Changes to referrals

From Tuesday, 2 April it will be easier for everyone in Kent and Medway to seek specialist advice if they think they are experiencing an urgent mental health crisis.

All they will need to do is call 111, and select the mental health option when prompted.  This replaces the current Kent and Medway Mental Health Crisis Line telephone (0800) number, which from midnight Monday, 1 April will no longer operate, in line with NHSE expectations. Please can you remove any out of date products that use the 0800 number - like posters or leaflets - and update any relevant web pages.

At the same time, the new Mental Health Together service is being delivered to transform the way people with a serious mental illness are cared for in the community. It provides a new front door to all community services for anyone who needs them (this includes KMPT’s community mental health teams and older adults’ services).

Currently available in Thanet, it will open across the county in phases. Once it is operating in your locality, all referrals for community services should be sent to Mental Health Together during opening hours (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday). Outside of these hours, if someone is experiencing an urgent mental health crisis you can seek help by calling 111, and selecting the mental health option.

Please continue to use your usual referral routes for KMPT’s community mental health services until Mental Health Together becomes available in your area. There will be targeted communications sent in advance of each locality roll-out so you know how to work with the new service.

If someone is deaf or hearing impaired

They can contact KMPT using the free national Relay UK service. Details or this service can be found via their website. Alternatively, they can contact NHS 111 via the Relay UK app or using a text phone. Dial 18001 111. In a life-threatening emergency, they can contact 999 via the Relay UK app or using a text phone. Dial 18000.

Please note that 111, the mental health option, cannot help with medication queries, apart from Clozapine. As ever, if anyone’s life is in immediate danger, please call 999.

Published: Mar 20, 2024