Help in a mental health emergency

Where to get urgent help if you’re experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, you're in a life threatening situation, or you're worried about your mental health.

Immediate help

Phone 999 or go to A&E if you or someone else is at immediate risk of harm, or you're in a life threatening situation.

Same or next day help for adults

You can get help with your mental health in different ways depending on what you prefer. 

All of these services are free:

  • Call NHS 111 and select the mental health option (also known as the Sussex Mental Healthline) or the Samaritans on 116 123 (both available 24/7) 
  • Visit a Staying Well service (out-of-hours mental health crisis support service for people aged 18+ available in Brighton)
  • If you are over 18, call 0300 304 0078 to access Mental Health Rapid Response Service 
  • Text the word SUSSEX to 85258 (24/7 mental health text-messaging support service). 
  • Download the Stay Alive app - a suicide prevention resource full of useful information and tools to help you stay safe in crisis. 

Same or next day help for children and young people

You can get help with your mental health in different ways depending on what you prefer.

All of these services are free:

  • Call the Sussex Mental Health Line on 111 and select the mental health option. If a child is at imminent risk of harm and requires medical attention, please attend the A&E Department at Royal Alexander Children’s Hospital.
  • Call the Samaritans on 116 123 (available 24/7) 
  • Text the word SUSSEX to 85258 (24/7 mental health text-messaging support service). 
  • Download the Stay Alive app - a suicide prevention resource full of useful information and tools to help you stay safe in crisis. 

Support if you’ve been bereaved by suicide

If someone you know has died by suicide, talking through difficult emotions can be helpful in dealing with your loss. 

The Help is at Hand booklet may be helpful for emotional and practical support during this difficult time. 

First Hand is a support guide if you have witnessed a suicide but did not know the person. 

If you are worried about someone else

All the resources listed above are available to you. You don’t need to be a health professional to check in with someone you are worried about. If someone seems to be struggling, reaching out and making them know they matter and encouraging them to get help could save their life. 

Find out more information on how to support someone in a mental health crisis who won’t agree to get help.

Find more support with your mental health and wellbeing.