Someone To Talk To
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You don't have to carry everything on your own.
Sometimes you don't need another guide, another checklist or another piece of information.
Sometimes you just need someone to talk to. That might be because you're grieving, feeling overwhelmed, struggling with your mental health, worried about someone else, or simply having a really difficult day.
You don't have to know exactly what's wrong before you reach out.
You don't have to have the right words. And you don't have to wait until things become unbearable.
There are people who will listen.
If You Need Someone Right Now
Samaritans
If life feels difficult and you need someone to talk to, you can call Samaritans free on:
116 123
Samaritans are available day or night, 365 days a year.You can talk about whatever is getting to you. You don't have to be suicidal to call, and you don't have to know what you want to say.
Samaritans provide a safe place to talk, without judging you or telling you what to do.
Call: 116 123Visit Samaritans:
https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/
Prefer to Text?
Shout
Sometimes picking up the phone can feel like too much.
Shout is a free, confidential text messaging support service for people who are struggling to cope.
If texting feels easier than talking, this may be an option worth exploring.
Visit Shout:
Text SHOUT to 85258
Bereaved and Need Someone Who Understands?
Cruse Bereavement Support
Cruse specialises in supporting people affected by bereavement. Their trained volunteers can give you space to talk about how you're feeling, how you're coping and what life has been like since someone died. They can also help with questions around relationships, children, difficult feelings and adapting to life after a death.
Cruse Helpline
0808 808 1677
The helpline is free from UK landlines and mobiles. Current opening times are:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 9.30am–5pm
Tuesday: 1pm–8pm
Saturday and Sunday: closed
Cruse also offers local services, including one-to-one and group support in many areas.
Visit Cruse:
https://www.cruse.org.uk/get-support/
Need Mental Health Information?
Mind
Mind provides information about mental health, difficult feelings, finding support and helping someone else.
Their website includes guidance about:
- Finding mental health support
- Talking to your GP
- Therapy and counselling
- Peer support
- Mental health helplines
- Supporting someone else
- Crisis support
- Mental health and everyday life
Mind also has local Mind services which can provide different types of support depending on where you live.
Visit Mind:
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/
Need NHS Support?
NHS
If you're struggling with your mental health, anxiety, low mood or grief, your GP can be an important place to start.
The NHS also provides information about grief, mental health and getting further help.
If you're in England and need urgent mental health help, NHS 111 can also provide urgent mental health support. Mind's current guidance confirms that NHS 111 can be used for urgent mental-health support in England and Wales, with options available through the service.
Visit the NHS:
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/
What If You Don't Know Which Organisation You Need?
That's okay.
You don't have to work that out first.
Think about what you need right now.
“I just need someone to listen.”
Samaritans
“I would rather text than talk.”
Shout
“I'm grieving and need bereavement support.”
Cruse Bereavement Support
“I'm struggling with my mental health.”
Mind or your GP
“I need urgent mental health help.”
NHS 111
“I'm in immediate danger.”
Call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.
Supporting Someone Else?
You might not be looking for help for yourself.
Perhaps you're worried about:
- Your partner
- Your child
- Your parent
- Your brother or sister
- A friend
- A colleague
- Someone else who has been affected by a death
You don't have to know exactly what to say.
Sometimes simply saying:
“I'm here. You don't have to deal with this on your own.”
can make a difference. You can also encourage them to contact one of the organisations above if they need more support.
If you believe someone is in immediate danger, seek urgent help rather than trying to manage the situation yourself.
You Don't Have to Wait Until You're in Crisis
Support isn't only for emergencies.
You can reach out because:
“I'm struggling.”
“I haven't felt like myself since they died.”
“I don't know how to cope anymore.”
“I need someone to listen.”
“I'm worried about someone I love.”
You don't have to prove that things are bad enough
.If something doesn't feel right, it's okay to ask for help.
The Funeral Companion
Supporting your mental health.
The Funeral Companion isn't a crisis service, counselling service or replacement for professional care.
We're here to help you find information, understand your options and find the right place to turn.
Whether you need bereavement support, practical information, local services or simply somewhere to start looking for help, we're here to help you find your way.
You don't have to work everything out on your own.
Important
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, has seriously harmed themselves, or needs urgent medical attention:
Call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.
For urgent mental health help where appropriate, NHS 111 is also available. If you simply need someone to talk to, Samaritans can be contacted free on 116 123, day or night.