Top 10 UK Mental Health Charities
With an increasing number of celebrities and public figures coming forward to speak about their experience with mental health, including our very own Prince Harry, the journey to busting mental health stigma is well on the way. However, there is a long road to success and it’s important that you’re getting all the support that you need. A recent survey found that around one in six adults in England showed signs of a common mental disorder (such as depression), highlighting just how crucial mental health support is.
With wellbeing services from the NHS being overstretched and underfunded, you may find that you can’t access full support from your GP alone. The NHS has outlined how important the use of charities are in accessing mental health support. These charities are awesome because they can provide you with mental wellbeing tips, habits to improve mental health and even specific mental health exercises. The good news is that there is actually an abundance of mental health charities out there and they specialise in various ways, meaning that nobody is left in the dark.
We take a look at the top 10 mental health charities in the UK and how they can help you:
Mind
A leading force for change, this charity campaigns for greater awareness and access to support. Mind can answer all your questions surrounding mental health and give you tailored advice about what support is available to you.
Phone number: 0300 123 3393
Opening hours: 9am – 6pm, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays)
Samaritans
Providing round-the-clock support (literally 24 hours a day, 365 days a year), Samaritans is on a mission to prevent suicide. Call this non-judgemental service if you’re struggling, experiencing feelings of loneliness and isolation or just need someone to talk to.
Phone number: 116 123
Opening hours: 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
Mental Health Foundation
Host of the mental health awareness week, this charity is pivotal as a voice for change. By conducting research and influencing policy, they ensure that improvements are made to how mental health is treated in society.
Nightline Association
There have been rising numbers of students seeking mental health support in recent years which proves the Nightline Association to be an increasingly integral service. Run by students who can empathise with the pressure of being a student, this night service lends a listening ear if you’re a student in need.
Phone number: University specific numbers can be found here
Opening hours: Varies depending on the university
Beat
This charity is specifically designed to support anyone who may be dealing with an eating disorder, which is estimated to affect over 1.6 million people in the UK, including an increasing number of males. With the prevalence of social media, setting unrealistic body image expectations, Beat is an essential charity which can help anyone dealing with any type of eating disorder.
Phone number: 0808 801 0677 (adults), 0808 801 0677 (young people)
Opening hours: 12pm – 8pm, Monday to Friday, 4pm – 8pm, weekends and bank holidays
YoungMinds
A number of studies have suggested that the majority of mental health issues develop before the age of 24 indicating a necessity for early intervention. YoungMinds leads the way in supporting young people and those around them with dealing with mental health issues. Their helpline specifically addresses concerned parents.
Phone number: 0808 802 5544
Opening hours: 9:30am – 4pm, Monday to Friday
CALM
Horrifyingly, suicide is the UK’s biggest threat to males under 45. This charity aims to combat this tragic issue with advice and support for men aged between 15 to 35.
Phone number: 0800 58 58 58 (nationwide), 0808 802 58 58 (London)
Opening hours: 5pm to midnight, 365 days a year
Shout
A baby in the charity sector, this new helpline was launched by the royals and is a text service which provides 24-hour support for people who are in a crisis situation.
Phone number: 85258
Opening hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
The Mix
Exceptionally innovative and progressive, this charity, which is aimed at under 25s, talks to young people about very real issues that they might be facing.
Phone number: 0808 808 4994
Opening hours: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm, Monday to Friday
OCD Action
A stigmatised and often neglected condition, this charity campaigns for better treatment and can provide specific advice on how to overcome your OCD.
Phone number: 0845 390 6232
Opening hours: 9:30am – 8:00pm, Monday to Friday
If you’re struggling from a particular issue in your life, you can find a range of specific helplines here, including support for those involved in domestic abuse, bereavement and addictions.
Here are a few quick tips on how to improve mental health:
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Exercise
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Practise mindfulness
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Eat healthily
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Get more sleep
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Socialise
