When our thoughts become overwhelming, and we feel completely alone, it can be really difficult to know where to turn. We might worry that our problems are not big enough to bother anyone else with, or we might imagine feeling awkward and nervous trying to explain how we feel to a stranger. But talking about what is on our mind is one of the most helpful things we can do. If you need a safe, confidential place to talk without fear of judgment, Mindline Somerset is here to help.
What happens when you call
Run by our partners at Mind in Somerset, Mindline provides mental health support twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. It is a completely confidential listening service.
When you dial the number, you will first hear an automated message that explains a little bit about what the service does. Because the phone lines can sometimes be busy, there may occasionally be a wait to get through. Please do hold on and stay on the line; you will get through to a friendly, trained call handler who is ready to listen.
Our listeners treat everyone with dignity and respect. You do not have to share your personal details if you don’t want to; if necessary, call handlers will work with you to help you remain safe and can help you access appropriate additional support.
How the team can support you
People call Mindline for all sorts of reasons. Some call because they feel isolated and just want a chat with a friendly person about their day. Others might feel desperate, experience low self-esteem, or feel deeply worried about a family member. Whatever is going on, the person on the other end of the phone can provide a calm listening ear so you can talk through anything on your mind.
The team can also give you basic information about mental health issues and provide details of other local services that might be able to help. If you decide you would like more ongoing support, simply ask the call handler. Because Mindline is part of Open Mental Health, the person on the phone can refer you directly to our wider services.
They can also help you book an out-of-hours appointment with the Crisis Safe Space service. Provided by OMH partners Mind in Somerset and Second Step, Crisis Safe Space offers one-to-one sessions, either face-to-face or virtually, for anyone who feels like they are really struggling and needs emotional support.
Finding the right way to get in touch
You can call Mindline Somerset any time of the day locally on 01823 276892 or use the freephone number 0800 138 1692.
If English is not your first language, the team can arrange interpretation for over two hundred languages. British Sign Language translation is also available via the National Health Service 111 sign video service.
If you do not feel comfortable talking on the telephone, that is completely okay. You can use the live web chat service, which is available every day of the week between 8:00 pm and 11:00 pm. Just click the graphic at the bottom of our website to start a confidential text chat with a listener.
Dedicated specialist support
Alongside the main Mindline service, there are two more phone lines:
Mindline Trans+: This is a confidential support and signposting service for people who identify as Trans, Agender, Gender Fluid, or Non-binary, as well as their friends, families, and colleagues. You can reach them on 0300 330 5468 every Friday evening from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm.
Eating Disorders Helpline: Run by SWEDA in partnership with Mind in Somerset. If you or someone you know is going through difficulties with eating, weight, or body image, you can talk to a trained listener for up to half an hour. Call 0300 330 5464 on Tuesdays between 8:00 pm and 11:00 pm, or Sundays between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm.
A note on urgent medical help: If you ever feel your life is at risk right now due to suicidal thoughts, or if you have seriously harmed yourself, you need to get urgent medical help. Please call 999 for an ambulance or go straight to your local Accident and Emergency department. If you cannot do this by yourself, ask someone to help you.