If you need support in a crisis it can be confusing to know who to contact. The list below will give you details of the different services that can help you.

If you are already using NHS services provided by Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust you should contact your Care Co-ordinator.  Or you can phone the hospital ward or centre where you normally get care.

Your local/family doctor (GP)

This should be the first person to try to contact. They will be able to make a referral to more specialist NHS help if this is what you need.

• Tell them (or the person who takes the call for them) as much as you can about what is happening.
• Ask for an emergency appointment.
• If you feel you cannot get to the surgery, ask for a home visit.

When your doctor's surgery is closed, you can contact the GP Out-of-Hours Service on 0845 045 0411. This service is available from 6.30pm to 8am on weekday evenings and 24 hours at weekends and Bank Holidays.

Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Team

The service is open 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year to adults aged 16 years and over.  Referrals have to be made via your doctor and some other services.  You cannot phone them yourself.

This is an NHS service provided by Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust to meet the needs of people in acute mental health crisis. They offer home treatment as an alternative to hospitalisation.  You will not usually be admitted to hospital without being assessed by the Crisis Service.

You will be assess to see whether you will benefit from this service.  The assessment will usually take place within 24 hours of the referral being made.  If you do not qualify then alternative services should be discussed.  The home treatment will consist of intensive, short-term support until the crisis has passed and other support has been found.  It will focus on your safety, well-being and recovery, as well as that of your carer or family.  They will work with other services to make sure your care needs are met.   

Accident & Emergency (A&E)  

If you feel unable to contact your doctor, you can go to A&E and ask to see the duty psychiatrist.  They can contact the Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Service for you.  A&E services are provided at Leicester Royal Infirmary, Infirmary Square, Leicester LE1 5WW.  

NHS Direct: 0845 4647 / Text service: 0845 696 4647  
www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

This service is available 24 hours, 7 days a week for information and advice. You will be asked for some details, eg about your medication. They will then assess how best to help you.  You may be advised to see a health professional, such as your doctor, or be given help in contacting the ambulance service.  

Leicestershire Focusline: 0800 027 2127

This service is open from 5pm to 1am, 7 days a week.  It is a telephone support service for anyone affected by mental health issues.  It is provided by Rethink.  Someone there can talk things through with you and give you advice on where to get help or information. They do not provide medical advice.

Samaritans: 0845 790 9090
www.samaritans.org

This service is open 24 hours, 7 days a week.  It offers confidential and emotional support.  If you have feelings of distress or despair or suicidal thoughts they may be able to help.  You will be given time to talk about difficult feelings.

Childline: 0800 1111 (freephone)
www.childline.org.uk

This service is open 24 hours, 7 days a week for children and young people. When you call it will be answered by a switchboard who will put you through to a counsellor.  They will listen to you and try to help you work things out.

Saneline: 0845 767 8000
www.sane.org.uk

This service is open 6-11pm, 7 days a week.  It offers emotional support and information. They can help you deal with difficult thoughts, feelings and situations, giving you space to talk about your mental health. 

Shelter Helpline: 0808 800 4444
www.shelter.org.uk

This service is open Monday-Friday 8am-8pm and Saturday-Sunday 8am-5pm.  It offers help if you need to find somewhere to sleep or if you are struggling to pay your mortgage. They will explain your rights and give you advice.

National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247
www.womensaid.org.uk

A freephone 24 hour helpline for women experiencing domestic violence. They can offer you confidential help and support. They aim to help you stay safe and, if you have them, your children too.

(v3.0 updated 15 December 2011)