The Initial Response Service supports people to access the right to help to resolve their current difficulties. They provide practical advice, emotional support from qualified nursing staff and when appropriate, routing to the right service.
The teams are made up of the clinical leads, qualified mental health clinicians and experienced support staff. The teams are also supported by clinicians from specialist areas of care such as:
- Children’s and Young People’s Mental Health Services
- Learning Disability Service
- Older Persons Mental Health Services
Anyone who lives in South of Tyne and Wearside who has a known mental health problem and is in need of urgent help and support can contact the Initial Response Service. This includes service users, carers and relatives. People who have not been previously diagnosed with a mental health problem are usually referred to the Initial Response Service via their GP, Social Care Professional or voluntary organisations.
If you urgently need specialist advice, even if you have not been diagnosed with a mental health problem, you can still talk to a member of the team who can advise you.
Contact us
Call us on 0303 123 1145 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
You will speak to a mental health professional who will listen and help you find the right support.
If you are Deaf or have communication difficulties, you can contact us in a crisis by:
- Texting 07860 064 775
- Using SignVideo
- Contacting 18001 111 using the Relay UK app
The crisis team does not provide an emergency service such as a 999 response.
How to get referred
via GP, Social Care Professional or voluntary organisations