Helplines in Kensington and Chelsea, England.

Get free, confidential crisis counseling support in Kensington and Chelsea, England

Whether you're experiencing a mental health crisis or you're worried about a loved one's mental health, free help is available to you. In Kensington and Chelsea, England, there are 4 helplines that support with a range of mental health or behavioral health concerns.

It may seem scary to call. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more confident to access the free support that is available to you.

What is a helpline or hotline?

A helpline – also called a hotline or crisis line – is a free counseling service where you can talk to a person for emotional support. The support offered is free and confidential and in some cases, available 24/7. Depending on the helpline, support may be offered over the phone, text message or online chat.

What kind of support do helplines offer?

Helpline responders will actively listen to you while also asking questions to help you process difficult emotions and situations. When you call a hotline, you can expect to be listened to without judgment. If you like, you can also talk through or receive guidance on what steps you can take next.

If I contact a helpline, who will I talk to?

The people on the other end of a helpline or hotline are often counselors or volunteers who are trained in crisis counseling and active listening, and can offer you a safe space to talk freely about what's bothering you. Some helplines are staffed by peers who have some personal experience in the issue the helpline supports with.

What issues can I talk to a helpline about?

Some helplines support with specific issues, such as suicide, depression, anxiety, and abuse. Others support with specific demographics, such as the LGBTQ+ community, veterans or young people. So if you're looking for tailored support, you might be able to find a hotline specific to your problem. There are also helplines that support with any problem that’s causing you distress – no matter how small or big it seems to you.

Do helplines and hotlines support with thoughts of suicide?

If you've had thoughts about harming yourself or even ending your life, there are suicide prevention hotlines that can help. These helplines, otherwise known as lifelines or crisis lines, are typically available to offer support 24/7. Most suicide hotlines also support with any topic that is on your mind, which means you don't have to be suicidal to contact them.

Will a helpline talk to me about someone I'm concerned about?

It can be worrying when a friend or family member is struggling with their mental health or experiencing a behavioral health crisis. Helplines will support you to better help your loved one, whether that is actions you could take to support them, or external support they might be able to access.

I'm in Kensington and Chelsea, England. What hotlines and helplines are available to me?

In Kensington and Chelsea, England, there are 4 hotlines and helplines that support with a range of topics.

Globally, there are over 2,000 helplines and hotlines, and the support they offer varies across topics and populations. What unites them is their shared aim to support people who are experiencing mental health distress or emotional pain. Helplines are there to assist you in a time of emotional pain, and to support those who may be noticing warning signs of an emotional crisis in those they care about.