If you're looking for mental health support, or you're worried that a loved one could be having a mental health crisis, contacting a hotline or helpline can help. There are 3 crisis services you can contact in Hertfordshire, England.

It’s normal to feel nervous about making the call. Learn here about what to expect.

What are helplines or hotlines?

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?

Whether you need a listening ear, or help with what to do next, helpline staff can help. They will ask you questions to help you process your emotions or situation. They can also collaborate with you on what steps you might take to improve your situation, which can help you feel more in control and confident about the future.

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

When you call a helpline, you'll connect with a volunteer or counselor, or sometimes with a peer with similar experience to the topic of the helpline. They are often trained and experienced in active listening or crisis counseling. This means they know how to help people in your situation.

What topics do helplines and hotlines assist with?

Some helplines offer support for specific problems like suicide, depression, anxiety, domestic violence and sexual assault. Others help with certain demographics, such as veterans, youth or the LGBTQ+ community. Many helplines offer support for all kinds of mental and behavioral health problems – this means you can talk to them about anything that is on your mind.

Do helplines and hotlines support with thoughts of suicide?

For help with thoughts about harming yourself or ending your life, you can contact a suicide prevention hotline, also known as a crisis line or lifeline. Suicide hotlines are available 24/7 in most countries. These crisis services commonly support with any problem you might be facing, so you can also call them if you aren't thinking about suicide.

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 Hertfordshire, England. What hotlines and helplines are available to me?

In Hertfordshire, England, there are 3 hotlines and helplines that support with a range of topics.

Today, there are over 2,000 helplines globally. Helplines offer support for a wide range of experiences and populations, but they all share the same objective: to assist people who are going through emotional pain or mental health struggles. You may think that your problem isn't significant enough, or that it's too much. These concerns are normal. Helpline responders are prepared to help no matter what you're going through.