Weekend Crisis Hopeline

(Northern Ireland)

Because crisis doesn’t wait for working hours.

The Weekend Crisis Hopeline provides compassionate, confidential telephone support for anyone in Northern Ireland experiencing a mental health crisis or emotional distress outside of normal working hours.

Call Us Free This Weekend

FREEPHONE (N. IRELAND) 0800 088 6042 Tap to Call Free LANDLINE DIRECT 028 9080 5850 Tap to Call Landline
THE WEEKEND CRISIS HOPELINE IS AVAILABLE EVERY:
Friday Night – Saturday Morning: 9:00 PM – 10:00 AM
Sunday Night – Monday Morning: 9:00 PM – 9:00 AM
If someone is in immediate danger or there is an emergency, call 999 immediately or attend your nearest Accident & Emergency (A&E) Department.

Compassionate Support

Non-judgmental, confidential listening for anyone in Northern Ireland experiencing distress, emotional crisis, or suicidal thoughts.

Safe & Confidential

Our trained crisis call-handlers are here to support you through difficult weekend hours when community teams may be unavailable.

What happens when you call us?

A trained responder will answer

If you phone our line, you’ll be connected directly with a compassionate, trained crisis listener ready to support you.

You talk, we listen

We listen without judgment and help you talk through whatever concerns, worries, or emotional distress you are currently facing.

A safe space to be yourself

We focus on your immediate safety, thoughts, and feelings, giving you room to express yourself freely in total confidence.

We help guide your next steps

We won't pressure you or force decisions. We focus on helping you stay safe through the weekend and connecting you with further support.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Weekend Crisis Hopeline? +
The Weekend Crisis Hopeline is an overnight telephone support service provided by PIPS Charity for people experiencing emotional distress, suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis across Northern Ireland.

The service is delivered by trained crisis practitioners who provide compassionate listening, emotional support, safety planning and guidance.
When is the Weekend Crisis Hopeline available? +
The Weekend Crisis Hopeline is available:
  • Friday: 9pm until 10am on Saturday
  • Sunday: 9pm until 9am on Monday

The expanded Sunday night service begins on Sunday 6 September.
What number do I call? +
You can contact the Weekend Crisis Hopeline on:

028 9080 5850
or
Freephone 0800 088 6042
Who can use the Weekend Crisis Hopeline? +
The service is available to anyone across Northern Ireland who is experiencing emotional distress, suicidal thoughts or a crisis.

You can also contact PIPS Charity if you are worried about someone you care about and need support or guidance.
What happens when I call? +
Your call will be answered by a trained crisis practitioner who will listen without judgement and provide appropriate support.

Depending on your circumstances, this may include emotional support, safety planning and guidance to help you through the immediate crisis.
Do I need to be suicidal to call? +
No. You do not need to be experiencing suicidal thoughts to contact the Hopeline.

If you are struggling emotionally, feeling overwhelmed, experiencing a mental health crisis or simply feel that you need someone to talk to during the service’s operating hours, you can reach out for support.
Is the Weekend Crisis Hopeline available across Northern Ireland? +
Yes. The Weekend Crisis Hopeline is a regional service available to people throughout Northern Ireland.
Is the Freephone number free to call? +
Yes. You can call 0800 088 6042 free of charge.

You can also contact the service on 028 9080 5850.
Who answers the calls? +
Calls are answered by trained PIPS Charity crisis practitioners who provide compassionate, professional and non-judgemental support.
Why has PIPS Charity expanded the service to Sunday nights? +
PIPS Charity recognises that emotional distress and suicidal crisis can happen at any time, particularly during evenings and weekends when people may feel more isolated or unsure where to turn for help.

By extending the service to Sunday nights, PIPS Charity aims to make crisis support available to more people during these critical out-of-hours periods.
What other support does PIPS Charity provide? +
PIPS Charity works with communities throughout Northern Ireland and provides a range of suicide prevention and mental health support services, including:
  • Crisis intervention
  • Counselling
  • Bereavement support
  • Education
  • Wellbeing services
These services aim to reduce the impact of suicide and self-harm and ensure people can access appropriate support when they need it.
What should I do if someone is in immediate danger? +
If you or someone else is in immediate danger or there is an emergency, call 999 immediately or attend your nearest Accident & Emergency (A&E) Department.
How can I contact PIPS Charity? +
For support, contact PIPS Charity on:

028 9080 5850
Freephone 0800 088 6042

If you are experiencing emotional distress, suicidal thoughts or are concerned about someone you care about, reaching out early can make an important difference.