SOS - Support

If your life is at risk:

  • Please call 999. This is an emergency. You’re not wasting anybody’s time
  • Go straight to A&E
  • Call your local crisis team. Lines are available 24/7
Man on phone

If you need to talk:

There are free, anonymous, 24/7 helplines dedicated to helping you through difficult times and experiences. If you’re struggling, please:

Remember, you can also get in touch with the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care System’s Staff Wellbeing Hub Team between 9:00am – 5:00pm, Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays) on 0191 223 2030.

NENC ICS Suicide Prevention Network

NENC ICS Suicide Prevention Network:

National suicide stats remain high and some of the highest can be found in the North of England. Guided by national policy and based on evidence, the North East and North Cumbria (NENC) Suicide Prevention Network work to take action, provide support and reduce suicide.

Led by the NENC Integrated Care System, the Network provides support to those in need, advice to those with concerns about someone else, help to those who’ve lost someone and resources for those looking to help raise awareness.

Targeted support

Targeted support:

  • Switchboard phone operators identify as LGBT+ and are there to offer support to those who identify as LGBT+. Call Switchboard on 0300 330 0630 between 10:00am – 10:00pm every day or use their webchat service
  • Black Minds Matter aims to connect black individuals with free mental health services and is host to both therapists and resources
  • Mental Health Foundation host a range of resources designed to support those with learning disabilities, and help them to access mental health support
  • Papyrus is a helpline there to support young people (aged under 35) who are struggling with suicidal thoughts, or support those who have concerns about a young person. More targeted support options for young people can be found via the Mental Health Foundation
  • Gendered Intelligence aims to increase understanding of gender diversity and improve trans people’s quality of life
  • Practitioner Health is a free and confidential NHS service for doctors and dentists that are experiencing mental health and/or addiction issues
Mind Mental Health Logo

Crisis coping tools:

For further guidance on helping yourself to cope, advice on how to distract yourself, information to better understand what you’re experiencing, views from others who have been in a similar situation and/or further support resources available to you, please visit Mind via the button below.

Help prevent suicide

Enrol in free online training and eLearning to help prevent suicide.

Zero Suicide Alliance - Free Training

Zero Suicide Alliance - Free Training

The Zero Suicide Alliance provide access to free training on suicide prevention, offering an introduction to suicide awareness, information on social isolation and equipping you with the skills and confidence needed to help someone who might be contemplating suicide

Free eLearning on suicide prevention

Free eLearning on suicide prevention

Health Education England's "We need to talk about suicide" is an eLearning course aimed at providing you with a knowledge of the early signs of suicide and equipping you with the ability to support those in need