Getting support for children and young people in a mental health crisis or emergency
A mental health crisis is where a person is currently unharmed but needs urgent mental health support as they may be:
- Feeling like they may seriously harm or injure themselves or other people
- Feeling suicidal or like they want to die
- No longer feeling able to cope or be in control of their situation
- In extreme distress or showing extreme changes in behaviour.
What can I do in a mental health crisis?
- If you already get mental health support from the NHS or another organisation, please contact the service that helps you
- Book an emergency appointment with your GP practice. Outside of normal hours you can still phone your GP, but you will usually be sent to an out-of-hours service
- Contact Night OWLS (West Yorkshire only). Call free on 0800 148 8244, text on 07984 392700 or chat online: wynightowls.org.uk from 8pm–8am every day
- Call NHS 111, a 24-hour helpline for help and advice
- If you don’t currently use mental health services, you can contact Single Point of Access (SPA) teams. They are here to help with urgent concerns regarding a child or young person who needs immediate support from a mental health professional:
- Barnsley: 01226 644829
- Calderdale: 01422 300001
- Kirklees: 0300 304 5555
- Wakefield: 01977 735865
Charities can also help:
- Childline: Free, confidential support, available any time. Call 0800 1111
- Papyrus: Support 9am to midnight every day on 0800 068 4141 or text 07860039967
- Samaritans: Free to call, 24/7, 365 days a year. Call them on 116 123
- Shout: Text SHOUT to 85258 for free, confidential, 24/7 support
- The Mix: Text THEMIX to 85258 for free, 24/7 crisis support
- YoungMinds: Text YM to 85258 for free 24/7 support if you need urgent help.
If you or someone else is seriously harmed or injured, always call 999 or go to your nearest A&E. Serious harm or injury can include taking an overdose of drugs, alcohol or medication or bleeding heavily e.g., from a cut or wound.
Download and share the help in a mental health crisis or emergency poster.
Page last updated on: