The most recent data available shows there were more than 4000 referrals, either people referring themselves or via a health professional, since the service was launched last September.
Specially-trained mental health staff answer the calls, providing advice, support and signposting to other services available. The First Response Service also links people directly with two new out-of-hours ‘safe-havens’ called the Sanctuary.
Caroline Meiser-Stedman, Consultant Psychiatrist, First Response Service, said: "Last week's national Time To Talk campaign has been useful to highlight how people need to look after their mental health. We are here for anyone who believes they are experiencing a genuine mental health crisis.
"They might be feeling low, or like they don't want to carry on any more, or like there are lots of frightening thoughts and feelings they don't fully understand.
"We'd rather people contacted us early, so we can get the best help for them.
"CPFT supports tens of thousands of people with their mental health every month and our First Response Service now offers even more people help, advice and support as when and they need it, 24/7, 7 days a week."
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Adrian Ient
Communications Manager
Telephone: 01223 219470
[email protected]
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