Struggling with Mental Health? NHS 111 Offers 24/7 Crisis Support Across Cornwall

Published On: 24 October 2024Last Updated: 24 October 2024By CornishStuff

People across Cornwall now have a simple way to access mental health support during a crisis through the national NHS helpline, 111. Whether you’re worried about your own mental health or someone else’s, selecting the mental health option when calling 111 will connect you to a professional team ready to offer advice and signposting to other services available within the county.

One Easy Number to Remember

Lynsey Attwood, Operational Manager of Adult Mental Health Crisis services for Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, explained the change:
“For several years we have had our own free, local helpline offering 24/7 signposting and support. But we encourage this change to a single point of access via 111. Now there is one, easy to remember number to call for anyone feeling mentally or physically unwell.”

The existing local helpline has been operational since 2020, but the integration into the 111 system is designed to simplify access for those in need. By selecting the mental health option, callers will reach the same 24/7 service, with experienced local mental health professionals providing support, advice, and signposting to other resources within Cornwall.

Additional Mental Health Support Services in Cornwall

Call 111 and follow the signposts for mental health support. The local team is available 24/7 for support and advice, listening and determining how best to help.
Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly NHS Talking Therapies: Offers online support and talking therapies. Call 01208 871 905 for people aged 16+ years. The Suicide Liaison Service is also available for adults 18+ who have been bereaved by suicide.
Samaritans: Emotional support for anyone in distress. Call 116 123, 24 hours a day, or email jo@samaritans.org.
Man Down: Supporting men’s mental health in Cornwall. Visit Man Down Cornwall.
Your Voice: Supporting women’s mental health in Cornwall. More information can be found on the Your Voice website.
Georgia’s Voice: Supporting young women’s mental health in Cornwall. Visit the Georgia’s Voice website for more information.
We Are With You: Support for those worried about their own or someone else’s drug or alcohol use. Call 01872 263 001 or visit the Cornwall With You website.
Childline: A free, confidential service for anyone under 19. Call 0800 1111 or visit the Childline website to email or chat.
Shout: A 24/7 text service for anyone in crisis. Text 85258 for immediate help.
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): Support for men feeling down. Call 0800 58 58 58 from 5pm to midnight every day or visit the CALM website for webchat.
Early Help Hub: For young people or anyone worried about a child. Call 01872 322 277 or email earlyhelphub@cornwall.gov.uk.
Safer Futures: Support for those affected by domestic abuse or sexual violence. Call 0300 777 4777 or visit the Safer Futures website.
Valued Lives: Support for those in mental or emotional distress. Call their 24/7 crisis line on 0800 260 6759.
Papyrus Hopeline UK: For people under 35 experiencing suicidal thoughts. Call 0800 068 4141 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org.

Support for All Ages and Conditions

The NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Talking Therapies Service is also available for individuals aged 16 and over, offering help for conditions such as anxiety, depression, negative symptoms of menopause, and sleep issues. People can access this service either through their GP or by self-referring via the Talking Therapies website. More details are available here.

Lynsey added:
“We know that more and more people are suffering with mental health issues and feeling more able to ask for help. We want to make sure that when they are in a crisis, they have an easy, memorable way to get support.”

In an Emergency

While 111 is now the go-to number for mental health crisis support, the NHS continues to advise calling 999 in any situation where there is a serious risk to life.

For more information on the mental health services available in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, including crisis support, visit the Trust’s website here.