contact Text About It by texting HELLO to 50808.
Mind
Mind is a mental health charity providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem.
Samaritans
If you're having a difficult time or worried about someone else the Samaritans offer confidential, emotional support 24 hours a day.
Student Minds
Student Minds is a charity that runs support groups for students struggling with their mental health. It offers support programmes and workshops to help develop the knowledge and skills you need to take care of your mental health. There is also advice on how you can support a friend that may be having a difficult time.
Every Mind Matters
A resource from the NHS, Every Mind Matters gives simple and practical advice to stay mentally healthy.
Rethink Mental Illness
Rethink Mental Illness provides support and advice for people living with mental illness.
Breathing Space (Scotland)
Breathing Space offers a free and confidential phone line service for any individual who is experiencing low mood or depression, or who is unusually worried and in need of someone to talk to.
Lifeline (Northern Ireland)
Lifeline is a Northern Ireland crisis response helpline service for people experiencing distress or despair.
Aware NI (Northern Ireland)
Aware NI is a charity which offers face to face and online support groups for people with depression and bipolar disorder, as well as carers of those with the illness. Its Talk To Us email service also offers support to people seeking information to cope with, manage or recover from depression, bipolar, anxiety and related conditions.
myf.cymru
myf.cymru provides mental health and wellbeing resources aimed at Welsh-speaking higher education students studying in Wales and beyond.
Access to Work Mental Health Support Service for Apprentices
This is a free service available to any apprentice experiencing mental health difficulties at work. It complements any existing occupational health service you have, and is delivered by trained professionals with expertise in mental health in the workplace. For more information on the Access to work Mental health support service, see the website.
United for Global Mental Health
The mental health support page provided by United for Global Mental Health includes a find a helpline search portal with links to free and confidential support resources available over phone, text or webchat for many countries.
Hub of Hope
An online directory of mental health support and services across the UK. Search for services by your location to be signposted to services that are open in your area. The service is free to use. Explore the Hub of Hope.
NHS - mental health support
More information and support from the NHS on dealing with stress, anxiety or depression.
