What to do in a crisis

What do we mean by a crisis?

A crisis is when your child is no longer safe to themselves or others or when there is a need for immediate action or intervention. It is usually a time when a situation is demanding all of your time in order to care for your child because they:   

• Can’t calm down    
• Are uncontrollable   
• May be in sudden danger of hurting themselves or others            
                 

What can I do? 

If your child is in immediate danger to themselves or others call the emergency services on 999.    

Contact the children and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS)

If your child is having suicidal thoughts or extreme mental health difficulties the mental health support service to children and young people and their families/carers can be contacted between 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday.

• Phone: 0300 365 1234    

Outside of these hours, the adult crisis teams can be contacted for advice and guidance. 

• Phone: 0300 365 0300

Go to hospital

Go to your nearest Accident and Emergency (A and E) department. Some A and E departments have a liaison psychiatry team. To find a A and E department near you go to the NHS website.

Social care 

Social care emergencies run an out-of-hours service, Monday to Friday, 5 pm to 9 am. This service is still active on weekends and public holidays.

• Phone 01344 351 999

 During the day call the Disabled Children's Team. 

•  Phone 0118 974 6881  or 0118 974 6890      
   

Support services

Services that offer support to families or the person having a mental health crisis:    

• YoungMinds Crisis Messenger -  offers free 24/7 text support to the person having a mental health crisis. If you need urgent help text YM to 85258.
• Childline provide support via telephone, email and online. Visit the Childline website for further information or to speak to a counsellor call free on 0800 1111.
• The Samaritans can be contacted 24 hours a day on 116 123 
• The Mix Crisis Messenger text service provides free, 24/7 crisis support for people aged 25 and under. Text THEMIX to 85258
• Papyrus offers support to people struggling with suicidal thoughts or who is concerned about a person. For further information go to the Papyrus HOPELINEUK website. 

Develop a crisis plan that you can refer to quickly in case a situation occurs where your child is no longer safe to themselves, or others, or when there is a need for immediate intervention. If you have other children, think about who you could contact to care for them whilst you are with your child in crisis.