For many reasons, the current coronavirus pandemic has taken its toll on the mental health of people regardless of their age or background and access to crisis support is vital.
From 15 June, mental health support for all ages has been made available 24hrs every day across Bedfordshire and Luton by calling NHS 111.
NHS 111 will act as a first point of contact for any adults, children or young people in urgent need of mental health help and callers will receive fast and responsive support from NHS mental health professionals by selecting Option 2.
Call handlers, based at Florence Ball House on Kimbolton Road, will complete an immediate telephone triage and then signpost people to help and support or arrange a same-day mental health assessment by the Trust’s mental health services for children and young people or adults.
The service is supported by the Trust’s urgent mental health assessment centre at Florence Ball House which provides 24hr walk-in mental health crisis support for all ages.
“This is a huge step forward in providing more accessible and responsive mental health crisis care for people of all ages,” Dr Angharad Ruttley, the Trust’s Clinical Director for Crisis Care in Bedfordshire and Luton.
“NHS 111 is known and trusted by the public and will now act as a first point of contact for people experiencing serious mental health challenges who don’t think they can cope.
“It will also better connect all NHS mental health services across the county.”
