In the event of a medical emergency

Contact the Emergency services by calling 999 in the UK or 112 anywhere within Europe. If you are able; attend your closest A&E.

Do you have a speech or hearing impairment?

Have you registered for Emergency 999 to text your request for emergency assistance?

To register for this service, text "Register" to 999 and follow the instructions prior to an emergency occurring.

If your medical concern is of a non urgent nature, you can contact NHS Direct on 111 or contact your doctor to make an appointment.

Feeling low, depressed or suicidal?

The most important thing you can do in a time of crisis is reach out and speak to someone.

The support you need is available right now for the times you may be feeling low and desperate.

Samaritans – for everyone
Call 116 123
Email [email protected]

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – for men
Call 0800 58 58 58 – 5pm to midnight every day
Visit the webchat page

Papyrus – for people under 35
Call 0800 068 41 41 – Monday to Friday 10am to 10pm, weekends 2pm to 10pm, bank holidays 2pm to 5pm
Text 07786 209697
Email [email protected]

Childline – for children and young people under 19
Call 0800 1111 – the number won't show up on your phone bill

The Silver Line – for older people
Call 0800 4 70 80 90

Other assistance is available

If you are not ready to speak to someone that you know, then consider:

Contacting your GP and asking for an Emergency Appointment

Calling 111 NHS out of hours, and they will be able to guide you to the right support

Within Essex you can contact your nearest NHS Crisis line, a full list is available here .

Medway - contact Crisis Resolution Home Treatment Team 24/7 on 0300 222 0123 or text 07860 022819

Substance and Alcohol Support Groups

Attending support group's brings a number of benefits to people such as feeling understood, encouragement and empowerment. These groups run on an anonymity basis and the only requirement to attend is a desire to stop using.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings - Listed in alphabetical order by town name

Cocaine Anonymous (CA) groups in Essex - Listed chronologically from Sunday to Saturday

Cocaine Anonymous (CA) groups in Kent including Medway

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) groups in Essex - Listed chronologically from Sunday to Saturday

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) groups for Medway

Other addiction support groups

Gamblers Anonymous (GA) groups in the south east

Overeaters Anonymous (OA) groups in the south east

Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA) meetings

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA) meetings