Getting Help—What To Do In a Crisis

If you, or someone you know, are experiencing a mental health related crisis then please take the following steps as appropriate:

If there is an immediate risk: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger of serious harm (for example, if you/they have taken an overdose) call 999 for an ambulance immediately. Give as much information as possible to the operator and be as clear as you can when giving your address and telephone number.

Telephone help if you are feeling desperate: There are some telephone numbers you can call if you are feeling desperate, but do not think it is appropriate to go to A+E or call your GP.

If there is no immediate risk of harm and you, or someone you know, is known to mental health services and has a CPA: If someone you know who is in regular contact with mental health services is in crisis but not in immediate danger, you should follow the guidance included in their CPA or crisis plan. This should set out who to contact (and how) as well as things they can do to help themselves. If these systems do not work (or are not in place) you should contact your care team directly and ask to speak to the duty worker if your keyworker / care co-ordinator is not available. If you cannot do this (for instance because its the middle of the night) and if the situation is serious you should try to attend a local accident and emergency department. Call an ambulance if necessary.

If there is no immediate risk of harm and you, or someone you know, is not engaged with mental health services: Where a mental health crisis occurs and the person is unknown to services, help should first be sought from a GP (family doctor) or in an emergency from accident and emergency. They will provide immediate advice and care and refer on to specialist mental health services if required.

If someone you know is unwell but unwilling to seek help: Where someone is mentally ill and either does not realise it or does not want to seek help for the problem, it is often difficult for services to assist. In the UK, people can normally only be treated for a mental illness without their consent if they are “sectioned.” (see Mental Health Legislation) This can be very traumatic for the individual concerned and it is almost always worthwhile trying to convince them to seek help voluntarily following the advice above.

If you know that the person has already been seen by the mental health services: contact the community mental health team on 01480 415340 or outside office hours, the emergency duty team on 01733 561370. For more information about the mental health services available in your area see Hospital and Community Mental Health Services.

East Cambridgeshire and Fenland Mental Health Team
Agenoria House
North Cambs Hospital
The Park
Wisbech
PE13 3AB

Tel: 01945 482159