What to do in a mental health or suicide emergency If you, or someone you know needs immediate support then call North Cumbria NHS Universal Mental Health Crisis Line 0800 652 2865 South Cumbria NHS Urgent Mental Health Support Line 0800 953 0110 These are open 24 hrs a day/7 days a week and are for all ages. What to do in a suicide emergency Sometimes thoughts of suicide may become very intense and overwhelming, and a person may struggle to keep themselves safe. They may have made clear plans – they know where, when and how they will kill themselves. If someone tells you they’re feeling overwhelmed by thoughts of suicide make sure they’re not left alone. Just begin asking about thoughts of suicide generally, if you are worried about the person’s immediate safety ask directly. If the person feels unable to keep themselves safe and are at immediate risk of attempting suicide stay with them and do one of the following; Call 999 – The call is free. Explain what is happening. In this situation, calling an ambulance is the right action to take – not a waste of emergency services time as some people fear. You may also wish to contact emergency services; If said person is unable to keep themselves safe if the individual has attempted suicide, and either needs medical attention or police intervention If someone you are worried does not want to get help or has has gone missing Take them to a Hospital A&E– Find your nearest here. Contact the NHS Universal Crisis Lines - North Cumbria NHS Universal Mental Health Crisis Line 0800 652 2865 or South Cumbria NHS Urgent Mental Health Support Line 0800 953 0110 It may also be helpful to remove things that someone could use to harm themselves, particularly if they have mentioned specific things they might use. It’s also important to help the person avoid alcohol and drugs when they are at risk. While these may feel like a drastic steps to take it is a justifiable response to someone’s life being at risk. The police have the resources to find those who are vulnerable to suicide and get help to them quickly, including other emergency services if needed.