From October 1, people across north Cumbria can call NHS 111 to access urgent mental health support.
The region’s NHS mental health crisis lines are being streamlined, with 0800 652 2865 and 077595 656 226 replaced.
Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis should call NHS 111 and select the ‘mental health’ option.
The free, 24/7 service connects callers to trained mental health advisors from Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust.
What’s changing?
- Local 0800 crisis numbers will be closed down on October 1, with people being encouraged to call NHS 111 instead.
- A new regional text number for British Sign Language users will replace existing local text lines: 07860 064 775
- Crisis teams and services are not changing – only the way to contact them is.
Why the change?
The NHS 111 mental health option has been successfully running for over a year, the trust said. The change aims to make it easier for people to know where to turn in a crisis, without needing to remember different numbers based on their location.
What happens when you call?
Calls are answered by experienced mental health advisors, supervised by clinicians such as mental health nurses. If needed, callers may be passed to a clinician for further assessment.
Need help now?
If you or someone you know is struggling to cope, don’t wait. Call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option. If someone is physically hurt or in immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E.
