A 24/7 mental health helpline has been launched to take pressure off 111 for mental health advice in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

The round-the-clock helpline will make it quicker and easier for people in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire to get the right advice they need for their mental health.

It will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week and temporarily takes pressure off 111 for people who need mental health care when their situation it is not life threatening.

Like 111, people can call when they need to find out when and where to get help and to access support from mental health professionals.

During office hours, people who already use mental health services should contact services directly using the numbers in their care plan.

The line will help the public get the right mental health advice for people of all ages including children and older adults.

Adults: 01865 904 997

Children and young people: 01865 904 998

The Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Mental Health Helpline is being launched by Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, which runs local mental health services.

The helplines will operate during the coronavirus pandemic to provide people with specialist mental health care as 111 receives an increasing number of COVID-19-related calls.

Rob Bale, clinical director for mental health in Oxfordshire at Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“When people need mental health care, support or advice they should call the 24/7 Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Mental Health Helpline. The number for adults is 01865 904997. For children and young people the number is 01865 904998.

“Our trained mental health advisers will be able to make sure people get the care that is right for them.”

Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Mental Health Helpline:

  • Adults: 01865 904 997
  • Children and young people: 01865 904 998

When someone is seriously ill or injured, or in an acute confused state, call 999.

The Mental Health Helpline adds to the range of local mental health services and resources people can access directly.

During office hours, people who already use mental health services should contact services directly using the numbers in their care plan.

People can contact:

Their own GP

Adults Mental Health Services:

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services:

  • Oxfordshire 01865 902515

Other helplines, information and advice include:

  • Oxfordshire Mind Information Line – (01865) 247788 open 9.30 am to 4.30 pm Mon – Friday
  • NHS 111 – dial 111 – open 24 hours
  • Samaritans – Freephone 116 123 – open 24 hours
  • Saneline – 0300 304 7000 – 4.30 pm to 10.30 pm daily
  • Rethink – 0845 456 0455 – 10 am to 2 pm Monday to Friday
  • FRANK – 0800 77 6600 – open 24 hours
  • No Panic – 0844 967 4848 – 10 am to 10 pm
  • Young Minds
  • The Oxfordshire Mind Guide
  • Mind UK’s national mental health charity
  • Elefriends safe online space to listen, share and be heard