Urgent mental health support for South West Londoners available via NHS 111

People living in South West London with urgent mental health concerns can seek specialist NHS help, advice and clinical support when needed by phone, 24/7, through an NHS 111 for Mental Health service.

A new campaign has been launched to raise awareness of this service, which is available to 3.7 million people living across 12 boroughs south of the river.

People who need to speak to a mental health professional urgently, whether for themselves or a loved one, friend of colleague, are encouraged to call 111 and select the mental health option.

Dr Isabel McMullen, Consultant Psychiatrist for SLaM and King’s College Hospital and Clinical Director for the service, said: “Since we introduced this local service, run by NHS mental health professionals, hundreds of people in south London have called to get support and advice for their urgent mental health needs.

“If you are experiencing something that makes you feel unsafe, distressed, or worried about your mental health, please call your local NHS crisis service here in south London. We have specially trained NHS mental health expert practitioner and clinicians ready to listen, support and help you.”

People who are generally concerned about their mental health and well-being but don’t feel that they need urgent or immediate help should contact their GP or visit the NHS website to find out about support available.

People who are already in contact with NHS mental health services can use contact details they have been given for immediate support. If they are unable to get hold of someone but need urgent help, they should call 111.

The service is a partnership by south London’s three NHS mental health trusts – Oxleas, South London and Maudsley (SLaM), and South West London and St George’s – and is intended to help local people who need urgent and crisis mental health support the right care, when they need it.

For people who are experiencing a mental health crisis in Surrey, 24-hour support is available via: 0800 915 4644.

To find out more about the support available for mental health, visit the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/where-to-get-urgent-help-for-mental-health/