NHS 111 Mental Health Option | News

If you are worried about your mental health, you can now contact your local crisis service in Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey, Islington by calling NHS 111 and selecting the mental health option. 

This is a really important step forward to improve care for those who are suffering mental health issues. Until now many people in mental health crisis didn’t know which number to call or who to turn to for help. 

 

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 alternative services such as Crisis cafés, 24/7 walk-in Mental Health Assessment Service or refer you to your local Crisis Resolution Home Treatment Team for intensive support at home if you are experiencing an acute mental health crisis as an alternative to hospital admission.

 

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 – Other ways to contact 111 - NHS 111

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 Get help for your symptoms - NHS 111

 

The service is available to anyone in England and facing a mental health crisis, which could include:  

— Prolonged 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.