How can I find local and online support?

If you are having difficulties with your mental health, there are people and places that can help — both nearby and online.

If you are 18 or older and live in England, this is for you.

Here we show you where to find support groups who understand what you are going through. Also, places in your community like crisis cafés or helplines where you can talk to someone.

You’ll also find ways to get help online, so you do not have to go through this alone.

How can I find local crisis services?

Local mental health crisis services are provided in some areas by the NHS and other providers, such as charities. These local services can include:

• crisis houses that provide short-term accommodation for people experiencing a mental health crisis,
• crisis cafés or drop-in centres that provide a safe, welcoming place where people can go if they are feeling emotionally distressed or are in a mental health crisis, and
• crisis helplines that provide emotional and sometimes practical support.

You can search on the internet for these services or ask NHS 111.

The charity Mental Health Matters provide these services in some areas.

What are peer support groups?

In peer support groups people who have similar experiences get together to help each other.

Getting peer support can make you feel understood, supported and give you hope for the future.

Peer support groups are where people who have been through similar things come together to help each other out. Being part of one can help you feel less alone, more understood, and give you hope that things can get better.

It’s a safe space to talk, listen, and share. 

We have over 140 peer support groups across England. You can search for them here.

You can also search for local peer support groups below:

• Local Minds 
• Hub of Hope 
• Bipolar UK for people who live with bipolar disorder: 
• Andy’s Man Club for men
• Men’s Sheds Association for men

Some NHS services also run peer support groups. To find out if the NHS run any peer support groups in your area you can:

• search on the internet using a search term like ‘NHS [the area where you live] mental health peer support group’
• ask staff at your GP practice
• ask staff at your NHS mental health team, if you are with one
• ask your local NHS Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) service
• call NHS 111 and ask
  
  

What are Rethink Mental Illness’ community support services?

Community support services give people affected by mental illness help to:

• build their confidence,
• stay in or return to work, and
• take part in social activities they enjoy.

You can search for them here. 

Other charities may run community support services within your area.

How else can I find local services?

You can:

• search on Hub of Hope website using your postcode
• contact your local council
• search Local Minds 
• see a social prescribing link worker.

There these online peer support services:

• Side by Side
• Mentell for men who are 18 or over
• Together All

Did this help?

We would love to know if this information helped you or if you found any issues with this page. You can email us at feedback@rethink.org 

© Rethink Mental Illness 2025

Last updated September 2025
Next update May 2028, subject to any changes

Version number 1.1