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.

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

The Sheffield Teaching Hospitals Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department is available for life threatening conditions. An emergency is a situation where someone is experiencing a loss of consciousness, heavy bleeding, suspected broken bones, chest pain, breathing difficulties, an overdose, has swallowed something harmful, poisoning or has a deep wound. 

An A&E department is not normally the best place to access help regarding your mental health however if the situation is life threatening go to your nearest accident and emergency hospital or call 999.

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