Mental health crisis
Resources and contact details if you require help in a crisis, both at the University and around Edinburgh.
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.
Out of hours student support
For emergencies occurring while University offices are closed, you can contact University Security by calling 0131 650 2257.
A member of Security will assist you or redirect you to the appropriate services.
University offices are closed:
- between 5pm and 9am (GMT) time Monday to Friday
- Saturdays and Sundays
- during University-recognised holidays
This service is not designed or intended in any way to replace the role of the emergency services or other relevant agencies such as GPs or other local NHS provision.
NHS 24: Call 111, outside GP opening hours for critical health support including mental health
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
Midlothian Mental Health Crisis line 08001182962
Shout
A text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere.
Text: 85258
Papyrus
PAPYRUS HOPELINE247
Togetherall
Togetherall | The University of Edinburgh
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
You can also contact the University for support through the University Security 24/7 contact number.
Night hours support
Nightline
Run by student volunteers, Nightline is an anonymous and confidential helpline for students in Edinburgh. The team are available every night of term between 8pm and midnight via online chat.
Edinburgh Nightline contact details
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 University 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
The Listening Service offers appointments 9-5pm on weekdays, please email listening.service@ed.ac.uk to arrange an appointment, or drop by the Chaplaincy Centre at 1 Bristo Square.
To contact the Listening Service for emergency or urgent matters out of hours, please phone University Security on 0131 650 2257 The Listening Service
University Accommodation
If you live in a University residence, the Residence Life (Res Life) Team can provide assistance if you are concerned about a flatmate’s wellbeing or any other urgent accommodation wellbeing-related issue.