Very soon, anyone experiencing a mental health crisis in Durham Tees Valley, North Yorkshire, York and Selby, will be able to get urgent support 24/7 by calling NHS 111 and selecting the mental health option.
Our crisis teams aren’t changing and the service will still be provided by our Trust, but this will be a new national telephone number to call, making it simpler for people to find the right support in a mental health crisis.
Frequently asked questions
Below we have answered some questions you may have about NHS 111 select mental health option
When will this happen and what about the current 0800 crisis number?
We expect to connect in the next few weeks, but don’t worry, our 0800 freephone crisis line number will stay active for a while, for those who are familiar with it. During this time, you will get the same service and support whether you call us via 111 or our 0800 number.
Who is NHS 111 select mental health option for?
NHS 111 select mental health option will be for all ages, including children and young people and those with neurodevelopmental needs. You will be able to call for yourself, or someone else.
Why is the number changing?
Some people experiencing a mental health crisis don’t know which number to call or who to turn to for help. Having one national single point of access will make it simpler for people to find the right support in a mental health crisis. NHS 111 select mental health option is being rolled out across the country and is part of the NHS Long Term Plan for urgent and emergency care services.
When should I call NHS 111 select mental health option?
You should ring NHS 111 select mental health option if you, or someone you know, is experiencing a mental health crisis.
If a person’s mental or emotional state gets worse quickly, this can be referred to as a mental health crisis or a mental health emergency. If this happens, it is important to get help quickly. Find out more about what to do in a mental crisis.
If you or someone else has physically harmed themselves, or if their life is at risk, then they should still call 999 or go to A&E.
What will happen when I call NHS 111?
Your call will be answered by a mental health advisor, who will be supported and supervised by our trained mental health clinicians. They will work within our crisis services.
To help you get the support you need, they will ask you some questions and listen to you. They will provide reassurance and make sure you are directed to the most appropriate professional or service. They can:
- Support you with self-care advice
- Transfer callers to the crisis teams for triage and assessment, if this is needed
- Refer to primary care services for further support, e.g. your GP
- Refer to community services that are alternatives to crisis, e.g. the voluntary sector
- Contact 999, if there is a risk to life
Will I be able to use NHS 111 select mental health option to contact a service or team who are already supporting me?
No. If you want to speak to a service or team already supporting you (such as a community mental health team), you should contact them directly.
Will my care change?
No. The service we provide won’t change – this will simply be a new number to call to access support in a mental health crisis. Our crisis resolution and intensive home treatment teams will still exist as they do now.
What will happen to the Durham Tees Valley listening service?
This service will not change. It is available for anyone aged 18 and over who needs emotional support. The telephone number has now changed to 0800 046 1313 so that people can contact the service direct.
