Mental health

Samaritans – Samaritans provides a free helpline 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, offering someone to talk to without fear of judgement. Call them on 116 123 or email [email protected].

Shout 85258 - Shout 85258 is a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. Text 'SHOUT' to 85258.

Buckinghamshire Safe Haven - Bucks Safe Haven offers support to adults in Buckinghamshire who are experiencing a mental health crisis. They can help with listening support, signposting and safety planning. Bucks Safe Haven operates from 6pm to midnight and is located in Aylesbury (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday) and High Wycombe (7 days a week), although telephone and support calls can be offered to people who cannot access the service face-to-face. To access the service, please call 01296 453017 (Aylesbury) or 01494 218098 (High Wycombe).

Refuge – Refuge is a 24-hour domestic abuse helpline. For help and advice about domestic abuse, call 0808 2000 247. Webchat is also available on the website Monday to Friday from 3pm to 10pm. If you are in an emergency situation, please call 999.

Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline – Switchboard is a helpline for anyone who defines themself as LGBT+ to provide them with support and information. The helpline is available 10am to 10pm everyday on 0300 330 0630. You can also send them an email at [email protected] or use the chat feature on their website.

Healthy Minds – Healthy Minds is an NHS service offering quick and easy access to talking therapies, practical support and advice. You can self-refer by telephoning 01865 901600, texting “TALK” and your name to 07798 667169, or via the form on their website. The website also provides access to a range of online evidence-based self-help resources.

Heads Together – Heads Together is a campaign co-ordinated by the Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge which runs a series of programmes to help tackle mental health issues and the stigma around them. One of these programmes is the Heads Up campaign which aims to get men to feel comfortable talking about their mental health.

Heads Together can also signpost you to support from their charity partners. Click here to see where you can get support.

Buckinghamshire Mind is the local branch of the national mental health charity Mind. It offers a range of services across Buckinghamshire to help people affected by mental health problems. For a list of their services, see: Buckinghamshire Mind - Services (bucksmind.org.uk)

There is also lots of information available on Mind’s national website - https://www.mind.org.uk/. Here you can find information and advice on a wide range of mental health problems, as well as tips on how to improve your mental health.

Cruse Bucks – Cruse Buckinghamshire helps support those dealing with bereavement. You can contact them by telephone on 01494 766455 (Amersham), 01296 425757 (Aylesbury),01494 511117 (High Wycombe), by email at [email protected], or using the online enquiry form available on their website.

Relate North Thames & Chilterns – Relate is the UK's largest provider of relationship support. Call them on 0300 003 2324 or email [email protected]

Age UK Buckinghamshire – Age UK supports older people across the county and nationwide, particularly those who are lonely, isolated and vulnerable. Call 01296 431911.

National Debt Helpline – National Debt Helpline provides free debt and welfare advice. Call on 0808 808 4000 or visit the website to chat to an adviser.

Sport in Mind – Sport in Mind is a national charity that aims to improve the lives of people experiencing mental health problems through sport and physical activity. Visit their website to find out what activities are available near you.

Childline – Childline aims to help children and young people aged under 19 in the UK with any issue that they’re going through by offering free and confidential support 24/7. You can call 0800 1111, or sign up for an account and access their email and 1-2-1 counsellor chat options.

Papyrus (Prevention of Young Suicide) – Papyrus is a national charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide in young people. If you are having thoughts of suicide or are concerned that a young person might be, you can contact their HOPELINEUK by calling 0800 068 4141, texting 07860039967 or emailing [email protected], open between 9am and midnight 365 days a year. They also provide information and advice on their website.

You can find information about who to contact in an emergency on the Oxford Health NHS website

Young Carers Bucks – Are you aged between 6 and 18 and regularly looking after someone in your home who has a long term illness/condition? Young Carers Bucks could offer you help and support.

YES – Youth Enquiry Service, based in High Wycombe, offers free counselling, information and support for 13-25 year olds.

CAMHS – Provides mental health services for children and young people aged 0-18 years.

Referrals must be made via a professional who knows the child or family, e.g. your GP, teacher, school nurse or social worker. Young people aged 16-17 are also now able to directly self-refer via the phone.

Child Bereavement UK – If someone important to you has just died, or you have just found out they are very seriously ill, you are not alone and you can get help and support. If you need to talk to someone you can use the live chat feature on the website, email [email protected], or call 0800 02 888 40. You can also contact their Buckinghamshire branch at [email protected] or call 01494 569 051.

Young Minds – The Young Minds website contains lots of useful information on mental health and emotional wellbeing for young people, parents and professionals.