Mental Health

Mental Health Services and Support

Did you know?

One in every four people in the country will face a mental health challenge each year. This could be things like anxiety, depression, addiction, personality disorders, or psychosis.

Feeling upset or scared when dealing with mental health problems is completely normal — but remember, you’re not alone. There are lots of support options and services ready to help you, including:

  • Online support and information services

  • Helplines

  • Talking therapies

  • Counselling

  • Crisis mental health support

  • Specialist mental health help

How to Access Support

Many services allow self-referral, meaning you do not need a referral from a GP or medical professional to use them.

You can also:

  • Contact your GP, who can offer advice, discuss treatments, and refer you to local support services.

  • Visit www.nhs.uk/mental-health for further information.

 

Urgent Help

Should you feel in need of more urgent help, please contact one of the options below: 

Keep Your Head – Mental health and wellbeing information for children, young people, adults, professionals, and schools across Cambridgeshire & Peterborough

  • Crisis support – NHS 111 Option 2
    If you feel you are in a mental health crisis, urgent support is available in our area 24/7 through 111. Dial 111 and select option 2. You will be put through to a trained advisor who will speak to you and discuss your current mental health needs.
  • Urgent care in mental health crises – dial 111 option 2 
  • The Hopeline UK (Papyrus) 08000684141 (up to age 35) 
  • The Samaritans free phone 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org 
  • Lifecraft 0808 808 2121 (11am – 11pm 7 days a week, 365 days a year) 
  • SANEline 0300 304 7000 (4.30pm – 10.30 pm) 
  • Test SHOUT to 85258 for free confidential 24/7 support via text message (giveusashout.org) 

Support Available:

  • Mind – CPSLMind
    A mental health charity providing a range of services and support for people suffering with mental health problems and promoting positive mental health across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
  • Keep Your Head 
    Provides information on mental health and wellbeing support and local services available for young people and adults across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
  • How Are You (H.A.Y.) 
    An interactive local website that brings together information on activities and support available in your local community to help boost mental health and wellbeing.
  • Lifecraft
    Free, confidential helpline that you can call anonymously to talk to a trained volunteer. Lifeline is available daily 11am-11pm and can be reached by calling 0808 808 2121.
  • Qwell and Kooth
    Free online wellbeing services offering chat-based counselling, peer support and self-help.
    – Qwell – for ages 18+
    – Kooth – for ages 11-25
  • Psychological Wellbeing Service
    Psychological therapy for mild to moderate depression or anxiety for anyone aged 17+. You do not need a diagnosis to access the service and can self-refer by visiting www.cpft.nhs.uk/psychological-wellbeing-service.

University Help

The University Counselling Service (UCS) supports students who are experiencing personal, relational or academic concerns.  

The UCS aims to offer students an initial 75-minute appointment within 10 working days. 

Average waiting times for an appointment at the UCS were 3 working days in the last academic year. 

Individual counselling | Student Support

Please do approach your college for help, they are able to give you support and advice. If you feel you cannot do this please contact the resources below. 

Page last reviewed: 13 January 2026
Page created: 30 May 2025