Mental Health Support - Urgent
If someone needs help for a mental health crisis, emergency or breakdown, you should seek immediate expert advice and assessment. It's important to know that support is available, even if services seem busy at the moment because of coronavirus.
Scrolling down to the local listings below will provide you with a crisis line number to use in an emergency for each London borough.
However, if someoneâs life is at risk â for example they have seriously injured themselves or taken an overdose and you do not feel that you can keep yourself or someone else safe you should call 999.
A mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a physical one. You will not be wasting anyone's time.
Very Brief Intervention
Ask
If you are talking to someone experiencing a mental health emergency, please go straight to the ACT section of this page to access urgent help.
Assist
If you are talking to someone experiencing a mental health emergency, please go straight to the ACT section of this page to access urgent help.
Act
If someone needs help for a mental health crisis, emergency or breakdown, you should seek immediate expert advice and assessment. It's important to know that support is available, even if services seem busy at the moment because of coronavirus.
Scrolling down to the local listings below will provide you with a crisis line number to use in an emergency for each London borough.
However, if someoneâs life is at risk â for example they have seriously injured themselves or taken an overdose and you do not feel that you can keep yourself or someone else safe you should call 999.
A mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a physical one. You will not be wasting anyone's time.
If you are not able to speak to your local NHS urgent mental health helpline and you need help urgently for a mental health issue, but it's not an emergency, you should call 111 who will tell you the right place to get help.
Â
If you are worried that this person is at risk of suicide, please also see the section for Suicide Prevention.
You can also encourage them to ring:
Samaritans - (All age groups)
Tel: 116 123, open 24 hours a day.
Papyrus - (Young people)
Tel: 0800 068 41 41
Text: 07786209697
Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org
Opening hours - Mon-Fri: 10am-10pm, weekends: 2pm-10pm & bank holidays: 2pm-5pm
If you're under 19, you can also call 0800 1111 to talk to Childline. The number will not appear on your phone bill.
Â
Coping during a crisis
The mental health charity Mind has information on ways to help yourself cope during a crisis.
This includes calming exercises and a tool to get you through the next few hours.
Local Support and Contact Details
NELFT Mental Health Direct
If you live in Barking and Dagenham, you can call for mental health help and advice anytime of the day or night. We can arrange for you to speak with a mental health professional. We can also advise you about what service to contact to get the support you need. The line is open to callers based in the 4 London boroughs above for 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Telephone: 0300 555 1000 (24 hours a day, 365 days a year)
Barnet Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Team
Barnet Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Team (CRHTT) offers short term intensive home treatment for people in mental health crisis who may otherwise need to be admitted to hospital. We can do this by supporting people in their own home or other suitable accommodation when it is safe and appropriate to do so. Our team consists of psychiatrists, nurses, psychologists and support workers.
Barnet CRHTT support healthy lives and healthy communities through the provision of excellent integrated mental and community healthcare. We will treat you with care, compassion, respect and will always seek to work together with you and your family as well as friends to support your recovery.
They can provide:
- Intensive short term intervention to support recovery
- Comprehensive mental health assessment
- Home visits
- Diagnosis, and appropriate care plan and treatment
- Support to access advocacy services
- Psychological Assessment and formulation
- A physical health check and support with social needs
Working with a multidisciplinary team based on your assessed needs, Barnet CRHTT can support your mental health wellbeing with advice, education and community engagement with your support worker.
Telephone:Â 0800 151 0023Â (24 hours a day, seven days a week telephone service)
Address:Â First Floor, The Dennis Scott Unit, Edgware Community Hospital, Burnt Oak Broadway, Edgware, HA8 0AD
Sanctuary Barnet (Crisis Cafè)
Sanctuary in Barnet (Crisis CafÊ) provide access to immediate emotional support to anyone over 18 who is experiencing distress. Their trained mental health professionals specialise in crisis de-escalation and prevention.
They are open every day of the year, 4:30pm-10pm weekdays and 12-6pm weekends.
For self referrals:Â Either call on 0208 343 5704 or email at sanctuarybarnet@mindeb.org.uk
Website:Â Sanctuary and Crisis Hub - Barnet
Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust
For current service users in Bexley: As part of your care planning, your care coordinator (the main person who is currently helping you) should give you detailed information on how to get in touch with the mental health services when required.
If it is an emergency, and you are unable to contact your care-coordinator, you can call the 24- hour Mental Health Crisis Line on 0800 330 8590.
You can also get emergency help at your nearest Accident and Emergency department:
Princess Royal University Hospital
Farnborough Common
Orpington
Kent
BR6 8ND
Tel: 01689 863486
Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Stadium Road
Woolwich
London
SE18 4QH
Tel: 020 8836 4360/1Â
Darent Valley Hospital
Darent Wood Road
Dartford
Kent
DA2 8DA
Tel: 01322 428100
Website: http://oxleas.nhs.uk/advice-and-guidance/how-to-get-help/how-to-get-help-bexley/
Telephone: 0800 330 8590
Â
For information on support services across Bexley, please also search our community directory-Â https://connectedbexley.co.uk/
Single Point of Access for Mental Health Services in Brent
The Single Point of Access provides a first point of contact for people seeking information on accessing adult mental health services in Brent, Harrow, Hillingdon, Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster.
Offering mental health triage for routine, urgent and emergency referrals, mental health sign posting, information and advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days per year.
⢠The team takes referrals from GPs and statutory services such as the police and the London Ambulance Service.
⢠Non-statutory services such as housing associations and other professionals can contact the SPA for advice in relation to mental health support and signposting information for people they are concerned about.
⢠People can also make enquiries on behalf of a family member or friend, but if wanting to refer themselves, they should see their GP in the first instance.
Website: https://www.cnwl.nhs.uk/services/mental-health-services/adult-and-older-adult/single-point-access
Email: cnw-tr.spa@nhs.net
Telephone: 0800 0234 650
Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust - Mental Health Crisis Line
For current service users in Bromley: As part of your care planning, your care coordinator (the main person who is currently helping you) should give you detailed information on how to get in touch with the mental health services when required.
If it is an emergency, and you are unable to contact your care-coordinator, you can call the 24- hour Mental Health Crisis Line on 0800 330 8590.
You can also get emergency help at your nearest Accident and Emergency department:
Princess Royal University Hospital
Farnborough Common
Orpington
Kent
BR6 8ND
Tel: 01689 863486
Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Stadium Road
Woolwich
London
SE18 4QH
Tel: 020 8836 4360/1Â
Website: http://oxleas.nhs.uk/advice-and-guidance/how-to-get-help/bromley/
Telephone: 0800 330 8590
Bromley and Orpington Samaritans
Telephone: 116 123 free from any phone. Or call 0330 094 5717
24 hours a day, 365 days a year
9b Station Road
Orpington BR6 0RZ
What is a mental health crisis?
⢠A mental health crisis means different things to different people.
⢠You may be concerned that your mental health has been getting worse over time, or you might feel suddenly overwhelmed.
⢠You might feel unable to cope or as if you will not be able to cope for much longer.
⢠You might feel so distressed that you want to harm yourself or someone else.
⢠You might hear unpleasant voices or feel that people are watching you or trying to hurt you.
SLP CAMHS Crisis Line -Â Urgent Mental Health Support for Children and Young People in South London
Telephone: 020 3 228 5980
Opening hours: 9am â 11pm 365 days a year
What is the SLP CAMHS Crisis Line?
The SLP CAMHS Crisis Line is an urgent mental health helpline for all children and young people in South London. The line is operated by NHS trained child and adolescent mental health practitioners and advisors who provide crisis counselling and mental health support.
If you are under 18 years old and registered with a GP in South London (including Bromley) or are worried about someone who is, you can call the SLP CAMHS Crisis Line for support and guidance.
What happens when I call the SLP CAMHS Crisis Line?
When you call the crisis line, the practitioner that answers the phone will introduce themselves by name and invite you to share with them your concerns and listen to you. They will ask you some details about your current situation and try to work with you to help reduce distress and establish safety
C&I Crisis Team
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 are not under the care of mental health services call the C&I Crisis Team 020 3317 6777. 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
Â
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.
Website: https://mentalhealthcamden.co.uk/get-help-0
Telephone: 0800 917 3333
Â
Camden Crisis Sanctuary
Camden Crisis Sanctuary offers face-to-face, telephone, and online support to Camden residents every evening and weekend, 5pm to 10.30pm. No referral is required. You can also call 07825 165 464 between 5pm and 11pm, or leave a message for staff to call you back.Â
24-hour Mental Health Crisis Helpline
East London NHS Foundation Trust: 0800 073 0006 (24-hour freephone)
If you are a resident in the City of London, you can phone the 24-hour crisis helpline if you are worried about your mental health, or are in distress and need to contact a health professional at any time. The crisis helpline can:
â˘Â Support and help you if you have mental health problems
â˘Â Provide accurate information and advice about local mental health services
â˘Â Communication with other services or teams on your behalf if you wish
â˘Â Support you in a non-directive way, to empower and encourage you to take control of your own life and come to your own decision
Website: https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/services/health-and-wellbeing/mental-health-and-wellbeing
If you see anyone in crisis in the City in a public location, they should call the Police and ask to be directed to the Mental Health Street Triage.
24-hour mental health crisis line
Contact the 24-hour mental health crisis line on 0800 731 2864 for:
- counselling on the phone
- advice about how to handle a crisis
- advice about available mental health services
- communication with other services or teams on behalf of patients and carers
- support to empower patients and their carers
- self-management strategies
If you're already receiving support and have a care plan, this will tell you who to contact in an emergency. If you can't find your care plan, contact your community mental health team on 020 3228 6000 and ask for your care coordinator.
Telephone: 0800 731 2864
Emergencies
For help in a crisis, you can call West London NHS Trust 24 hours a day. Open 365 days a year around the clock. Call the SPA to get through to a trained mental health advisor.
If your GP surgery is closed, you can also go to your nearest A&EÂ and ask to see the psychiatrist on duty.Â
Website: https://www.westlondon.nhs.uk/
Telephone: 0800 328 4444
Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust
In an emergency, contact Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust on 0800 151 0023. A trained social worker will speak to you over the phone to assess the situation and decide the best course of action.
Website: https://mylife.enfield.gov.uk/enfield-home-page/content/public-health/mental-health/
Telephone: 0800 151 0023
Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust
For current service users in Greenwich: As part of your care planning, your care coordinator (the main person who is currently helping you) should give you detailed information on how to get in touch with the mental health services when required.
If it is an emergency, and you are unable to contact your care-coordinator, you can call the 24- hour Mental Health Crisis Line on 0800 330 8590.
You can also get emergency help at your nearest Accident and Emergency department:
Princess Royal University Hospital
Farnborough Common
Orpington
Kent
BR6 8ND
Tel: 01689 863486
Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Stadium Road
Woolwich
London
SE18 4QH
Tel: 020 8836 4360/1Â
Website:Â Â Greenwich mental health services - Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust
Telephone: 0800 330 8590
24-hour City & Hackney crisis helpline
If you are a resident in Hackney or the City of London, you can phone the 24-hour crisis helpline if you are worried about your mental health, or are in distress and need to contact a health professional at any time. The crisis helpline can:
â˘Â Support and help you if you have mental health problems
â˘Â Provide accurate information and advice about local mental health services
â˘Â Communication with other services or teams on your behalf if you wish
â˘Â Support you in a non-directive way, to empower and encourage you to take control of your own life and come to your own decision
For mental health services contact the City and Hackney 24-hour mental health crisis line:
Website: https://hackney.gov.uk/out-of-hours-support
East London NHS Foundation Trust Telephone:Â 0800 073 0006 (24-hour freephone)
Â
West London NHS Trust
You can call this number to get help or advice in a crisis from our trained mental health advisors and clinicians, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Crisis response teams will also provide out of hours care and respond rapidly to your needs and provide the right care for you in an emergency. GPs and other professionals can also call this number to make referrals and seek advice.
Website: https://www.westlondon.nhs.uk/services/help-in-a-crisis/
Telephone: 0800 328 4444
Urgent mental health crisis
https://www.haringey.gov.uk/social-care-and-health/mental-health-and-wellbeing/help-crisis
If you, or someone else, has an urgent mental health need, you can get help from the Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment service (CRHT). This Team provides urgent outreach within 4 hours, for those at risk of psychiatric hospital admission, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Telephone:Â 0800 151 0023
Website: https://www.beh-mht.nhs.uk/patients-and-carers/support-in-a-crisis.htm
Emergency help is also available at Accident and Emergency departments at the North Middlesex and Whittington hospitals. Specialist mental health teams are available around the clock, who will see anyone aged over 16 who might be suffering from mental health problems in A&E, or as an inpatient.
If you are concerned about your own mental health or the mental health of someone you care about, you should call NHS 111 or make an appointment with your GP, who can refer you to the right services.
If someone is putting themselves or others in danger now, itâs an emergency and you should call the police on 999. They can arrange an urgent joint assessment with Mental Health services or our Social Workers if it is appropriate.
PAPYRUS (Prevention of Young Suicide)
PAPYRUS is dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people.
- If youâre feeling suicidal:Â HOPELINK (external link)is PAPYRUSâs digital platform, accessible 24/7, helping callers create their own care plans which they can later revisit during thoughts of suicide
- If youâre worried about someone: the PAPYRUS website (external link)offers advice on how to spot the signs someone may be suicidal and how to ask if they feel suicidal as well as parent guides
24-hour crisis line
Every mental health trust in London has established a 24/7 crisis line for people of all ages, free to call, to provide advice to those in crisis. These crisis lines are supported by trained mental health advisors 365 days a year. The number for Barnet, Enfield and Haringey residents is 0800 151 0023.
Safe Haven
Safe Haven is a mental health crisis support line (0800 953 0223) for Haringey residents aged 18+, open 7 days a week, 5pm-8pm. The service delivers short-term, non-medical interventions, to reduce the crisis and isolation, creating safety/wellbeing plans.
Single Point of Access (SPA)
The CNWL Single Point of Access service is for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis. It is available to contact 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is open to children and adults of all ages, to people who havenât previously used mental health services and to carers and family members who might be concerned about someone.
Telephone: 0800 0234 650Â
Website:Â https://www.cnwl.nhs.uk/services/mental-health-services/adult-and-older-adult/single-point-access
Email:Â cnw-tr.spa@nhs.net
Â
Â
NELFT Mental Health Direct
Website: https://www.havering.gov.uk/info/20073/public_health/565/mental_health_and_wellbeing
Telephone: 0300 555 1000
Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust
Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust
CNWL provide a range of patient and community based mental health services across Hillingdon services include; assessment, diagnosis, treatment and follow up to people with severe and complex mental health conditions in a community setting.Â
The single Point of Access provides a first point of contact for people wishing to access adult community mental health services in Hillingdon, and offers mental health triage for routine, urgent and emergency referrals, information and advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days per year.Â
Website: https://www.cnwl.nhs.uk/services/mental-health-services/adult-and-older-adult/single-point-access
Telephone: 0800 023 4650
Email: cnw-tr.spa@nhs.net
West London Single Point of Access
The West London Trust Single Point of Access (SPA) is a 24/7 helpline which provides telephone-based support and access to urgent care and treatment for people in mental health crisis. When someone feels unsafe, at risk or unable to cope without professional advice, trained mental health advisors and clinicians will work with people to enable them to manage their difficulties without having to access other services. The SPA also manages all adult mental health referrals, ensuring they are processed in a timely way through a robust clinical triaging process.
Website: https://www.wlmht.nhs.uk/services/help-in-a-crisis/
Telephone: 0800 328 4444
Islington crisis team
The word âcrisisâ can be used to describe many different situations. In mental health, the term âcrisisâ usually suggests that someone may need urgent help to support them with mental health problems. - It is important to distinguish crisis support from emergency support. In an emergency, someoneâs life might be in danger and you should call 999.
The mental health crisis team in Islington is open 24/7 for anyone who may be experiencing a mental health crisis. If you think that you are having a crisis and are already supported by the mental health services in Camden and Islington Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust you should speak to the team supporting you, if it is within office hours. If you are in crisis and donât already have support from the mental health services you can contact the crisis team.
Website: https://www.islington.gov.uk/social-care-and-health/health-services-in-islington/mental-health
Telephone: 0800 917 3333
CNWL Mental Health Crises Team
Central and North West London Mental Health Trustâs Single Point of Access is for referrals to secondary mental health services and support in a mental health crisis for Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster.
 The team takes referrals from :
- GPs
- statutory services such as the Police or the London Ambulance services.
Non-statutory services such as housing associations, as well as other professionals can contact SPA for advice in relation to mental health support and signposting information for people that they are concerned about. People can make enquiries on behalf of a family member or friend, or for themselves.
Telephone: 0800 0234 650 (available 24/7)
Website: https://www.cnwl.nhs.uk/services/mental-health-services/adult-and-older-adult/single-point-access
South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust - Adults
SLaM has a 24 hour information line to help people who are experiencing mental distress. The line is for patients, carers and anyone who needs advice, help and assistance while in a crisis or facing difficulties dealing with mental illness.
Telephone: 0800 731 2864 (Option 1)
Mosaic Clubhouse Evening Sanctuary
Mosaic Clubhouse offers a free service providing short-term support to Lambeth residents who are currently experiencing a mental health crisis. We offer support 7 nights a week from 6pm â 12am.
Website: https://www.mosaic-clubhouse.org/sanctuary
Telephone: 0207 924 9657
The Listening Place
The Listening Place is somewhere individuals can talk openly about their feelings without being judged or being given advice. It provides free, face-to-face, ongoing support, by appointment, for those who feel that life is no longer worth living.
It is open 9am â 9pm seven days a week.
Website: https://listeningplace.org.uk/
Telephone: 020 3906 7676
SLaM â 24hr Crisis Telephone Helpline
The 24 hour Crisis Telephone Helpline managed by SLaM, provides professional support to individuals, family and carers who are experiencing a mental health crisis. The mental health professionals that will be answering the calls, will provide interventions and or referrals to appropriate mental health community services or provide direct interventions over the telephone.
This service will also provide advice to the Police, London Ambulance Service (LAS), out of hours Emergency Duty Teams (EDT) and other professionals.
Website: https://lewisham.gov.uk/myservices/socialcare/health/mental-health/get-help-with-mental-health
Telephone: 0800 731 2864
Southwest London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust
If you need mental health support in a crisis you can call our 24/7 Mental Health Support Line on 0800 028 8000. The Mental Health Support Line offers emotional support and advice to people who are affected by urgent mental health issues, at any time of the day or night. It is open to everyone: both children and adults of all ages, and to people who havenât previously accessed mental health services.
Website:Â https://www.swlstg.nhs.uk/contact-us/
Telephone:Â 0800 028 8000
Â
Newham - 24 Hour Mental Health Crisis Helpline
The Crisis Helpline can:
- support and help you if you have mental health problems
- provide accurate information and advice about local mental health services
- communicate with other services or teams on your behalf if you wish
- support you in a non-directive way, to empower and encourage you to take control of your own life and come to your own decisions
Website: https://adultsocialcare.newham.gov.uk/Pages/Crisis%20Help.aspx
Telephone: 020 7540 6782
North East London NHS Foundation Trust 0300 555 1000 (24 hour freephone)
Redbridge Mental Health Direct
You can call for mental health help and advice anytime of the day or night.
We can arrange for you to speak with a mental health professional. We can also advise you about what service to contact to get the support you need.
Telephone: 0300 555 1000
Â
South West London and St Georgeâs Mental Health NHS Trust 24/7 Mental Health Support Line
If you need mental health support in a crisis you can call the South West London and St Georgeâs Mental Health NHS Trust 24/7 Mental Health Support Line on 0800 028 8000. The Mental Health Support Line offers emotional support and advice to people who are affected by urgent mental health issues, at any time of the day or night. It is open to everyone: both children and adults of all ages, and to people who havenât previously accessed mental health services.
Telephone: 0800 028 8000
24-hour mental health telephone support line
If you, or someone you know, is in a mental health crisis, contact the 24-hour mental health telephone support line on 0800 731 2864.
Telephone: 0800 731 2864
South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust
Telephone: 0800 028 8000Â
Tower Hamlets Mental Health Crisis Line
If you or someone you care about is experiencing a mental health crisis â you can call 0207 771 5807. Â The mental health crisis line is available 24 hours a day and callers will be given support and advice from mental health professionals.Â
Website: https://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/lgnl/health__social_care/public_health/mental_wellbeing.aspx
Telephone: 0207 771 5807
Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust 0800 330 8590 (24 hour freephone)
These resources are available for adults, young people, children and families. Â If you need mental health advice or are feeling particularly low, help is available.Â
Samaritans
If you or someone you know is feeling low, depressed, or suicidal call the Samaritans on 116 123
Mental Health Direct
If you live in Waltham Forest, our partner at NELFT has set up a new Mental Health Direct number. If you're in a crisis and don't know what to do, call 0800 995 1000
Shout
Shout is the UK's free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope.Â
Text âSHOUTâ to 85258.Â
Young people
If you are a young person under 35 having thoughts of suicide or are concerned for a young person who might be, you can contact Papyrusâ HOPELINE247 for confidential support and practical advice.
- Call: 0800 068 4141
- Text: 07860039967
- Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org
The Orchard Mental Health Emergency Service
For urgent mental health support please contact The Orchard Mental Health Emergency Service at Springfield Hospital on 0800 028 8000. Please do not turn up in person.
Telephone: 0800 028 8000Â
CNWL Mental Health Crises Team
Central and North West London Mental Health Trustâs Single Point of Access is for referrals to secondary mental health services and support in a mental health crisis for Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster.
 The team takes referrals from :
- GPs
- statutory services such as the Police or the London Ambulance services.
Non-statutory services such as housing associations, as well as other professionals can contact SPA for advice in relation to mental health support and signposting information for people that they are concerned about. People can make enquiries on behalf of a family member or friend, or for themselves.
Website: https://www.cnwl.nhs.uk/services/mental-health-services/adult-and-older-adult/single-point-access
Telephone: 0800 0234 650 (available 24/7)