The Kent and Medway Urgent Mental Health Helpline
The helpline is a telephone service available to adults (aged 18 and over) in Kent and Medway who are concerned about their mental health, or the mental health of a friend or relative, and need urgent help. The number is 0800 783 9111. This service is for members of the public who are not currently receiving care or treatment from KMPT.
You can call at any time of the day or night, any day of the week. You do not need an appointment and all calls are free
When you call you will speak to someone who is experienced in working with people who need support with their mental health. They can offer advice, reassurance and signposting depending on what your concerns might be and to ensure you get the right information to help.
If you need additional support the team can arrange for you to have a triage call with a clinician (usually a nurse or an occupational therapist). They will talk to you in more detail about the help and support you might need. We offer triage on a call back basis and you’ll be advised of the timeframe when you call.
Please remember that we are not an emergency service. If anyone has harmed themselves or is at risk of serious harm then please call 999.
Is it confidential?
Yes – information about your call will be stored on your electronic health record and will only been seen by people who work for KMPT and your GP, unless we agree with you to share it with anyone else.
If necessary we would contact the emergency services if you say you are going to harm yourself or someone else, commit a crime or place a child at risk.
What if I am under 18?
You can contact the Kent and Medway Children and Young People’s Mental Health Service provided by North East London Foundation Trust (NELFT). They offer emotional wellbeing and mental health support to children and young people. If you are in crisis call their 24-hour Single Point of Access on 0800 011 3474.
What if it is not urgent?
While the helpline might not be the right service, do not suffer in silence. You could:
Other useful services
https://www.koothplc.com/our-products/young-people
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/
https://www.facebook.com/Deal-Sandwich-PCN-Social-Prescribing-108273851137397/
https://www.southkentmind.org.uk/