Go to Republic of Ireland support ↓

URGENT SUPPORT · NORTHERN IRELAND

Crisis support & emergency helplines

You do not have to face this alone. If you are in crisis, feeling overwhelmed or need someone to listen, start here.

For LGBTQIA+ people in Northern Ireland, and anyone looking for help for themselves or someone they care about.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger

Call 999 or 112 now. If you have seriously harmed yourself, taken an overdose, or feel you may be about to harm yourself, call 999 for an ambulance or go straight to the nearest emergency department (A&E). You can ask someone to call or take you there.

Do not wait for a helpline, text, email or website reply in an emergency.

Call 999 — emergency helpCall 112

Need urgent support or someone to listen?

Choose the way of reaching out that feels easiest. Lifeline, Samaritans and Shout are available day and night. You do not need to wait until things feel worse to ask for help.

Northern Ireland · Free · 24/7

Lifeline

Crisis support for anyone in Northern Ireland experiencing distress or despair. You can also call if you are worried about someone else.

Call 0808 808 8000

Accessibility: textphone 18001 0808 808 8000; Relay UK and SignVideo information is available on the Lifeline website.

Lifeline website & service details →

UK · Free text support · 24/7

Shout

If you prefer to write rather than speak, text SHOUT to 85258 to start a conversation with a trained volunteer.

Text SHOUT to 85258

Not an emergency response service. If your life is at immediate risk, call 999 rather than waiting for a text reply.

Shout website & service details →

LGBTQIA+ · Free · 10am–10pm daily

Switchboard

Talk with an LGBTQIA+ volunteer about how you are feeling, sexuality, gender identity, relationships or anything else on your mind.

Call 0800 0119 100

Online chat is available through the website. Outside opening hours, use Lifeline, Samaritans or Shout.

Switchboard website & service details →

Support in the Republic of Ireland

If you are in the Republic of Ireland, use the services below. These are separate from the Northern Ireland services listed above.

Immediate danger or a medical emergency?

Call 112 or 999 and ask for an ambulance if you or someone else needs emergency help. If you have seriously harmed yourself, taken an overdose or feel you may be about to harm yourself, call emergency services or go straight to the nearest emergency department (A&E).

Do not wait for a helpline, text or online chat reply in an emergency.

Call 112 — emergency helpCall 999

Republic of Ireland · Free on major networks · 24/7

Text About It

Text HELLO to 50808 for anonymous support from a trained volunteer, whether you need a calming chat or are struggling in a crisis.

Text HELLO to 50808

If 50808 does not work on your network, text HELLO to 086 1800 280 (standard SMS rates may apply), or use the free WhatsApp option on the official website. In an emergency, call 112 or 999.

Text About It website & service details →

LGBTQIA+ listening support · Freephone · Not 24/7

LGBT Ireland — National LGBT Helpline

A supportive, non-judgemental listening service, with LGBTQI+ volunteers who can help you talk through how you feel and find relevant support.

Call 1800 929 539

Opening hours vary by day: check the official helpline page before calling. Online chat is also available through the website. Outside opening hours, try Pieta, Samaritans or Text About It.

LGBT Ireland — National LGBT Helpline website & service details →

Need urgent medical advice, but not in immediate danger?

Contact your GP for an urgent appointment or your local GP out-of-hours service. If you already have a mental health team, contact them using your urgent contact number or crisis plan.

HSE guidance: getting urgent help for a mental health crisis →

Republic of Ireland service details checked: 5 October 2026. See each official service website for current access arrangements and opening hours. HSE emergency guidance.

For the next few minutes

You do not have to solve everything right now. Focus on reaching support and getting through this moment.

  1. Reach out. Call a helpline or contact someone you trust. If words are hard, you could say: “I’m struggling and need someone to stay with me while I get help.”
  2. Get to a safer place. If possible, be around a trusted person rather than alone.
  3. Avoid alcohol and drugs. Keep your focus on staying safe and getting support.

If you cannot stay safe, use the emergency options above. These steps do not replace urgent medical care.

Urgent medical support, without immediate danger

Contact your GP and explain that you need urgent help with your mental health. If your surgery is closed, use your local GP out-of-hours service. If you already have a mental health team, use the urgent contact number or crisis plan they gave you.

Lifeline can support you while you work out your next step. If the situation becomes unsafe, call 999 or go to A&E.

Worried about someone else?

Let them know you are there and listen without judgement. Help them contact support; you can also call Lifeline or Samaritans yourself if you are concerned.

If there is immediate danger or serious harm, call 999. If it is safe for you, stay with them while help is arranged. You do not have to manage a crisis on your own.

What to know before reaching out

  • You do not need the perfect words. Start with how you feel or say that you need help.
  • If a service is busy, try another. Do not wait for a reply if you are in immediate danger.
  • Privacy has limits. Check each service’s confidentiality policy. Services may need to share information where there is a serious risk of harm.
  • Need an accessible option? Shout offers text support; Childline and Switchboard offer online chat. Lifeline lists Relay UK, textphone and sign-language access on its website.
  • Outside Northern Ireland? For support in the Republic of Ireland, see the Republic of Ireland section. Elsewhere, local emergency numbers and services may differ. Use the emergency number where you are.