Help in a crisis
We can help point you to resources and organisations that can help in the event of a crisis.
Emergency services
If you feel your life is in imminent danger or need emergency assistance, you should call 999 or go to Accident and Emergency at the nearest hospital.
Helplines
24/7 support
Samaritans
Through helplines run by volunteers, Samaritans offers emotional support available 24 hours a day.
Samaritans Edinburgh branch location
Edinburgh Crisis Centre
Open to any Edinburgh resident who is 16+ and experiencing a mental health crisis.
Edinburgh Crisis Centre contact details
Shout
A text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere.
Text: 85258
Not in the UK?
If you’re not in the UK and need mental health support urgently you can look up crisis lines in your country by clicking on the following links
Helplines and crisis-lines from around the world
Night hours support
Breathing Space
Breathing Space is a crisis support helpline open 24 hours at weekends (6pm Friday - 6am Monday), and 6pm to 2am from Monday through Thursday. They offer confidential guidance from professional advisors experienced in counselling and social work.
Breathing Space contact details
Chaplaincy
You can contact the University Chaplaincy in the event of a sudden death, hospitalisation or acute crisis.
Chaplaincy emergency support contact details
The Listening Service
The Chaplaincy's Listening Service offers pastoral support for students and staff on all manner of subjects. It provides you with:
- A safe place to talk and non-judgemental listening
- Help in times of crisis
- Links with specialist sources of help
NHS 24
You can call 111 for critical health support - including mental health support - outside of GP opening hours.
University of Edinburgh Security 24/7
The Security Team may be called in the event of an emergency - 24 hours a day, every day (including holidays).
Where you need the emergency services, dial 999 and request the appropriate emergency service. After calling the emergency services please call the Security Section so we are aware of the incident and can provide assistance.