Immediate Help for a Child in Crisis (UK)

If a child or young person may be at risk of suicide, take it seriously and act straight away.

If there is immediate danger

Call 999 now

Ask for an ambulance or police.
Stay with the child and do not leave them alone until help arrives.

Urgent Support (Available 24/7)

Samaritans
Call 116 123
Free, confidential support for anyone in emotional distress.

Shout (text support)
Text SHOUT to 85258
A trained volunteer will reply and support you by text.

Childline
Call 0800 1111
For children and young people under 19. Free and confidential.

Get Medical Help

Go to your nearest A&E (Accident & Emergency)
If a child has harmed themselves or you believe they are at immediate risk, go straight to A&E.
Hospital teams can assess and provide urgent mental health support.

NHS Support

Call NHS 111
Select the mental health option.
They can advise you and connect you to local crisis services.

If the Child Is Already Receiving Mental Health Care

Contact their CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) team directly.
Ask for the crisis team or duty worker if available.

If you are unsure how to reach them, contact your GP for urgent advice.

Safeguarding Concerns

If you believe a child is at risk from abuse, neglect, or exploitation:

Contact your local Children’s Services / Social Care team immediately.

You can also contact the NSPCC Helpline
Call 0808 800 5000