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: