Please note the changes that have taken effect regarding the mental health crisis line.
On 1 April 2026, our current 24/7 crisis line number for mental health crisis support (0800 731 2864) is transitioning to NHS 111. You’ll still reach the same local crisis teams
- this change of numbers just makes it easier and quicker to access help through NHS 111. Anyone, of any age, experiencing a mental health crisis, or worried about a friend or family member, should call NHS 111 and select the mental health option after that time.
Mental health calls to NHS 111 will be answered by professionals trained to help people in mental health crisis, who will receive the same high-quality care. The same access will be in place, as NHS 111 for mental health operates 24/7 for all ages, like our crisis line. This includes calls about, or from, children and young people’s mental health.
From 1 April, a message on the 24/7 crisis line number will direct callers to hang up and contact NHS 111 and select the mental health option. The crisis line will not have a divert in place; instead, a message will reassure people that they will receive the same care from trained professionals by calling NHS 111 and selecting the mental health option.
NHS 111 for mental health has been in place for South London residents since December 2023, and is a key route to urgent support for patients, partners, and our wider community. What’s changing is that our Crisis Line is now becoming part of this service.
NHS 111 for mental health is designed to support anyone experiencing a mental health crisis, those concerned about a friend or loved one, as well as fellow Blue Light services and healthcare professionals supporting those in crisis.
Now, south London NHS mental health trusts are transitioning to be part of the NHS 111 for mental health service, beginning with our Trust.
Simplifying where to get help in a crisis
This change is part of a national NHS programme designed to:
- Make it easier for people to find help in a mental health crisis
- Offer a single, simple number for urgent care
- Ensure equal access to mental and physical health support via NHS 111
What happens next?
Until 1 April 2026, our Mental Health Crisis Line (0800 731 2864) will remain accessible as normal. We are working closely with patients, carers and partners across South London to ensure everyone knows how to access urgent support via NHS 111 for mental health.
Will this affect the SLP CAMHS crisis line?
The South London Partnership (SLP) CAMHS Crisis Line, contactable on 020 3228 5980, will continue to operate the same hours between 9am–11pm, offering professional mental health and guidance from CAMHS Clinicians to children, young people, families, carers and anyone concerned about a young person’s mental health.
After 1 April, outside the SLP CAMHS Crisis Line’s normal opening hours, callers will be asked to call NHS 111 and select the mental health option, rather than call the Trust’s 24/7 mental health crisis line. You’ll still reach the same local crisis teams - this change just makes it easier and quicker to access help out-of-hours through NHS 111.
Mental health calls to NHS 111 will be answered by professionals trained to help people in mental health crisis, who will receive the same high-quality care. NHS 111 for mental health operates 24/7 for all ages. This includes calls about, or from, children and young people’s mental health.
