A crisis service is any service that is available at short notice to help you resolve a mental health crisis, or to support you while it is happening. These services can range from 24/7 telephone helplines to Home Treatment Teams (HTT) and acute inpatient wards.
If you have been in contact with our services before, as part of your care plan you should have a plan in place for what to do if you are having a mental health crisis. This should include warning signs, what to do to stop situations escalating and what to do if you are experiencing a crisis.
Crisis cards are designed to be carried in your pocket or wallet and should contain information about what to do and who to contact if you are experiencing a crisis. They can be very useful if you have difficulties communicating when you are struggling, for example if you suffer from bad anxiety. If you have been in contact with our services before, you might have been supported to complete one of these.
If you are in crisis call 111 or visit our 'I need help now' page or contact Samaritans on 116 123 or jo@samaritans.org.