Following the launch of the NHS 111 urgent mental health line in April last year, the Trust has been reviewing how people access and use the different parts of its urgent care services and decided to make some changes.
Calls to the county’s adult Mental Health Matters (MHM) helpline have slowly decreased since the introduction of NHS 111 and, with the launch and expansion of the How Are You (H.A.Y.) Lincolnshire website as well, people now have lots of alternative options for seeking support, either in a crisis, or for general advice, support and signposting.
For that reason, in conjunction with the commissioners NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board, the Trust has taken the decision to move to just one adult mental health helpline in the county from the end of May, winding down the line provided by Mental Health Matters.
This move to just one adult mental health helpline in the county means that those needing support are directed to trained mental health professionals straight away, streamlining and simplifying the overall processes for accessing help.
From 1 June, the mental health matters helpline on 0800 001 4331 will no longer be available and those in need of urgent mental health support and experiencing a crisis should call NHS 111, and select option 2 for mental health.
Children, young people and their families seeking support, should continue to call the Lincolnshire Here4You advice line on 0800 234 6342 (open 24/7).
For those who would like general advice and signposting, the H.A.Y. Lincolnshire website remains a vital directory of support, and the network of local community hubs and night light cafes can also support and signpost people.
Professionals from healthcare, social care and the voluntary and third sector who may need guidance and support when helping someone with mental health related issues can continue to access advice from the Trust’s Lincolnshire Mental Health Adviser helpline on 0303 123 4000.
You can find out more about all of the specialist mental health support services the Trust provides at www.lpft.nhs.uk.
If anyone has any feedback or comments about this change, people are encouraged to share their views with our Participation Team on lpft.involvement@nhs.net, so the Trust can ensure it continues to offer help in a way that meets people’s needs.
