A new single point of contact telephone line has launched enabling adults to self-refer themselves into East Lothian based NHS mental services.
East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership has launched a new single point of contact telephone line to allow individuals over 18 years to self-refer themselves into East Lothian based NHS mental health services. By calling 0330 790 6292, Monday to Friday 9am-4pm, adults can make contact and receive professional advice from specialist mental health clinicians in as little as 24 hours.
Anyone can be affected by mental health issues. An estimated one in four Scots will experience mental health problems at some point in their lives. It’s important to know and understand that help is available, and it can be accessed in a variety of different forms.
By creating this direct access telephone line, East Lothian adult residents now have a single point of contact they can reach, that will provide access to advice, reassurance and signposting to the most appropriate mental health team.
On contacting the support line, callers will be asked for their contact details and/or who they are calling on behalf of. Callers will then be offered the choice of a same day / next day call back from a highly trained clinical decision-making professional.
After an initial discussion, assessment and evaluation, the mental health clinician will advise the person of the available options to meet their needs. This may include:
- An initial referral to online self-help courses and/or community support networks
- For those requiring some structured support, an appointment with the CWIC Mental Health Team or the Distress Briefing Intervention Service
- It may be recommended that the person gains more specialised support from occupational and/or physiotherapy teams, the psychological therapies service or substance use team
- Alternatively, a referral may be placed directly with the Older Adults Mental Health Team or to Social Work Services
If during the initial request for assistance, it is determined that the individual is experiencing a mental health emergency, where there is a risk of harm to the individual or others around them, emergency services will be contacted.
Fiona Wilson, Chief Officer and Joint Director of East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership comments, “Having a mental health condition was the second most commonly reported condition in East Lothian in the 2022 census, rising from 3.8% of people in 2011 to 10.3% in 2022. It’s vitally important that people looking to gain access to services are able to receive the right support, in the right place, at the right time. This initiative aims to achieve just this, by providing a ‘front door’ to mental health services where individuals can be offered information, guidance, and where necessary referrals into the most appropriate service to meet their personal needs.”
If at any time, you feel you need urgent help with your mental health, please contact your GP, or if out of hours, NHS 24 on 111.
Find out more about East Lothian’s NHS Mental Health Services and community-based support services at www.easlothian.gov.uk/mental-health.