In an Emergency or Crisis

In an emergency or crisis, you may need to get help quickly, either for yourself or for someone else.

In an emergency you can contact your GP, or your GP’s out of hours service, in the same way that you would for a physical health problem. Your GP will visit you or arrange for you to see him/her. If necessary they may arrange specialist help quickly, either through the Crisis Resolution Team or at St Luke’s Hospital.

If you have a Care Co-ordinator you should contact him/her, and he/she may be able to help you or refer you to the Crisis Resolution Team.

The Crisis Resolution Service

If you have used the Crisis Resolution Service before, they may have given you the contact details to use in an emergency or crisis. The Crisis Resolution Service does not take self-referrals except where this has been agreed between the Crisis Resolution Team and the individual service users (and their family if appropriate). The service can be accessed through a GP, social worker or voluntary organisation such as Mind.

Alternatively, you can present yourself at Accident and Emergency, where the Liaison Psychiatry Service will make an assessment of your mental health needs.

You could also contact one of the following helplines:

Samaritans

Tel: 08457 90 90 90
The Samaritans provide 24hr, confidential, emotional support for anyone in crisis.
Click here for The Samaritans website.

NHS Direct

Tel: 0845 46 47
National nurse-led helpline providing medical advice.
Alternatively click here for NHS direct Online.

Mental Health Matters

Tel: 0800 052 7350
An evening telephone helpline (6pm to 6am daily) offering confidential emotional support and information.