How to Access Emergency Help
Needing emergency help does not mean you have failed.
It does not mean you are dramatic.
It means something serious is happening and you deserve support right now.
If you are used to handling everything alone, emergencies can feel especially frightening or confusing. This guide is here to make things clearer, calmer and easier to navigate.
Think of this as a steady hand on your shoulder during moments that feel too big.
Before we start
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, or you feel seriously unsafe right now, please call 999 immediately.
You do not need to finish reading this page first.
An emergency is any situation where you or someone else feels unsafe, at risk, or unable to cope alone. If your body is telling you something is wrong, that matters.
You are allowed to ask for help, even if you are unsure.
Emergency Help Options
Click on the options below for more information on the best place to contact:
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An emergency includes situations where someone is:
Unsafe or in immediate danger
Seriously unwell
At risk of harm
Unable to keep themselves safe
Experiencing extreme emotional distress
If you are questioning whether something “counts”, that alone is enough to reach out.
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If you are unsure what kind of help you need, services like NHS 111 or a crisis helpline can help you decide what to do next. -
Call 999.
This is always the right step in a life-threatening situation. You can ask for the police, ambulance or fire service.
If you cannot speak, stay on the line and press 55 when prompted (Silent Solution). The operator will listen for background noise and send help.
You will not get in trouble for calling because you were scared or unsure.
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Dial 999 for immediate danger
Silent Solution: press 55 when asked if you can speak
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Use NHS 111.
They can help you work out whether you need A&E, arrange an out-of-hours appointment, or give advice on what to do next.
If you are unsure how serious something is, this service exists to help you decide.
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Call 111
Use the NHS App
Visit 111.nhs.uk
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If things feel heavy, scary or out of control, you can reach out for immediate emotional support.
You do not need to sound calm or have the right words. You can simply say, “I don’t feel safe right now.”
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Samaritans - 116 123 (free)
Shout (text support)- text SHOUT to 8525
The Mix (for under 25s) - text THEMIX to 85258
Mind - 0300 102 1234 (free)
Refuge (for relationship control or abuse) - 0808 2000 247 (free)
Your Local NHS Mental Health Crisis Team
You are not a burden for needing help.
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This includes domestic abuse, sexual violence, stalking, harassment, threats or intimidation.
You deserve to feel safe, regardless of who the harm is coming from.
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Call 999 if you are not safe
National Domestic Abuse Helpline - 0808 2000 247
Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) - 0808 500 2222
Police, if and when you choose
A trusted adult, worker or advocate
There is no shame in reaching out.
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This applies if you are:
At risk of losing your home tonight
Locked out with nowhere safe to go
Told to leave immediately
Sleeping somewhere unsafe
Housing emergencies are real emergencies.
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Your local council’s emergency housing or homelessness team
Out-of-hours homelessness services
Your PA, social worker or leaving care team
Local housing charities or support organisations
You can say, “I am not safe where I am.”
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If someone is threatening you, stalking you, refusing to leave, or making you feel scared, you are allowed to get urgent help.
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999 if you are in immediate danger
Police non-emergency line 101
Online police reporting tools
Advocacy services who can support you to take next steps
Your safety is not optional.
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That is okay.
You do not need to diagnose the situation to deserve help. You can say, “I’m scared and I don’t know what to do.”
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NHS 111
Crisis helplines
Emergency services if you feel unsafe
Professionals will help you work out the right next step.
What to say when asking for emergency help
You do not need to explain everything.
Simple phrases are enough:
“I don’t feel safe.”
“Someone is in danger.”
“I need help right now.”
“I can’t cope.”
You do not need a plan. Emergency services are trained to guide you.
After an emergency
When things settle, you might feel shaky, numb, embarrassed, guilty, relieved or confused.
All of these responses are normal.
You may need emotional support after the immediate danger has passed.
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Your GP
Mental health crisis team
Samaritans
A trusted adult, mentor or worker
Getting help was the right thing to do.
Reflective moment
If asking for emergency help feels hard, you are not alone.
Many people learn early on that asking does not always lead to safety.
But you do not have to face emergencies by yourself.
You are allowed to pick up the phone and say, “I need help.”
You deserve protection, care and immediate support.
Your safety comes first. Always.
Closing reassurance
Emergencies are frightening, but you are not alone in them.
There are services trained to keep you safe.
There are people who will listen without judgement.
There are teams who will show up for you.
You deserve to feel safe in your body, your home and your life.
…And there is always someone who can help you get there.