Best Of

The Mix's Crisis Messenger text service provides free, 24/7 crisis support across the UK. If you’re aged 25 or under, and are experiencing a personal crisis, are unable to cope and need support, you can text THEMIX to 85258. Their trained volunteer will introduce themselves, reflect on what you’ve said, and invite you to share at your own pace. You’ll text back and forth, only sharing what you feel comfortable with. They can deal issues such as Suicidal thoughts, abuse or assault, self-harm, bullying, relationship breakdown. You can find out more about it at https://www.themix.org.uk/get-support/speak-to-our-team/crisis-messenger

Samaritans are there for you 24/7. They offer a listening service and emotional support to anyone about any issue. You can call the helpline for free on 116 123 or email at jo@samaritans.org. You can also write them a letter and you can find details on their website. Some of their branches offer face to face services and you can find your local branch on their website. For more information you can go to www.samaritans.org

DARE Panic and Anxiety Relief is an app designed for people coping with worry, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, insomnia, or panic attacks - helping you to regain confidence and live life at its fullest. While certain parts of the app require payment to be unlocked, there are hundreds of free features and the app itself is free to download. Some of the apps' free features include a bank of "SOS" step-by-step audioguides to help you calm down during a panic attack and to manage your intrusive thoughts, based on the evidence-based DARE technique by Barry McDonagh (BA, Dip Psych). The app also includes free breathing exercises, soothing meditations, and motivational 'pep talks' to help encourage and reassure you. It can be downloaded on the Apple App Store or the Google Play store.

CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) is a suicide prevention charity on a mission to help people end their misery, not their lives. They provide life-saving services, information and advice to help anyone struggling with life navigate the issues that can make us feel miserable. They can offer practical ways to manage your mental health, and help you feel less alone by sharing stories of hope to show people there's a way forward. They have a helpline open everyday 5pm-midnight. You can call them on 0800 585858, Whatsapp them on +44 20 4587 6634, or use the webchat on their website. For more information you can go to www.thecalmzone.net