During the festive period, NHS Shetland would like to advise anyone in mental distress to use core services like NHS 24 by calling 111, their GP, or emergency services if there is an immediate risk.
If You Need Urgent Help
- Immediate Danger: If you or someone else is in immediate danger or experiencing a life-threatening mental health crisis, call 999 or go straight to A&E. A mental health emergency should be treated as seriously as a physical one.
- Non-Life-Threatening Crisis: If the crisis is not life-threatening but you are concerned about your or someone else's mental wellbeing, call NHS 24 free on 111. They will direct you to the appropriate service through the mental health hub.
Other Support Resources and Helplines
A number of helplines and support services are available 24/7 or during specific hours over the holidays:
- NHS inform - Mental health services - NHS
- Samaritans: Call free on 116 123 (available 24/7).
- Breathing Space: Call 0800 83 85 87 (operates 6 pm Friday to 6 am Monday, and 6 pm to 2 am on weekdays).
- Shout: Text Shout to 85258
- Scottish Families affected by alcohol and drugs - You can call on any phone for free at 08080 10 10 11, email helpline@sfad.org.uk, or you can use the web chat on Scottish Families affected by alcohol and drugs website www.sfad.org.uk.
General Information
- GP surgeries are the usual route into formal mental health services and will have specific festive opening hours. Contact them for non-urgent matters.
- The NHS Shetland public holidays for the 2025/2026 festive season are December 25 & 26, and January 1 & 2. Services will be reduced, operating different hours on these days and the departments in Community Mental Health will be closed on these days.