North Londoners in mental health crisis should call 111

People living in Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey and Islington have been able to receive mental health help on the NHS’ non-emergency number since April.

But the scheme, which invites people in mental health crisis to press 2 after ringing 111 for support, has now been rolled out nationwide.

North London Mental Health Partnership has said that people in the area who ring up for help will be able to speak to a trained call handler at any hour, every day of the year.

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The line has been available in north London since April - but it has now been rolled out nationwide (Image: North London Mental Health Partnership)

With the caller’s permission, the mental health professional can also access their electronic patient records to avoid people having to repeatedly explain their mental health situation.

Handlers can then put callers in touch with a range of services, including crisis cafes or their local crisis resolution home treatment team, as an alternative to hospital admission.

 Jess Lievesley, chief operating officer at the north London team, said the line was a “really important step forward” in improving care for those suffering with urgent mental health issues.

She added: “Having a well-known number to call rather than having to look up a local line on a website will transform how quickly people receive urgent care.”