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Suicide Prevention · UK
You Don't Have To
Get Through Tonight
Alone.
If you've searched this page, something brought you here. That took courage. Read what's below — every number is free, every option is real, and you don't have to know what to say.
UK suicide prevention helplines — free, now
Samaritans
Free, 24/7, confidential. Anyone, any reason.
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)
For men. 5pm–midnight, every day.
Shout (text)
Free, 24/7. If a call feels too much.
NHS 111 (option 2)
Mental health crisis support in your area.
Papyrus HOPELINE247
Under 35s. 24/7.
What to do tonight — a UK plan
- Tell one person. A mate, a sibling, a parent. You don't need to explain. "I'm not okay" is enough.
- Call Samaritans on 116 123. They will not section you, they will not judge. They listen.
- Remove the means. Give your car keys to someone. Lock away medication. Put distance between you and any method.
- Get through the next hour. Not the rest of your life. Just the next hour. Then the next.
- A&E is for this too. Mental health crisis is a medical emergency. If you can't keep yourself safe, go.
If a call is too much
Some nights the phone feels impossible. Type it out instead. A Brother Said is anonymous — no login, no name, no judgement. Just get it out.
How to help someone who is suicidal
Ask directly. "Are you thinking about ending your life?" does not plant the idea — research from the Samaritans and Papyrus shows it reduces risk. Then:
- Listen. Don't fix. Don't compare. Don't say "could be worse".
- Don't leave them alone in crisis.
- Help them call Samaritans 116 123, NHS 111 option 2, or 999 if danger is immediate.
- Remove access to means where you safely can.
- Check back in — tomorrow, next week, every week.
For more on spotting and supporting men specifically, read our men's mental health UK guide.
Frequently asked questions
What's the UK suicide prevention helpline number?
Samaritans on 116 123 is free, confidential and open 24/7 — any reason, any time. For men specifically, CALM on 0800 58 58 58 runs 5pm–midnight every day. Under 35s can call Papyrus HOPELINE247 on 0800 068 4141, also 24/7. If you'd rather text, send SHOUT to 85258. If you're in immediate danger, call 999.
When is Suicide Prevention Month in the UK?
September is World Suicide Prevention Month, with World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September. UK charities, NHS trusts and frontline services align awareness work, fundraising and training around these dates.
I'm having suicidal thoughts — what do I do tonight?
First: you're not alone, and the thought is not the action. Call Samaritans on 116 123 — they will not judge, they will not section you for talking. Remove means if you can (give car keys to someone, lock away medication). Tell one person — a mate, a relative, anyone. If you can't speak, text SHOUT to 85258 or use the anonymous A Brother Said board on this site. If you're in immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E.
What's the difference between Samaritans, CALM and Shout?
Samaritans (116 123) is the universal UK helpline — free, 24/7, anyone, any reason. CALM (0800 58 58 58) is specifically for men, evenings only. Shout (text 85258) is text-only, free, 24/7 — for anyone who can't or doesn't want to speak on the phone. All three are confidential.
How do I help someone who is suicidal?
Ask directly. 'Are you thinking about ending your life?' does not plant the idea — research shows it reduces risk. Listen without trying to fix. Don't leave them alone if they're in crisis. Remove access to means where possible. Help them call Samaritans, NHS 111 (option 2), or 999 if there's immediate danger. Then check back in — tomorrow, next week, every week.
Are these UK suicide helplines really free?
Yes. Samaritans 116 123 is free from all UK phones and does not show on your bill. CALM 0800 58 58 58 is free. Shout (text 85258) is free on all major UK networks. Papyrus HOPELINE247 0800 068 4141 is free. NHS 111 is free. You will not be charged.