A UK Guide

Mental health difficulties can affect people of any age or background, whether it’s anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, emotional distress or something else. You are not alone, and you do not have to cope without support.

Across the UK there are services through the NHS, local authorities and community organisations. This guide focuses on the support available through NHS 24 in Scotland, the “Hub” model of local mental health support in each nation, and comparable services in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

What is a Mental Health Support Hub?

A Mental Health Support Hub is a localised or coordinated service which aims to provide quicker access to mental health assessment, advice or support (crisis care or ongoing) and help prevent unnecessary hospital admissions. In practice this looks different by nation.

  • In Scotland the Hub is accessed via NHS 24 by calling 111.
  • In England and Wales you may access help via NHS urgent mental-health helplines, community wellbeing hubs run by local councils or NHS Trusts, or local Crisis Teams.
  • In Northern Ireland support is delivered via the Health & Social Care Trusts and related community mental health services.

Services may include in-person drop-ins, telephone or online support, specialist talking therapies (e.g., CBT), peer support, mental health nurses, or referral to specialist services. The exact service mix varies by region.

Mental Health Support Across the UK

All four nations of the UK, Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, provide mental health support through a combination of NHS services, local authorities, and community organisations. While Scotland is part of the UK, its health services are managed separately under NHS Scotland, so some services work differently.

  • Scotland: For urgent or out-of-hours support, call 111 and choose the mental health option to access the NHS 24 Mental Health Hub. This service is available 24/7 and can connect you with psychological wellbeing practitioners, mental health nurses, or other trained staff. In emergencies, call 999 or go to A&E.
  • England: Urgent help is available via 111, local Crisis Teams, or NHS Talking Therapies (IAPT) for self- or GP-referral.
  • Wales: Local health boards provide mental health helplines, community hubs, and online therapy options in some areas.
  • Northern Ireland: The 24/7 helpline Lifeline NI (0808 808 8000) is available, along with community mental health teams run by Health & Social Care Trusts.

What Can Local Mental Health Support Hubs Offer?

Depending on your area, a Hub may provide:

  • Emotional or practical support through drop-in services or phone/online sessions
  • Peer support groups
  • One-to-one counselling or therapy
  • Crisis intervention (when you’re in distress or need urgent help)
  • Help or referral for related issues such as housing, debt, employment and liaison/referral to specialist services (e.g., for addiction, trauma, perinatal mental health).

Check with your GP or local council for information about the Hub in your area.

Accessibility and Inclusive Support

Many services provide support in different languages and through a variety of methods. For example, NHS 24 offers interpreters via Language Line for those whose first language is not English. BSL (British Sign Language) video interpreting services are also available. and if you cannot use a regular phone, you can access services via Textphone (18001 111) or apps like Relay UK.

When to Seek Help

You should reach out for support if you:

  • Feel constantly anxious, hopeless or unable to cope.
  • Are experiencing suicidal thoughts or self-harm.
  • Find it difficult to carry out your daily life.
  • Are worried about someone else’s mental health.

 If it’s an emergency (you or someone else is at immediate risk) call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.

Useful Contacts (UK-wide)

You don’t have to wait until things feel unbearable to get help. Reach out to your GP, call 111 (or 999 in an emergency), or contact one of the helplines listed above. Support is there and asking for help is okay.

Don’t Forget

If you’re managing your mental health, recovering from addiction, or living on a low income, it can be hard to keep up with household costs, especially energy bills.

Government-backed schemes like ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) can help eligible households by:

  • Improving home insulation and heating.
  • Reducing energy bills.
  • Creating warmer, healthier living spaces.

Check your eligibility here, it’s free, quick, and could make a real difference to your comfort, wellbeing, and household finances.