Need help in a mental health crisis or emergency during COVID-19?
Adults
For residents of Kent and Medway, call the 24 hour helpline on 0300 222 0123 if you need urgent mental health support, advice and guidance.
Call 0800 107 0160 to release the pressure if you’re feeling stressed. You can also text "Kent" to 85258 for 24 hour mental health crisis support via text from trained volunteers.
Under 18s
Kent - Call the 24 hour Single Point of Access on 0300 123 4496 (select option one, then option three)
Medway - Call the 24 hour Single Point of Access on 0300 300 1981
If you are a KMPT patient and you need urgent help
Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm, contact your Community Mental Health Team (CMHT). Click here for CMHT phone numbers
At other times, contact your local crisis team. Click here for crisis team phone numbers
No access to a computer? Call 01322 622222 and ask for the team you need. If you cannot remember your team’s name call the 24 hour helpline on 0300 222 0123.
Further information and support
Help and support available online https://111.nhs.uk/
Email jo@samaritans.org or phone 116 123. Click here to visit the Samaritans website
Call 0800 107 0160 for 24 hour phone support from compassionate helpline staff, trained in counselling skills.
This service is provided by Mental Health Matters and you can visit their website for more information.
Visit https://www.mhm.org.uk/
Mental Health Matters (MHM) is offering telephone support and advice for all residents over the age of 16 living in Kent and Medway.
These safe havens are available between 6pm-11pm, 365 days a year.
Anyone who lives in Kent or Medway can use the telephone lines and all telephone lines are available to use – regardless of where you live.
Contacting the safe havens
Canterbury
- Call 07876 476703 or 07483 163953
- Email Canterbury.mhm@nhs.net
Maidstone
- Call 07484 061684
- Email Maidstone.mhm@nhs.net
Medway
- Call 07850 901151 or 07808 795036
- Email Medway.mhm@nhs.net
Thanet
- Call 07850 655877
- Email Thanet.mhm@nhs.net
Folkestone and Hythe
Hestia offers an open access walk in service for residents of Folkestone and Hythe who are experiencing a mental health crisis.
They are available from 6pm – 11pm weekdays and 12pm – 11pm weekends and Bank Holidays, 365 days a year.
Contact the Folkestone haven:
- Call 07827 533871
- Email Folkestone.haven@hestia.org
- Facebook message @hestiafolkestonehaven
Live Well Kent can support you with:
- Managing your money, including debt and benefits
- Housing support and guidance
- Improving your relationships
- Accessing counselling.
- Basic advice on healthy living and helping you set some goals to make positive lifestyle changes
- Supporting you to access a range of free resources including apps and things that are happening in your local community
- Putting you in touch with support to help you quit smoking, lose weight reduce your drinking or drugs intake and look after your sexual health.
- Volunteering
- Community projects
- Arts, music, culture or sporting groups
- Finding IAPT psychological therapies in your area
You can contact Live Well Kent by phoning 0800 567 7699 or visiting https://livewellkent.org.uk/
Visit the NHS website here to find IAPT psychological therapies in Kent and Medway. You can also search for IAPT psychological therapies in your area by clicking here to visit Live Well Kent
A 24 hour helpline has been set up to support vulnerable people in Kent who need urgent help, supplies or medication.
Text "Kent" to 85258 for 24 hour mental health crisis support via text from trained volunteers.
This service is provided by SHOUT and you can visit their website here https://www.giveusashout.org/
The nearest relative (carer or loved one) has the legal right to request a mental health assessment for their loved one, to decide if they need help from mental health services.
This is an important legal safeguard to help those who may lack the understanding or capacity for the need of help and support to help keep them safe.
Nearest relatives rights from Mind
Download: Nearest relative fact sheet from Rethink Mental Illness
