General Advice

If you’re under 19 you can confidentially call, chat online or email about any problem big or small.

Sign up for a free Childline locker (real name or email address not needed) to use their free 1-2-1 counsellor chat and email support service.

They can provide a BSL interpreter if you are deaf or hearing-impaired.

Hosts online message boards where you can share your experiences, have fun and get support from other young people in similar situations.

Opening times:24/7

Call: 0800 11 11

Whatever you're going through, you can contact the Samaritans for support. N.B. This is a listening service and does not offer advice or intervention.

Opening times: 24/7

Call: 116123

Or Email: jo@samaritans.org

Text YoungMinds Crisis Messenger if you are under 25 and experiencing a mental health crisis and need support. This free text service provides free, 24/7 crisis support across the UK. You can text YM to 85258

Text Shout – Who provides free, confidential mental health text support 24/7. Text 85258.

Webchat with The Mix who offer a free 1:1 support to anyone under 25 to talk about anything that’s troubling them. Or phone 0808 808 4994. Opening times: 4 pm – 11 pm, seven days a week.

Call Papyrus if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, with trained professionals giving support, advice and information to young people. 0800 068 4141 (Mon to Fri, 9 am – 10 pm) (Weekends and bank holidays, 2 pm to 10 pm).

Call Oxford or Banbury Safe Haven if you are 18 years or older and experience a mental health crisis at the weekend. They offer crisis support over the weekend (Friday-Monday, 6 pm-10 pm) and can be reached at Oxford: 01865 903 037. Banbury: 01295 270004.

Dial 111 if you need medical help or advice quickly, but it’s not an immediate risk or if it is out-of-hours for your General Practitioner (GP) surgery.