How do I know if it’s urgent?

You don’t have to be sure. If you or someone else may be in immediate danger, you feel unable to keep yourself or someone else safe, or things are becoming unmanageable very quickly, treat it as urgent.

Urgent does not only mean an immediate emergency. You might be safe right now but still need help quickly because of your mental health, something happening at home, money, food, energy, housing or another situation that is becoming difficult to manage.

If you are unsure whether your situation is urgent, it is okay to start with our urgent support page.

You Don't Have to Wait Until Things Get Really Bad

There isn't a point you have to reach before you're allowed to ask for help. If something is affecting you, worrying you, or simply doesn't feel right, that's enough.

You might know exactly what you need, or you might have no idea where to start. Either is okay. Support can be useful before things become overwhelming, not just when you're already struggling to cope.

It might be worth reaching out if:

• Something has been playing on your mind and isn't going away.
• You're finding everyday things harder than they usually feel.
• You've stopped enjoying things or feel more disconnected from people around you.
• Your thoughts or emotions are affecting your sleep, energy, relationships or daily life.
• Something practical, such as money, food, housing, work or family problems, is affecting how you're coping.
• You simply feel like talking to someone might help.

You don't need a diagnosis, and you don't need to be in crisis. You can start with a conversation and work out what might help from there.

If you're local to Sefton, you can also just drop into our Community Crisis Café. Despite the name, you don't need to be in crisis to come along. It's free, there's no referral or appointment needed, and you don't have to arrive knowing exactly what you want help with.

Our next café session is at St Faith’s (Crosby), on Monday 9th November, 10–2. Just drop in, no booking needed.

Need Practical Support?

Sometimes the thing pushing you towards crisis is practical. Money worries, food, energy, housing, work, family problems or other pressures can quickly become overwhelming.

HRE4U works with local and specialist organisations that may be able to help. You do not need to know which service you need before getting in touch. Tell us what is happening and we can help you work out where to start.

Some of the organisations currently working with HRE4U include SWACA, Trussell Trust, Maria Fogg Family Law, Light For Life Sefton, Liverpool Sunflowers and Access Send.

Support available through HRE4U and the organisations we work with can include money and benefits, food, energy, housing, employment, family matters, health, isolation and other practical problems affecting how you are feeling.

Not Sure What Kind of Help You Need?

That's okay. You don't need to work it all out before you ask for support. Sometimes the first step is simply telling someone what is happening.

You can ask HRE4U for help even if you don't know what kind of support you need. You do not need a diagnosis, a referral, the name of a service, or the right words to explain everything.

Depending on what is happening, support might come from HRE4U, your GP, someone you trust, a listening service, or one of the local and specialist organisations we work with. We can help you work out where to start and, where appropriate, help you find or connect with the right support.