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Mental health crisis support routes (UK)

When you are in crisis, clear next steps matter more than perfect wording. This section is here to reduce panic and help you reach support quickly.

  • 📅Last updated 2026-05-08
  • ⏱11 min read
  • 🇬🇧UK support guide
  • ✓Reviewed against official guidance

At a glance

When you are in crisis, clear next steps matter more than perfect wording. This section is here to reduce panic and help you reach support quickly.

  • If immediate danger
  • For urgent support
  • Use Samaritans 116 123 or Shout 85258 when…
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Practical next steps

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Start here

Three immediate actions before you work through the full guide.

  1. 1If immediate danger
  2. 2For urgent support
  3. 3Use Samaritans 116 123 or Shout 85258 when in distress and needing immediate support

Quick answer

When you are in crisis, clear next steps matter more than perfect wording. This section is here to reduce panic and help you reach support quickly.

Use this guide if…

  • People dealing with mental health.
  • People dealing with crisis.

Common questions

Practical answers you can use straight away — expand any question for next steps, example wording, and related help.

When you are in crisis, clear next steps matter more than perfect wording. This section is here to reduce panic and help you reach support quickly.

What to do next

  • Read the At a glance section
  • Start with step 1

Step-by-step

If immediate danger: call 999 or attend A&E. Start here so the rest of the guide has a clear foundation.

When you are in crisis, clear next steps matter more than perfect wording. This section is here to reduce panic and help you reach support quickly.

What this means

  • Know your local crisis line and NHS urgent mental health route.
  • Watch out: Do not ignore deadlines or safety risks
  • Keep copies of anything you send and any reply you receive.

Practical checklist

What good looks like

Practical guidance for your situation.

Ask the AI: Help me with "If immediate danger" for Mental health crisis support routes (UK). Give plain-English wording and a short checklist.

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Evidence checklist

Keep or gather these before you contact an organisation or submit a form.

Copy-and-adapt templates

Wording you can paste into email, letters, or conversation notes.

Example wording you can adapt

“I’m requesting support on mental health crisis support routes (uk) because this is affecting my day-to-day independence and safety. Please confirm the correct process, required evidence, and response timeline in writing.”

Common mistakes

  • Do not ignore deadlines or safety risks: If there is immediate risk to life or serious harm, call emergency services now.

If they refuse, delay, or ignore you

  • For urgent support: use NHS 111 option for mental health where available.
  • Use Samaritans 116 123 or Shout 85258 when in distress and needing immediate support.

Access Stamp AI

Need help applying "Mental health crisis support routes (UK)" to your situation? Ask about any step, evidence, or wording — the same way you would with our detailed PIP and workplace guides.

At a glance

  • When you are in crisis, clear next steps matter more than perfect wording. This section is here to reduce panic and help you reach…
  • Know your local crisis line and NHS urgent mental health route.
  • Keep emergency contacts and medication information accessible.
  • Evidence that helps: Know your local crisis line and NHS urgent mental health route
  • Avoid: Do not ignore deadlines or safety risks

Helpful templates

  • Example wording you can adaptDownload not available yet — use the copyable wording in this guide.

Official guidance