If you are experiencing something that makes you feel unsafe, distressed, or worried about your mental health, call NHS 111 and select the 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.
This is now live and is for all ages, including children and young people, and those with neurodevelopmental needs.
As we implement this service you will still be able to use the 0114 2263636 and 0808 1968284 numbers (Single Point of Access (SPA) and out of hours teams) for a period of time.
Who can call 111 (mental health option)?
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 the service.
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
When should I call 111 (mental health option)?
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or are calling on behalf of someone who is. A mental health crisis could include:
- Significant 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 or others.
By calling 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.
Samaritans
If you are suicidal and want to talk to someone in confidence you can call the Samaritans on 0114 276 7277 or 116 123, or email: jo@samaritans.org
