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Urgent Help

Who to contact will depend upon the history of the person in question and whether this is a first or recurrent experience. The key thing is to get help quickly to deal with the immediate situation as safely and calmly as possible.

  • GP – Call your GP and tell them how you or the person is feeling. They may be able to offer support or notify an agency who can.
  • CPN – If you have a Community Psychiatric Nurse you could contact them and tell them how you are feeling.
  • Samaritans – 116 123 this is a free confidential 24 hour helpline if you feel you need to talk. You can also email jo@samaritans.org but it may take several days to get a response by email www.samaritans.org
  • Childline – 0800 1111
  • SHOUT – 85258 – free 24/7 text support service. This is a free, anonymous service and will not appear on your phone bill. To start a conversation, text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 and you can speak to a trained shout volunteer.
  • Sunderland Crisis Team – The Crisis Team operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, they do not provide an ’emergency’ service such as a 999 response. Telephone:0303 123 1145 (24 hours per day) For Deaf service users please text 07889 036 280
  • CNTW NHS – Urgent Numbers – If you live in South Tyneside or Sunderland and are in need of urgent help with your mental health right now, you can phone the following numbers for free – Adults – 0800 652 2867 – Children and Young People – 0800 652 2868 – Deaf service users please text – 07889 036 280. All these numbers are accessible 24/7.
  • Sunderland Talking Therapies – They offer a number of therapies, classes and groups to help with a range of common mental health difficulties. They can help you to learn more about common symptoms and how they affect you, learn effective coping strategies to help to improve your wellbeing and cope better with future difficulties. To self refer contact them on 0191 566 5454 – You can access this service Monday to Friday between the hours of 9-5.
  • Wearside Women In Need – 0800 066 5555 – this is a 24hr helpline dedicated to those suffering from domestic abuse.

If you are in need of advice on how to support a loved one, practical help on issues such as the Mental Health Act, community care and welfare benefits, living with mental illness, medication or care you can contact –

  • Rethink Mental Illness Advice Line – 0808 801 0525 9:30am – 4pm Monday – Friday.
  • Mind Infoline – 0300 123 3393 9am – 6pm Monday – Friday
  • NHS Direct – 111 has psychiatric nurses on the switchboard who can offer advice.  https://111.nhs.uk/
  • Sunderland City Council – Adult Services on 0191 520 5552.  This is the number of the Call Handling Team who will take basic contact details before referring to the Advice & Assessment Team or one of the Complex Teams for social care needs.