I don't know what kind of help I need
Sometimes you know that something is not right, but you cannot quite explain what it is.
You might feel frightened, unhappy, confused, overwhelmed, lonely or simply unable to cope with something happening in your life.
Perhaps there are several things worrying you at once. Perhaps you are unsure whether what you are experiencing is serious enough to ask for help.
You may even be worried about something you have never spoken about before.
You do not need to put a name to your problem before someone can help you.
Jacob's House is here to make finding an appropriate support service a little easier.
You can start with whatever feels most manageable.
Are you or someone else in immediate danger?
If someone is in immediate danger, seriously injured, or at immediate risk of serious harm, call emergency services.
999Ask for the police, ambulance or fire service as appropriate.
If you need urgent mental health support in England but there is no immediate danger to life, call 111 and select the mental health option.
Where should I start?
You do not have to read every page or make a decision immediately.
Think about which of these statements feels closest to what you are experiencing.
It is fine if more than one applies.
Choose what feels closest
Each option leads to a page with more information and relevant UK support services.
I feel frightened or unsafe
Someone may be hurting, threatening, controlling or frightening you, or you may feel unsafe where you live.
Find safety supportI am struggling with my feelings
You might feel anxious, sad, overwhelmed, hopeless or unlike yourself, without knowing why.
Find mental health supportSomeone is treating me badly
You may be experiencing bullying, harassment, abuse, intimidation or unwanted pressure.
Find abuse supportI have nowhere safe to stay
You may have nowhere to sleep tonight, be at risk of homelessness or be unable to remain safely at home.
Find housing supportI am worried about drugs or alcohol
You may be concerned about your own use of alcohol or drugs, or the effect they are having on your life.
Find drug and alcohol supportI am worried about another person
Someone you care about may be struggling, behaving differently, or experiencing something that makes you concerned.
Find advice for helping someoneWhat if none of those options fits?
That is completely fine.
You may simply need to speak to someone who will listen while you work out what is troubling you.
You do not have to explain everything perfectly, and you do not have to tell your whole story in one conversation.
I need someone to talk toSpeak to someone directly
If you would rather talk or write to a listening service, these are places to begin.
Samaritans
Free emotional support for anyone who needs someone to listen, whatever they are going through.
116 123Available 24 hours a day, every day.
Contact SamaritansShout — text support
If talking on the telephone feels difficult, Shout offers free, confidential text-based support for emotional distress and crisis.
Text SHOUT to:
85258Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Visit ShoutChildline — under 19s
Children and young people under 19 can speak confidentially about anything that is worrying them.
0800 1111Free telephone support, with online messaging and counsellor chat also available.
Visit ChildlineNHS — health concerns
If you are concerned about your physical or mental health, a GP can help you understand your options and refer you for appropriate support.
For urgent mental health help in England, call 111 and select the mental health option.
Find NHS mental health helpWhat if I am afraid to ask for help?
It can feel difficult to take the first step, particularly if you are worried about being judged, not being believed or not knowing what to say.
You could begin with a simple sentence:
"Something is wrong, but I don't know how to explain it."
Or:
"I think I need some help, but I'm not sure what kind of help."
A trained support worker can listen and help you consider what might be useful next.
If someone is monitoring your phone or internet use, try to access support using a device you can use safely.
One small step is enough to begin
You do not need to solve everything today.
You might choose to read one page, save a telephone number, speak to someone you trust, or contact a support organisation.
What matters is finding a safe and appropriate place to start.
About Jacob's House
Jacob's House is a UK signposting resource helping people find established support organisations.
We do not provide medical advice, counselling, emergency intervention or individual casework.
You do not need to create an account or provide personal information to Jacob's House to use these resources.
