You’re here. That’s already a step.
Whatever brought you here, you don’t have to carry it alone.
A human voice
Talk with a trained human. Free, 24/7.
In the UK? Call Samaritans on 116 123. Somewhere else? Find your local line.
Something to steady you
Small things that help right now
A listening companion — AI
Talk with Angel
Angel is an AI listening companion, designed by volunteers who answer crisis lines. Private, no sign-up, and Angel will always tell you it’s AI. It isn’t a human and isn’t a replacement for one — for a human, call or text 988.
All three are free, private, and need no sign-up — take the one that feels possible right now.
Each small light in this sky is a real person’s story from the library — 848 of them so far.
Somewhere in the country, more than a dozen people reach out to 988 every minute of the day and night, and trained people are there to answer. Whatever this hour looks like, you aren’t the only one in it.
What happens when you call
- A real person answers, usually within a minute.
- They listen — you set the pace. There’s no script you have to follow.
- It stays a conversation: fewer than 2 in 100 calls involve emergency services at all, and often with the caller’s okay. Counselors only act without you in the rarest moments, when someone can’t stay safe.
Worried about someone?
- Ask directly and plainly. Naming it out loud doesn’t plant the idea — it tells them you noticed, and that you can handle the answer.
- Listen more than you fix. You don’t need the right words or a solution. Staying, and taking them seriously, is the help.
- If they’re in danger, stay with them while they call or text 988, and help them take the next small step.
Need something more specific?
Free, confidential support from a trained counselor, any time.
It stays a conversation — you set the pace. Veterans press 1. En español, oprime 2.
National Domestic Violence HotlineAbuse survivors
Confidential support for anyone affected by relationship abuse, plus help thinking through a safety plan.
Advocates won't tell you what to do. They help you weigh your options at your own pace.
The Trevor ProjectLGBTQ+Teens & youth
Free, confidential support for LGBTQ+ young people, by phone, text, or chat, any time.
Counselors are trained to understand what LGBTQ+ young people face. You don't have to explain yourself first.
Veterans Crisis LineVeterans
Support for veterans and service members from people trained to understand military life.
Dial 988, then press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line. You don't need to be enrolled in VA care.
Childhelp National Child Abuse HotlineTeens & youthParentsAbuse survivors
You can talk with a counselor about child abuse — whether it is happening to you, to a child you know, or happened to you long ago.
It is private and open all day and night. You can call, text, or chat if you are not sure what to do next.
Free, confidential support by text with a trained crisis counselor, any time.
Texting can feel easier than talking out loud, and you set the pace.
Find a free, confidential helpline in your country. Search by where you are and what you're going through.
Useful if you're outside the U.S., or looking for a line for a specific situation.
Love Is RespectTeens & youthAbuse survivors
You can reach trained advocates when a boyfriend, girlfriend, or partner is hurting, controlling, or scaring you.
It is made for teens and young adults, free and private any time, by call, text, or chat. It is run by the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
National Center for Missing & Exploited ChildrenParents
If a child is missing or has been sexually exploited, you can call and get crisis support and referrals to local counseling. They also take reports of sightings.
Their page says to call 911 if anyone is in immediate danger, and to call your local police first if your child is missing. Then call this number.
National Human Trafficking HotlineAbuse survivors
If you or someone you know is being forced or tricked into work or sex, you can call, text or chat to get support. You can also report a tip or find local services.
It is confidential. TTY users can dial 711. The site has a Quick Exit button for when someone may be watching your screen.
National Runaway SafelineTeens & youthParents
Support for young people thinking about leaving home, already gone, or feeling they have nowhere to go — and for the adults who care about them.
Free and confidential. They help you think through what's next, without judgment.
If you think you or someone near you swallowed, breathed in or touched something harmful, you can call and talk with a poison expert about what to do next. Your call goes to the poison center that serves your area.
Calling is free and confidential, and you can also get help online at poison.org. They say help is available in over 100 languages. If the person has collapsed, is having a seizure, has trouble breathing or can't be woken, call 911 first.
RAINN — National Sexual Assault HotlineAbuse survivorsTeens & youth
You can talk with someone trained to help after any kind of sexual assault or abuse, whether it happened last night or years ago.
It is free and private any hour. If talking out loud feels too hard, text, or use the live chat on their hotline page instead.
StrongHearts Native HelplineAbuse survivors
Support for Native Americans and Alaska Natives affected by domestic or dating violence.
Advocates offer support that understands Native culture, and can connect you to Native-centered help near you.
Trans LifelineLGBTQ+
A peer support line run by and for trans people. Call to talk with someone who gets it.
Run by trans volunteers. They will not call police or emergency services without your consent.
In the UK
You can talk to a trained volunteer who listens without judging or telling you what to do. You can call about whatever you are going through.
The call is free from any phone, and you do not need credit on your mobile. If you would like to talk in Welsh, there is a free Welsh Language Line on 0808 164 0123.
You can text with a trained volunteer about anything weighing on you, from stress and loneliness to self-harm or suicidal thoughts. You only share what you feel comfortable sharing.
It is free and confidential. Replies can take longer at busy times, and the highest-risk texts are answered first. If your life is at immediate risk, call 999.
If you are in Scotland, over 16, and feeling low, anxious or depressed, you can call to talk it through in confidence. There is also a webchat during the same hours.
The call is free and confidential. The line is for people over 16 in Scotland.
C.A.L.L. Mental Health Helpline for Wales
If you are in Wales and worried about your own mental health, or a relative's or friend's, you can use a confidential listening and support service. It is available in Welsh on request.
Calls are free. You can also email, search for local agencies, or order up to three free mental health leaflets. The same site links to the Wales Dementia Helpline and the DAN 24/7 drug and alcohol helpline.
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)
You can talk to a trained helpline team if you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, have lost someone to suicide, or are worried about someone else. You can call, use live chat, or message on WhatsApp.
It is free, confidential and anonymous. The helpline is for people over 18. Outside its hours, call 999 in an emergency or Samaritans on 116 123.
ChildlineTeens & youth
If you are a child or young person, you can talk to a counsellor about anything, big or small. You can call, or use the online 1-2-1 chat.
Calls are free from most landlines and mobiles, they will not show on a phone bill, and you can call without credit. You can also send a message from a Childline account. In an emergency, call 999.
Combat StressVeterans
If you are a veteran dealing with the effects of service-related trauma, you can call or text their helpline at any time. They also support family and friends who are worried about a veteran.
It is a free helpline, open 24/7. You can phone, text or email. Their site also has peer support and support for families and friends.
Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline (Northern Ireland)Abuse survivors
If you are affected by domestic or sexual abuse, you can talk to trained helpline staff who will help you understand your experience and consider your options. You can call, email or use live chat.
The helpline is free and confidential, and the site describes it as a non-judgemental space open to all. It is for anyone aged 18 and over. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999.
Galop LGBT+ Abuse and Violence HelplineLGBTQ+Abuse survivors
If you are LGBT+ and facing domestic abuse, sexual violence, conversion practices or any other kind of abuse, you can talk to an adviser for emotional support and to look at your options.
Phone, email and webchat are all free. Calls can last up to 40 minutes. The helpline is for people aged 18 and over. Friends, family and professionals worried about an LGBT+ person can call too.
Hourglass (older people and abuse)Older adultsAbuse survivors
If you are an older person, or you are worried about one, you can get information and support about abuse or neglect. You can call, text, email or chat live.
The helpline is confidential and free to call from a landline or mobile, and the number will not show on your phone bill. The helpline and chatbot run 24/7; their other services are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
If you are in crisis, you can speak to a trained counsellor. The site also has a section if you are worried about someone.
Calls are free. There is a textphone line on 18001 0808 808 8000 via the Relay UK app, and British and Irish Sign Language users can use the SignVideo app. They can access translators if English is not your first language.
Live Fear Free HelplineAbuse survivors
If you or someone you know has experienced domestic abuse or sexual violence, you can get free advice and support or talk through your options. Practitioners can ask for professional advice too.
You can reach advisors by phone, online chat, text or email, free of charge. Conversations are confidential, and calls are welcomed in Welsh.
Men's Advice LineAbuse survivors
If you are a man affected by domestic abuse, you can talk it over with an adviser. Friends and family worried about a man can get in touch too.
The phone line is freephone. Anyone who feels it is the right service for them is welcome, including trans and non-binary people. The site has a quick-exit button.
National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Refuge)Abuse survivors
You can talk in confidence about domestic abuse, plan for your safety, and work out what options you have. You can also use their live chat or a secure online form.
The call is free and confidential. The advisers are all female. There is a British Sign Language service from 10am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. In an emergency, call 999.
National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK
If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, or worried about someone close to you, you can talk to the helpline. It is a confidential service for anyone in need.
If you cannot connect on 0800 587 0800, try 0800 689 0880. In a life-threatening emergency, dial 999 first. The line also works with Relay UK for people with hearing or speech difficulties.
Rape Crisis England & Wales: 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support LineAbuse survivors
If you have experienced sexual violence, abuse or harassment at any time in your life, you can talk to a specialist who will listen and reassure you it was not your fault. You can call or use a free online chat.
The call is free. Anyone of any gender, aged 16 or over, living in England or Wales can use it, even if you are not sure what happened. It is not an emergency service: if you feel unsafe or need urgent medical help, call 999.
If you need to talk about your mental health, you can call SANEline in the evening. It is run by SANE, an independent mental health charity.
This is a phone line open in the evenings, every day of the year.
Scotland's Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage HelplineAbuse survivors
If you are experiencing domestic abuse or forced marriage, you can talk to a trained helpline worker who will listen and believe you. Family, friends, colleagues and professionals worried about someone can call too.
The service is confidential. You can call, text or message on WhatsApp, use online chat, or email. They can arrange an interpreter, and Relay UK and BSL contact options are on their site. If you are in immediate danger, phone 999.
If you self-harm, or are worried about someone who does, you can talk in a confidential space by phone, text or email. It is open to people of all ages, genders and backgrounds.
Email is open at any time and they reply within a week. You can also write to them by post and they will reply within a week.
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SoBS)
If someone you know has died by suicide, you can get peer-led support from people who have been through it themselves. The support is for adults.
SoBS describes itself as UK peer-led support: those who have experienced suicide loss help each other. Their site has resources, and the Support line number is on every page.
Switchboard LGBTQ+ Support LineLGBTQ+
You can reach a support line by phone, instant message or email. Every call, message and email is answered by a volunteer from the LGBTQIA+ community.
Their website shows whether the phone line is open right now. If it is closed, their site lists other services you can try. Chat and email do not work from outside the UK.
The MixTeens & youth
If you are under 25, you can text for urgent mental health support, talk one-to-one with a trained peer supporter, join a group, or get one-to-one counselling. Their site also has a chatbot that works 24/7.
The Mix is for under-25s in the UK. The site lists free one-to-one counselling and a supportive community.
The Silver Line (Age UK's Silver Line Helpline)Older adults
If you are 55 or over, you can call for a friendly chat, some support, or a long conversation. It is especially there when you feel lonely or isolated.
The call is free, at any time of day or night, and the service is run by Age UK. The site calls it confidential.
Victim Support (Supportline)Abuse survivors
If you have been affected by crime, you can talk in confidence to trained staff who explain your rights and options and the further support available. You can also use the live chat.
The call is free, and you can stay anonymous if you prefer. You can dial 141 first to hide your number, though that does not work on some mobile networks. Support is only for people in England and Wales.
More help of every kind → the Resource Bank.
Browsing privately
A private (incognito) window saves no history at all; already-made entries can be removed one at a time. The short guide —Browsing privately — walks through both, plus the Leave-quickly button and its keyboard shortcut, in plain steps.
If someone who monitors this device could be a danger to you, the safest option is a different device — a library computer, or a trusted friend’s phone. The guide covers that too.
A candle for the next person
Whenever you’re ready — small steps from people who carried something like this: find one →
Or, for a night when your thoughts keep circling:the long view →
Pressing Esc twice also leaves fast. This hides the page quickly, but it can’t erase your browsing history — here’s how to browse more privately.