If you are struggling with your mental health and wellbeing, or you are worried about someone who is, there are a range of specialist support services that you can access.
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.
Papyrus HOPELINE247 provides confidential support and advice to people under 35 who are struggling with thought of suicide, or anyone worried about someone else.
Call 0800 068 41 41 to access the helpline. The helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Edinburgh Nightline is a confidential and non-judgemental support and information service, run by students for students.
Call 0131 557 4444 or access the instant messenger service. The helpline is available 20:00-08:00 every night of term.
Health in Mind offer practical and emotional support to those struggling with their mental health and wellbeing. They operate in Edinburgh, the Lothians and the Scottish Borders.
Call 0131 225 8508 or submit an enquiry form. You can enquire for yourself or on behalf of someone else.
One Step Borders offer mental health and wellbeing support to people aged 16-25 living in the Scottish Borders, including one-to-one sessions, group work, counselling and psychotherapy.
Submit a referral form to access support. You can do this for yourself or on behalf of someone else.
Ypeople Orkney offer a youth counselling service for people aged 16-25 living in Orkney who are struggling with their mental health and wellbeing.
Call 01856 875815 or email y-talk@ypeople.org.uk to make a referral.
Edinburgh Crisis Centre provides emotional and practical support for people experiencing a mental health crisis. You can arrange an appointment where they can offer further support.
Call 0808 801 0414 to access the helpline. You can also text 079 442 0414 or email crisis@edinburghcrisiscentre.org.uk. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
CALM: Campaign Against Living Miserably provides a helpline and webchat service for anyone struggling with their mental health or suicidal thoughts and feelings.
Call the helpline on 0800 58 58 58 or access the webchat online. The helpline and livechat are available 17:00-00:00, 7 days a week.
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.
Feeling Good App provides an evidence-based wellbeing programme to help calm your mind and develop a positive mindset.
For information on how to access the app, visit or contact the Student Wellbeing Services.
NHS 24 mental health services include listening, offering advice and guiding you to further help if required. You will be connected with a team of psychological wellbeing practitioners.
Call 111.
Penumbra National Self Harm Project is a community outreach project providing people who self-harm with a confidential, safe, non-judgemental environment in which to explore their feelings. They can also offer support and information for family members.
Call 0131 229 6262 or email selfharm.edinburgh@penumbra.org.uk.
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.
LGBT+ Health and Wellbeing offer free and confidential mental health support for LGBT+ people in Scotland. They offer individual support sessions as well as a counselling service.
Call the helpline on 0800 464 7000 or email helpline@lgbthealth.org.uk. The service is available 12:00-21:00 Tuesday to Thursday, and 13:00-18:00 on Sunday.