Suicide prevention

If you are struggling, feeling overwhelmed, having thoughts of suicide or have been affected by suicide, you are not alone, and help is available.

This page lists a range of free resources offering support if you are in crisis, experiencing suicidal thoughts, have been bereaved by suicide, or if you are in need of mental health support. Some services are local to Tower Hamlets, others are available across the UK. Most are accessible 24/7.

Along with accessing support, creating a safety plan can be an important step towards keeping yourself safe during difficult moments. It will help you recognise your warning signs, identify coping strategies, and know who to turn to when you need support.

Taking a few minutes to make a plan now can make a big difference later. It's simple, personal and will only take around 30 minutes to complete. Samaritans have created a template and guidance on how to fill it out.

If this is an emergency and you or someone else is in immediate danger, please call 999 or go to your nearest Accident and Emergency centre.

Crisis support

Crisis line (111 Option 2)

Suitable for: Anyone
In person available?: No
Service available: Support, advice, Emergency assessment
Method of contact: Telephone
Opening hours: 24/7
Contact and further information: Call: 111 (select option 2)

Papyrus

Suitable for: Up to 35 years old
In person available?: No
Service available: Hopeline247 phone service, Hopleline247 Webchat
Method of contact: Telephone or webchat
Opening hours: 24/7
Contact and further information: Call 0800 068 4141 or visit the Papyrus UK Suicide Prevention website.

Samaritans

Suitable for: Anyone
In person available?: No
Service available: Support
Method of contact: Telephone, email, written letter
Opening hours: 24/7
Contact and further information: Call 116 123 or visit the Samaritans website.

SHOUT

Suitable for: Anyone
In person available?: No
Service available: Crisis text line
Method of contact: Text
Opening hours: 24/7
Contact and further information: Text SHOUT to 85258

Support when having suicidal thoughts

Samaritans

The Mix

Suitable for: Aged 11-25
In person available?: No
Service available: Crisis messenger (Crisis Text Line and Shout), Short term counselling
Method of contact: Text and online
Opening hours: 24/7
Contact and further information: Find out more on The Mix website.

Body and Soul

Suitable for: 13-19 year olds and 16-30 year olds

In person available?: Yes
Service available: Therapy and resources
Method of contact: Telephone and email
Opening hours:
Contact and further information: Find out more on the Body and Soul website.

Childcare

Suitable for: Under 19s
In person available?: No
Service available: Phoneline and email
Method of contact: Telephone, online, email
Opening hours: 24/7
Contact and further information: Find out more on the Childline website.

Safe Connections Community Hub

Suitable for: Aged 18 and over
In person available?: Yes
Service available: Support and signposting
Method of contact: In person, online for, telephone or email
Opening hours: 9.30am to 4pm, Monday to Friday
Contact and further information: Find out more on the Suicide Prevention at Mind in Tower Hamlets website

Tower Hamlets-Together Cafe

Suitable for: Aged 18 and over
In person available?: Yes
Service available: Drop in face-to-face support
Method of contact: Drop-in
Opening hours: 5 to 9pm, Monday to Friday and 12 to 9pm on Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays
Contact and further information: Find out more on the Hestia website.

James’ Place

Suitable for: Men aged 18 and over
In person available?: Yes
Service available: Talking therapy (face-to-face therapy)
Method of contact: Telephone and email
Opening hours: 9.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays)
Contact and further information: Find out more on the James' Place website.

The Listening Place

Suitable for: Aged 18 and over

In person available?: Yes
Service available: Face to face support
Method of contact: Telephone and email
Opening hours: 9am to 9pm, 7 days a week, East London service opening Summer 2025
Contact and further information: Find out more on the Listening Place website.

SHOUT

Suitable for: Anyone
In person available?: No
Service available: 24/7 text service
Method of contact: Text
Opening hours: 24/7
Contact and further information: Text SHOUT to 85258

CALM

Suitable for: Not specified
In person available?: No
Service available: Support, helpline, livechat
Method of contact: Telephone, online, WhatsApp
Opening hours: 5pm to midnight
Contact and further information: Find out more on the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) website.

Support for people bereaved by suicide

Grief in Pieces

Suitable for: 18 and over
In person available?: Yes
Service available: Support, therapy and groups
Method of contact: Telephone, online, email
Opening hours:
Contact and further information: Find out more on the Mind website.

Winston’s Wish

Suitable for: 13-25
In person available?: No
Service available: Livechat, Helpline, Email, Text, Talk Grief
Method of contact: Telephone, online, email, text
Opening hours: 8am to 8pm
Contact and further information: Find out more on the Winston's Wish website.

The Compassionate Friends

Suitable for: Parents, siblings and grandparents
In person available?: Yes
Service available: Helpline, Peer support, Walks, Videos, Support packs, Resources
Method of contact: Telephone and email
Opening hours: Helpline open 10am to 4pm, 7 to 10pm every day of the year, Office: 9.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday
Contact and further information: Find out more on the Compassionate Friends website.

Suicide & Co

Suitable for: 18 and over
In person available?: No
Service available: Advisors, Counselling, App, Resources, Podcast, Helpline
Method of contact: Telephone and online form
Opening hours: 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
Contact and further information: Find out more on the Suicide&Co website. Helpline: 0800 054 8400

General mental health support

CAMHS

Suitable for: Up to 18
In person available?: Yes
Service available: Assessment, advice, support
Method of contact: Telephone or referral
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Contact and further information: Find out more on the CAMHS website

Step Forward

Suitable for: Aged 11-24
In person available?: Yes
Service available: Counselling
Method of contact: Email and telephone
Opening hours: Monday, 10am to 6pm, Tuesday, 10am to 7pm, Wednesday, 10am to 8pm. Thursday, 10am to 7pm, Friday, 10am to 6pm, Saturday, 10.30am to 12.30pm, Sunday, Closed
Contact and further information: Find out more on the Step Forward website.

Young Minds

Suitable for: Young people and parents
In person available?: No
Service available: Resource, information
Method of contact: Online resources
Opening hours: 24/7
Contact and further information: Find out more on the Young Minds website.

Tower Hamlets Talking Therapies

Suitable for: 18 and over, Mild to moderate mental health difficulties
In person available?: Yes
Service available: Wellbeing webinars, individual therapy, group therapy, bereavement support
Method of contact: Telephone, email and online form
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, 9am to 8pm and Friday from 9am to 5pm
Contact and further information: Find out more on the Talking Therapies website

Mind

Suitable for: 18 and over
In person available?: Yes
Service available: Advocacy, advice, support
Method of contact: Telephone, email, online form
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5pm
Contact and further information: Find out more on the Mind website.