Those experiencing a mental health crisis can now benefit from support through NHS 111 in the South East, the head of NHS mental health services has confirmed.
Across the region and the rest of England, patients are among the first in the world to have access to a 24/7 full package of mental health crisis support via a 3-digit number, NHS 111.
People in crisis or concerned loved ones can now call 111, select the mental health option and speak to a trained mental health professional, who can guide and support them with next steps such organising face-to-face community support or facilitating access to crisis alternatives services, such as crisis cafes, sanctuaries and safe havens.
Health systems in the South East and across the country fast-tracked the rollout of individual 24/7 crisis phone lines specific to their local area during the pandemic which took around 200,000 calls per month, but this next step means anyone in England will have a single point of access via NHS 111.
For people who need support at A&E, if there is a risk to life, every emergency department in England now also has a liaison psychiatric team available to offer specialist care.
NHS Talking Therapy Services are also available for people who need support for other mental conditions such as anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and PTSD, and anyone can refer themselves online via nhs.uk or by contacting their GP.
As ever people can also call 999 if there is a serious risk to life.
Mental Health lead for NHS South East, Adanna Williams, says:
“In the South East we’re committed to putting our citizens first and recognise that there is no health without mental health. We have demonstrated our commitment to improving access to support with mental health needs.
“The launch of this service will enable those experiencing a mental health crisis to get support when you need it most. You can now call the 111 service 24 hours a day for access to local mental health support services making it easier than ever before to get specialist help.”
Claire Murdoch, NHS Director for Mental Health, adds:
“Transforming mental health services and expanding access has been one our biggest priorities.
“Demand has been growing since the pandemic, with our latest figures showing that mental health services have treated an extra one million people a year compared to six years.
“While the NHS made significant progress during the pandemic with local services creating their own crisis phone lines available, we want to go a step further and make it as easy as possible for people to access services if they are in crisis – and in doing so I am extremely proud that we will become one of the first countries to offer a free universal package of support to people via a 3-digit number.
“The new integrated service can give patients who need to speak to someone urgently the chance to be listened to by a trained member of staff, who can get them directed to the right place.
“So, if you or someone you know needs urgent mental health support, please call 111, and selecting the mental health option.”
A full list of mental health support options is available via the NHS website. The service is also suitable for deaf people, with tailored services available via the NHS 111 website.
