As part of a national pilot to transform mental health care, six new neighbourhood mental health hubs are being developed across England with three of them based right here in the North East and Yorkshire. Discover more about the pilots here: NHS England — North East and Yorkshire » Neighbourhood Mental Health Hub Pilots

NHS 111 option 2 enables people who are experiencing a mental health crisis to speak to a trained professional who can guide and support them.

Dr Hamish McLure, the NHS’ Medical Director for North East and Yorkshire, said the service gives people a single point of access to a full package of mental health crisis support through a single phone number, 24 hours a day.

“We want to ensure that when people are in mental health crisis they have straightforward access to the support they need,” Dr McLure (pictured) said.

“The NHS 111 option 2 service means people of all ages, including children, can access specialist mental health support from staff who can guide callers. The next steps might be face-to-face community support or access to services such as crisis cafés or safe havens which provide a place for people to stay as an alternative to A&E or a hospital admission.”

For people who need support at A&E, if there is a risk to life, every hospital emergency department in England has a liaison psychiatric team available to offer specialist care.

A full list of mental health support options is available via the NHS.uk website. The service is also suitable for deaf people, with tailored services available via the NHS 111 website.

• Other ways to contact 111 – NHS 111

NHS Talking Therapy services are  available for people who need support for other mental conditions such as anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Anyone can refer themselves online via NHS.uk or by contacting their GP.

The NHS advises people to call 999 if there is a serious risk to life.

Free listening services are provided by charities including The Samaritans (phone free on 116 123) or Shout Crisis text line (text Shout to 85258).

Dr McLure added: “Dark nights and short days can cause some people’s mental health to worsen. NHS 111 option 2 is a mental health crisis line, open 24/7, year-round for anyone who needs it.”

Under the 10 Year Health Plan for England, 85 mental health emergency departments (MHEDs) will be built across England with an investment of £120 million. Under national priority investment this will see MHEDs opened alongside emergency departments at 50% of NHS hospitals in England by spring 2029.

Staffed by specialist doctors and nurses providing round-the-clock support, mental health emergency departments provide a comprehensive mental health assessment to people in severe psychological distress. They offer a calm, therapeutic setting and ensure onward connection into mental health inpatient admission, urgent or community mental health pathways such as home treatment, crisis alternatives and neighbourhood mental health centres. Patients may walk in to a MHED, or referred by a GP, police or NHS 111.

MHED teams work closely with clinicians in a hospital’s emergency department to ensure any physical health needs presented by the patient are met. Mental health teams will also support first-response services which can help meet need in the community.

In the North East and Yorkshire there are three MHEDs – sometimes referred to as Crisis Assessment Centres – at Diana Princess of Wales Hospital in Grimsby, James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, and Northern General Hospital at Sheffield. The NHS emphasises that people experiencing a mental health crisis will be treated and receive the appropriate onward-care at any NHS type 1 emergency department (A&E).

Caroline Jowett, Clinical Programmes Manager at NHS North East and Yorkshire’s Regional Mental Health Team, said: “Mental health emergency departments are co-located with existing hospital emergency departments. They ensure patients get fast, same-day access to appropriate support in an appropriate setting. They are about creating another ‘front door’ for people with a mental health need who are otherwise physically fit. We are looking forward to the positive impact of Mental Health Emergency Departments on the care and treatment of patients experiencing mental health crisis.”

As the winter months set in and days become darker, colder and shorter, looking after our mental health becomes more important than ever. People who are struggling can get support, information and advice from one of the three North East Safe Havens, supporting people in Northumberland, North Tyneside and Newcastle.

‘I’m Zoe, the Everyturn Mental Health Team Manager here at the Newcastle Safe Haven. The service offers free, drop-in mental health support for anyone aged 18+ who lives, works or visits the city.’

What support does a Safe Haven offer? ‘Everyone’s experience of mental health is different, and that’s completely okay. For some people, a mental health struggle might be linked to a big life change like loss, grief or a relationship breakdown. For others it might be the build-up of everyday pressures like financial worries, loneliness, housing issues or work stress. Whatever it is we’re here to listen, support and help people find a way through.’

What can people expect when they access support from a Safe Haven? ‘When someone walks through the door they’re met with warmth and understanding. You’ll be welcomed into a calm, safe space and there’s always a cuppa waiting. You’ll work one-to-one with a member of our team and they’ll take things at your pace. We’ll work together on an action plan and focus on what’s most important to you right now. It’s all about practical and emotional support that helps you feel more in control.’

How do the Safe Haven team help? ‘Our team of 10 all bring their own lived experiences of mental health struggles. Many of us have faced our own challenges, so we know how tough things can feel and how powerful the right support can be.’

How can people get support from a Safe Haven? ‘People can be supported by a Safe Haven in a few different ways to suit what they’ve got going on. They can pop in to any of our Safe Havens anytime between 2pm and 10pm, including weekends and bank holidays. If they can’t make it in person they can still get help. Appointments by phone or video call are also available every day from 2 to 10pm and can be booked on our website.’

Do people need a referral from their GP? ‘People don’t need a referral from their GP or healthcare professional. Just get in touch or pop in whenever they need to. However big or small things feel, you’re not alone — we’re here to help, where and when you need it most and ensure no one struggles alone.’

Feedback from Safe Haven service users:

• ‘You don’t know what this means to me, I never been able to open up like this before. Thank you so much for everything that have done, I have truly felt so supported and heard.’
• ‘Yesterday’s talk was a stepping stone for me to get everything moving. Thank you again for all the support, you have helped me more than I can explain.’

Safe Havens are available at The Bothy in Ashington, Northumberland, The Anchorage in Wallsend, North Tyneside, and at George Street Social in Newcastle city centre. For more information, visit  www.everyturn.org/safe-havens

Operated by Everyturn Mental Health, the Safe Havens receive NHS funding from North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board.