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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. 

Mental health crisis

A mental health crisis means that someone may need urgent help with their mental health - such as suicidal feelings, self-harm, panic attacks, flashbacks, hypomania or mania, or psychosis (such as paranoia or hearing voices).    

People in crisis are usually feeling a high-level of overwhelm, there is risk of harm to themselves or others. They need urgent support to stay safe. 

If someone is experiencing a mental health crisis, they can self-refer, or a professional can refer them in for urgent specialist mental health support. This includes access to quick advice, assessment, risk management, and care planning. 

The routes for crisis support are: 

  • Phone the 24-hour Crisis Single Point of Access (24/7): 0800 917 3333
  • Visit the 24-hour Mental Health Crisis Assessment Service (MHCAS) at K block, Highgate West Mental Health Centre, Dartmouth Park Hill, London, N19 5NX
  • Camden Crisis Sanctuary for face-to-face, telephone, and online support:  Open from 5-11pm, Monday – Sunday, [email protected] / 07825 165464 

Key factors to keep in mind: You can call the crisis line yourself (as a professional) to get advice. Support is usually offered very quickly but is not long-term. The Crisis Sanctuary offers an non-NHS alternative for people in crisis who need an easy-to-access, calm space. 

 

If someone is having suicidal thoughts or self harm, they can:  

  • 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. 

 

Please also consider if a safeguarding alert needs to be raised with Social Care.

Last updated: 29 September 2025