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You can go to A&E directly if you need immediate help and are worried about your safety. You may be close to acting on suicidal thoughts or have seriously harmed yourself.

The Samaritans operate a free to call service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, if you want to talk to someone in confidence. Call them on 116 123.

You can call NHS 111 if you or someone you know requires urgent care, but it is not life-threatening. For example:

If you have an existing mental health problem and your symptoms get worse If you experience a mental health problem for the first time If someone has self-harmed but it does not appear to be life-threatening, or is talking about wanting to self-harm If a person shows signs of the onset of dementia If a person is experiencing domestic violence or physical, sexual or emotional abuse

[Source: NHS]

Mental health charity Mind has a free tool on its website for people to use if they need help, which can help direct you to the right services.

Go to their website at mind.org.uk and click the 'I need urgent help' button

You can also call their helpline for a information on a range of mental health conditions - this is on 0300 123 3393

Rethink Mental Illness, another dedicated mental health charity, has factsheets on their website which give detailed information on different mental health conditions

They also have an advice and information service, which can provide practical help on a range of issues such as the Mental Health Act, welfare benefits, criminal justice and carers rights.

You can register for this on their website at rethink.org