In addition to NHS services, many charities provide helplines, counselling, peer support groups, and mental health information.
For people experiencing mental health difficulties, charities can often provide free and accessible support, particularly while waiting for NHS services or when looking for additional help.
At a glance
- UK mental health charities provide free support across many needs
- Most charities offer helplines, peer support, or information services
- Some specialise in specific groups (e.g. young people, men, severe mental illness)
- Charities complement NHS care — they don't replace it
Mind
Mind is one of the largest mental health charities in the UK. It provides information, advice, and local support services for people experiencing mental health difficulties.
Services offered by Mind may include:
Services include:
- mental health information and resources
- local support services through Mind branches
- legal and rights advice
- peer support programmes
Website: https://www.mind.org.uk
Samaritans
Samaritans provides emotional support to anyone experiencing distress or struggling to cope.
Their helpline is available 24 hours a day.
Services include:
- confidential emotional support
- listening support for people in distress
- suicide prevention support
Helpline: 116 123
Website: https://www.samaritans.org
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)
CALM provides support for people in crisis, with a particular focus on suicide prevention. Their helpline and webchat are available to anyone who needs to talk.
Services include:
- crisis helpline and webchat
- suicide prevention support
- information and resources
Helpline: 0800 58 58 58 (available 5pm–midnight daily)
Website: https://www.thecalmzone.net
Shout
Shout provides a free text-based mental health support service available across the UK.
People can text SHOUT to 85258 to connect with trained volunteers who provide confidential support.
This service is particularly popular among younger people who prefer texting to calling a helpline.
Website: https://giveusashout.org
Rethink Mental Illness
Rethink Mental Illness provides support and advocacy for people living with severe mental illness.
Services include:
- support groups
- mental health information and advice
- community services
- campaigning for improved mental health care
Website: https://www.rethink.org
YoungMinds
YoungMinds focuses on mental health support for children and young people.
They provide resources for both young people and parents who are supporting children with mental health difficulties.
Services include:
- information about youth mental health
- parent helpline
- school and youth support resources
Website: https://www.youngminds.org.uk
Mental Health Foundation
The Mental Health Foundation is a research and policy charity focused on improving mental health across society.
Their work includes:
Services include:
- mental health research
- public education
- prevention initiatives
- policy advocacy
Website: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk
Key point
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When charities can help
Mental health charities can be helpful in several situations, including:
- when someone needs immediate emotional support
- while waiting for NHS services
- when looking for community support groups
- when seeking information about mental health
However, in urgent or crisis situations, NHS emergency services should be contacted.
Learn more:
Mental Health Crisis Support in the UKNavigating mental health support
Mental health charities are an important part of the support network available in the UK.
Find Care Compare helps patients understand mental health care pathways and explore available providers.
Compare mental health providers
Explore mental health care options and understand your pathways to accessing support.
Compare mental health providersSources
Information in this guide is based on publicly available information from UK mental health charities.
Related guides
Free Mental Health Support in the UK
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How to Get Mental Health Support in the UK
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Mental Health Crisis Support in the UK
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NHS Talking Therapies Explained
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