Self-care series 6: building a support network before you need one

Part six of the HHSS self-care series. The worst time to work out who you can call is the night you need to call someone. So do it now, while it's calm.

Three people, not thirty

A support network isn't a big social life. It's three people who'd pick up: one who listens without fixing, one who'll get you out of the house, and one you'd trust with the ugliest version of the truth.

If you can only name one, that's still a network. Start there.

Put the numbers in your phone today

Save these now so future-you doesn't have to search for them.

• Samaritans — 116 123, free, 24/7.
• CALM — 0800 58 58 58, 5pm to midnight daily.
• Shout — text SHOUT to 85258, 24/7 text support.
• Papyrus HOPELINE247 — 0800 068 4141 for under-35s.
• Your GP surgery, and NHS 111 (mental health option).

Keep the connections warm

Standing arrangements beat good intentions: the same five-a-side slot, the same Thursday pint, the same walk. Routine contact means someone notices when you go quiet — which is usually the first real sign that something's wrong.

And check in on the mates who seem fine. The ones who never ask for anything are the ones most likely to need it.

Where HHSS fits

We sell heavyweight clothing and give a fixed donation from every item — £5 per hoodie, £3 per tee, £2 per cap and £1 per car window sticker — to UK mental health work. This series is the other half of it. Heavy heart, strong soul: you can carry a lot, just not alone.