Posted on: 2 April 2025
Urgent mental health support in West Yorkshire is now available by calling NHS 111 and selecting the mental health option or by visiting NHS 111 online. As of 1 April 2025, the easy to remember three-digit number has replaced the old 0800 telephone line for the West Yorkshire Mental Health Helpline.
There are no changes to the services available, but the change streamlines access to urgent mental health support for people living in in Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds, Barnsley and Wakefield District, making it simpler for people to access the right help when they need it most.
Anyone who calls the old number will receive a message redirecting them to NHS 111.
This change only applies to the West Yorkshire Mental Health Helpline. Other crisis lines (listed below) remain unaffected by this change and access to these services will continue through both NHS 111 and locally established numbers:
Bradford First Response – crisis service: call 0800 9521181
Night OWLS: call 0800 1488244 or text 07984392700
Leeds CAMHS Crisis Call Line Team: call 0800 953 0505
NHS 111 option for urgent mental health support
Since late 2024, anyone experiencing a mental health crisis has been able to select the mental health option when calling NHS 111. This connects them directly to trained mental health professionals who can provide immediate support, advice, and referrals to appropriate services, including existing crisis teams, community mental health services, and voluntary sector support.
The service will be available 24/7 and is part of ongoing efforts to improve mental health care accessibility across West Yorkshire. Local NHS trusts, voluntary organisations, and community mental health providers have worked together to ensure smooth integration of existing crisis support services with NHS 111 and provide a seamless experience for those seeking help.
People of all ages, including children and young people, can use the service, ensuring that support is available for anyone who needs it.
This new NHS 111 option is designed to provide people with the help they need, when they need it, without having to navigate complex services. By ensuring a direct connection to professionals trained and experienced in supporting people in mental health crisis, support is becoming more accessible and effective.
For support, visit NHS 111 online or call NHS 111 and select the mental health option. For more information visit Get help :: West Yorkshire Health & Care Partnership.