Good to Talk · Helping a mate · Free. Always.
What do I do now?
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.
Believe that he is struggling, listen, and help him take an appropriate next step.
Ask how bad things are
How long has he felt like this? Is everyday life being affected? Has he spoken to his GP or another professional?
Ask about safety if you're worried
If he sounds hopeless, talks about death, says people would be better without him or gives you another reason for concern, ask directly whether he is thinking about suicide or harming himself.
Help with the practical bit
Finding the GP number, sitting with him while he calls, driving him to an appointment or checking in afterwards can turn “get some help” into something achievable.
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.