Help in an emergency
Find the right support in an emergency including campus security, emergency services and urgent mental health support.
Emergencies on campus
- If the emergency is on campus or in university accommodation, call the University’s Security Service emergency number: +44(0)113 343 2222. Their phone line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- You can also download the SafeZone App, a free safety tool for students and staff at the University of Leeds. It can connect you directly to the University’s Security Service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Emergency services
- If you need to speak to the police, fire department, or ambulance service, phone 999.
- If you or someone else is in immediate danger, go to the nearest accident and emergency department (A&E) in a hospital.
Urgent mental health support
- Call the NHS on 111 and select the mental health option (option 2 in England) for urgent mental health support. Their phone line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Talk to your GP – ask for an emergency appointment at the doctor’s surgery where you are registered. Find out how to register with a doctor.
Services you can contact for mental health support
If you are feeling distressed, overwhelmed or struggling to cope, you can get free, confidential mental health support by phone, text or instant message.
The following services are available out of hours (outside the standard working hours of 9am to 5pm):
BRIGHT text service
BRIGHT is a free, confidential, anonymous mental health crisis text service for people of any age across West Yorkshire. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
When you text BRIGHT, you’ll receive support from trained mental health professionals who can help with issues such as anxiety, stress, loneliness, low mood, self-harm and suicidal thoughts.
- Text BRIGHT to 85258
Connect Helpline
Connect is a phone and online support helpline for people living in Leeds. The service provides emotional support and information for people in distress.
They are open Monday to Sunday, 6pm to 2am.
Deaf Connect Helpline
Deaf Connect provides emotional support with BSL trained staff through Facetime/Skype/Glide. They are open Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, 7pm to 11pm.
- Text or FaceTime Deaf Connect using BSL: 07984 396 001.
Leeds Nightline
Leeds Nightline is a free, confidential and anonymous telephone and instant messaging service for students. They are open Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 8pm to 8am.
Night Owls
Night Owls is a confidential support line for people up to 25 years of age in West Yorkshire and Barnsley (they can also support parents or friends who are concerned). They are open 8pm to 8am everyday.
- Phone Night Owls: 0800 148 8244
- Text Night Owls: 07984 376 950
Samaritans
Samaritans are available to respond to calls and messages about anything that is troubling you, no matter how large or small the issue feels. They are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Places to go for crisis support
Dial House
Dial House is a service in Leeds for people in times of crisis where visitors can relax and have an hour of one-to-one support from the team of crisis support workers. It is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 6pm to 1am.
If you are attending for the first time, you can just turn up from 6pm onwards.
If you have been before, you will need to phone Dialhouse: +44(0)113 260 9328 or text 07922 249 452 from 6pm on the night you want to request a visit. It is best to call them before 7.30pm if possible.
Here For You
Here For You is open to people in Leeds aged 16 years or older who are experiencing a crisis. The service offers free, safe, and confidential face-to-face support.
If you are struggling (or somebody you know is) and you are not sure where to go for help, Here For You has local teams available across Leeds every night from 3pm to 9pm.