Talk to us confidentially online

Chat to one of our trained Recovery Workers online to get free, confidential advice and information.

A person holding a smartphone with a text message conversation on the screen.

Our online chat service

We know that many people find the thought of attending an in-person service overwhelming, and that it’s not always easy to find support outside of working hours.

Through our online webchat service, you can speak to us about drugs, alcohol, or your mental health.

Whether you need support for yourself or for someone you care about, we’re here for you, seven days a week.

We're open:

  • Monday - Friday: 9am - 9pm
  • Saturday - Sunday: 10am - 4pm

How to chat to a trained recovery worker now

If you are using a desktop computer, click on the 'Chat Live' blue box at the bottom right of this page.  

If you are using a mobile device, click on the 'Chat Live' blue box to the right of the screen.

Need urgent help?

If there is an immediate risk to life - such as a suspected drug overdose, life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, or someone has tried to or is about to end their life - call 999 for urgent help.  

If your life isn’t in danger but you need urgent advice, there are services that can support you.

Find information on available services

Everything you tell our online team is confidential

We won’t share what you tell us with anyone else.

The only time this might change is if we have serious concerns about your own or someone else’s safety.

See more about how we protect your privacy.

How do I make sure my chat is private?

To make sure your chat stays private, it’s best to use your own phone or computer rather than a shared one. If you don’t have your own phone or computer, you can use private browsing.

How does our webchat service work?

Talk to us if you need:

  • Support with drugs or alcohol

  • Advice about someone else’s drug or alcohol use

  • Help getting registered with our Talking Therapies services in Kent or Surrey

  • To postpone an appointment with your recovery worker, and you are unable to contact your local service directly

  • To speak to your local WithYou drug and alcohol service, and you are unable to contact them directly

  • Support with an existing script 

You’ll need to contact your local service directly to:

  • Make or change appointments 

  • Get information about local groups or drop-ins

  • Let them know if you if you have missed your prescription pick-up or medication

  • Get you a script

Please note that our Webchat is for people aged over 13 years old. If you're 13 or under, you can contact Childline for help and support.

Our webchat is open:

  • Monday - Friday: 9am - 9pm

  • Saturday - Sunday: 10am - 4pm

You can still message us when we’re closed. We’ll get back to you as soon as we’re open again.

Our online advisors are all trained, experienced drug and alcohol workers who work for WithYou.

Most of our in-person services are accessed by appointment or from a particular drop-in location. Our team of webchat advisors can support you at a time that’s most convenient to you, wherever you are - whether that’s on a bus, at a social event, or in your own home. All you need is a device with an internet connection, and you can talk to us whenever you need to.

If you use our webchat service, you can also keep your identity anonymous - you don't even need to give us your name if you’d prefer not to.

Due to confidentiality, we are unable to tell you if someone you care about is registered with our service.

However, we can provide you with advice and information on topics like how to put boundaries in place and have difficult conversations.

If you’re a professional, you can talk to us about:

  • Appropriate services in your area 

  • Alternative support that the person you’re supporting could access, in addition to or instead of our services

  • The nature or pattern of the substance use

  • Complaints about treatment 

  • How to refer to our services

You’ll need to contact your local service directly to:

  • Help you make a referral

  • Give you client specific information 

  • Tell you how long waiting times will be for your local service