NHS 24 111
If you're not feeling in a good place mentally, NHS 24 can help provide the support you need. Our 111 service is here for you.
Help & support
Getting the right help and support when you need it .
We’re living through unfamiliar times right now and the coronavirus outbreak has changed how we live day to day. If you feel confused, stressed or anxious at some point, you’re not alone.
Whether you have been directly affected by the virus, or are struggling to cope with the restrictions, it is important to look after both your physical and mental health. The tips on this site can help.
If things are becoming a bit much, it’s important to talk to someone about how you are feeling. This could be a family member or friend, your GP or by calling a helpline. There is help available.
If you need to talk to someone, you can call:
NHS 24 on 111
Monday - Sunday 6pm to 2am
Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87
Weekdays: Monday - Thursday 6pm to 2am
Weekend: Friday 6pm - Monday 6am
Samaritans on 116 123
24 hours a day, 365 days a year
Additional resources and support
Below you will find a number of support organisations throughout Scotland and the UK that can help with additional tips and ideas for looking after your mental health.
Breathing Space
We are a free, confidential, phone service for anyone in Scotland over 16. If you’re experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety, we provide a safe and supportive space, listening, offering advice and providing information.
Samaritans
Whatever you’re facing, a Samaritan will face it with you. We’re here, day or night, for anyone who’s struggling to cope, who needs someone to listen without judgement or pressure.
SAMH
As Scotland’s Mental Health charity, we offer a range of services across Scotland and have a hub with guidance for looking after your mental wellbeing as the coronavirus developments continue.
Support in Mind Scotland
We believe anyone affected by mental health issues deserves compassionate and expert support and we've compiled some guidance to help people through this difficult time.
Penumbra
We’re one of Scotland’s largest mental health charities. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious about the current situation, we have some good tips on keeping well, and free resources on maintaining good mental health.
See Me
We’re Scotland’s programme to end mental health stigma and discrimination. We’re creating a social movement, where people can come together to tackle stigma and discrimination, enabling people who are struggling with their mental health to live fulfilled lives.
Mental welfare
We protect and promote the human rights of people with mental illness, learning disabilities, dementia and related condition. Our five main areas of work are visiting people, monitoring the Acts, information and advice, investigations and influencing and challenging.
Mental Health foundation
We work to prevent mental health problems, so that people and communities across Scotland and the UK can thrive. Find out more and get tips on looking after your mental health in the pandemic.
NHS Inform
During the pandemic, it's important to have the right information. There are a number of useful, reliable sources available on NHS Inform to help you stay calm and relaxed.
Young Scot
We’re the National Youth Information Agency for young people in Scotland. Learn about what you can do if you are feeling anxious and worried, and how you can support others in your community.
Parent Club
Parent Club has a whole host of mental advice tips and advice to help parents and children during the coronavirus outbreak.
VOX (Voice of Experience)
VOX are Scotland’s national voice on mental health, making sure Scotland’s laws and mental health services reflect service user needs and interests. We’re run by service users, for service users.
Scottish Recovery Network
Visit our website for more information about mental health recovery, to hear people’s stories and find resources which can help you think about recovery and wellbeing.
Mind Yer Time
A website by children and young people in Scotland, for children and young people in Scotland. Get information, tips, resources and ideas on how to use screens and social media in healthy ways.
The Spark
The Spark’s free Relationship Helpline is for anyone experiencing relationship problems. If you are 16 or over freephone 0808 802 2088 for emotional support and access to free counselling, Monday to Friday.
Suppport for LGBT People
If you are LGBTQ+ and the current situation is affecting you, we are here to offer a friendly listening ear. Call, email or livechat with us.
Quit Your Way
Giving up smoking is not something you have to do on your own. Quit Your Way Scotland is free and we're here to help when you're ready.
Count 14
It's recommended that you don't drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week. Visit count14.scot for more information about the risks and tips on cutting back.
Ready Scotland - helping in your community
For advice on helping in your community and where to find additional suppport visit Ready Scotland.
Rape Crisis Scotland
The Rape Crisis Scotland National Helpline provides support for anyone in Scotland affected by sexual violence at any time in their lives.
Maternal Mental Health Scotland
We bring together lived and professional experience of perinatal and infant mental health into one voice. We use this to educate the public, health professionals and policy makers and campaign for change.
Age Scotland
With Age Scotland, you are not alone. We’re here to listen, provide friendship, information and advice. Because words matter. Our friendship line is part of our wider helpline and is open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm. Call us for free on 0800 12 44 222.
Childline
Childline provide online information and resources 24/7 as well as live counselling services (speak to a Childline counsellor online or on the phone) between 9am - Midnight.
Paths for all
We want to get Scotland walking. Everyone. Everyday. Everywhere.
Scottish Autism
Here at Scottish Autism, we know these are worrying and challenging times for everyone. That’s why our Autism Support Team are here for you, 7 days a week, 8am-8pm to offer advice and guidance when you need it most.
Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline
Our confidential helpline is here to support anyone with experience of domestic abuse or forced marriage, as well as their family members, friends, colleagues and professionals who support them.
In Control Scotland
We promote improved practice in self-directed support and run a variety of online forums and webinars providing advice and/or support.
Living Life
We are an appointment-based phone service for people in Scotland feeling low, stressed or anxious. We help you to understand your mood difficulties through a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy approach.
CAS
If you’re worried about paying for things like rent or energy bills due to coronavirus, the Citizen’s Advice network in Scotland can help.
Aliss
ALISS helps people find and share information about local groups, services and activities that can support health and wellbeing.
Solihull Online
Solihull Online is a resource for parents and carers from the antenatal period to 19 years focussed on developing nurturing and supportive relationships. Parents in Scotland can enter the code “tartan” for free access.
Beat
Beat is the UK's eating disorder charity. We provide free advice and support 365 days a year, giving you a place to feel listened to, supported and empowered.
Alzheimer Scotland
We're Scotland's leading dementia charity, making sure nobody faces dementia alone. We know this is a worrying time, and we're here for you with information and support. Call our 24 hour Freephone Dementia Helpline on 0808 808 3000 or visit our online hub for information during coronavirus.
Scottish Centre for Conflict Resolution
The Cyrenians Scottish Centre for Conflict Resolution’s award-winning digital resources and free training and events improve understanding of conflict and emotional needs, to transform relationships and lives.
Concerned you might have contracted the virus?.
If you think that you may have coronavirus, you can check your symptoms at NHS inform, and find more advice on what to do next.