Crisis mental health access via NHS 111

Anyone across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent can now get urgent mental health support, 24/7, by calling 111 and selecting the mental health option.

The new service, which has been rolled out across England, means that trained mental health professionals will guide callers through the next steps most appropriate for them, including organising face-to-face community support.

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 urgent services or refer you to the most appropriate local services for your needs

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 – NHS 111 – SignVideo.

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.

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

• Severe 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.

NHS 111 ‘select mental health option’ survey

If you have contacted NHS 111 ‘select mental health option’, how was your experience? NHS England would like your feedback. This survey is specifically intended for individuals who have accessed crisis care services through the NHS 111 ‘select mental health option’ service. Its purpose is to gather feedback on your experience and the support you have received.

Responses collected through this survey will be analysed to identify areas where improvements can be made to enhance the quality of care provided.

If you require an alternative format of this survey, please contact england.adultmh@nhs.net.

Complete the survey: Mental health crisis care services – national patient feedback survey – NHS England – Citizen Space