Trust launches ‘round the clock’ enhanced mental health support and direct access via NHS 111 for Herts residents
18 May 20
Hertfordshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (HFPT) is providing increased access to help and support for people in Hertfordshire who are experiencing a mental health crisis, looking for mental health help or just need to talk.
Support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 0300 777 0707.
Herts residents experiencing a mental health crisis now also have the option to access our team of mental health professionals directly via the NHS 111 service. Selecting Option 2 for mental health services will automatically direct Herts callers to the 24/7 HPFT helpline team.
A clinician specialising in children and young people’s mental health is also available on the helpline number, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They provide specialist advice to families and other professionals for children and young people in a mental health crisis and can also arrange an assessment if required.
The coronavirus pandemic is causing emotional strain for many people who might be worrying about their friends and families, their health, jobs and finances. This, along with the lack of social contact, due to the social distancing restrictions, can make it more difficult for people to cope.
Tom Cahill, CEO of HPFT said: “We’re continually working on ways to make it easier for people to access support for their mental health. The launch of this new service via NHS 111 couldn’t have come at a better time for people in Hertfordshire.
“I want people in Hertfordshire to know that they are not alone and there is support available to help them, at any time of the day or night.
“We have increased the numbers of staff offering support through the helpline, so that we can offer local residents quick and easy access to a friendly and experienced professional. We have clinicians who are on hand to listen and will do their very best to ensure people get the help they need, from the right service.”
The Wellbeing Service continues to provide support to adults experiencing common mental health problems including depression and anxiety. The service offers free access to innovative digital, video and telephoned based talking therapies including a wide range of self-help webinars and resources. There is more information on the website.
SilverCloud is a free online self-help programme that is proven to help with anxiety, stress and depression. The programme consists of informative and interactive modules which you can complete at your own pace to help improve your wellbeing. This programme is free for residents of Hertfordshire and Essex to use, with the access code: HPFT2020.
So if residents of Hertfordshire need to talk to someone about their mental health, they now have the following options:
- Call NHS 111 and select Option 2, to go directly to our Single Point of Access (SPA) helpline or
- Call our SPA helpline direct on: 0300 777 0707 which is open 24/7 or Email: hpft.spa@nhs.net for non-urgent enquiries
- Alternatively, call our Out of Hours Helpline Tel: 01438 843322 which will divert to the SPA helpline