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Free emotional support helplines for chronic and physical illness in the United Kingdom

Looking for something more local? You can also search by country.

Shout
Everyone

Shout provides 24/7, free, compassionate and confidential support over text message. Anyone in the UK can text 'Shout' to 85258...

Rett UK Helpline
Everyone

Rett UK Helpline is dedicated to providing free and confidential support, information, advice, guidance and advocacy, however...

Counselors, Peers, Volunteers
Runaway Helpline
EveryoneYouthChildrenAll topics

Runaway Helpline offers free, compassionate, and confidential support over the phone, text message (SMS), and online chat. We...

SOS Silence of Suicide
EveryoneAll topics

SOS Silence of Suicide provides confidential support through our freephone helpline, mobile m/h hubs, in-person group meetings...

Counselors, Peers, Volunteers
National Suicide Prevention Helpline
EveryoneAll topics

National Suicide Prevention Helpline provides, free and confidential support and information by phone. We help everyone in the...

Sarcoma UK Support Line
Everyone

Sarcoma is a type of cancer affecting bone and soft tissue that can appear anywhere in the body. The Sarcoma UK Support Line...

Macmillan Support Line
Everyone

Macmillan Support Line is dedicated to providing free and confidential support and information by phone and online chat. We...

MS Helpline
Everyone

MS Helpline provides free and confidential support over the phone. We help everyone in the United Kingdom who may require...

Counselors, Peers, Volunteers
Marie Curie Support Line
Everyone

Marie Curie Support Line provides free and confidential support over the phone. We are here to help everyone in the United...

MS-UK Helpline
Everyone

MS-UK Helpline is dedicated to providing free and confidential support and information over phone, email and WhatsApp. We help...

RNIB Helpline
Everyone

At the RNIB, we recognise everyone has a unique experience of visual impairment and offer compassion, help and support for...

Counselors, Peers, Volunteers
Blood Cancer UK Support Line
Everyone

Need to talk? We’re here for anyone worried about or affected by blood cancer. The Blood Cancer UK support line is a free and...

National Sexual Health Helpline
Everyone

National Sexual Health Helpline is dedicated to providing free and confidential support over phone. We are here to help...

THT Direct Helpline
Adults

Our advisers can provide emotional support if you are worried about your sexual health or have concerns about living with HIV....

Peers, Volunteers
Steps Helpline
Parents

Steps Helpline provides free and confidential support by phone/email and via the web. We are here to help...

Premier Lifeline
Faith-basedEveryoneAll topics

Confidential Telephone Helpline offering emotional and spiritual support from a Christian perspective, with the opportunity of...

Muslim Youth Helpline
Faith-basedYouthAll topics

Muslim Youth Helpline offers free and confidential support and information by phone and online chat. We exist to help people...

Peers, Volunteers

Are you struggling to cope with a physical illness? Contact a helpline in United Kingdom for support.

The reality of physical illness can be disruptive to your life, impacting how you do basic tasks and the way you see yourself. A serious diagnosis can leave you feeling helpless, defeated, isolated, burdensome and afraid. There are 17 helplines in United Kingdom where you can confide in a volunteer or counselor. Consider contacting them if you feel:

  • That life isn’t worth living, given the limitations and pain associated with your medical condition.
  • Depression about the life you've lost, things you cannot do, and places you cannot go.
  • Isolated from those who don’t comprehend your discomfort or the seriousness of your condition.
  • Afraid about the uncertainty of life and the pain you may feel from your symptoms.
  • Fear of future physical discomfort, pain, changes to your routine, and possibly death.
  • Anxiety, tension, fear, sadness and helplessness about your condition and what the future holds.
  • Anger and disbelief about your diagnosis, and constantly asking yourself, “why me?”
  • Stress about the financial burden that your illness will put on your family.

Illness is usually unexpected, and it sometimes seems unfair. Perhaps the news or consequences of your illness has made you feel numb with shock and disappointment, or overwhelmed with powerful emotions. The inability to think straight or function may make you feel frustrated, anguished or useless. You are still valued.

You have the potential to face the challenges of illness with resilience and grace – but you do need support. By reaching to a helpline in United Kingdom, you can talk with counselor or volunteer who understands the unspoken, emotional effects of physical illness. Contacting a helpline doesn't mean you're weak – it simply shows that you are human.


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