The NHS in England has expanded its 111 service to include dedicated mental health support, providing a crucial lifeline for those in crisis. This service connects callers to local mental health professionals, available 24/7, who can offer immediate assessments, deploy crisis teams and guide individuals to appropriate local resources.

This move places the UK ahead of many international health systems in integrating mental health care with general health services. The initiative aims to address the rising demand for mental health support, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

With a simple process - calling 111 and pressing 2 - people of all ages can access trained mental health staff, including specialists for children and adolescents around the clock. The service is already handling hundreds of calls daily, with a significant portion involving severe distress, including suicidal thoughts.

Latest NHS figures show mental health services have treated an extra one million people a year compared with six years ago. The integration of mental health support into the 111 system is seen as a vital step in making help more accessible, particularly for those who may struggle to navigate traditional pathways to care.