NHS 111 – Mental health

Accessing urgent mental health support

If you are experiencing something that makes you feel unsafe, distressed, or worried about your mental health, you can now contact your local crisis service calling NHS 111 and selecting the mental health option.

In emergency situations where there is an immediate risk to life, you should continue to contact 999 or go to A&E.

What happens when I call?

The phone will be answered by a trained mental health professional who will be able to listen to your concerns and help you get the support you need. With your permission, they can also access your electronic patient records to better meet your needs and to avoid you repeatedly having to tell us your situation. They can offer advice over the phone, put you in contact with crisis services or refer you to other local services.

Who can call?

You can call for yourself, or someone else. NHS 111 is for all ages, including children and young people and those with neurodevelopmental needs.

If you’re deaf or have hearing loss, please use the following link to be connected to local crisis service – NHS 111 – SignVideo.

If you can’t 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 in England and 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.

By calling NHS 111, and selecting the mental health option, we can help to get you the urgent support you need for your mental health.

You can also contact the Lancashire and South Cumbria wellbeing helpline and texting services on 0800 915 4640 or by texting ‘Hello’ to 07860 022846.