NHS 111 now offers support for patients experiencing mental health crises, announced by NHS England.
Individuals of all ages, including children, concerned family members, and loved ones, can access the 111 service for mental health assistance. Callers can select the mental health option to speak with a professional who can guide them to the appropriate next steps, such as arranging face-to-face community support or accessing services like crisis cafés and safe havens.
Claire Murdoch, national director for mental health at NHSE, highlighted the increasing number of people struggling with mental health issues. She emphasized the significance of providing a universal point of access via NHS 111, offering a free package of support to individuals throughout England.
The integration of services will ensure that people of all ages receive specialized mental health support and have access to face-to-face assistance in a safe environment. Previously, local health systems had separate crisis phone lines, which have now been consolidated into the NHS 111 service.
Stephen Kinnock, minister for care, emphasized the importance of prioritizing mental health and physical health equally, providing a single point of contact for individuals seeking support for both types of concerns.
Mark Winstanley, chief executive at Rethink Mental Illness, praised the initiative as a significant step in improving access to urgent mental health support. The NHS website offers a comprehensive list of mental health support options, including tailored services for deaf individuals available through the NHS 111 website.
