Mental health crisis

We are aware that many practices are concerned about adult and child patients who may be struggling with their mental health during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Mental Health providers have been working with acute hospitals and commissioners to simplify access to mental health services during this challenging time.

For practices across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight this means that we are now recommending that all patients experiencing a mental health crisis or needing urgent support should visit www.111.nhs.uk or call 111 and ask to speak to the NHS Mental Health Triage service. This team, based within NHS 111 are skilled and qualified to help patients not only through an assessment of their immediate risk and needs, but are connected into all of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight’s child, adolescent and adult mental health services. 

There is a separate number for GPs seeking advice in relation to a patient’s mental health though this is not for publication and not to be issued to patients for their use in contacting NHS 111. Details of this are set out in the box below:

To help us ensure that as many of your patients as possible needing mental health support can access the help that they need, please include the message in the document below on your practice website and via social media.

Are you or someone you know experiencing a crisis and need urgent mental health support? Call 111 or visit www.111.nhs.uk and speak to the NHS Mental Health Triage Service. 

Our NHS 111 mental health triage service provides advice, support and guidance, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for anyone living in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. 

The Mental Health Triage Team has a wide range of skills, including on the phone brief psychological support and has access to key services and organisations, that can offer mental health support to people in their time of need.  

This service can also be also used by GPs and other healthcare professionals, the emergency services, mental health charities and any other organisations that come into contact with people experiencing a mental health crisis.

The Mental Health Triage Service can be accessed by phone, by dialling 111, and online at www.111.nhs.uk.

If you are experiencing a life threatening emergency, please call 999.

British Psychological Society advice for supporting older patients and those with dementia https://www.bps.org.uk/news-and-policy/information-supporting-older-people-and-those-dementia-during-covid-19

DHSC guidance on looking after people who lack mental capacity during coronavirus

Children and young people’s mental health