As part of the NHS's winter plans, the NHS will be boosting mental health support for those in crisis in an attempt to ease pressure on emergency services.

Mental health professionals will be working with ambulance control centres and accompany paramedics on call outs in order to treat people experiencing a mental health crisis.

£10 million will be invested in mental health trusts this winter.

Research has shown that mental health professionals answering or responding to 999 calls can reduce the chances of a patient needing to go to A&E from a half to a fifth.

Demand for crisis mental health services has doubled since 2017 and increased by a third since before the pandemic.

NHS mental health director Claire Murdoch, said: “Getting support to people suffering a mental health crisis quickly is critical and will be even more important over the coming months when the NHS is facing a perfect storm with winter virus cases rapidly increasing alongside ongoing pressures in emergency care.

“The NHS is helping twice the number of people experiencing a mental health crisis compared to five years ago thanks to the rollout of 24/7 crisis support phone lines with tens of thousands receiving support without having to go to A&E.

“The NHS has been planning more extensively for its most challenging winter yet including having trained mental health professionals answering 999 calls and heading to the scene with paramedics to offer treatment at home.

“If you are struggling with your mental health do seek help from the NHS – you can refer yourself online to our world leading talking therapies service or if you are in a crisis, you can call your local helpline 24/7.”

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