Support Helplines
This is not an exhaustive list of helplines. If you know of a good helpline let us know by emailing us at support@uhi.ac.uk. Please remember that we are not responsible for the content of external websites.
If you are concerned someone might check what websites you visit, find out about .
If you are worried someone may be suicidal, ask them. It could save their life. Choose Life (Suicide Prevention in Scotland) have produced a guide which gives advice and tips on spotting suicidal signs, and listening effectively. It also contains details of support groups and organisations which can provide further help and assistance;
- is a free and confidential phoneline service for any individual, who is experiencing low mood or depression, or who is unusually worried and in need of someone to talk to
- 0800 83 85 87 Opening hours: Monday - Thursday 6pm - 2am, Friday 6pm - Monday 6am
- is a suicide prevention resource, full of useful information to help you stay safe. You can use it if you are having thoughts of suicide, or if you are concerned about someone else who may be considering suicide
- provides free, safe, and anonymous online support for young people, with access to counsellors during opening hours. There are also articles written by young people, and support from the Kooth Community
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 12pm - 10pm, Saturday - Sunday 6pm - 10pm
- Spectrum Life is free to our students and offers 24/7 access to mental health support. All calls are answered by clinically trained counsellors or psychotherapists
- have reviewed thousands of health-related apps and handpicked the best. You can enter keywords to search for what you need
- have videos from thousands of people who have shared their experience of what it's like to have a health condition. You can search by name, or there is an A-Z list
- are the UK's leading charity for children and young people's mental health
Alcohol
Alcohol
- 鈥�- 0845 7697 555
- Drinkline Scotland (Telephone) - 0800 7314 314
Autism
Autism
- 鈥�- Personalised support from your mobile phone, designed to reduce anxiety, help you feel safe, and increase independence
- - Provide advice, guidance, and support with the aim to create a society which works for autistic people
Bereavement
Bereavement
- 鈥�- Day by Day Helpline 0844 4779400 Open Monday - Friday 9.30am - 5pm. Young Person's freephone helpline - 0808 8081677
- - National Support Helpline 0300 1115065 Open Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm. There is also an online
Bullying
Bullying
- 鈥�- A coalition of organisations and individuals, working to stop bullying and create safer environments for children and young people
- - 0845 2255787 Open Monday - Friday 10am - 4pm, Saturday 10am - 2pm
- 鈥�- Advice and guidance from the campaign behind the annual UK Stand Up To Bullying Day.
Debt
Debt
- 鈥�- 0808 8084000 24hr helpline
- - Free expert debt help and advice
Depression, stress and anxiety
Depression, stress and anxiety
- 鈥�- National charity helping people with anxiety
- 鈥�- An app to help you manage your emotions and get restful sleep, including a daily 3 minute moment of mindfulness
- 鈥�- Improving the mental health of young people by making better use of the internet, social media, and mobile technologies
- 鈥�- Increasing awareness and underestanding of depression, and providing dedicated support
- 鈥�- A meditation and mindfulness app, for use on the go
- - Text service providing free 24/7 crisis support.鈥疶ext CAM to 85258
- 鈥�- A safe space for young people to get their questions answered without judgement, within 24hrs
- 鈥�- Records your moods and activities to help you understand and improve your habits
- 鈥�- Techniques to help overcome stress and negative thoughts, and build resilience
- 鈥�- An app which makes meditation simple
- 鈥�- National Association for Mental Health information line - 08457 660163 (local rate)
- 鈥�- Improve your mood fitness
- 鈥�- An app which helps you take control of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviour
- 鈥�- The national charity run by and for people with lived experience of OCD
- 鈥�- A paced breathing tool to help you calm down before or during a panic attack
- 鈥�- Preventing young suicide
- 鈥�- Seasonal Affective Disorder support and advice
- 鈥�- 116 123 (free) or a live online webchat is also available
- 鈥�- For Scotland's mental health
- (formerly Elefriends) - A supportive online community to listen, share and be heard
- 鈥�- Free, 24/7 text support for people in crisis
- 鈥�- Turns your screen into a stress-relief tool
- - Play to build resilience and stay strong, motivated, and positive even in the face of challenges
- - Supporting people who have been bereaved or affected by suicide
- 鈥�- Preventing male suicide
- 鈥�- The UK's leading support service for young people under 25, from health to money to dealing with break-ups, and more
Domestic abuse
Domestic abuse
- 鈥�–鈥疶his is a national organisation working with men who have experienced or are experiencing domestic abuse. Freephone from 7pm – 10pm 0808 8000024
- 鈥�- A free app providing support and information to anyone who may be in an abusive relationship, or concerned about someone they know
- - Scottish Domestic Abuse Helpline - 0800 0271234
- Support to keep you safe - 杏吧原创's Gender-based violence webpages contain support information to keep you safe
- Support from Specialist Services - 杏吧原创's Gender-based violence webpages contain links to Specialist Support Services for those experiencing gender-based violence
Drugs
Drugs
- - National Drugs Helpline 0800 776600
Eating relationships
Eating relationships
- 鈥�- 0845 6341414 or鈥� help@b-eat.co.uk
- - A national UK eating disorders organisation which offers on-going care, emotional support, and practical guidance. Helpline: 08500 122 555 Open Monday - Friday 9.30am - 5.30pm
- - a guide to free eating disorders helplines in the UK
Gambling
Gambling
- 鈥�-Leading provider of information, advice, support and free counselling for the prevention and treatment of problem gambling
Learning disabilities
Learning disabilities
- 鈥�- Supporting people with a learning disability, and their families
Physical health
Physical health
- 鈥�- Download the app or listen to weekly podcasts to help you be able run 5k in 9 weeks
- - Supporting and inspiring those with long term health conditions to be more active
- - Download the app to find free period products near you. The website also contains information and guidance about periods
- - Information on the health benefits of exercise, with ideas on how to keep active
Relationships
Relationships
- - Counselling and relationship support
- 鈥�- 0845 1192020
- - A platform where young people can seek advice and share stories about how their mental health affects their romantic relationship
- 鈥�- A website offering advice on how to deal with a difficult parent, feel better, and grow stronger
Self-harm
Self-harm
- - Peer support for those affected by self harm and their families, as well as other support resources
- - An app which provides tasks to help resist or manage the urge to self harm
Sexual health and wellbeing
Sexual health and wellbeing
- 鈥�- 08088 010302
- - Scotland 0141 5765088
- 鈥�- 08457 304030
- 鈥�- Confidential advice for under 25s - Ask Brook 0808 8021234
- Getting young people across the Highlands thinking and talking about their sexual health and relationships
- Gender Based and Sexual Violence鈥�- the university support webpage for anyone who has experienced this
Sexual health - local clinics
Sexual health - local clinics
| Clinic | Info |
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Emergency Contraception is available free from most pharmacies, and some minor injuries/A+E departments, in Scotland and medication can be taken up to 3 days (72 hours) or in some cases up to 5 days (120 hours – prescription required) after intercourse, to prevent pregnancy. An IUD (often called a coil) can be fitted up to 5 days after at some clinics and GPs to provide emergency contraceptive cover. Emergency contraception does not protect from, or treat, Sexually Transmitted Infections. |
|
|
01463 888300. Clinics available in Inverness, Thurso, Wick, Invergordon, Fort William, Skye, Aviemore. Live Chat for Under 25s also available online鈥� |
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(Orkney) |
01856 888917 |
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03453379900 Ensure you ask for the Elgin clinic, or wherever is most convenient for you鈥� |
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01382 425542 Ensure you ask for the Perth clinic, or wherever is most convenient for you鈥� |
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Services in Dunoon, Helensburgh, and Oban |
Smoking
Smoking
- - An advice and support service for anyone trying to stop smoking
- - Information on the benefits of stopping smoking and links to access support and guidance
Suicide
Suicide
- offer advice, support, and guidance, including a helpline (5pm-midnight) and webchat
- The offers support for all those affected by suicide or experiencing suicidal thoughts
- offer support in the Highlands via text, webchat, messenger, WhatsApp, or face-to-face (online or in-person)
- work for the prevention of young suicide. Contact them by phone or via text, or visit the website for support
- offer practical information and support to those who have lost a loved one to suicide