NHS England Offering Crisis Mental Health Support

Millions of patients experiencing a mental health crisis can now benefit from support through 111, the NHS has announced.

NHS staff can guide callers with next steps such organising face-to-face community support or facilitating access to alternatives services, such as crisis cafés or safe havens which provide a place for people to stay as an alternative to A&E or a hospital admission.

For people who need support at A&E, if there is a risk to life, every emergency department in England now also has a liaison psychiatric team available to offer specialist care. 

NHS Talking Therapy Services are also available for people who need help with other mental conditions such as anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and PTSD and anyone can refer themselves online via NHS.uk or by contacting their GP.

Rethink Mental Illness chief executive Mark Winstanley said: "A mental health crisis is traumatic and disorientating, and getting help as quickly as possible is vital. The last thing people need when they or a loved-one is in crisis, is uncertainty about where to turn.

"The NHS have made it easier to access urgent support via 111, building on provision already in place through crisis lines. We welcome this important step."

The NHS continues to advise people to call 999 if there is a serious risk to life.