There are a number of UK helplines available to offer advice, support or a listening ear. They are helpful if you need to speak to someone immediately, and you don’t feel ready to tell someone you know personally how you are feeling. Helplines are usually run by trained listening volunteers. The conversation will be led by you to talk about anything you would like to talk about. It might be helpful to write down what you would like to talk about before the call.

Some things you might want to consider before calling:

What times are they open?
Is the service free or is there a cost?
Is the service local to your area or national?
Is what you say confidential?
What will you do if the line is busy?
Is there a texting, web chat, or face-to-face drop in alternative?
Does this service offer specialist support, for example bereavement, LGBTQ+?
This information can usually be found on a service website, or you can ask the person you are speaking to for more details about the service.

Sometimes services are oversubscribed and you may not be able to speak to someone the first time you call. Please be reassured that this is because mental health difficulties are very common and lots of people use helplines to help manage their feelings. Try taking a few minutes to make a drink or going for a walk before phoning again.

Samaritans can be contacted 24 hours a day. You can reach the national number by calling 116 123, or if you would prefer to speak someone local, you can reach the local office by calling 01392 411711. You are also able to see someone face-to-face from 10:30am - 9:30pm every day. This service is based here.

Exeter Student Nightline can be contacted from 8pm to 8am during term-time and is run by students, for students. You can find the number on the back of your student card. There is also an instant messaging service and skype. To access these services, please visit there website.

Care First is a confidential advice and support service for University staff and PGR students and can be contacted 24 hours a day. Please call 0800 174319 to use this service. If you are calling on a mobile and are concerned about costs, then an advisor will be very happy to call you back.