South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) is launching a 24-hour free telephone line to support anyone in Lambeth, Southwark, Lewisham and Croydon experiencing mental distress.

The helpline is a significant step forward in helping people who are going through a mental health crisis and will be the first 24/7 telephone service for the trust.

The support service has been developed in line with a Crisis Concordat, is part of Croydon, Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark borough action plans and is jointly funded by their four clinical commissioning groups (CCGs).

What is the helpline number? 

The freephone helpline number is 0800 731 2864, which is the same number that takes patients through to our patient advice and liaison service (PALS). Callers can choose to speak to the helpline (operating 24 hours) or select a different option for PALS (operating from 9am-5pm).

Who is the helpline for? 

The helpline is for anyone who is experiencing mental health distress and for those who care for them. It is for those who are living in the boroughs of Lambeth, Southwark, Lewisham and Croydon and need help. It is for current patients and for those who have never used our services.

What support is available? 

The helpline provides advice on mental health and medication, and help with accessing information and services. Calls will be answered by a mental health nurse who will support the caller, explore the reasons for their call and identify what help can be given, both at the time and for the future.

Who runs the helpline? 

Our nurses running the helpline will be working with both our current information and advice service (PALS) and the charity Solidarity in a Crisis to make sure people get the support they need. Solidarity in a Crisis is run by people who have experience of facing and overcoming mental health pr