During 2024, West Yorkshire, along with the rest of England, will introduce the NHS 111 number as a universal point of access for people experiencing mental health crisis. Anyone will be able to call NHS 111 for themselves or someone else and have 24/7 access to the mental health support they need in the community. NHS111 is for all ages, including children and young people and those with neurodevelopmental needs.

Calls will be answered by colleagues trained in supporting an individual to discuss and manage their current mental health needs. They will offer advice, signpost to local services relevant to the circumstances or put people in contact with the relevant team if more urgent support is required.  In time, and with permission, they will be able to access electronic patient records to avoid people having to repeatedly tell us about their situation.

In West Yorkshire, we have good crisis support already in place across a range of organisations in all of our five places – Leeds, Wakefield, Bradford District and Craven, Kirklees and Calderdale. This mental health crisis support is accessible via our established helplines, and 111 will be an addition to those lines, meaning that even when 111 is in place, people will be able to continue to use the lines and services that they’re familiar with and trust.

Local crises support options are available:

• https://www.mindwell-leeds.org.uk
• If you are concerned about your immediate safety and you need help today
• Call 111, or 999 if in immediate danger.
• Call Connect helpline on 0808 800 1212.
• Call Samaritans on 116 123 (FREE)
• Go to A&E
• Our suicide prevention and support service is online at www.suicidepreventionwestyorkshire.co.uk.
• Call 0800 183 0558 (freephone) for the West Yorkshire 24 hour mental health helpline

For more information on the project contact: Westyorkshire.ics@nhs.net