NHS Expands 111 Service to Include Mental Health Support in England

As of August 27th, the NHS has enhanced its 111 service in England to include mental health support, making it easier for individuals of all ages to access help. Now, anyone struggling with their mental health, or concerned about a loved one, can dial NHS 111 and speak directly with a mental health professional.

This expanded service offers a lifeline to those facing mental health challenges, allowing NHS 111 staff to arrange face-to-face support or direct patients to appropriate resources. Previously, local health services in England operated their own mental health helplines, handling around 200,000 calls each month. The new, unified system ensures that everyone in England, including children and young people, can now easily seek help for mental health concerns through a single phone line. Similar services are already established in Scotland and Wales.

A group representing several London hospitals noted that approximately 10% of calls to its local mental health services come from children and young people. This highlights the increasing mental health needs among the younger population.

A recent investigation by The Guardian revealed that over 204,000 patients aged 17 and under were referred to NHS mental health services for anxiety in England between 2023 and 2024—more than double the number from 2019. The mental health crisis among young people in the UK continues to grow, with one in six children aged 5-16 now likely to experience a mental health problem, a figure that has risen by 50% in the last three years.

Mark Winstanley, CEO of the charity Rethink Mental Illness, praised the initiative, stating that it “will make it simpler for people to access the help they need.” However, NHS leaders have expressed concern about the added pressure on the 111 service, which is already under significant strain. Currently, more than 350,000 young people are waiting for treatment from mental health services.

If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out to a trusted adult. For tips on boosting mental wellbeing, visit the NHS’s resource page at Every Mind Matters.