For a mental health emergency when someone is in immediate danger or at risk of serious self-harm they must call 999. If the situation is not life-threatening, but urgent help is needed, calling NHS 111 followed by option 2 (for mental health) is advised. NHS 111 can also be accessed online www.111.nhs.uk.
If you are in a mental health crisis, call 111 and press option 2 to speak to a mental health professional. Lines are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
You can also contact the South London Crisis Text Service via WhatsApp using this link , or by sending a message on WhatsApp to 0303 330 1511.
Both NHS 111 and the South London Crisis WhatsApp service are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for people of all ages. You can contact them for yourself or if you are concerned about someone else.
If you are a child, young person, or a parent/carer worried about a young person’s mental health, call the South London Partnership CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) Crisis Line on 0203 228 5980. The line is open every day from 9am to 11pm. Outside of these hours, call NHS 111.
If you are Deaf, you can call our crisis line using Convo Now (previously Sign Live). Download the app for iOS or Android.
For NHS 111 – there is VRS available https://signvideo.co.uk/nhs111/
For 999 – 999 BSL https://999bsl.co.uk/
Between 9am and 5pm Monday-Friday, contact the team providing your care using the details they have provided and follow any arrangements they have made with you for accessing support.
Call 999 or attend A&E if someone’s life is at risk during a mental health crisis – for example, risk of a medical emergency, serious injury or overdose, or if you have concerns about your physical health that require immediate medical attention.
If you go to A&E with a mental health emergency they may refer you to the liaison psychiatry team if further mental health input is needed. There are liaison psychiatry teams based in the following local A&E departments:
If you are struggling with how you are feeling or feel at risk of going into crisis, your local Recovery Café can help. Recovery Cafés are a free walk-in out of hours service where you can talk to people who will understand and help you.
You don’t need a referral or an appointment to visit. You can ring ahead if you need any support getting there or would like to speak with a member of staff first.