NHS mental health crisis helplines rolled out across South West

NHS mental health crisis helplines rolled out across South West

NHS Blue and White logo

People across the South West now have access to dedicated 24/7 NHS mental health crisis helplines, to ensure that everyone can get the urgent care they need during the global pandemic.

Although part of the existing NHS Long-term Plan, universal coverage has been brought forward to help people cope with the impact of coronavirus.

Mental health teams across the South West have worked hard to accelerate rollout of the service.

Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis can now call their local helpline at any time, while friends and family members can call on behalf of someone they’re worried about.

The lines are also open to professionals such as police and paramedics who may come across people experiencing mental ill health.

Anyone can find details of their local helpline through a new, easy-to-use service-finder on the NHS website – just type in your postcode or home town in the same way you would search for a local GP or pharmacist.

The new helplines are led by mental health professionals who can refer people to local urgent, acute and routine mental health services. This may include phone and video consultations, as well as urgent face-to-face assessments where necessary.

Michael Marsh, Medical Director at NHS England South West, said:

“To anyone who is struggling with their mental health at this difficult time, our message is clear: the NHS is here for you. All of our mental health services for both adults and children are still available, with many offering more flexible options such as video and phone consultations to improve safety for patients and staff alike. If you need support with your mental health, you can still access existing services or speak to your GP about your needs.

“If you find yourself in crisis, you will now be able to find your local helpline number quickly and easily at NHS.uk to get the help and support that you need. However, if you or someone else is in a serious or life-threatening emergency then you should still call 999 or go to A&E – services are still there for those who need them and you will not be wasting anyone’s time.”

“Getting the helplines up and running in a matter of weeks, rather than years, was a monumental effort. I have been humbled by the work and commitment of colleagues in mental health services all over the country. They have made huge changes in normally impossible timeframes, in the most collective and supportive spirit. While this means that helplines will be a work in progress in some places, hard-working mental health teams across the NHS are committed to continuously improving these vital services.”

Dr. Amelia Randle, GP Partner at The Park Medical Practice Mendip, said:

“Throughout this pandemic we have seen an increase in the number of patients presenting with mental health related issues as a result of the enforced measures including social distancing, isolation and frequent hand washing.

Whilst these have helped to achieve the goal of reducing coronavirus infections it has resulted in more and more people struggling with problems such as anxiety and depression.

We know people need support and it’s important people speak to their GP or the many available crisis lines to seek the help they need quickly. The 24/7 Crisis line provides another option for children and adults to access the profession care they need during these unsettling times.

There are also some simple things we can all do to prioritise our physical and mental health at this difficult time such as; exercising regularly, eating healthy food and prioritising time for rest and sleep, making time in your day for an activity you enjoy, scheduling regular contact with family and friends and working with your local community to support others.”

Until now, many people didn’t know where to turn in a mental health crisis and most parts of the country didn’t have accessible helplines.

As a result, many people had no choice but to go to A&E or dial 999 if they needed urgent help even if this wasn’t the best option for their circumstances.

This was already an issue before coronavirus, and the NHS was working to address this by rolling out helplines across the country as part of the NHS Long-term Plan.

This included a target to set up helplines for adults by March 2021 and for children and young people by 2024. The new helplines are open to people of all ages.

With the additional challenge of coronavirus affecting people’s mental health as well as concerns about the risk of infection in NHS premises, trusts were asked to rapidly accelerate their plans to set up helplines.

Now that the whole country is covered, patients can directly access appropriate help without having to go through other emergency pathways.






Other News

Town Council Reception Closure

Reception will be closed from 12.30 pm tomorrow (Tuesday) lunchtime until Wednesday morning, however, urgent emails/telephone calls will be responded to as soon as possible.

Mayors Fabulous Fundraiser for the RNLI

On Tuesday evening, 3rd December, a generous crowd attended the Princess Theatreand Arts Centre for the Mayor of Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge, Councillor SharonPerry’s, fundraiser event for the RNLI.The evening began with a welcome drink before

Somerset Council’s ‘Help Through Winter’

Somerset households struggling to pay their bills and keep warm during the colder months could be eligible for help with everyday essentials, such as food, water and energy costs. Somerset Council’s ‘Help Through Winter’ campaign

Categories

Categories

Archives

Archives

Newsletter

Have our newsletter delivered direct to your inbox.

Be the first to hear our latest news.

Burnham-on-Sea & Highbridge Council Logo

Thank You

Please check your inbox for any email verifications to ensure you complete the signup process.

Records Retention Schedule

Financial Risk Management Policy - March 2023

Grant Application Kings Coronation Form

The Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III will take place on Saturday 6th May 2023, with an additional bank holiday on Monday 8th May 2023.

We are keen to hear from groups/organisations in Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge that are looking to celebrate the Coronation. The Town Council has £1500 available to allocate to events being organised to celebrate the Kings Coronation. The maximum grant to be allocated per event will be £500.

You must meet the following criteria for your application to be considered:

– The event will be open to all members of the public

– The event will be free of charge

– The event will take place within the Coronation weekend

– The event will take place within Burnham on Sea or Highbridge

 

Applications will close on Monday 6th March at midday. 

Your organisation and contact details

What happens next....
Applications will be considered at the Finance and Resources Committee Meeting on Monday 13th March 2023. You will be notified after this date whether your application has been successful.
Burnham & Highbridge Town Council takes your privacy seriously and will only use your personal information for the purposes of contacting you about this grant. The Council’s privacy notice can be found here.

We use cookies to help make this site better. Read more about our cookie policy.

Skip to content