One form, whoever you are. Refer yourself, or refer someone you work with or care about — a professional, a family member or a friend. It all comes to the same team.

What this form asks, and why

Alongside name and contact details, the form asks about the situation and about risk: things like mental health and any history of harm. We ask everyone the same questions, because the answers decide who makes the first call and how they're prepared. If you don't know an answer, that's fine. "Unknown" is an honest answer — and if you're referring yourself and something feels too big to write in a box, leave it and tell us on the phone.

Referring someone else? Two things.

First, consent. In almost every case the person should know about this referral and be happy for it to happen. Our support works because people are ready to change, not because someone else wants them to. There is one exception: if you're referring without the person's consent because you believe they're at serious risk of harm, or the law requires it, the form lets you tell us that, and why. Our safeguarding page explains how we handle this.

Second, please pass our privacy notice on to the person (https://www.oshi.org.uk/privacy-notice/) so they know what information we hold about them and what their rights are. We'll also tell them about us the first time we speak.

What happens next

Your referral comes straight to our team and is picked up the same day within our open hours. We're open 7 days a week, 9am–10pm. Send a referral any time — we'll pick it up when we open.

Rather talk it through first, or having trouble with the form? Call 07507 988 481 or email help@oshi.org.uk. How we look after what you tell us is explained in plain words in our privacy notice.

Looking for a mutual-aid meeting instead? See find a meeting.