People in mental health crisis in England can now call NHS 111

Previously, the 24-hour service had to be accessed through separate local phone lines. Photograph: Brian Moore/Alamy

Millions of patients who experience a mental health crisis will be able to access help via NHS 111, making England one of the world’s first countries to offer 24-hour daily support through one phone line.

People of all ages, including children, who are in crisis, or concerned relatives, can now call 111, select the mental health option and speak to a trained mental health professional, officials said.