Need help in a mental health crisis or emergency?
Anyone experiencing an urgent mental health crisis can call 111 and select the option for mental health when prompted to speak to a specially-trained mental health practitioner. If you think there is a risk to your life, or the life of someone else, please do not call 111. Dial 999 instead.
Calling 111 and selecting the mental health option will connect you with someone trained to help people experiencing an urgent mental health crisis. While we know that this may mean different things to different people you could be in crisis if:
- You feel like you want to hurt yourself, or someone else
- You hear strange voices
- You feel that people are watching you or want to hurt you
- You are experiencing extreme distress that seems overwhelming or you can’t cope with day to day life
Are you a KMPT patient?
The quickest way of getting help if you are a KMPT patient experiencing an urgent mental health crisis is to contact the team caring for you during their working hours. Your Community Mental Health Team is available Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm. If you are being supported by a Home Treatment Team they are open between 8am-9.30pm, 7 days a week.
If you think you are in an urgent mental health crisis outside these hours, please call 111 and choose the mental health option offered.
If you feel mentally unwell but are not in a crisis
If you feel mentally unwell - such as stressed, anxious or distressed - but not in crisis there are still places you can go for help, including your GP. Please read on for more information about the support on offer.
Further Information
Please use the free national Relay UK service. Details for this service can be found at https://www.relayuk.bt.com/about-relay-uk.html
Alternatively, you can contact NHS 111 via the Relay UK app or using a text phone. Dial 18001 111.
In a life-threatening emergency, you can contact 999 via the Relay UK app or using a text phone. Dial 18000.
The Samaritans are available 24/7 every day of the year for anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope or at risk of suicide (freephone 116 123).
Mental Health Matters offer 24-hour phone support from compassionate helpline staff, trained in counselling skills (0800 107 0160).
Shout is a free, confidential 24/7 text support service for anyone in the UK who feels like they are struggling to cope. To start a conversation, text the word SHOUT to 85258. Trained volunteers are available to listen at any time of the day or night and messages will not appear on your phone bill.
Safe Havens offer out of hours mental health support & information if people feel like they are in crisis or heading towards one. Anyone aged 16 years or over in Kent or Medway can use the Canterbury, Maidstone, Thanet and Medway services. No referral is needed. You can visit them for a chat or to access one-to-one emotional support from trained mental health professionals (both face to face and virtually). They are located in:
- Canterbury: 22-23 North Lane, Canterbury, CT2 7EE. Phone: 07876 476 703 or 07483 163 953. Open every day of the year from 6pm (18:00) to 11pm (23:00).
- Maidstone: Kestrel House, Knightrider Street, ME15 6LU. Phone: 01622 809 945, 07484 061684, 07816 362606. Open every day of the year from 6pm (18:00) to 11pm (23:00).
- Thanet: Thanet Mental Health Unit, Queen Elizabeth Queen Mother (QEQM) Hospital site, 164 Ramsgate Road, Margate, Kent, CT9 4BF. (Enter the QEQM car park from the Ramsgate side and turn left. The first door you come to is where you will find the haven. Ring the bell and someone will come down to meet you.) Phone: 07850 655 877. Open every day of the year from 6pm (18:00) to 11pm (23:00).
- Medway Safe Haven is open from noon (12:00) to midnight (00:00), 365 days a year. It is located at Medway Maritime Hospital (opposite the urgent treatment centre), Windmill Road, ME7 5NY and can be phoned on 07850 901 151 or 07808 795 036.
Residents of Folkestone & Hythe aged 18+: can visit their local Safe Haven at Rainbow Centre, 69 Sandgate Rd, Folkestone CT20 2AF. Or phone 07827 533871. Open Monday-Friday from 6pm (18:00) to 11pm (23:00), and on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays from noon (12:00) to 11pm (23:00).
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/
