NHS 111 now offers mental health text support

To help you get the support you need through NHS 111, you will speak to a mental health advisor who will ask you some questions and listen to you. They can offer self-care advice over the phone, transfer you to the crisis service if needed or refer you to other local services.

You can call for yourself, or someone else. NHS 111 is for all ages, including children and young people and those with neurodevelopmental needs. If you are deaf or have hearing loss please use NHS 111 SignVideo or the 18001 111 Relay UK app.

If a person’s mental or emotional state gets worse quickly, this can be referred to as a mental health crisis or a mental health emergency. If this happens, it is important to get help quickly.

A mental health crisis can mean different things to different people, but often means that you no longer feel able to cope or be in control of your situation. It can cause a significant disruption to your life and your ability to function.

Anyone phoning NHS 111 for urgent mental health support in the North East and North Cumbria will also be offered the text option.

When phoning NHS 111 and selecting the mental health option, people can expect to hear the following message: If you would prefer to receive support by text, connect with a mental health professional by texting CALMER (that’s C-A-L-M -E-R) to 85258. This service is provided free in partnership with Shout.  

The text service is not for emergency support and the NHS advises people to phone 999 if there is a serious risk to life.