UK mental health support, level by level

The same services the app shows you, laid out so you can read them at your own pace. Every one is real, most are free, and none of them need a diagnosis. In immediate danger, call 999. Samaritans: 116 123, free, 24/7.

1–3 · Coping, but keeping an eye on it

Good days still deserve somewhere to put it.

Low-stakes, no-labels ways to stay well: groups, sheds, sport, mates.

Andy's Man Club

Free men's talking groups, Mondays 7pm, no referral needed.

Men's Sheds

Practical, side-by-side company. Talking optional.

Talk Club

Men's groups built around one question: what's your score out of ten?

Tough Enough To Care

Men's peer support groups and a text line, run by people who've been there.

parkrun

Free 5k every Saturday. Walk it if you want. Routine, fresh air, people.

MAN v FAT Football

Six-a-side leagues for men who want to shift weight and get out of the house.

Text a mate

One message. 'Fancy a pint / walk this week?'

4–6 · Something's off

This is the stage where help works best.

Free NHS therapy you can refer yourself to, advice lines, and practical help.

NHS Talking Therapies

Free counselling and CBT. You can refer yourself, no GP needed.

Mind Infoline

Advice on what support exists and how to get it. 0300 102 1234

Book your GP

Say the words 'I'm struggling with my mental health'. That's enough.

Hub of Hope

Put your postcode in, see every support service near you in one list.

Togetherall

Free, anonymous online community with clinicians watching over it, 24/7.

StepChange

Free debt advice. Money worry is one of the biggest things that pulls men under.

Citizens Advice

Benefits, bills, work, housing. Practical problems, practical help.

Relate

Relationship and family counselling, including if you're on your own.

7–8 · Struggling badly

You don't have to be at rock bottom to reach out.

Free helplines and text services, most of them open round the clock.

CALM helpline

For men, by people who get it. 5pm–midnight, every day. 0800 58 58 58

SHOUT

Text-only if talking feels impossible. Text SHOUT to 85258.

NHS 111, option 2

24/7 mental health crisis line for your area.

Crisis cafés & safe havens

Drop-in places to sit with someone, evenings and weekends. Search your area.

Op COURAGE (veterans)

NHS mental health service for anyone who's served. Self-referral.

Combat Stress

Veterans' helpline, 24/7. 0800 138 1619

Dad.info

Forum and advice for dads, including contact and separation.

Families Need Fathers

Support for separated parents fighting to stay in their kids' lives.

Cruse Bereavement

Free grief support and a helpline. 0808 808 1677

SOBS

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide — groups for people who've lost someone.

9–10 · I'm not safe

Stay here. Someone is awake right now.

Immediate help, day or night, including Samaritans, 999 and A&E.

Samaritans

Free, 24/7, no judgement, no pressure to be in crisis. 116 123

999 or A&E

If you've harmed yourself or you might act, this is what it's for.

HOPELINE247 (under 35s)

Papyrus, for anyone under 35 with thoughts of suicide. 24/7. 0800 068 4141

Email Samaritans

If you can't say it out loud, write it. jo@samaritans.org

Stay Alive app

A safety plan you build now, on your phone, for the nights it gets bad.

Tell one person

A name and a sentence: 'I'm not safe on my own tonight.'

Last checked: September 2026

Shaun's Button is a signpost, not a crisis service. If life is in danger, call 999. Samaritans: 116 123, free, 24/7. CALM: 0800 58 58 58. SHOUT: text 85258.

Call Samaritans116 123 · free, 24/7Text insteadSHOUT to 85258