People in crisis with mental health problems can now access services through NHS 111, giving them another way to get urgent help. It makes the NHS in England one of the first countries to offer such a support service for mental health issues, as well as for physical problems. The number connects to a local team of call handlers with mental health training, alongside nurses and clinicians who are available around the clock.
The team can organise a mental health assessment, send out a crisis team and flag up help available in the local area. A talking-therapy service is also available - people can refer themselves to it online via nhs.uk .
Demand for help with conditions such as depression and anxiety has been growing since the Covid pandemic. Latest NHS figures show mental health services have treated an extra one million people a year compared with six years ago. And the charity Mind estimates there are just under two million people on waiting lists for NHS mental health services.
The new integrated service can give patients of all ages, including children, the chance to be listened to by a trained member of staff who can help direct them to the right place, says NHS director for mental health Claire Murdoch. "So, if you or someone you know needs urgent mental health support, please call 111, and select the mental health option." Gemma Morris, who runs the Single Point Access team for the Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, says her team has worked very hard t.