NHS England now offers 24/7 full package of mental health crisis support through one single phone number: 111
People of all ages, including children, who are in crisis or concerned family and loved ones can now call 111, select the mental health option and speak to a trained mental health professional.
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.
The NHS continues to advise people to call 999 if there is a serious risk to life.
If you, a family member, friend of someone in your community needs some support around mental health, you can dial 111 and choose the mental health option or you can use their online portal: