For the first time ever, people in Milton Keynes and across the UK can now access services through NHS 111 when in a mental health crisis, offering people another way to get immediate support.
People experiencing a mental health crisis in England can now access support through NHS 111, providing an additional way to seek urgent assistance. All they need to do is dial 111, then press 2. This service expands access to mental health care alongside traditional help for physical health issues.
The NHS 111 line connects callers to a trained local team, including mental health specialists, clinicians, and nurses, all available 24/7. They can arrange mental health assessments, dispatch crisis teams, and direct people to relevant local resources. Self-referral to talking therapies is also an option through the NHS website.
NHS England said, “The change means the NHS in England is one of the first countries in the world to offer access to a 24/7 full package of mental health crisis support through one single phone line.”
According to Claire Murdoch, NHS Director for Mental Health, this integrated service allows people of all ages, including children, to speak with trained staff who can guide them to appropriate help. While the majority of callers – around 90% – are adults, the helpline also has experts in children’s and adolescent mental health services, with some calls coming from parents who are seeking advice and guidance.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for mental health support, particularly for conditions like anxiety and depression, has significantly increased. NHS statistics reveal that an additional one million individuals per year, are receiving treatment compared to six years ago. The charity Mind has reported that nearly two million people are still on waiting lists for mental health services.
Rethink Mental Illness Chief Executive, Mark Winstanley said, “Today, the NHS have made it easier to access urgent support via 111, building on provision already in place through crisis lines. We welcome this important step, and hope it will make it simpler for people to access the help they need.”
For more information, please visit the NHS England website.
