This means that the NHS in England is one of the first National Health Services in the world to offer access to a 24/7 full package of mental health crisis support through one single phone line.
People of all ages, including children will be able to call 111, select the mental health option and speak to a trained mental health professional. Concerned family and loved ones will also be able to use the line.
NHS staff will guide callers with next steps such organising face-to-face community support or facilitating access to alternatives services, such as crisis cafés or safe havens.
Previously, each local health system had its own separate phone lines, which were fast-tracked during the pandemic and took around 200,000 calls per month.
NHS national director for mental health, Claire Murdoch, said: “We know that record numbers of people are suffering with their mental health, and we want to ensure that when people are in crisis, they have easy, straightforward access to the support they need.
“While the NHS made significant progress during the pandemic with local services creating their own crisis phone lines, we want to go a step further by giving people everywhere in England one single point of access via NHS 111."
She continued: “And in doing so, I am extremely proud that we will become one of the first countries in the world to offer a free universal package of support to people through one easy to access phone line.
“The new integrated service can give people of all ages specialist mental health support and ensure they can be offered face-to-face support in a safe and therapeutic environment.
“So, if you or someone you know needs urgent mental health support, please call 111, and select the mental health option.”
Minister of state for care, Stephen Kinnock, said: “As part of our plans to help fix the broken health system we want to ensure we give mental health the same attention and focus as physical health.
“For the first time, there is one number you can call whether you are feeling physically unwell or worried about your mental health to access the support you might need.
“Separately, we are prioritising mental health by recruiting an additional 8,500 mental health workers to reduce delays and provide faster treatment alongside reforming the Mental Health Act.”
