NHS reminding people of 24-hour help and support for mental health care

THE NHS trust responsible for providing most of Leicestershire and Rutland’s mental health services has launched an awareness campaign to make people aware of one of its key services.

Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust introduced a 24-hour, seven days a week phoneline at the start of the pandemic, which takes calls from people who are in a crisis about their mental health or are calling on behalf of a loved one.

LPT wants to make sure all residents are aware of all the support. Fiona Myers, interim director of adult mental health at LPT, said: “We’ve been developing many of these services over the past 18 months, some of them in response to the pandemic, so people had more support during this incredibly stressful time. Now, we want to make sure people know about the support that is out there.” The support includes:

A 24-hour, seven day a week phoneline – the Mental Health Central Access Point – for anyone to call in a crisis, for themselves or a loved one on 0808 800330.

Crisis Cafes – a network of drop-in centres that provide a safe space, emotional support and one-to-one sessions for people struggling with mental health issues. No appointment needed.

A Crisis House – a place of safety where people can go and stay in a crisis. This is open to anyone in a crisis and people are referred there once one of LPT’s members of staff have assessed them.

Fiona added: “We are urging everyone to use our services and not to struggle on their own. We are expanding our network of cafes so there will soon be one close to where most people live, but for now, the cafes we have are open to all.”

If you are deaf and have urgent mental health needs, you can use the NHS 111 British Sign Language service: interpreternow.co.uk/nhs111