There are also a number of external resources that can help provide you with information and advice, and direct you to more specialised support.
Samaritans provide a completely confidential helpline for anyone who is worried or feeling troubled. They are there to listen to any worries or problems you’re facing and talk you through your experiences. You don’t have to be suicidal to use the service.
Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org. The helpline is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Breathing Space is for people feeling overwhelmed or troubled by their thoughts and feelings to talk about what they’re experiencing. They are there to listen to you and can offer relevant information and advice.
Call 0800 83 85 87. The helpline is open 18:00-02:00 Monday to Thursday, and 18:00-06:00 Friday to Monday.
Togetherall is a global online community which acts as a safe space for people to get talk about their thoughts and feelings, and access resources to self-manage mental health and wellbeing.
Join for free using your university email. The site is active 24/7 and is monitored by licensed mental health professionals.
Shout is a text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. Volunteers will listen to you without judgement so you can chat about what is bothering you and can also provide you with further resources to access specialist support.
Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
NHS 24 is a national organisation that offers a telephone advice and triage service to people living in Scotland. The service covers the out-of-hours period - Monday to Friday between 18:00-08:00, public holidays and all weekends.
The service allows people who feel unwell or those caring for them to obtain health advice and information if it’s not possible to wait for a GP appointment. They can provide urgent care triage if you think you need A&E, but it’s not life-threatening.
For urgent care advice and mental health support, please call 111. You can also access support via the NHS 24 app.
Please note that NHS 24 is not an emergency service. If there is a danger to life or serious injury, please call 999.
Citizens’ Advice Scotland is an independent organisation specialising in confidential information and advice to assist people with a range of issues, including legal, debt, consumer, housing and victimisation. Advice provided by the service is free of charge and totally impartial. The service is available to everyone living in Scotland (equivalents for other parts of the UK are also available).
iThrive Edinburgh is an online space for mental health and wellbeing information in the Edinburgh area. The site provides information about local mental health and wellbeing services and support, as well as resources to support self-help and self-management.