If you are in a mental health crisis, this page has all the advice and guidance you need to keep yourself or a loved one safe.

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

You can call for yourself or for someone else.

If you or a loved one is already receiving support from one of our services, and you are in a mental health crisis and need urgent help, you can still contact the team that is working with you during office hours. Outside of office hours please contact NHS111.

NHS 111 is for all ages, including children and young people, and those with neurodevelopmental needs. 

If you are deaf or have hearing loss, please use this link to be connected to the service.

If you are not able to make the call yourself, then anyone can call on your behalf - for example a friend, carer, loved one or your GP. You can also access NHS 111 online via 111.nhs.uk

As we implement this service you will still be able to use the 0114 226 3636 and 0808 1968281 numbers for a period of time.

What happens when I call 111 (mental health option)?

The phone will be answered by a call handler with mental health training 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 the urgent and crisis team who will, where appropriate, arrange a crisis assessment and intervention after no more than 72 hours.

When should I call 111 (mental health option)?

The 111 service is available to anyone in England facing a mental health crisis. A mental health crisis could include (but is not limited to):

• 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.

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

Further help and information

If you are in a non-life threatening situation you should contact your GP who will be able to advise you what to do.

Helplines

If you need to talk to someone for advice or support there are lots of different helplines available to you:

Sheffield Rethink Helpline

Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the Sheffield Rethink Helpline can offer advice to anyone struggling with their mental health.

You can call them on 0808 801 0440. Calls are free from a landline or mobile. Please note that this service will cease at the end of May 2024 and callers will be encouraged to contact NHS 111 (mental health option).

Samaritans

If you are suicidal and want to talk to someone in confidence you can call Samaritans on 0114 276 7277 or 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org