If you are concerned that someone close to you is feeling suicidal then there are various helplines you can call for support and advice.

It is important to remember that allowing people to talk about their suicidal feelings is really important, don’t be afraid that talking about suicidal thoughts and feelings will be encourage someone to act on them. The NHS guidelines on helping others to talk about suicidal feelings gives some useful advice about how to talk about suicidal feelings with someone. The Mind guide entitled How to Support Someone Who is Suicidal is also a really useful starting place.

However, it can be difficult to hear the suicidal thoughts of a friend or loved one and they may be anxious not to frighten or upset you by telling you – sometimes it might be easier for them to speak to a stranger and this is where the helplines below can be invaluable.

Maytree is a sanctuary for people in suicidal crisis. Their helpline is open 24hrs a day – if no one answers leave a message and someone will get back to you as soon as possible. Many of their volunteers have struggled with suicidal feelings themselves and have first hand experience of getting through a suicidal crisis. Their number is 020 7263 7070 or you can email them at 

Papyrus runs HOPELineUK – a specialist telephone helpline service staffed by trained professionals. It is open Monday-Friday from 10am-5pm and 7pm-10pm and from 2pm-5pm on Weekends. Their number is  0800 068 41 41 or email 

Samaritans is the largest UK based helpline and they are open 24hrs a day. Their number is 116 123 or you can email them at 
Please note that Samaritans telephone number changed to 116123 on 21 September 2015. Calls are free. The premium rate 0845 number, costing up to 68p per minute, is no longer in use.

Connecting with People – U Can Cope film (22min film shares inspirational stories and focuses on three people for whom life had become unbearable but who found a way through with support) and this page Staying safe if you’re not sure life’s worth living. Connecting with people also have links to three useful booklets from the Royal College of Psychiatrists:

Feeling on the Edge? Helping you get through it.

Feeling overwhelmed – helping you stay safe

U can cope! How to cope when life is difficult