‘Emergency number for mental health’
‘A vulnerable person in immediate danger of taking their own life or self-harming should not be asked to find their NHS number or leave a message for a call back that may not happen.’
As well-intended as they are, too often, helplines are not answered; promised callbacks not returned, or registration forms and personal data information requested before a person in critical need can be supported.
We are proposing that the Government and the NHS create a national three-digit helpline to enable people, including those experiencing mental health crisis, to access mental health support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Whilst we welcome the NHS pilot currently underway to align emergency mental health support to the existing 111 number – we strongly believe that a distinct and clearly profiled seperate number should be made available for those in need of mental health support eg 121.
Critical to any mental health support is the assurance of trust; the assurance that the service will be discreet, confidential, non-judgemental, and non-confrontational. Trust is so hard to build for those suffering trauma or crisis in their mental health and once that often so challenging and difficult decision to seek support has been made- that first conversation; that first question; that first engagement is critical in keeping the caller engaged – at whatever level of crisis they may be at.
We believe that the trust required to make that all-important call will only come from the number being distinct and exclusively for mental health support.
If you would like more information on our campaign or to support us on this campaign – please contact us here – using the subject line: ‘Mental Health Emergency Helpline’
Peer-to-Peer Support
Campaigning for increased accessible peer-to-peer / friendship group support for young people suffering from trauma or crisis in their mental health and impacted by peer suicide.
This campaign will focus on highlighting peer-to-peer / friendship group support as a key resource for young people suffering mental health trauma or crisis – especially where impacted by peer group suicide.
We want to increase the visibility and ease of access to peer-to-peer support – as an alternative to the traditional helpline offer. Our experience of talking to Cal’s peer group is that what they really need is a relatable group where they can feel ‘understood’ and a sense of collective share and heal with trusted friends and peers of their own age group – especially following the loss of a friend and peer to suicide.
We have completed a survey of over 300 young people to inform how THEY would like peer-to-peer groups, in this context, to operate. We are currently developing a draft proposal to set up a peer-to-peer pilot group so that we can further gain insight into the support young adults impacted by peer suicide, really need.
Please contact us if you would like to support us in this important campaign.
‘Mind: YOUR Language’
Research into the language used by young people suffering mental health trauma or crisis, when asked to define how they are feeling right now.
We want to capture the language, terms, words and phrases that young people use when describing how they are feeling emotionally – and in particular – when talking about their mental and emotional state. This way we can better and more intuitively signpost young people to the most appropriate support they need at THAT time!.
Often – a list of helplines is not the answer. By better understanding the language used – we can interpret via machine learning, data mining and AI – the right support at the right time – be that emergency intervention or longer-term mentoring or counselling support.
We aim to engage young people (18-30) – across the widest demographic spectrum in the study and invite research partners; interested stakeholders and corporate partners to work with us on this important project.
For more information or to express interest in participating in this research project: click here