I'm in a crisis

Our helpline is for people of all ages, offering support and information about eating disorders no matter where you are in your journey. However, we do not operate a crisis service and we are not medically trained. If you do require emergency support, please contact one of the services below.

Crisis support

• If you, or a loved one, are currently receiving support from a mental health team or eating disorder service, you/they may have a personalised care plan which should include details of your/their local community mental health team and/or what to do in a crisis.
• You/they can also contact 111. They will be able to tell you which service you may need, or you may be able to speak to a nurse, mental health nurse or another healthcare professional. Note that those with hearing loss can use the NHS 111 British Sign Language (BSL) service).

Mental health crisis support

• Papyrus Hopeline247

Papyrus offer a dedicated telephone service with non-judgmental support, practical advice, and information, available to anyone up to the age of 35 who is concerned about their emotional wellbeing, as well as anyone worried about a young person (aged 35 and under).

Their website can be found here: https://www.papyrus-uk.org/ or you can contact the Hopeline directly on 0800 068 4141

• SHOUT

Shout is the UK's first and only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging service for anyone who is struggling to cope.

Their website can be found here: https://giveusashout.org/ or you can contact them directly by texting the word ‘Shout’ to 85258

• Samaritans 

Samaritans are a listening service dedicated to reducing feelings of isolation and disconnection that can lead to suicide. They are open 24 hours a day.

Their website can be found here: https://www.samaritans.org/scotland/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/ or you can contact them directly on 113 126

• Calm Against Living Miserably 

A helpline and chat service supporting those with thoughts of suicide. They are open 5pm-midnight, 365 days a year.

Their website can be found here: https://www.thecalmzone.net/ or you can contact them directly on 0800 58 58 58

Medical support

• 111/999 

111 is for anyone who may need medical help and advice but who are not in a life-threatening situation.

999 is for life-threatening emergencies. If you cannot call 999, you should attend your local A&E department.

If you are unsure which to contact, this website can help.

• GP 

General Practitioners can support with a range of physical and mental health challenges. We have a resource which explains all you need to know about visiting your doctor. If you are unsure of which GP surgery you are registered with, the NHS has a tool where you can insert your postcode to find GP surgeries within your area.

For England the tool can be found via: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-gp.

For Scotland the tool can be found via: https://www.nhsinform.scot/scotlands-service-directory/gp-practices.

For Wales the tool can be found via: https://app.nhs.wales/gpsearch.

For Northern Ireland the tool can be found via: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/gp-practices.