Help in a Crisis

A mental health crisis is when you no longer feel able to cope or feel so overwhelmed by your situation that your emotional or mental state significantly deteriorates. You may feel great emotional distress or anxiety, cannot cope with day-to-day life or work, think about suicide or self-harm, or experience hallucinations and hearing voices.

In these situations it is important to get help quickly.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, such as experiencing suicidal thoughts and unable to keep themselves safe, or engaging in self-harming behaviour that has caused significant injury or overdose it may be necessary to call 999 for an ambulance or attend your local accident and emergency department.

For none life-threatening injuries or where the situation is less urgent than calling 999, you can call the NHS 111 service for advice and guidance regarding physical and/or mental illness or injury.

If you or the person you are concerned about is not currently accessing mental health services – they should contact their GP during normal GP hours, or NHS 111 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In an emergency always call 999.

If you or the person you are concerned about is currently accessing mental health services – their community mental health team can help during the day 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday. Ask for your care co-ordinator or the person on duty, as indicated in your care plan. You can also contact your GP, your surgery should be able to advise on their opening hours.

For out of hours crisis support across Cheshire and surrounding areas you can call the following numbers:

West Cheshire: 01244 397537

East Cheshire: 01625 505666

Wirral: 0151 4827639

Useful numbers for support

NHS – 111
Help if you have an urgent medical problem and you’re not sure what to do. Lines open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Alternatively, visit 111.nhs.uk for help online.

Samaritans – 116 123
Whatever you’re going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. Lines open 24 hours a dat, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Calm – 0800 58 58 58
Confidential, anonymous free helpline. Lines open 7 days a week, 5pm to midnight.

Calm – web chat
Visit www.thecalmzone.net to access support, information and signposting via live web chat.

National Support Services

Struggling to cope? Text SHOUT to 85258 24 hour text reply service

Rethink Mental Health
The Rethink Mental Illness Advice Service offers practical help on issues such as the Mental Health Act, community care and welfare benefits, living with mental illness, medication and care. Our advice line is open from 9:30am – 4pm, Monday to Friday – 0300 5000 927

Cheshire West and Chester

Mental Health Crisis Team
24 hour service for anybody experiencing crisis

Cheshire West – 0800 145 6485

Cheshire East – 0300 303 3972

Wirral – 0800 145 6485

No. 71 Crisis Café
Contactable 10:00 A.M. – 10:30 P.M. support line available on 01244 393139.

West Cheshire Coronavirus Helpline
0300 123 7031 8am-7pm advice and support with basic needs during Coronavirus

Citizens Advice
0344 5766 111 Support with budgeting, debt, housing, immigration and benefits

Homeless Team Cheshire West
Emergency Accommodation 0300 123 8123

Social Care: Child at risk of harm (The Integrated Access and Referral Team (iART))
0300 123 7047

Social Care: Adult at risk of harm (Community access team (CAT))
0300 123 7034

Emergency Duty Team
Out of hours number for children or adults at risk of harm
01244 977 277