I need help now
Do you need to speak to someone about your emotional wellbeing?
Sometimes things can feel very overwhelming. This page has advice, helplines and links to local services if you’re not sure how to cope.
I’m in crisis
If you are in a crisis, it is important to get help quickly.
If you have seriously injured yourself or taken an overdose, call 999 or get immediate medical treatment from A&E.
If you are in crisis, feeling suicidal or like you can’t cope, speak to somebody straight away and try to make sure you’re not on your own.
If you are already working with someone in Emotional Wellbeing & Mental Health, you can contact the team or your care coordinator between 9 am – 5 pm on 02921 836730. We are not a crisis service but may be able to help.
If you aren’t already working with one of our teams, we recommend that you:
- speak to your GP who can provide advice and make referrals to Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health (including the out of hours GP service by calling your GP office and listening to the message), or
- click on the services below for free support, advice and listening services.
I need to speak to someone now
Contact the following organisations for online or telephone support
You can speak to Childline about anything you are worried about.
- Call for free on 0800 1111
- Log in for 1-2-1 online chat with a counsellor
- Log in to send an email for a response within 24 hours
If you are having thoughts of suicide or are concerned for a young person who might be you can contact HOPELINEUK for confidential support and practical advice.
Open 9 am – 10 pm weekdays, 2 pm – 10 pm weekends and bank holidays.
- Call 0800 068 4141
- Text 07860 039967
- Email pat@papyrus-uk.org for a response within 24 hours
Meic Cymru is a bilingual confidential and free information and advice helpline for children and young people.
Open 8 am to midnight, 7 days a week.
- Call for free on 080880 23456
- Text for free on 84001
- Chat online
Contact a Samaritan if you need someone to talk to.
- Call for free at any time on 116 123
- Welsh language service available on 0808 164 0123 between 7-11pm every day.
- Email jo@samaritans.org for a response within 24 hours
Text YM to 85258 to receive free, confidential crisis support 24/7 for topics such as suicidal thoughts, abuse, assault, self-harm, bullying or relationship issues.
Local services that can listen to you
Even if you are not in crisis, you may still find it helpful to speak to someone about how you are feeling.
If you would rather speak to someone from Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan, we recommend the following resources.
Please note that these are not emergency or crisis services and only operate during working hours.
For Cardiff: Cardiff Family Advice and Support on 03000 133 133
For the Vale of Glamorgan: Families First Advice Line on 0800 0327 322
Ask a teacher how to see your school nurse.
You can also text them on Chat Health on 07520 615718 between 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Monday to Friday
The Hangout
We know how important it is for young people to be able to access mental health and emotional wellbeing support when needed. That’s why we created The Hangout.
The Hangout is a mental health and emotional wellbeing support and activity hub for young people aged 11-18.
It has been developed by Children, Young People and Family Health Services at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board in partnership with Platfform, a mental health charity that works with young people to promote positive wellbeing.
Based in Cardiff city centre, it is a safe and alternative space for young people who are facing challenges with their mental health — ranging from a one off ‘bad day’ to those who may already be accessing specialist support but require space and someone to talk to between appointments.
Young people can access a range of support for different levels of need, including 1:1 contact with a member of staff, group work, peer support and access to signposting or referral information (including access to computers). These can be delivered alongside specialist services.
The Hangout is operated by Platfform: platfform.org
To find out more:
Visit: The Hangout – Platfform 4YP
Email: hangout@platfform.org
Call: 0300 3732717
Information and resources
Here are some resources that may help when things feel overwhelming – check out xxx for our full list of resources.
Beat can support you if you or someone you love is suffering from an eating disorder or experiencing symptoms.
They have three helplines – open 365 days a year, 9am – 8pm during the week, 4pm -8 pm on weekends & bank holidays.
- Youthline (under 18s) – 0808 801 0711
- Studentline – 0808 801 0811
- Helpline (adults & professionals) – 0808 801 0677
One to one webchat is also available.
Use this app to resist or manage the urge to self-harm through various activities. The app is private and password protected.
Part of the NHS Mental Health App Library
Meic Cymru is a bilingual confidential and free information and advice helpline for children and young people.
Open 8 am to midnight, 7 days a week.
- Call for free on 080880 23456
- Text for free on 84001
- Chat online
If you’re 25 or under and are in crisis or experiencing any painful emotion, text THEMIX to 85258 for free, 24/7 crisis support.
The Mix Counselling Service is suitable for you if you are looking for short-term help with your mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Telephone counselling available to young people aged 25 years old and under. Webchat is available for those aged 10 – 18 years old.
Information and support service for LGBT+ people and anyone who needs to consider issues relating to their sexuality or gender.
Open 10 am – 10 pm every day.
- Call 0300 330 0630
- Chat online
- Email chris@switchboard.lgbt for a response within 24 hours