Getting Urgent Help

Urgent Help – 24/7 support

Call NHS 111 and select the mental health option.

  • If you need help for a mental health crisis or emergency, you should get immediate expert advice and assessment.
  • It’s important to know that support services are available for you to access, whatever you’re going through.
  • Get advice from 111 or ask for an urgent GP appointment if you think you might need urgent help. Just call 111 and select the mental health option.

Call 999 or go to A&E now if:

  • Someone’s life is at risk – for example, they have seriously injured themselves or taken an overdose.
  • You do not feel you can keep yourself or someone else safe.

A mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a physical one. You will not be wasting anyone’s time.

Other ways to get help with your mental health

Free listening services

These services offer confidential support from trained volunteers. You can talk about anything that is troubling you, no matter how difficult:

Samaritans:

  • Call 116 123 to talk to Samaritans
  • Email: jo@samaritans.org for a reply within 24 hours

Shout Crisis Text Line:

Childline:

  • If you’re under 19, you can also call 0800 1111 to talk to Childline. The number will not appear on your phone bill.
  • These services will only share your information if they are very worried about you or think you are in immediate danger.

Information

Coping during a crisis:

The mental health charity Mind has information on ways to help yourself cope during a crisis. This includes calming exercises and a tool to get you through the next few hours.

1. Devon and Torbay (Plymouth area in section 2)

Children and Family Health Devon (CFHD) Mental Health Pathways (previously CAMHS)

Crisis Support: If you are under 18, Children and Family Health Devon Mental Health Pathways (previously CAMHS) offers 24/7 crisis support for children and young people experiencing problems with their emotional or psychological wellbeing or mental health.

  • You can access this by dialling 111 at any time and selecting the mental health option

Referral Process: If you need to access CFHD, you can do so through your school, GP, or via self-referral. More information can be found on Referral forms – Children and Family Health Devon

2. Plymouth

Livewell Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)

Crisis Support: If you are under 18, the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) offers 24/7 crisis support for children and young people experiencing problems with their emotional or psychological wellbeing or mental health.

  • You can access this by dialling 111 at any time and selecting the mental health option

If you are already known to CAMHS: If you require advice and support during office hours, please phone 01752 435125.

To access Neurodiversity support: Please call 01752 435125 and choose Option 3 Neuro Pathway.

If you want to make a self-referral or request for help: If you want to make a self-referral or request for help with a mental health issue for a young person or if you need some advice, please phone 01752 431613 (Monday to Friday, 9 am-4 pm) or go on line (link below) and complete the request for help form.

CAMHS Early Help Pathway | Livewell Southwest

More information can be found on the Livewell Southwest page. CAMHS | Livewell Southwest

Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)

If you are concerned about the safety of a child in Devon, Torbay or Plymouth, want to speak to someone, or if you are a child worried about your own safety, you can contact the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hubs (MASH). If a child is at immediate risk contact the police on 999.

Devon

You can find out more about the MASH along with information about recognising the warning signs of child abuse, finding support and keeping children safe and healthy, on the Devon Safeguarding Children Partnership website.

Torbay

  • If you are concerned about the safety of a child, please call Children’s Services on 01803 208100.
  • Out of office hours please call 0300 4564 876.
  • Email mash@torbay.gov.uk giving as much information as you can.
  • Complete an online request for support form: information can be found on this website on how to complete this form: Safeguarding Referral

More information can be found on this website: Hub – Torbay Safeguarding Children Partnership

Plymouth

  • If you are concerned about the safety of a child, please call 01752 668000
  • Outside of normal working hours call Plymouth Out of Hours Service on 01752 346984
  • Email MASH@plymouth.gov.uk giving as much information as you can

More information can be found on this website: MASH Contact (Referral to Children’s Social Care) – Plymouth Safeguarding Children Partnership