THE NATIONAL Health Service has announced that it is rolling out further support for those experiencing mental health issues through its NHS 111 service.
Throughout England, patients seeking support for mental health issues can now use the NHS 111 phone number to receive 24/7 access to help.
The service now provides access to trained mental health professionals to help with guidance and advice for patients.
This includes organising face-to-face community support or providing access to alternative services such as safe spaces and dedicated support facilities.
Healthcare systems in the south east saw a fast-tracked rollout of individual contact points for dedicated mental health services during the pandemic, but the new step means that these will be solidified into a single point of access throughout England.
Mental Health lead for NHS South East Adanna Williams said: “In the South East we’re committed to putting our citizens first and recognise that there is no health without mental health.
“We have demonstrated our commitment to improving access to support with mental health needs.
“The launch of this service will enable those experiencing a mental health crisis to get support when you need it most.”
She explained: “You can now call the 111 service 24 hours a day for access to local mental health support services making it easier than ever before to get specialist help.”
NHS Director for Mental Health Claire Murdoch said: “Transforming mental health services and expanding access has been one our biggest priorities.
“Demand has been growing since the pandemic, with our latest figures showing that mental health services have treated an extra one million people a year compared to six years.
“While the NHS made significant progress during the pandemic with local services creating their own crisis phone lines available, we want to go a step further and make it as easy as possible for people to access services if they are in crisis.
“In doing so I am extremely proud that we will become one of the first countries to offer a free universal package of support to people via a 3-digit number.
She explained: “The new integrated service can give patients who need to speak to someone urgently the chance to be listened to by a trained member of staff, who can get them directed to the right place.
“So, if you or someone you know needs urgent mental health support, please call 111, and selecting the mental health option.”
The Minister of State for Care, Stephen Kinnock, said: “As part of our plans to help fix the broken health system we want to ensure we give mental health the same attention and focus as physical health.
“For the first time, there is one number you can call whether you are feeling physically unwell or worried about your mental health to access the support you might need.
“Separately, we are prioritising mental health by recruiting an additional 8,500 mental health workers to reduce delays and provide faster treatment alongside reforming the Mental Health Act.”
Rethink Mental Illness Chief Executive Mark Winstanley said: “A mental health crisis is traumatic and disorientating, and getting help as quickly as possible is vital.
“The last thing people need when they or a loved one is in crisis, is uncertainty about where to turn.
“The NHS has 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.”
More information about the NHS 111 service is available via: 111.nhs.uk
