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In a crisis?

If you or someone you are concerned about is in an emotional or mental health crisis that requires an urgent response then:

  • contact the person's GP or the GP out of hours service and explain the problem or
  • phone NHS Direct on 0845 4647, which has psychiatric nurses on the switchboard for advice or
  • if the person has been in contact with mental health services recently then contact the Community Mental Health Team for their area (office hours) or the Crisis Team (out of office hours). Contact numbers can be found in the Bristol Mental Health Resources Directory.
  • People that use mental health services may have a Crisis Card or an Advance Directive in their bag or pocket. This gives written information about who to contact in a crisis.
  • Most people who use mental health services will also have a Care Plan and a named professional responsible for their care, ask them.

Finally if you have serious concerns for someone’s immediate safety then they can go to Accident and Emergency or phone emergency services 999 for assistance.

Other sources of immediate help

MindLine telephone helpline – out of hours confidential listening service
Freephone 0808 808 0330
Wed to Sun, 8pm to Midnight

Samaritans Bristol – 24 hours local and national details
Samaritans Bristol website gives details of their local and national helplines and email support service.

National Mind InfoLine
08457 660 163
Mon to Fri, 9.15am - 4.15pm
Offers information on topics ranging from types of distress, where to get help, drug treatments, alternative therapies, who's who in mental health and where to find advocacy and other services.

Bristol Adult Care Services
Contact Adult Care Services for help and advice if you or the person is in need of social support and/or are a vulnerable adult
Telephone: 0117 922 2700
Bristol City Council adult care web site