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If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, feeling overwhelmed, or at risk of harming themselves, it’s important to know that help is available. You don’t have to cope on your own.

There are a range of services across Hampshire and nationally that offer safe, understanding support — whether you need someone to talk to, urgent help in a crisis, or a safe place to go.

These include:

  • Crisis helplines you can call, text or message at any time
  • Local services like Sasha’s Project and Safe Havens that provide calm, supportive spaces to talk and get help
  • Support for children, young people and adults, with options designed to meet different needs

These services are there to listen without judgement, help you feel safe, and support you to find the right next steps. You can access many of them yourself, or ask a parent, carer, friend or professional to help you reach out.

You deserve support, understanding, and care — and there are people ready to help when you need it.

There are a range of national organisations that you can turn to if you need some support.

Childline

Children and young people can contact Childline about anything. Whatever their worry.

There are lots of different ways to speak to a Childline counsellor or get support from other young people. Children and young people can send an email, call for free on 0800 1111 or log-in to chat with a 1-2-1 counsellor.

The Mix

Counselling services, a helpline, webchat and community message boards for young people who are struggling

Sane

Provides care and emotional support for people aged 16 and over affected by mental illness.

Young Minds

A website dedicated to the mental health of children and young people. Whether you want to understand more about how you're feeling, get information about a mental health condition or find support, our guides can help.

Hampshire Public Health Nursing Service – Chat health

Chat Health 11-19 years

07507 332160 - The Chat Health text service is an easy way for young people in Hampshire aged 11-19 to confidentially ask for help with a range of issues. The service is manned by qualified school nurses who have a wealth of experience of working with young people and provide support with a range of health and wellbeing issues, including anxiety, relationships, self-harm and bullying. As well as giving advice, the team can signpost to appropriate services and other support. 

KOOTH

Your online mental wellbeing community offering anonymous, free emotional and mental health support for children and young people aged between 11 and 24.

SHOUT (24hrs)

Shout 85258 is a free, confidential, anonymous text support service. You can text from wherever you are in the UK. If you are struggling to cope and need to talk, trained Shout Volunteers are there for you, day or night.

Tellmi

An app that allows young people to talk about difficult things with people their age, while hiding their identity. All posts and responses are moderated for safety 

There are a range of national organisations that you can turn to if you need some support.

Childline

Children and young people can contact Childline about anything. Whatever their worry.

There are lots of different ways to speak to a Childline counsellor or get support from other young people. Children and young people can send an email, call for free on 0800 1111 or log-in to chat with a 1-2-1 counsellor.

The Mix

Counselling services, a helpline, webchat and community message boards for young people who are struggling

Sane

Provides care and emotional support for people aged 16 and over affected by mental illness.

Young Minds

A website dedicated to the mental health of children and young people. Whether you want to understand more about how you're feeling, get information about a mental health condition or find support, our guides can help.

Hampshire Public Health Nursing Service – Chat health

Chat Health 11-19 years

07507 332160 - The Chat Health text service is an easy way for young people in Hampshire aged 11-19 to confidentially ask for help with a range of issues. The service is manned by qualified school nurses who have a wealth of experience of working with young people and provide support with a range of health and wellbeing issues, including anxiety, relationships, self-harm and bullying. As well as giving advice, the team can signpost to appropriate services and other support. 

KOOTH

Your online mental wellbeing community offering anonymous, free emotional and mental health support for children and young people aged between 11 and 24.

SHOUT (24hrs)

Shout 85258 is a free, confidential, anonymous text support service. You can text from wherever you are in the UK. If you are struggling to cope and need to talk, trained Shout Volunteers are there for you, day or night.

Tellmi

An app that allows young people to talk about difficult things with people their age, while hiding their identity. All posts and responses are moderated for safety 

Here you will find support or guidance for young people who are struggling with self harm.

The Solent Mind Self Harm Hub

Information for parents, carers, professionals and people who self harm on what self harm is, why people do it and what can help.

Calm Harm

Calm Harm is an award-winning app funded by teenage mental health charity stem4, to help manage the urge to self-harm. 

distrACT app

This app provides information and advice about self harm and suicidal thoughts

Here you will find support or guidance for young people who are struggling with self harm.

The Solent Mind Self Harm Hub

Information for parents, carers, professionals and people who self harm on what self harm is, why people do it and what can help.

Calm Harm

Calm Harm is an award-winning app funded by teenage mental health charity stem4, to help manage the urge to self-harm. 

distrACT app

This app provides information and advice about self harm and suicidal thoughts

Free, confidential emotional wellbeing support for young people aged 11–25, offering online chat and one-to-one support to help manage mental health, build coping skills, and improve confidence.

What they offer

Emotional wellbeing support

·       Free, confidential support for young people who are:

o   Feeling anxious, low, stressed, overwhelmed or isolated

o   Dealing with trauma, difficult experiences, or uncertainty

A safe, non-judgemental space to talk and explore feelings with sessions tailored to the young person’s needs and goals.

StepChat (online chat)

  • Instant, real-time online chat with a trained worker
  • No booking or referral needed

·       Good first step if a young person:

o   Isn’t sure what support they need

o   Just wants someone to talk to

·       Fully confidential and low-pressure

One-to-one support

·       Ongoing individual sessions with a wellbeing worker

·       Focus on:

o   Understanding what’s going on

o   Developing coping strategies

o   Building confidence and resilience

·       Can be accessed by self-referral or via a trusted adult

What they can help with

Support covers a wide range of emotional and mental health needs, including:

  • Anxiety and panic
  • Low mood or depression
  • Stress (school, work, life)
  • Trauma or past experiences
  • Loneliness or isolation
  • Self-harm
  • Cultural adjustment or homesickness
  • Feeling unsure about the future

View their website for more information

Free, confidential emotional wellbeing support for young people aged 11–25, offering online chat and one-to-one support to help manage mental health, build coping skills, and improve confidence.

What they offer

Emotional wellbeing support

·       Free, confidential support for young people who are:

o   Feeling anxious, low, stressed, overwhelmed or isolated

o   Dealing with trauma, difficult experiences, or uncertainty

A safe, non-judgemental space to talk and explore feelings with sessions tailored to the young person’s needs and goals.

StepChat (online chat)

  • Instant, real-time online chat with a trained worker
  • No booking or referral needed

·       Good first step if a young person:

o   Isn’t sure what support they need

o   Just wants someone to talk to

·       Fully confidential and low-pressure

One-to-one support

·       Ongoing individual sessions with a wellbeing worker

·       Focus on:

o   Understanding what’s going on

o   Developing coping strategies

o   Building confidence and resilience

·       Can be accessed by self-referral or via a trusted adult

What they can help with

Support covers a wide range of emotional and mental health needs, including:

  • Anxiety and panic
  • Low mood or depression
  • Stress (school, work, life)
  • Trauma or past experiences
  • Loneliness or isolation
  • Self-harm
  • Cultural adjustment or homesickness
  • Feeling unsure about the future

View their website for more information

What is a Safe Haven?

Safe Havens offer out-of-hours mental health support in a safe, calm and welcoming environment. They are there for people who may be struggling with their mental health and need someone to talk to right now, especially in the evening when other services may be closed.

You do not need a referral and can usually drop in, call, or access support online. Safe Havens are designed to be non-clinical, informal and non-judgemental spaces, where trained staff can listen, help you feel calmer, and support you to explore next steps.

They can help by:

  • Listening and offering emotional support
  • Helping you manage a crisis or difficult moment
  • Supporting you to develop coping strategies
  • Signposting you to longer-term help if needed
Safe Havens available in Hampshire

North and Mid Hampshire Safe Haven (Andover Mind)

Provides free, out-of-hours crisis support for adults (18+) in a calm and confidential setting. People can drop in, call, or access virtual support. The service helps individuals talk through what they are experiencing and access appropriate support.

South West Hampshire Safe Haven (Solent Mind)

An informal, non-judgemental drop-in service offering support during difficult times. Staff (including people with lived experience) provide in-the-moment support, a comfortable space, and help to connect with other services if needed.

Aldershot Safe Haven (Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust)

Offers evening and weekend drop-in support for adults experiencing emotional distress or a mental health crisis. The service is open to individuals and carers and provides a supportive environment with access to professional help.

Adults’ Safe Haven (Havant & East Hants Mind)

A daily evening drop-in service providing support, advice and practical help for adults in crisis. Visitors can access a safe, private space, talk to trained practitioners, and learn coping techniques, with support to plan next steps.

What is a Safe Haven?

Safe Havens offer out-of-hours mental health support in a safe, calm and welcoming environment. They are there for people who may be struggling with their mental health and need someone to talk to right now, especially in the evening when other services may be closed.

You do not need a referral and can usually drop in, call, or access support online. Safe Havens are designed to be non-clinical, informal and non-judgemental spaces, where trained staff can listen, help you feel calmer, and support you to explore next steps.

They can help by:

  • Listening and offering emotional support
  • Helping you manage a crisis or difficult moment
  • Supporting you to develop coping strategies
  • Signposting you to longer-term help if needed
Safe Havens available in Hampshire

North and Mid Hampshire Safe Haven (Andover Mind)

Provides free, out-of-hours crisis support for adults (18+) in a calm and confidential setting. People can drop in, call, or access virtual support. The service helps individuals talk through what they are experiencing and access appropriate support.

South West Hampshire Safe Haven (Solent Mind)

An informal, non-judgemental drop-in service offering support during difficult times. Staff (including people with lived experience) provide in-the-moment support, a comfortable space, and help to connect with other services if needed.

Aldershot Safe Haven (Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust)

Offers evening and weekend drop-in support for adults experiencing emotional distress or a mental health crisis. The service is open to individuals and carers and provides a supportive environment with access to professional help.

Adults’ Safe Haven (Havant & East Hants Mind)

A daily evening drop-in service providing support, advice and practical help for adults in crisis. Visitors can access a safe, private space, talk to trained practitioners, and learn coping techniques, with support to plan next steps.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, low, anxious, or just not yourself, there are places you can go to get support.

These are safe and confidential spaces where you can talk to someone and get help with your mental health or wellbeing. You don’t have to cope on your own.

Children and Young People’s Safe Haven – Havant & East Hants Mind

Who it’s for

  • Young people aged 11 to 17
  • Living in Havant, East or South East Hampshire

What support you can get

At Safe Haven, you can:

  • Talk one-to-one with someone who understands mental health
  • Get support if you’re in crisis, including help with self-harm or feeling unsafe
  • Learn ways to cope with things like anxiety, stress or low mood
  • Take part in activities like art, mindfulness or group discussions
  • Meet other young people and get peer support
  • Be signposted to other services if you need more help

There are also weekly topics you can join in with, such as:

  • anxiety
  • relationships
  • feeling low
  • body image
  • relaxation

What it’s like

  • A calm, welcoming and non-judgemental space
  • You can just sit, talk, or join in with activities
  • Staff are there to listen and help you feel safe

How to access it

  • It’s a drop-in service – you don’t need a referral or appointment
  • Just turn up during opening times
  • You can also arrange a first visit by phone or email if you prefer

📞 Other ways to get support

  • You can call 0300 303 1580 during their opening hours for telephone support

Southampton Safe Haven for Young People (No Limits)

Provides free, confidential crisis support for young people aged 11–25 in Southampton. Young people can drop in, speak to a youth worker, or access one-to-one sessions to help with issues such as anxiety, low mood, self-harm or emotional distress.

When might a Safe Haven help?

A Safe Haven may be helpful if someone:

  • Is feeling overwhelmed, anxious or distressed
  • Needs support outside normal working hours
  • Wants to talk to someone in a safe, supportive environment
  • Is experiencing a mental health crisis but does not need emergency medical care

Important to know

  • No referral is needed – you can usually just turn up or call
  • Services are typically open in the evenings, 365 days a year
  • Support is free and confidential
  • They are designed to be welcoming and inclusive, for anyone who needs support

You are not alone

If you or someone you care about is struggling, Safe Havens can provide a safe place to pause, talk, and begin to find a way forward.

Be You: mental health support for 11-17 year olds (Andover Mind) 

If you’re finding things hard or struggling with your mental health, Be You is a place you can go to talk and get support.

It’s a safe, relaxed space where you can share your thoughts and feelings and get help before things get worse.

A free mental health support service for young people aged 11–17 in Andover. Be You offers drop-in sessions and support to help you talk about your feelings, build confidence and cope with difficult times.

Who it’s for

  • Young people aged 11 to 17  
  • Living in Andover and surrounding areas in Hampshire

What support you can get

At Be You, you can:

  • Talk to someone who will listen and not judge you
  • Get advice, information and support with your mental health
  • Learn ways to cope with things like anxiety, stress or low mood
  • Be supported to build confidence, resilience and wellbeing
  • Get help to find other services if you need more support

The service aims to help early, so problems don’t get worse or reach crisis point. 

What it’s like

  • A safe and welcoming space to talk
  • A non-judgemental environment where you can be yourself
  • A chance to meet others who might feel similar to you 

Types of support available

  • Drop-in sessions – come along and talk to someone
  • One-to-one support – more personalised help if you need it
  • Opportunities to join group activities and build skills

How to access it

  • You can attend drop-in sessions – no referral needed
  • You may be offered additional support or signposting if needed 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, low, anxious, or just not yourself, there are places you can go to get support.

These are safe and confidential spaces where you can talk to someone and get help with your mental health or wellbeing. You don’t have to cope on your own.

Children and Young People’s Safe Haven – Havant & East Hants Mind

Who it’s for

  • Young people aged 11 to 17
  • Living in Havant, East or South East Hampshire

What support you can get

At Safe Haven, you can:

  • Talk one-to-one with someone who understands mental health
  • Get support if you’re in crisis, including help with self-harm or feeling unsafe
  • Learn ways to cope with things like anxiety, stress or low mood
  • Take part in activities like art, mindfulness or group discussions
  • Meet other young people and get peer support
  • Be signposted to other services if you need more help

There are also weekly topics you can join in with, such as:

  • anxiety
  • relationships
  • feeling low
  • body image
  • relaxation

What it’s like

  • A calm, welcoming and non-judgemental space
  • You can just sit, talk, or join in with activities
  • Staff are there to listen and help you feel safe

How to access it

  • It’s a drop-in service – you don’t need a referral or appointment
  • Just turn up during opening times
  • You can also arrange a first visit by phone or email if you prefer

📞 Other ways to get support

  • You can call 0300 303 1580 during their opening hours for telephone support

Southampton Safe Haven for Young People (No Limits)

Provides free, confidential crisis support for young people aged 11–25 in Southampton. Young people can drop in, speak to a youth worker, or access one-to-one sessions to help with issues such as anxiety, low mood, self-harm or emotional distress.

When might a Safe Haven help?

A Safe Haven may be helpful if someone:

  • Is feeling overwhelmed, anxious or distressed
  • Needs support outside normal working hours
  • Wants to talk to someone in a safe, supportive environment
  • Is experiencing a mental health crisis but does not need emergency medical care

Important to know

  • No referral is needed – you can usually just turn up or call
  • Services are typically open in the evenings, 365 days a year
  • Support is free and confidential
  • They are designed to be welcoming and inclusive, for anyone who needs support

You are not alone

If you or someone you care about is struggling, Safe Havens can provide a safe place to pause, talk, and begin to find a way forward.

Be You: mental health support for 11-17 year olds (Andover Mind) 

If you’re finding things hard or struggling with your mental health, Be You is a place you can go to talk and get support.

It’s a safe, relaxed space where you can share your thoughts and feelings and get help before things get worse.

A free mental health support service for young people aged 11–17 in Andover. Be You offers drop-in sessions and support to help you talk about your feelings, build confidence and cope with difficult times.

Who it’s for

  • Young people aged 11 to 17  
  • Living in Andover and surrounding areas in Hampshire

What support you can get

At Be You, you can:

  • Talk to someone who will listen and not judge you
  • Get advice, information and support with your mental health
  • Learn ways to cope with things like anxiety, stress or low mood
  • Be supported to build confidence, resilience and wellbeing
  • Get help to find other services if you need more support

The service aims to help early, so problems don’t get worse or reach crisis point. 

What it’s like

  • A safe and welcoming space to talk
  • A non-judgemental environment where you can be yourself
  • A chance to meet others who might feel similar to you 

Types of support available

  • Drop-in sessions – come along and talk to someone
  • One-to-one support – more personalised help if you need it
  • Opportunities to join group activities and build skills

How to access it

  • You can attend drop-in sessions – no referral needed
  • You may be offered additional support or signposting if needed 

In addition to Safe Havens, there are other local services that offer similar out-of-hours mental health support.

Sasha’s Project (Fleet – Young People’s Crisis Support)

Sasha’s Project is a mental health crisis support service for young people aged 13 to 25. It offers a safe, non-clinical space where young people can go if they are struggling with their mental health, including anxiety, depression or thoughts of suicide.

The service runs a drop-in centre in Fleet, open late at night (typically evenings through to early morning at weekends), providing support at a time when other services may not be available.

Young people can:

  • Drop in without an appointment
  • Speak to trained volunteers in a calm, confidential and non-judgemental environment
  • Stay as long as they need until they feel safe
  • Access support to help manage a crisis and reduce feelings of distress

The service aims to:

  • Provide a safe place during a mental health crisis
  • Help reduce the risk of self-harm or suicide
  • Support young people to develop coping strategies and plan for the future

Sasha’s Project was set up in memory of a young person who struggled to access support when she needed it most, and the service continues to focus on making sure young people have somewhere to turn, especially at night.

The Lighthouse (Solent Mind)

The Lighthouse is an out-of-hours mental health support service for adults (18+) who may be experiencing emotional distress or a mental health crisis. It provides a safe, informal and non-judgemental space where people can talk openly about how they are feeling and receive support.

The service is available in Southampton and can be accessed in person, online or by phone, making it easier to get help in a way that feels comfortable.

At The Lighthouse, people can:

  • Drop in or access support without a referral
  • Speak to trained staff, including people with lived experience
  • Receive emotional support during a difficult time
  • Explore next steps and be connected to other services if needed

The service offers short-term, in-the-moment support and is designed to help people feel safer, calmer and more supported, particularly during the evening when other services may be closed.

The Harbour (Solent Mind)

The Harbour is an out-of-hours mental health support service for adults (18+) across South Hampshire, including Portsmouth, Fareham, Gosport, Havant and East Hampshire. It offers immediate support for people experiencing significant distress or crisis.

The service provides a friendly, non-judgemental space where people can talk to trained staff, many of whom have lived experience of mental health challenges.

The Harbour can help by:

  • Listening and offering emotional support during a crisis
  • Helping people feel less alone and more supported
  • Giving practical guidance and reassurance
  • Supporting access to further help, including next-day appointments or ongoing services

The Harbour is particularly helpful for people who:

  • Feel overwhelmed or are struggling to cope
  • Are unsure where to turn for support
  • Need someone to talk to outside normal working hours

In addition to Safe Havens, there are other local services that offer similar out-of-hours mental health support.

Sasha’s Project (Fleet – Young People’s Crisis Support)

Sasha’s Project is a mental health crisis support service for young people aged 13 to 25. It offers a safe, non-clinical space where young people can go if they are struggling with their mental health, including anxiety, depression or thoughts of suicide.

The service runs a drop-in centre in Fleet, open late at night (typically evenings through to early morning at weekends), providing support at a time when other services may not be available.

Young people can:

  • Drop in without an appointment
  • Speak to trained volunteers in a calm, confidential and non-judgemental environment
  • Stay as long as they need until they feel safe
  • Access support to help manage a crisis and reduce feelings of distress

The service aims to:

  • Provide a safe place during a mental health crisis
  • Help reduce the risk of self-harm or suicide
  • Support young people to develop coping strategies and plan for the future

Sasha’s Project was set up in memory of a young person who struggled to access support when she needed it most, and the service continues to focus on making sure young people have somewhere to turn, especially at night.

The Lighthouse (Solent Mind)

The Lighthouse is an out-of-hours mental health support service for adults (18+) who may be experiencing emotional distress or a mental health crisis. It provides a safe, informal and non-judgemental space where people can talk openly about how they are feeling and receive support.

The service is available in Southampton and can be accessed in person, online or by phone, making it easier to get help in a way that feels comfortable.

At The Lighthouse, people can:

  • Drop in or access support without a referral
  • Speak to trained staff, including people with lived experience
  • Receive emotional support during a difficult time
  • Explore next steps and be connected to other services if needed

The service offers short-term, in-the-moment support and is designed to help people feel safer, calmer and more supported, particularly during the evening when other services may be closed.

The Harbour (Solent Mind)

The Harbour is an out-of-hours mental health support service for adults (18+) across South Hampshire, including Portsmouth, Fareham, Gosport, Havant and East Hampshire. It offers immediate support for people experiencing significant distress or crisis.

The service provides a friendly, non-judgemental space where people can talk to trained staff, many of whom have lived experience of mental health challenges.

The Harbour can help by:

  • Listening and offering emotional support during a crisis
  • Helping people feel less alone and more supported
  • Giving practical guidance and reassurance
  • Supporting access to further help, including next-day appointments or ongoing services

The Harbour is particularly helpful for people who:

  • Feel overwhelmed or are struggling to cope
  • Are unsure where to turn for support
  • Need someone to talk to outside normal working hours