Urgent help
If you need someone now.
You do not have to be in crisis to use any of these. Wanting to talk to somebody at two in the morning is reason enough.
If there is immediate danger
Phone 999, or go to your nearest A&E. That includes if you have taken something, or hurt yourself, or you do not think you can keep yourself safe tonight.
Free helplines in Scotland
All free to call or text from any UK phone, including mobiles.
- 24/7 Samaritans116 12324 hours, every day. Any age. It does not show on the phone bill.
- 24/7 Shouttext SHOUT to 8525824 hours, every day. If you cannot face speaking out loud, use this one.
- 24/7 NHS 2411124 hours, every day. For urgent mental health help when your GP surgery is closed. Ask for the mental health hub.
- NOT
24/7 Breathing Space0800 83 85 87Monday to Thursday, 6pm to 2am. Friday 6pm right through to Monday 6am. Scotland only, age 16 and over. It does not show on the phone bill. - 24/7 Childline0800 111124 hours, every day. Under 19s. It does not show on the phone bill.
- NOT
24/7 Cruse Scotland0808 802 6161Bereavement support. Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, and until 8pm on Mondays and Thursdays.
Hours and phone numbers checked on 29th August 2026.
A few things worth saying
I am not a crisis service. We have scheduled appointments and I do not read email in the evenings or at weekends.
If you are outside Scotland, and some people I see online are, then 999, Samaritans and Shout all still apply. The others are Scottish services and may not be able to help you.
Your GP and I have different roles. If this has been going on a long time, a GP appointment may sit alongside counselling.