Good to Talk · Helping a mate · Free. Always.
Turn 'you should see someone' into actual help
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E. If you need urgent mental-health help but it is not an emergency, in England call NHS 111 and select the mental-health option or use NHS 111 online where appropriate.
When somebody is struggling, a two-minute admin task can feel enormous.
Offer specific practical help
“Want me to sit with you while you ring?” is easier to answer than “let me know if you need anything”. You might help them write down symptoms or questions beforehand.
Keep them in control
Unless there is a safety emergency, support the person rather than taking over. Ask what they want you to do.
Follow up afterwards
Ask how it went and what the next step is. Treatment often involves more than one appointment.
Useful next pages
Trusted help & further reading
- NHS — where to get urgent help for mental health
- NHS Every Mind Matters — helping others
- Samaritans — if you're worried about someone else
This section is practical guidance, not emergency or clinical care. If somebody's safety is at immediate risk, use emergency services.