Samaritans is a confidential emotional support service available across the UK and Republic of Ireland. The service is available 24 hours a day for anyone who is struggling to cope. . You can talk to Samaritans about whatever you are going through. Samaritans Volunteers offer support via phone call, text, email and letters.

Many branches also offer facilities for you to come into the branch and talk to a volunteer face to face if you find it easier. There are 19 branches in Scotland. Check your local branch information to see if it offers this service.

Phone: 116 123

You can also:

• email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org
• write to Chris, Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK
• use the Next Generation Text (NGT) service using your local branch telephone number if you are deaf or hard of hearing.

Visit Samaritans

Breathing Space is a free and confidential phoneline service for anyone in Scotland who is experiencing low mood or depression and need someone to talk to.

Trained specialist advisors will listen to your problems and may offer advice, guidance and support underpinned by empathy, warmth and understanding.

Phone: 0800 83 85 87 (free phone)

24 hours at weekends (6pm Friday - 6am Monday).
6pm to 2am on weekdays (Monday - Thursday).

You can also call Breathing Space if you need support with helping someone you're worried about.

Visit Breathing Space

If you are worried that someone is suicidal, ask them. It could save their life.

Most people thinking about suicide will try to let someone know. The key to helping is watching out for the warning signs and knowing what to do to help.

Someone you know may be at risk of suicide if they:

• appear stressed, anxious or depressed
• don’t seem to be coping with any problems they may have
• are distracted, moody or withdrawn
• show marked changes in their eating, sleeping or drinking habits.

What you can do:

• Take all signs of distress seriously, even if the person seems to be living a normal life.
• Ask the person about what’s troubling them.
• Listen carefully to what they have to say.
• Let them know you care.

If it feels right, ask if they are thinking about suicide. It won’t put the thought in their head if it wasn’t there before, but it can be a big relief for them to be able to say, ‘Yes, I am’ and acknowledge they need help.