Changes to the way people access urgent advice and support during a mental health crisis are coming into place next month across Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG).
These changes will bring significant improvements to the way mental health urgent advice and crisis support services are provided.
NHS 111 Select Mental Health Option
From Friday 1 November 2024, the Integrated Access Partnership (IAP) will become the single ‘front door’ for mental health crisis calls via NHS 111.
Anyone calling NHS 111 and selecting the mental health option (option 2) will be directed to IAP’s specialist service. Calls will be answered by dedicated call handlers, with callers receiving a prompt call back from a mental health practitioner for triage and assessment.
This enhancement aims to ensure all individuals in mental health crisis receive an urgent response from mental health specialists, providing the right support in the most appropriate setting.
What does this mean?
On 1 November, the current Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust (AWP) response line number for BNSSG (0800 953 1919) will no longer be available.
For more information about 111, select mental health option, please visit NHS England.
