Get help today
Don't face your problems alone. There are lots of great services with emotional and practical advice that can guide you through more difficult times. Most of the below specialise in supporting doctors and all offer free, non-biased and confidential help.
Help with mental health and counselling
BMA Counselling and Doctor Advisor service
BMA Counselling is staffed by professional telephone counsellors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They are all members of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and are bound by strict codes of confidentiality and ethical practice.
Phone: 0330 123 1245 - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Email: [email protected]
BMA website
Doctors’ Support Network
Since 1996, the Doctors’ Support Network has independently championed positive mental health within the profession.
DSN website
NHS Practitioner Health Programme
Supporting the health of health professionals. This service helps GP or GP trainees with any mental health issues, including stress, depression or addiction.
Phone: 0203 049 4505
Email: [email protected]
NHS Practitioner Health Programme website
Samaritans
Samaritans is a unique charity dedicated to reducing feelings of isolation and disconnection that can lead to suicide.
Phone: 116 123 - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Samaritans Website
Help with finances
Royal Medical Benevolent Fund (RMBF)
The RMBF provides support for doctors and their families through all stages of their career and beyond. Help ranges from financial assistance in the form of grants and loans to a telephone befriending scheme for those who may be isolated and in need of support.
Phone number: 0208 540 9194
Email: [email protected]
The RMBF website
Help me, I’m a doctor
Five independent charities that support doctors when they need confidential financial assistance. These benevolent funds provide vital support to help doctors in genuine financial need get their lives and careers back on track.
Email: [email protected]
Help me, I’m a doctor website
Help with drugs and alcohol
Sick Doctors Trust
Support and help for doctors, dentists and medical students who are concerned about their use of drugs or alcohol.
Phone: 0370 444 5163 (24 hour service)
Email: [email protected]
Sick Doctors Trust website
British Doctors and Dentist Group
A recovery group for doctors and dentists addicted to alcohol and/or drugs
Dentists' health support programme (DHSP)
Providing dental professionals with free advice and support on alcohol, drugs, eating disorders and other health issues.
Phone: 0207 224 4671
Email: [email protected]
DHSP website
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
Help group for people to share their experiences and help each other recover from alcoholism and stay sober. The only requirement to join is a desire to stop using alcohol.
Phone: 0800 9177 650
Email: [email protected]
AA website
Cocaine Anonymous
A group for people to share their experiences together to help each other stay sober and recover from their addiction. The only requirement to join is a desire to stop using cocaine and other drugs.
Phone: 0800 612 0225, 10:00 until 22:00, 7 days a week
Email: [email protected]
Cocaine Anonymous website
Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
A help group run by recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean.
Phone: 0300 999 1212, 10:00 - midnight
Email: [email protected]
NA website
Help with disabilities
HOPE for disabled doctors
Support and resources for doctors with disabilities and chronic illnesses.
Email: [email protected]
HOPE website
Help with HIV
Positively UK
Positively UK provides peer-led support, advocacy and information to women, men and young people living with HIV to manage any aspect of their diagnosis, care and managing life with HIV.
Phone: 020 7713 0444
Email: [email protected]
Positively UK website