Worried about Someone?
Below we’ve compiled a list of some great resources, and methods you can use to help someone in need.
If you’re worried about a friend, colleague or relative, ask them how they are. The act of listening is the most beneficial thing you can do for someone in crisis.
You don’t have to be able to solve their problems or even understand them, and you are not there to provide all the answers, just let the person know they can talk to someone.
Empathise with them, ask questions, and avoid making judgements about their behaviour or thoughts.
Questions like “How did it start?” or “What made you choose that?” will make the person examine the problems they’re experiencing. Unlike “I know how you feel” or “Try not to worry about it” which can quickly end a conversation.
Getting professional help
We’ve included some useful contact details below if you feel that talking to a counsellor or receiving practical help would be beneficial.
Tyneside and Northumberland Mind Support Line: If you would like to speak to someone about how you’re feeling our Support Line Call Handlers are here to listen. Monday-Friday 2pm-10pm and Saturday-Sunday 12pm-8pm. Telephone: 0191 477 4545 or 0330 174 3174 (Calls are charged at local rate). For everyone aged 16 and over living in Newcastle, Gateshead and Northumberland.
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Samaritans 24-hour telephone helpline: Offering emotional support to people experiencing distress or despair. Telephone: 08457 90 90 90 Email: jo@samaritans.org Website: www.samaritans.org
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Emergency Services: You can ask to stay on the line while you wait for help to arrive. Telephone: 999 – calls to this number are free
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HOPELineUK: Non-judgmental support, practical advice and information for children, teenagers and young people. Monday to Friday 10am – 10pm, Saturday & Sunday 2pm – 5pm. Telephone: 0800 068 41 41 or Text: 07786 209697 Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org Website: www.papyrus-uk.org/more/hopelineuk
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Mind Info Line: Help and advice line for people with mental health problems. Monday to Friday 9am – 6pm. Telephone: 0300 123 3393 Email: info@mind.org.uk Website: www.mind.org.uk
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Tyneside and Northumberland Mind Mind Wellbeing Services: We provide a range of counselling and therapeutic services, as well as dedicated programmes for families, victims of crime, and neurodivergent people awaiting a diagnosis of Autism or ADHD. Make an online enquiry to see how we can support you. Make an Enquirie: Fill in our short form. Telephone: 0191 477 4545 Email: admin@tynesidemind.org.uk Website: www.tynesidemind.org.uk
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NHS 111 service: 24-hour information and advice on any health problem or service. Telephone: 111 Website: https://www.nhs.uk
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Eating Disorders Support: Support helpline in the UK for eating disorders. Website contains information about eating disorders, as well as what to do if you are worried somebody you know may be affected by an eating disorder. Telephone: Helpline: 01494 793223 Website: www.eatingdisorderssupport.co.uk/
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ABCA: National organisation run for anyone who is suffering because of eating disorders: sufferers, their families, carers and professionals. Telephone: 03000 11 12 13 (option 1-parent helpline option, 2-sufferer helpline, option 3-self harm helpline) Website: https://www.talk-ed.org.uk
