What free mental health support is there in the UK?
Free UK support falls into four groups: 24/7 helplines and text lines (Samaritans 116 123, SHOUT to 85258, HOPELINE247 0800 068 4141), free NHS therapy you can refer yourself to, free peer groups like Andy's Man Club and Men's Sheds, and free practical help for debt, bereavement and relationships. None of it needs private health cover.
Free, 24/7, no referral
- Samaritans — 116 123, any hour, any subject.
- SHOUT — text SHOUT to 85258.
- HOPELINE247 — 0800 068 4141, for under 35s and anyone worried about one.
- NHS 111, option 2 — local crisis teams.
- Combat Stress — 0800 138 1619, for veterans.
Free therapy
NHS Talking Therapies in England is free and takes self-referrals — no GP appointment needed. Waiting times vary a lot by area, from a few weeks to several months, so ask at your assessment. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland route through a GP.
Free groups
- Andy's Man Club — Mondays 7pm, free, men only.
- Talk Club — free men's groups, in person and online.
- Men's Sheds — usually free or a couple of pounds.
- parkrun — free 5k every Saturday, walking allowed.
- SOBS — free groups for people bereaved by suicide.
Free help with the things underneath it
- StepChange — free debt advice. Never pay for debt advice.
- Citizens Advice — benefits, housing, work.
- Cruse — free bereavement support, 0808 808 1677.
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Last checked: September 2026