Emergency and Crisis Support

A list of emergency and crisis resources, including what to do if you're in a mental health crisis and require immediate support.

If you are in a mental health crisis and need immediate support:

  • Call your GP
  • If they are closed, call NHS 24 on 111

The Samaritans

24-hour helpline for anybody, for anything that is worrying you, including if you are suicidal or in extreme distress.

Tel: 116 123 (Freephone)

0330 094 5717 (local call charges apply)

Email: jo@samaritans.org (response time 24 hours)

Breathing Space

Breathing Space is funded by the Scottish Government's Mental Health Unit and offers listening service to distressed individuals. Breathing Space is free to phone from a landline and any mobile phone network. The phone number won't show up in telephone bills. They also offer a confidential web-chat service, available on their website.

Tel: 0800 83 85 87

Opening hours: 

  • Weekdays: Monday to Thursday, 6pm to 2am.
  • Weekend: Friday 6pm to Monday 6am.

Shout

Free, confidential 24/7 text support service.

Text 'Shout' to 85258

Nightline Edinburgh 

A confidential and non-judgemental support and information charity for all Edinburgh-based students

0131 557 4444

8pm – 8am, Saturday - Wednesday 

Saneline 

SANEline is a national out-of-hours mental health helpline offering specialist emotional support, guidance and information to anyone affected by mental illness, including family, friends and carers  

03003047000 (free phone)

4pm-10pm, every day


Edinburgh Crisis Centre

24/7 support for mental health distress in Edinburgh

The Crisis Centre is open 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year, and provides community based, emotional and practical support at times of crisis.

Tel: 0808 801 0414


National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (free phone)

Rape Crisis Scotland: 08088 01 03 02

Muslim Women’s Network Helpline UK: 0800 999 5786 (free phone)

Please also see our list of agencies that offer support with specific issues, some of whom have crisis support:

Additional Support and Resources

 


Edinburgh

Adults/Children/Out of hours

Social Care Direct: 0131 200 2324

East Lothian 

Adults and children: 01875 824 090 

Out-of-hours social work: 0800 731 6969 

Midlothian 

Children: 0131 271 3413

Adults: 0131 271 3900

Out-of-hours social work: 0800 731 6969

West Lothian

Children: 01506 284440 (option 2)

Adults: 01506 284848

Out of hours: 01506 281028 or 01506 281024

Police Scotland

If you suspect someone is in immediate danger, call 999

If it is not an emergency, please call 101


In addition to the above resources, you can find individual counsellors through the COSCA website or the BACP website.