Mental Health Support
Do you need help?
If you’re experiencing mental health problems or need urgent mental health support, there are lots of places you can go to for help.
#RunAndTalk focusses on supporting mental wellbeing through running, so we’re not able to provide individual or emergency support for people who are unwell or in crisis. But there are lots of people who can and their details are below.
Useful contacts
Support for England athletes
Athletes representing England, but who do not benefit from support through the World Class Programme (WCP), can access mental health services and support following UKA’s appointment of Priory Healthcare. Non-programme athletes can access a clear self-referral signposting system to quickly access a nationwide network of mental health expertise via the Priory’s Wellbeing Centres and Hospitals. Whilst athletes are still advised to seek referral via their GP in the first instance, there is a recognition that pressures on GPs and the NHS mean that athletes may need to seek access to a private referral system both promptly and confidentially. Visit the UKA website for details on how to access Priory Healthcare mental health support. Athletes in the World Class Programme can access their support through services delivered by Cognacity and BUPA – click here for details.
Samaritans
Telephone: 116 123 (24 hours a day, free to call) email: jo@samaritans.org Website: www.samaritans.org
Provides confidential, non-judgemental emotional support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those that could lead to suicide. You can phone, email, write a letter or in most cases talk to someone face to face.
Mind infoline
Telephone: 0300 123 3393 (9am-6pm Monday to Friday) Email: info@mind.org.uk Website: www.mind.org.uk
Mind provides confidential mental health information services. With support and understanding, Mind enables people to make informed choices. The infoline gives information on types of mental distress, where to get help, drug treatments, alternative therapies and advocacy. Mind has around 140 local Minds providing local mental health services.
Rethink Mental Illness advice line
Telephone: 0300 5000 927 (9.30am – 4pm Monday to Friday) Email: info@rethink.org Website: www.rethink.org
Provides expert advice and information to people with mental health problems and those who care for them, as well as giving help to health professionals, employers and staff. Rethink also runs Rethink services and groups across England and Northern Ireland.
Saneline
Telephone: 0300 304 7000 (4:30pm-10:30pm) Website: www.sane.org.uk
Saneline is a national mental health helpline providing information and support to people with mental health problems and those who support them.
The Mix
Telephone: 0808 808 4994 (11am-11pm, free to call) Website: www.themix.org.uk
The Mix provides judgement-free information and support to young people aged 13-25 on a range of issues including mental health problems. Young people can access the The Mix’s support via phone, email, peer to peer and counselling services.
ChildLine
Telephone: 0800 1111 Website: www.childline.org.uk
ChildLine is a private and confidential service for children and young people up to the age of nineteen. You can contact a ChildLine counsellor for free about anything – no problem is too big or too small.
Side by Side
Website: https://sidebyside.mind.org.uk
Side by Side is a supportive online community where you can be yourself. We all know what it’s like to struggle sometimes, and this is a safe place to listen, share and be heard. Our ‘Being active’ theme helps community members easily share and find content about being active, to motivate, inspire and support each other.
What should I do if I’m supporting someone else?
If the person seems really unwell, and you are worried about their safety, you should encourage them to seek help. The Mind website provides guidance on how to support someone in crisis here.