Urgent help and support now
If you need urgent help with your mental health, choose the option that fits best.
Call 999
Call 111
Go to A&E / ED
Call 999
Phone 999
Use this if you or someone else is in immediate danger, or there is a serious risk to life.
What will happen:
The call handler will ask where you are and what has happened.
They may ask for your phone number in case they need to call you back.
You may be told what to do while help is on the way.
If it is a life-threatening emergency, an ambulance or other emergency responder will be sent.
Calling 999 does not always mean an ambulance will be sent. You may be advised to go to A&E or get help in another way.
Call 111
Phone 111
Use this if you need urgent mental health help, but it is not an emergency.
What will happen:
You can call 111 and choose the mental health option.
You will be asked some questions about what is happening and how urgent it feels.
You may speak to a trained mental health professional or adviser.
They will help you work out the next step, which may include local urgent support or going to A&E.
111 is available day and night. You can use it when you need urgent help and are not sure what to do next.
Go to A&E / ED
Go to A&E / ED
Go to the emergency department if you need urgent in-person help or have been told to go there.
What will happen:
When you arrive, staff will ask for your details and why you have come.
You will have an assessment so the team can understand how urgent your needs are.
You may need to wait while staff see the most seriously unwell people first.
You may be seen by emergency staff and, if needed, a mental health team.
If you need help because of a disability or communication need, tell staff as soon as you arrive.