Urgent help
Getting help in a mental health crisis
If you are already cared for by our mental health services call 020 3317 6333. This number is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger or risk of harm phone 999
Emergency department
In an emergency you can always go to the emergency department at your local hospital. They will be able to assess your mental state and treat accordingly. In most emergency departments a psychiatric liaison nurse is available.
Other forms of help
General health enquiries
For general health enquiries dial 111 - this has replaced NHS Direct as the single number to call for urgent non-emergency advice.
Residents can, if they wish, still contact their GP or local pharmacist for care advice. The NHS 111 service does not replace the emergency 999 service.
Care Programme Approach (CPA)
If you are being supported under the care programme approach, then your CPA care plan should include details of what to do if you become unwell or if the care arrangements break down. It is important that you are aware of what is recorded in the care plan and have the information you need to be able to act if necessary. Carers, if the person you support does not consent to your involvement in the CPA, you should still be provided with crisis contact details if necessary.
Advanced Directives
An advance directive (also known as an advance statement, advance refusal or living will) is a way of making a person's views known if he or she should become mentally ill and incapable of giving consent to treatment. They can also state what treatment or support works for you when unwell and who should be contacted e.g. your carer. This kind of preparation can help you, your carer and the care co-ordinator, through what may be a difficult time.
Further details on Advance Directives can be found on NHS Choices
Carers Advanced Plans
It is becoming more usual for carers to have advanced plans regarding what support should be provided for the person they support if they are unable to continue to provide care ie unexpectedly admitted to hospital.
These advanced plans can help the carer prepare for, and ensure that the person they support is not left to deal with any unexpected events on their own. Involving other family members, or your GP, can also be helpful. These can be written down with the support of the care co-ordinator. It is important to discuss these plans with the person you care for or support.
Carers UK provides information for carers on crisis planning.