Crisis support
If you are in contact with a mental health service:
Check your care plan, if you have one, and:
During office hours contact your care coordinator or the duty number for the team that is supporting you.
Out of hours call 0800 731 2864 to speak to our mental health crisis line.
Please do not call 111 or visit A&E if you are in mental health crisis, instead contact us through the information above or below.
If you need urgent help:
Call 0800 731 2864 to speak to our mental health crisis line.
We can support you at our 24/7 Crisis Assessment Unit which is a temporary service that has been added to help you during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Having a mental health crisis means different things to different people.
You might feel so distressed that you want to harm yourself, or someone else.
You might hear unpleasant voices, or feel that people are watching you or trying to hurt you.
It could help to tell someone you trust, maybe a family member or a friend. They can be with you and help you decide what to do. They can also contact services on your behalf.
If you are with someone who has attempted suicide, call 999 and stay with them until the ambulance arrives.
The NHS Choices website includes help for suicidal thoughts and advice from the Samaritans about how to start a difficult conversation if you are worried about someone.
One-to-one support for those who feel life is no longer worth living is available in central London from the listening place.
For more helplines and resources, download our leaflets for Croydon, Lambeth, Lewisham or Southwark.
You can also download our Distressed or in crisis poster.
Crisis contacts for health and social care professionals, including police:
Main contact: Crisis Assessment Unit 0800 731 2864 (temporary service to handle increase in demand due to Covid-19 and help people in mental health crisis avoid A&E)
You can also contact our usual services:
Emergency services and out of hours: contact our Acute Referral Centre on 020 3228 6272
During office hours contact your local assessment and liaison team:
Lambeth
Our assessment and liaison team has been replaced with Lambeth Single Point of Access
Email: lambethspa@slam.nhs.uk
Call: 0800 090 2456
Lewisham
Email: Slm-tr.Lewisham-A-and-L@nhs.net
Call: 020 3228 9200
Croydon
Email: CroydonMapAssessmentandLiaisonTeam@slam.nhs.uk
Call: 02032280365
Southwark North (Maudsley Hospital)
Email: SouthwarkNorthAssessmentandLiaisonTeam@slam.nhs.uk
Call: 020 3228 9454
Southwark South (Maudsley Hospital)
Email: SouthwarkSouthAssessmentandLiaisonTeam@slam.nhs.uk
Call: 020 3228 9454
