Family Support

New 24/7 crisis line to support people’s mental health

PEOPLE living in Halton, Knowsley, St Helens and Warrington who are experiencing a mental health crisis can now access mental health support via a new 24/7 dedicated mental health crisis line: 01925 275 309. This complements the existing 24/7 mental health crisis line in Wigan: 01942 636 395.

North West Boroughs Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has launched the crisis line to provide support 24 hours a day, seven days a week to people of all ages, including children and young people, who need urgent mental health support.

John Heritage, Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief Executive, said: “We recognise that these challenging times are affecting a lot of people’s mental wellbeing.

“We are committed to responding to people’s needs and our dedicated 24/7 mental health crisis line offers local, specialised support in a timely, person-centred and safe way.

“By calling our crisis lines, you will speak with one of our dedicated mental health professionals who will work with you to develop a plan and help you to access the support you need.

“I’m hugely proud of the efforts of all of our staff and their continued dedication to make sure our patients are receiving the care and support they need. I would like to thank everyone who has worked hard to establish and deliver this crisis line in such a short space of time.”

What to do if you need urgent mental health help:

• Please call and our dedicated local crisis lines and NHS staff will support you to access the help you need:
• If you live in Halton, Knowsley, St Helens or Warrington call 01925 275 309
• If you live in Wigan call 01942 636 395
• The crisis lines are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and are open to people of all ages – including children and young people
• The crisis lines are now the first port of call for mental health crisis help – it is operated by people in your local area who will know how best to support you. If you call NHS111 you may have to wait longer for help and will be redirected to this local service
• Please note, A&E and 999 are not the best places to get help for the majority of mental health problems – call our crisis line to be directed to the best local service to support you
• You should still call 999 or go to A&E if you have a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate mental or physical health assistance
• For non-urgent help and general wellbeing advice, North West Boroughs Healthcare’s website contains information and links to resources to support people with anxiety, low-mood, and worries relating to the current Covid-19 pandemic: www.nwbh.nhs.uk/coronavirus

More information about the new helpline can be found at: www.nwbh.nhs.uk