New Emergency Phone Number for Mental Health

North Yorkshire Police have recently reported that 42% of their emergency calls are directly linked to mental health issues and a number of Ambulance Trusts are on record as stating that it could take upto six hours before an ambulance is dispatched. These statistics are extremely worrying and concerning and immediate action is required.

Aspire2 believe that a new emergency phone number such as 555 for example would allow the emergency operators to know that (1) a mental health crisis exists, (2) what appropriate emergency response is required and (3) calls can be linked into local mental health professional services.

For those people experiencing a mental health crisis or those witnessing a mental health crisis require urgent and immediate help & support which can be life saving. Whilst Aspire2 accepts that there would be financial start up costs the overall and long term benefits would provide an immediate response to those people in a crisis or those members of the public who seek urgent advice.

For those who are suffering from mental health & well-being issues this time of year brings added stresses and pressures such as debt, relationships, family, employment, anxiety, depression, thoughts of self harm or suicide. As the UK enters even more uncertainty in relation to Covid - 19 and new variants these issues undoubtedly will become worrying and troublesome adding increased stress, tension and pressure on individuals and families.

'Tracy' a 28 year old was threatening to jump off a bridge into her local river as she wanted to be successful in taking her own life. She was in debt, suffered from anxiety and had relationship issues. Tracy could not see anyway out but end her life. Fortunately, Passers by realised the danger she was in and took appropriate action spending 45 minutes with her until emergency services arrived'.

You can support Aspire2 Mental Health Media & Events https://www.aspire2.org.uk/ by signing this petition, 100,000 signatures creates a debate on this vital and life saving issue in the House of Commons.

You can also support Aspire2 by joining their social media sites Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Linkedin. Become part of a growing movement that supports mental health awareness and signposting of services.

Please also visit www.aspire2.org.uk and if you can please donate & campaign on our behalf. Your help, understanding and support is truly vital to our long term ambitions.

You can also find valuable information on National Mental Health Charities & their contact details through our website and on the 2nd page of our online digital newspapers.