Immediate danger
Call 999 or go to A&E
If somebody’s life is at risk, they have been seriously injured, or you cannot keep them or somebody else safe, use emergency help now.
UK emergency-services information (opens in a new tab)When a story is not enough
Use the people and services
already around the child.
This site is not monitored continuously and cannot assess an individual child, provide clinical advice or respond to emergencies. These verified UK routes can help a worried adult choose a next step.
UK support routes
Choose by urgency,
not by perfect certainty.
If you are unsure, you can still ask for advice. You will not be wasting anybody’s time.
Urgent mental health help
NHS urgent support
In England, use NHS 111 online or call 111 and select the mental health option. A GP can also arrange or direct urgent support.
NHS: where to get urgent help (opens in a new tab)For children and young people
Childline
Childline offers children and young people in the UK free support by phone and online. Call 0800 1111 or use the official contact page.
Contacting Childline (opens in a new tab)Somebody to listen
Samaritans
Samaritans can listen without judgement or pressure. Call 116 123 free, day or night, or check current contact options on the official page.
Contact a Samaritan (opens in a new tab)For a worried grown-up
Start with the adults
who can act.
Use the child’s parent or carer, GP, health visitor, school, designated safeguarding lead, SENCO, pastoral team or existing support plan as appropriate.
Listen without asking the child to repeat a difficult story to several people. Do not promise secrecy. Record and pass on concerns according to your role and setting.
For general information about accessing mental health services, use the NHS mental health services page.
NHS mental health services