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Mental health

Mental health

If your resident or someone else is in immediate danger or risk of harm phone 999. It is important to distinguish crisis support from emergency support. In an emergency, someone’s life might be in danger, and you should call 999.  

In an emergency, a resident can go to the emergency department at their local hospital. Hospital staff will be able to assess mental state and treat accordingly.

For urgent support when the person is not in immediate danger, you can call 111 and select the mental health option. This connects you with a trained mental health professional.

Suicide and self-harm prevention

Suicide prevention begins with awareness, empathy, and taking care of ourselves and one another. If you or someone you know is struggling, please remember that there is always help available.

Active suicidal ideation is often short-term and situation-specific. Suicide is often an attempt to end painful emotions and thoughts. Once these thoughts dissipate, or a situation changes, so too will the ideation.

If a person is actively suicidal, has a plan and access to means, and cannot keep themselves safe right now, contact the emergency services on 999.

 

Further support options:

 

  • Contact the doctor and ask for an urgent appointment. Alternatively, call 111 and select the mental health option to contact a trained mental health professional who can listen and connect to further support.
  • Call the Samaritans for free on 116 123 – they're always open and are there to listen. You can also email [email protected] and receive a response within 24 hours.  
  • The Stay Alive App can be used to help manage suicidal thoughts. It provides information and tools to help you stay safe in a crisis. You can use it if you are having thoughts of suicide or if you are concerned about someone else who may be considering suicide. 
  • Papyrus is the UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide in young people. They deliver HOPELINEUK (0800 068 41 41) a confidential support and advice service for young people under the age of 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide or anyone concerned that a young person could be thinking about suicide. 
  • The Listening Place provides free, regular face-to-face support for people who feel life is no longer worth living. You can make a professional referral or residents can self-refer by telephone - 020 3906 7676 

If they are at risk of harm or self-neglect, safeguarding alert needs to be raised with Social Care.

Key messages:

  • Suicidal thoughts can be interrupted - even small acts of care or connection matter
  • Listen and be present. You do not have to have all the answers. Sometimes just being there is enough
  • For more information about suicide see: Understanding Suicide - Grassroots Suicide Prevention

 

Last updated: 18 March 2026