People in Bradford, Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven can now access urgent mental health support on a new 0800 number, so all their calls are free.

Those experiencing a mental health crisis can now call First Response on freephone 0800 952 1181 and talk to trained staff who will identify the right urgent mental health support.

The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for people who are experiencing something that makes them feel unsafe, distressed or worried.  First

Response is run by Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with Bradford District and Craven Clinical Commissioning Group, City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council, three mental health charities and West Yorkshire Police.

Depending on the caller’s needs, community-based teams can support. They include occupational therapists, social workers, mental health nurses, support workers and psychologists, so that people are treated at home wherever possible, rather than going into hospital.

The First Response service also includes three community-based services. A ‘safer space’ for children and young people aged under 18 in Bradford, run by Creative Support; Haven, a day-time adult mental health service at the Cellar Trust in Shipley, and the Sanctuary, a night-time mental health service for anyone aged over 16 at Mind in Bradford.

For those who are not in a crisis situation but need to speak with someone about how they are feeling, they can call Guide-Line on 08001 884 884. The line is open midday to midnight, every day.

Christopher Dixon, assistant general manager at Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The First Response service gives people one number to call if they need urgent mental health support and it brings together a number of organisations, to ensure that people get the right support quickly.

“The new 0800 number means that people can call the same service, but their call is free.  The old number is continuing in the short term, so which ever number people call, they’ll always get through to First Response.”

For information on all mental health and wellbeing support services in Bradford and Craven and self-help resources, people can visit www.healthyminds.services.