A one size fits all approach cannot be taken when supporting a person who may be feeling suicidal and should be dealt with on a case by case basis.  For example, a person who is suicidal with an active plan may need containment and would need to be advised to go to A&E to be assessed by the mental health liaison team.  Active plans could mean that the person may have purchased lots of tablets for an overdose.  The person may have a history of suicidal attempts or underline mental health issues.   

In this instance suggesting a person get in contact with a helpline may not be the best course of action as the person would need to be admitted to hospital for a mental health act assessment. 

The Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust website has very helpful information on how a person can access support if they are experiencing a mental health crisis and need to access urgent help.  

If a person is known to mental health services and they require urgent support outside of their teams working hours they can contact the Crisis Single Point of access on free phone number which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 0800 917 3333.

If you interact with a person who is significantly vulnerable or for example is in distress and is not known to or under the care of mental health services, they should be encouraged to contact their GP for an urgent appointment. 

If the person feels unable to address their problem or wait to see their GP, then they should contact the C&I Crisis Single Point of Access on free phone 0800 917 3333.  However, if someone is in immediate danger or risk of harm call 999.