Useful support contacts
If you are in crisis, feel at risk, or need urgent support, please contact an appropriate emergency or crisis service.
Immediate risk or emergency
If there is an immediate risk to life, or you or someone else is in danger, call 999 or go to your nearest Accident & Emergency Department.
Mental health crisis support in Essex
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis in Essex, you can call NHS 111 and select the mental health option / option 2. This service is available 24 hours a day.
Emotional support and mental health helplines
Samaritans
For anyone who needs to talk, at any time of day or night.
Phone: 116 123
Website: https://www.samaritans.org/
Mind Infoline
Mental health information and support.
Phone: 0300 123 3393
Website: https://www.mind.org.uk/
Rethink Mental Illness Advice Service
Practical advice and information about mental health, rights, care and support.
Phone: 0808 801 0525
Website: https://www.rethink.org/
SANEline
Out-of-hours emotional support for people affected by mental illness, including family, friends and carers.
Phone: 0300 304 7000
Website: https://www.sane.org.uk/
NERIL — North Essex Resource and Information Line
A voluntary telephone helpline offering information, support and advice about mental health for people in Mid, North and West Essex.
Phone: 0845 0900 909
Domestic abuse support
Essex Compass
A partnership of domestic abuse services providing support across Essex.
Phone: 0330 333 7 444
Website: https://www.essexcompass.org.uk/
Essex Compass can help connect people with local domestic abuse support services, including services such as Safe Steps, Changing Pathways and The Next Chapter.
Sexual violence or abuse
CARA — Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse
Support for people affected by sexual violence or abuse.
Phone: 01206 769795
Website: https://caraessex.org.uk/
Drugs and alcohol
Mid Essex Drugs and Alcohol Team / Changes
Phone: 01245 318580
You may also wish to contact your GP or NHS 111 for advice about local drug and alcohol support.
Concerns about a child or young person
If you are concerned about the safety or welfare of a child or young person in Essex, you can contact Essex Children and Families Hub.
Phone: 0345 603 7627
Out of hours / emergency duty team: 0345 606 1212