Need help in a mental health crisis or emergency?
Anyone experiencing an urgent mental health crisis can call 111 and select the option for mental health when prompted to speak to a specially-trained mental health practitioner. If you think there is a risk to your life, or the life of someone else, please do not call 111. Dial 999 instead.
Calling 111 and selecting the mental health option will connect you with someone trained to help people experiencing an urgent mental health crisis. While we know that this may mean different things to different people you could be in crisis if:
- You feel like you want to hurt yourself, or someone else
- You hear strange voices
- You feel that people are watching you or want to hurt you
- You are experiencing extreme distress that seems overwhelming or you can’t cope with day to day life
Are you a KMPT patient?
The quickest way of getting help if you are a KMPT patient experiencing an urgent mental health crisis is to contact the team caring for you during their working hours. Your Community Mental Health Team is available Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm. If you are being supported by a Home Treatment Team they are open between 8am-9.30pm, 7 days a week.
If you think you are in an urgent mental health crisis outside these hours, please call 111 and choose the mental health option offered.
If you feel mentally unwell but are not in a crisis
If you feel mentally unwell - such as stressed, anxious or distressed - but not in crisis there are still places you can go for help, including your GP. Please read on for more information about the support on offer.
Further Information
Please use the free national Relay UK service. Details for this service can be found at https://www.relayuk.bt.com/about-relay-uk.html
Alternatively, you can contact NHS 111 via the Relay UK app or using a text phone. Dial 18001 111.
In a life-threatening emergency, you can contact 999 via the Relay UK app or using a text phone. Dial 18000.
The Samaritans are available 24/7 every day of the year for anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope or at risk of suicide (freephone 116 123).
Mental Health Matters offer 24-hour phone support from compassionate helpline staff, trained in counselling skills (0800 107 0160).
Shout is a free, confidential 24/7 text support service for anyone in the UK who feels like they are struggling to cope. To start a conversation, text the word SHOUT to 85258. Trained volunteers are available to listen at any time of the day or night and messages will not appear on your phone bill.
The Kent & Medway Safe Havens offer free mental health support for anyone aged 18+ living in Kent and Medway. The havens are there to offer mental health and crisis support in a welcoming, comfortable, non-judgmental, and non-clinical environment. This is a drop-in service, with no referral or appointment required.
Support is available every day, 365 days a year. You can access support face-to-face from nine locations in Canterbury, Dartford, Folkestone, Gillingham, Maidstone, Medway, Ramsgate, Thanet and Tunbridge Wells. Anyone who lives in Kent or Medway can use the service regardless of where you live and support is also available virtually by contacting the service.
For more information and contact details, please visit www.mhm.org.uk/kent-safe-havens
Live Well Kent can support you with:
- Managing your money, including debt and benefits
- Housing support and guidance
- Improving your relationships
- Accessing counselling.
- Basic advice on healthy living and helping you set some goals to make positive lifestyle changes
- Supporting you to access a range of free resources including apps and things that are happening in your local community
- Putting you in touch with support to help you quit smoking, lose weight reduce your drinking or drugs intake and look after your sexual health.
- Volunteering
- Community projects
- Arts, music, culture or sporting groups
- Finding IAPT psychological therapies in your area
You can contact Live Well Kent by phoning 0800 567 7699 or visiting https://livewellkent.org.uk/
