This World Mental Health Day, our trust is reminding people across Surrey and Northeast Hampshire that help is always available when they are in a mental health crisis.
A new social media push will highlight our trust’s Mental Health Crisis Helpline which is available 24/7 and its five Safe Havens which offer both in person and virtual expert mental health support every evening of the week.
A mental health crisis can look and feel different for everyone. It may involve feeling unable to cope, being at risk of harm, experiencing panic attacks, flashbacks or suicidal thoughts, or withdrawing from family and friends. Crises can happen whether or not someone has a diagnosed mental health condition.
Chief Medical Officer, Emma Whicher, said: “Reaching out for help early can make all the difference. You don’t have to face a mental health crisis alone, and you don’t need to wait until things feel unbearable to ask for support. Our Mental Health Crisis Helpline and Safe Havens are here for everyone - offering compassionate, expert care when it is needed.”
Mental Health Crisis Helpline
Our trust’s Mental Health Crisis Helpline is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, offering free and confidential advice and support to adults and young people.
When you contact the helpline, one of our trust’s experienced call handlers will listen and help you access the right support. From January to December 2024, the helpline answered a total of 34,350 calls, averaging 2,863 calls each month. An additional 4,436 calls came from people under the age of 18. In 2023, the helpline answered 32,231 calls — an increase of around 177 calls per month on average in 2024.
The introduction of easier access through NHS 111 and increased publicity has led to a significant rise in calls to the crisis line, enabling more people in the community to receive mental health support.
Anyone can access the Mental Health Crisis Helpline on 111 and select the mental health option, or call directly on 0800 915 4644, selecting option 1 for those under 18. The waiting times are well below the national average of just 68 seconds.
Our trust also offers a text service for adults over 18 who feel unable to talk on the phone and for those who are hard of hearing. Send an SMS text to 07717 989 024.
Safe Havens
Alongside the helpline, there are five Safe Haven drop-in centres across Surrey and North East Hampshire – in Epsom, Guildford, Redhill, Woking and Aldershot. These are open every day from 6pm to 11pm.
Safe Havens provide a warm, welcoming space for adults aged 18 and over who are struggling with their mental health. Visitors can speak with mental health nurses from the trust and trained workers from partner charities.
For people who prefer to seek help from home, Virtual Safe Havens are also available at the same times via video call, offering confidential, face-to-face support from trained staff.