Samaritans (116 123) samaritans.org operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org, write to Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK, PO Box 9090, STIRLING, FK8 2SA and visit www.samaritans.org branches to find your nearest branch.

For support for people feeling suicidal: if you are concerned about someone or if you are bereaved by suicide see www.shiningalightonsuicide.org.uk

Anorexia & Bulimia Care: ABC provide on-going care, emotional support and practical guidance for anyone affected by eating disorders, those struggling personally and parents, families and friends. Helpline: 03000 11 12 13. www.anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk

Alcohol abuse: For information and link to charities and organisations that help with substance abuse, visit www.drinkaware.co.uk/advice/alcohol-support-services

Benefits Advice: Service providing information on how to access and work out entitlements to UK benefits www.adviceuk.org.uk

Beat Eating Disorders: Beat provides helplines for adults and young people offering support and information about eating disorders. These helplines are free to call from all phones. Adult Helpline: 0808 801 0677, Student line: 0808 801 0811, Youth line: 0808 801 0711. www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk

CALM: (0800 58 58 58) www.thecalmzone.net has a helpline is for men who are down or have hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support. They’re open 5pm to midnight, 365 days a year.

Childline: (0800 1111 ) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill

PAPYRUS: (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal

Disability Support: For information on support services for a wide range of disability issues, visit www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/

Gambling Addiction: services nationwide for those struggling with gambling issues www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk

Hate Crime Support: (racial, disability, LGBT+) support and help for anyone who has experienced or witnessed a hate crime Tel: 0800 138 1625 www.stophateuk.org

Homeless Support: Homeless is a service for all homeless services in the UK Tel: 0808 800 444 Homeless Link – Let’s end homelessness together

Housing and Homeless Advice: Service providing support and advice for people who have housing problems (tenant rights) or facing/experiencing homelessness Shelter, Housing Advice Helpline Tel 0808 800 4444, www.shelter.org.uk

LGBT Support: LGBT Foundation providing help and support for a wide range of gender and sexuality issues Tel: 0345 330 3030 email: helpline@lgbt.foundation community – hate crime, domestic abuse or sexual violence

Domestic Abuse Help: Galop is the anti-violence charity for the LGBT+. www.galop.org.uk. Tel: 0800 999 5428;

Refuge’s National Domestic Abuse Helpline for free, confidential support, 24 hours a day on 0808 2000 247. www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk

If you are suffering any form of abuse, don’t forget you can get help with the “Ask for Ani” scheme. You can walk into any Boots, Morrisons, Superdrug and many pharmacies where staff are trained and know how to support you. You can search for safe zones near you here: Safe Spaces Locations – UK SAYS NO MORE

Depression in Students: Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts. Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying: www.studentsagainstdepression.org

Substance abuse: For information and links to charities and organisations that help with substance abuse, visit www.supportline.org.uk/problems/drugs/