Alternative ways for people to access urgent mental health support

Following the launch of the NHS 111 urgent mental health line in April last year, Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT) 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, LPFT, in conjunction with the commissioners NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board, 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.

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).

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.

Eve Baird, Chief Operating Officer at Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“We are continually reviewing the services we provide to the public across Lincolnshire to make sure they are as effective and efficient as possible. Moving 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.

“For those not in immediate mental health crisis, there are now a number of places people can go to for support – not least the H.A.Y. Lincolnshire website and also the network of local community hubs and night light cafes. Full details of these are available on H.A.Y. Lincolnshire.”

Anyone with feedback or comments about this change can contact the LPFT Participation Team on lpft.involvement@nhs.net.