Coronavirus: Crisis mental health support extended in Peterborough and Cambridgeshire

People in mental health crisis continue to be encouraged to call the First Response Service (FRS) via NHS 111, option 2. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to anyone, of any age, in Cambridgeshire or Peterborough.

Once contacted, the team will assess the person over the phone and, if needed, arrange further support either by phone or video call. If a further face-to-face assessment is required the team can arrange for a clinician to visit them at home or they can be assessed at new, temporary crisis assessment facilities.

The temporary facilities provide an alternative place for people in mental health crisis who do not have serious physical health needs to be assessed. This could be instead of a home assessment where preferable, or a hospital emergency department visit.

CPFT chief executive Tracy Dowling said: “This is a really difficult time for everyone. Life as we know it has changed, and for many this will have a significant impact on their mental health. 
“We are working hard with our colleagues across health, social care and the third sector to ensure that people receive the care and support they need at this very challenging time.

“We continue to support people in the community with their mental health and have increased staffing in our inpatient and crisis services. We are also offering therapy online using video or telephone calls, where appropriate.”

People can continue to self-refer to CPFT’s Psychological Wellbeing Service at: https://www.cpft.nhs.uk/services/pws/psychological-wellbeing-service.htm. The service is set up to help those aged 17 and over who are suffering from mild to moderate depression and anxiety. You do not need a diagnosis to access the service.

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust provides specialist mental health services for children and adults as well as physical community healthcare for older people and those with long term conditions.

There are also a wide range of support and resources available at: www.keep-your-head.com/now.

A new mental health and wellbeing helpline has recently launched for people aged 18 and over living in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, available Monday-Friday between 9am and 2pm via freephone 0808 808 2121.

Lifeline Plus will support people to manage their wellbeing, provide self-help advice or signpost to other organisations for particular concerns. Between 2pm and 11pm, seven days a week, the number is managed by Lifecraft which provides support for those in mental health distress. 

Centre 33 provides free, confidential support and information for young people up to the age of 25, across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. Their helpline is available on 0333 4141809 between noon and 4pm, Monday to Friday.