NHS 111: A new way to access urgent support
If you are experiencing something that makes you feel unsafe, distressed, or worried about your mental health, you can now contact our 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Line team by calling NHS 111 and selecting the mental health option.
Our Mental Health Crisis Line number 0800 028 8000 has not changed and you can still call us using that number.
While our crisis line number may be familiar to those already using our services, we know not everyone knows which number to call or who to turn to for help in a crisis. The NHS 111 'select mental health option' will make help more easily accessible and available to everyone, including those who haven’t previously accessed our services.
What happens when I call?
The phone will be answered by a trained mental health professional who will help you or the person you care for to get help and support quickly and in the right place.
The crisis line can help:
- Direct you to the right service for your mental health
- Provide helpful information and advice to help yourself or the person you care for manage during a crisis
- Help you to get seen by a professional if you need an urgent assessment and arrange further support if needed
Who can call?
The crisis line is for all ages, including children and young people, those with neurodevelopmental needs, and people who haven’t previously accessed mental health services. You can call for yourself, or someone else.
If you’re deaf or have hearing loss, please use the following link to be connected to us – NHS 111 – SignVideo.
If you aren't able to make the call yourself, then anyone can call on your behalf - for example a friend, carer, loved one or even your GP. You can also access NHS 111 online via 111.nhs.uk.
The service is available to anyone facing a mental health crisis, which could include:
- Changes to your mood
- Withdrawing from people (close family, friends, or work colleagues)
- Not taking care of yourself like you usually would
- Having increased thoughts about your life not being worth living
- Excessive worry
- Feeling out of control or unable to cope
- Feeling anxious about leaving the house
- Hearing voices or seeing things that others can’t
- Thinking about harming yourself.
For a full list of urgent and non-urgent mental health support options, please visit the following link – Mental health support for you or someone you care about - Website (swlstg.nhs.uk)
In emergency situations where there is an immediate risk to life, you should continue to contact 999 or go to A&E.
