One in four adults and one in 10 children experience mental illness, and many more of us know and care for people who do.

We are here to help you. You can book online or call the practice on 0191 499 0965 during our opening hours, to arrange an appointment to discuss your mental health needs, and ways you can get access to further support.

Alternatively, if you need to speak to a professional urgently at any time of day, call you should call NHS 111 and select option 2 for crisis mental health support.  (Please see infomation below). 

There is now a simpler way for people to find the right support in a mental health crisis.

If you, or someone you know, is experiencing a mental health crisis, you can now call NHS 111 and select option 2 for 24/7 access to crisis mental health support.

The service is still provided by your local NHS mental health trust – that is not changing – it's just a new telephone number to call.

To help you get the support you need, you will speak to a mental health advisor who will ask you some questions and listen to you. They can offer self-care advice and signposting over the phone, transfer you to the crisis service if needed or refer you to other local services.

Text number for people who are deaf and/or have communication difficulties -  07860 064 775 

Deaf people can also access NHS 111 using SignVideo or by calling 18001 111 using the Relay UK app or a textphone.

(People who are not BSL users who prefer to text can send the word 'CALMER' to 85258 for 24/7 support from mental health charity SHOUT.)

These changes should make it easier for people to know where to turn for help in a mental health crisis. (At the moment, people have to remember or look up a different number to call depending on where they live.)

What is a mental health crisis?

If a person’s mental or emotional state gets worse quickly, this can be referred to as a mental health crisis or a mental health emergency. If this happens, it is important to get help quickly.

A mental health crisis can mean different things to different people, but often means that you no longer feel able to cope or be in control of your situation. It can cause a significant disruption to your life and your ability to function.

You should call NHS 111 and select option 2 for crisis mental health support if you are worried about:

· thoughts about your life not being worth living or about harming yourself

· feeling out of control or unable to cope

· feeling anxious about leaving the house

· hearing voices or seeing things that others can’t

If you or someone else have physically harmed themselves, or if their life is at risk, then you should still call 999 or go to A&E.

• Talking Therapies, Medicine & Psychiatry: Talking therapies, medicine and psychiatry - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

• Self Help: Self-help - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

• Mental Health for children, teenagers & young adults: Mental health for children, teenagers and young adults - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

• The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) https://www.thecalmzone.net 

• Improve Your Health and Happiness: https://www.calm.com 

• Samaritans- Mental Health Charity: https://www.samaritans.org 

• Mental Health Foundation: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk 

• Helpful Mental Health Apps to Download: https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library/category/mental-health/ 

• South Tyneside and Sunderland Foundation Trust Mental Health Services: www.stsftmentalhealth.nhs.uk/our-services/gateshead