If you, or someone you know, are in a mental health crisis there are people who can help you.

If someone is in immediate danger

If someone is at immediate risk of harming themselves or others, please ring 999.

For other crisis situations

The First Response Service provides 24-hour access to mental health care, advice, support and treatment for people of all ages living in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. By calling 111, and selecting the mental health option, you will be put through to a member of the First Response Service who will discuss your current mental health needs. They can offer advice over the phone, put you in contact with crisis services or even refer you to a Sanctuary – safe places run by mental health charity CPSL Mind. The Sanctuaries offer short-term practical and emotional support between 6pm and 1am, seven days a week.

Your GP surgery should be able to offer you an appointment to see a doctor quickly in an emergency. Your GP will be able to assess your circumstances and offer appropriate advice or treatment. They can also refer you to a psychological therapy service or a specialist mental health service for further advice or treatment.

Out of hours emergency care services in Cambridgeshire is available between 6pm and 8.30am during weekdays, and 24 hours a day service at weekends and Bank Holidays. The service is accessed by calling 111. The out-of-hours doctor may assess the situation over the phone, ask you to attend a clinic/service, or may come out to assess you. They will be able to arrange any necessary specialist assessments.

If you are not able to obtain the support you need through the methods above you can go to your nearest A&E department. They will be able to assess your needs and contact mental health services to arrange an assessment or hospitalisation if necessary.

Someone to talk to

Lifeline 0808 808 2121, 11am-11pm, 7 days a week, freephone.

Samaritans 116 123, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, freephone.

CALM Helpline & Livechat 0800 58 58 58, 5pm-midnight, 7 days a week, freephone.

SANEline 0300 304 7000, 4pm-10pm, 7 days a week.

HOPELine 0800 068 41 41, 9am-midnight, 7 days a week, freephone. For people up to the age of 35 and those concerned about a young person.

Information and Signposting

There are many local and national organisations which offer mental health information and support. Our Mental Health Handbook provides information and contact details for many of them.

Mind Infoline 0300 123 3393, 9am-6pm, Monday to Friday (except Bank Holidays), calls charged at local rate.

Mind Legal Line 0300 466 6463, 9am-6pm, Monday to Friday (except Bank Holidays), calls charged at local rate.

Rethink Advice Line 0808 801 0525, 9.30am-4pm, Monday to Friday (except Bank Holidays), freephone.

Supporting Someone in Crisis

STOP Suicide‘s website includes information about spotting the signs that someone may be suicidal and how to talk to and support someone who is feeling suicidal.

Mind has written a variety of guides about supporting someone who is experiencing a mental health issue including someone who is experiencing suicidal feelings.

Rethink have also produced a factsheet on getting help for someone in a mental health crisis.

Crisis Planning

When you are feeling well you might like to think about putting together a crisis plan. A crisis plan would give your friends, family and professionals information about how to best support you if you experience another crisis.

Mind has written a guide to help you consider your options and how you might draw up a crisis plan.

The Grassroots Suicide Prevention has developed a free app to support both people who are experiencing thoughts of suicide and people concerned about someone else.

Page Reviewed: 28 October 2022