A new way for people to access the right support in a mental health crisis has been introduced across the North West.
Anyone needing urgent mental health support can now call NHS 111 and select the mental health option for 24/7 access to urgent support.
The change means the NHS in England is one of the first countries in the world to offer access to a 24/7 full package of mental health crisis support through one single phone line.
People of all ages, including children, who are in crisis or concerned family and loved ones can now call 111, select the mental health option and speak to a trained mental health professional.
NHS staff can guide callers with next steps such organising face-to-face community support or facilitating access to alternatives services, such as crisis cafés or safe havens which provide a place for people to stay as an alternative to A&E or a hospital admission.
Previously, local health systems had their own separate phone lines, which were fast-tracked during the pandemic and took around 200,000 calls per month.
For people who need support at A&E, if there is a risk to life, every emergency department in England now also has a liaison psychiatric team available to offer specialist care.
NHS Talking Therapy Services are also available for people who need help with other mental conditions such as anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and PTSD and anyone can refer themselves online via NHS.uk or by contacting their GP.
NHS England continues to advise people to call 999 if there is a serious risk to life.