South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust’s Mental health crisis line has transitioned to NHS 111
Simplifying where people can get help in a crisis
This change is part of a national NHS programme designed to:
- Make it easier for people to find help in a mental health crisis
- Offer a single, simple number for urgent care
- Ensure equal access to mental and physical health support via NHS 111
Anyone, of any age, experiencing a mental health crisis, or worried about a friend or family member, should now call NHS 111 and select the mental health option after that time.
A message on the 24/7 crisis line number will direct callers to hang up and contact NHS 111 and select the mental health option.
Will this affect the SLP CAMHS crisis line?
The South London Partnership (SLP) CAMHS Crisis Line, contactable on 020 3228 5980, will continue to operate the same hours between 9am–11pm, offering professional mental health and guidance from CAMHS Clinicians to children, young people, families, carers and anyone concerned about a young person’s mental health.
Outside the SLP CAMHS Crisis Line’s normal opening hours, callers will now be asked to call NHS 111 and select the mental health option, rather than call the Trust’s 24/7 mental health crisis line.
What are the benefits?
- NHS 111 for mental health operates 24/7 for all ages. This includes calls about, or from, children and young people’s mental health.
- You can still reach the same local crisis teams – changing to NHS 111 makes it easier and quicker for you to access help, including out-of-hours.
- You will receive the same care from trained professionals by calling NHS 111 and selecting the mental health option.
- Mental health calls to NHS 111 will be answered by professionals trained to help people in mental health crisis, who will receive the same high-quality care.
Why NHS 111 for mental health?
NHS 111 for mental health has been in place for South London residents since December 2023, and is a key route to urgent support for patients, partners, and our wider community. What’s changing is that our Crisis Line is now becoming part of this service.
NHS 111 for mental health is designed to support anyone experiencing a mental health crisis, those concerned about a friend or loved one, as well as fellow Blue Light services and healthcare professionals supporting those in crisis.
