A NEW freephone service has been launched for people in need of mental health crisis support.

Anyone requiring urgent help can now call First Response on 0800 952 1181 and speak to trained staff, who will identify the right support needed.

The service is open to people across Bradford, Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven.

Anybody who feels unsafe or anxious can access the provision, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

First Response is being run by Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with a number of organisations – including Bradford District and Craven Clinical Commissioning Group, Bradford Council, mental health charities and West Yorkshire Police.

Depending on the caller’s needs, support can be provided by a range of community-based teams – including occupational therapists, social workers, mental health nurses and psychologists – so that people are treated at home wherever possible, rather than being admitted to hospital.

First Response also includes three community services – a ‘safer space’ for under-18s, run by Creative Support; Haven, a daytime adult mental health service at the Cellar Trust in Shipley, and the Sanctuary, a nighttime service at Mind in Bradford for anyone aged over 16.

Christopher Dixon, assistant general manager at Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The First Response service gives people one number to call if they need urgent mental health support and it brings together a number of organisations, to ensure that people get the right support quickly.

“The new 0800 number means that people can call the same service, but their call is free. The old number is continuing in the short term, so whichever number people call, they’ll always get through to First Response.”

Anyone who is not in a crisis situation but needs to speak to someone about how they are feeling can call Guide-Line on 08001 884 884. The line is open daily, from noon to midnight.

For further information about all mental health and wellbeing support services in Bradford and Craven and self-help resources, visit healthyminds.services.

Healthy Minds was developed in collaboration with statutory, private and voluntary sector partners.