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Mental Health Crisis and Emergency Support

Wellbeing Services is not a crisis support service and does not replace NHS support. If you have concerns about your mental or physical health, you should contact your GP or specialist team.

You can find information about what to do if you become concerned about the mental health and safety or yourself or someone else below. 

I require immediate, urgent mental health help and support 

  • If you require immediate, urgent medical or psychological help and support you can do any of the following: 
    • Contact your G.P. to request an emergency, same day appointment (during office hours). 
    • Call the Samaritans 24/7 helpline on 116 123.  
    • Text Shout a free 24/7 crisis text support service on 85258.
    • Call NHS First Response, dial 111 and select option 2. 
    • If you require urgent assistance visit your nearest A&E, or dial 999.  
    • If you are outside of the UK, you must contact relevant local services. 
    • If you are currently in student halls, please alert the residence team if you are experiencing difficulties or require support or assistance.  If paramedics or police are called, it is advisable to make the team aware, so that they can provide support and access to the building. 

I have a mental health condition and access specialist NHS services 

  • If you are currently under the care of specialist NHS mental health services, as well as making use of the emergency services listed above, you are encouraged to do the following: 
    • Contact your specialist mental health team (e.g. Community Mental Health team).
    • If you are currently under the care of a local crisis team you can contact them directly. 
    • Follow your personalised crisis plan or any advice provided by your specialist team. 

I am worried about someone else 

  • If you are worried about the mental health and safety of a Birkbeck student, you should alert the College by submitting an ASK.  Select I am concerned about a student at Birkbeck. Please note, this is not a replacement for NHS or crisis support, for immediate support please do the following: 
    • Encourage them to follow the guidance above. 
    • For guidance, call NHS First Response, dial 111 and select option 2. 
    • If you or they require urgent assistance, dial 999.   
  • Supporting someone with mental health difficulties or in crisis is challenging and it’s important that you look after yourself in the process and maintain boundaries. If you are a Birkbeck student yourself, you can access support through our Counselling Service, email counselling-services@bbk.ac.uk.  
  • Staff should speak with their line managers and access the Employee Assistance Programme. 
  • More guidance and information about supporting others whilst taking care of yourself, can be found here.

Alternative, in-person support can also be accessed through Camden Crisis Sanctuary (5-10.30pm, 365 days). You may also be able to access a crisis house for overnight accommodation if you feel unable to keep yourself safe at home.