support for you and others
There are times when professional help is required. Please see below a selection of contact numbers and websites that you can turn to for support.
If you are concerned about your own mental health – or that of someone else – there are steps you can take to help. Talking about issues that are affecting your mental health can really make a difference and help you feel better.
If you are concerned about someone else’s mental health, you should suggest an appointment with a GP. It may help to get the number for the doctor and accompany the person in question to the appointment. If someone is in distress, you can call Lifeline on 0808 808 8000. If someone is in crisis, dial 999.
Lifeline is the Northern Ireland crisis response helpline service for people who are experiencing distress or despair. Regardless of age or location, everyone in Northern Ireland can contact Lifeline. Counsellors are available 24 hours a day and calls are free for people living in Northern Ireland if they call from UK landlines or mobiles.
Look after yourself
Witnessing someone you care about in a distressed state and/or providing support can also take its toll on you. It is important that you also look after your own mental health and do not take on more than that with which you are comfortable. Make sure you put support measures in place for yourself and also seek help if necessary.
Change Your Mind is focusing on changing how we all think and act about mental health. We’re not able to provide individual or emergency support for people in crisis, but there are lots of people who can. They are listed here:
Useful contacts:
Telephone: 0808 808 8000
Textphone number for those who are deaf and hard of hearing: 18001 0808 808 8000
Website: www.lifelinehelpline.info
Lifeline is the Northern Ireland crisis response helpline service for people who are experiencing distress or despair. Calls to Lifeline are free to people living in Northern Ireland.
Telephone: 116 123 (24 hours a day, free to call)
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Website: www.samaritans.org
Samaritans provides confidential, non-judgemental emotional support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those that could lead to suicide. You can phone, email, write a letter or, in most cases, talk with someone face to face.
Email: hello@covidwellbeingni.info
On this website you will find a comprehensive range of information, self-help guides and ways to access help to support your mental health and wellbeing. It was created by CovidWellBeingNI a partnership of 15 leading mental health and wellbeing charities and the Healthy Living Centre Alliance representing 28 Healthy Living Centres alongside the Public Health Agency, Department of Health and the Department for Communities. Our focus is on promoting positive mental health and wellbeing during and after the Covid19 pandemic.
Telephone: 028 9043 9843
Email: info@carersuk.org
Website: www.carersuk.org/northernireland
Carers NI gives expert advice, information and support. It connects carers so nobody has to care alone. The organisation campaigns together for lasting change and innovates in order to find new ways to reach and support carers.
Telephone: 0808 8020 133 (24hours a day, free to call) or 020 3092 6964
Live chat: BigDeal.org.uk
Email: YoungPeopleService@gamcare.org.uk
Young People Support Service Referral form
The leading national provider of free information, advice and support for anyone affected by problem gambling. GamCare provides education, information and support to young people (11-18) across Northern Ireland.
They also provide guidance and support for parents and professionals who are worried about a young person. Professionals supporting young people, parents/carers and young people can refer into our service. GamCare also delivers free gambling awareness workshops to young people and the professionals working with them. To book a workshop or find out more email: hello@bigdeal.org.uk
Telephone: 0800 068 4141/ 078 6003 9967
Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org
Website: www.papyrus-uk.org
PAPYRUS is the national charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide. They provide a confidential support and advice service for:
- Children and Young People under the age of 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide.
- Anyone concerned that a young person could be thinking about suicide.
Telephone: 028 9031 9030
Website: www.rainbow-project.org
Promoting the health and wellbeing of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, along with that of their families, in Northern Ireland.
We also have further help and support information on our website, including our innovative search tool to help you find the wellbeing support in your community. Click here for more information.
Helplines Network NI is an easy-to-use site that provides helpline numbers for a range of issues
Website: helplinesni.com/
Citizens Advice Bureau – for advice on benefits, housing, finance and legal issues.
Website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/northern-ireland/