Crisis resource

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and require urgent support, please contact the First Response Service by calling 111 and selecting mental health option 2.

This 24‑hour service is available to anyone of any age who is registered with a GP in Cambridgeshire or Peterborough. You will speak with specially trained mental health staff who can assess your needs and provide immediate support, without requiring you to attend A&E.

You may be in crisis if:

• You are thinking of harming yourself, or suicide feels like the only option.
• Someone has made threats to harm themselves, you, or someone else.
• You are experiencing extreme distress that feels overwhelming.

It can be difficult to know which service to contact, and you may have more than one option. Please read your options below:

• Contact your GP or local Healthcare provider if you have health concerns and it is not an emergency.
• Ask your local  pharmacist for advice for many common illnesses, such as diarrhoea, minor infections, headache, travel advice or sore throats.
• Call NHS 111 if you urgently need medical help or advice, but it's not a life-threatening situation. You can also call NHS 111 if you're not sure which NHS service you need. 
• Call 999 or attend your nearest A&E Department if someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.

Samaritans provide confidential emotional support for anyone who is struggling to cope or needs someone to talk to. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can be contacted on 116 123 (free to call).

You can speak to the Samaritans at any time if you are feeling distressed, overwhelmed, or need immediate emotional support. They offer a safe, non‑judgemental space to talk, regardless of the difficulties you are facing.

Suicidal thoughts can arise when distress becomes overwhelming. Whatever the person’s mental or physical health diagnosis, any mention of suicide should always be taken seriously. Most people who feel suicidal want to end their pain, not their life, and the right support at the right moment can make a significant difference.  

Help is available at any time. Samaritans offer confidential emotional support 24/7 on 116 123. In an emergency, call 999. 

Supporting someone who feels suicidal is crucial. The Zero Suicide Alliance provides free online suicide‑prevention training, and LivingWorks recommends the acronym TALK to guide safe and compassionate responses:  

   T – Tell   People often communicate their distress indirectly. Notice the signs and take them seriously.  

   A – Ask   If you think someone may be considering suicide, ask them directly. You will not “put the idea in their head,” and asking gives an opportunity for help.  

   L – Listen   Listen without judgement or rushing. Let them know their feelings matter. Listening reduces isolation and provides emotional relief.  

   K – Keep Safe   Do not promise secrecy. Stay with the person or ensure they are not left alone. Prioritise safety for both of you.  

Many people who have experienced suicidal thoughts later say they are grateful to have survived and that timely support helped them through crisis. Suicide is not inevitable; effective intervention and compassionate connection save lives.  

Further Support Services 

CALM Helpline – Emotional support for men. Tel: 0800 58 58 58 (free). Webchat available 5pm–midnight.  

Grassroots – Suicide‑prevention charity offering resources and community support.  

Samaritans – 24‑hour emotional support. Tel: 116 123.  

CHUMS – Mental health and emotional wellbeing services for children and young people. - clear and concise