The NHS 111 helpline in England is expanding its services to provide mental health support for both adults and children in crisis.

Claire Murdoch, NHS director for mental health, emphasized that the initiative aims to ensure patients of all ages receive the appropriate support they need.

Currently, over 350,000 children and nearly 250,000 adults are waiting for treatment from community mental health services, highlighting a significant unmet need.

According to the charity Mind, nearly two million people are on waiting lists for NHS mental health services.

Previously, local health systems managed separate phone lines for mental health support, handling around 200,000 calls each month.

The NHS 111 service connects callers to a trained team of call handlers, nurses, and clinicians available 24/7 to provide assistance.

Individuals can access this service by dialing 111 and pressing 2, which offers urgent assistance alongside traditional physical health support.

NHS staff answering 111 calls will be able to arrange mental health assessments, dispatch crisis teams, and inform individuals about local resources.

Mental health advocates, including Mark Winstanley of Rethink Mental Illness, welcomed the change as it simplifies access to urgent support.

Saffron Cordery, deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, expressed concerns about the existing pressures on mental health services and the high demand for care.

Demand for NHS 111 services remains higher than pre-pandemic levels, necessitating adequate funding for local partners to improve crisis care pathways.

This initiative is part of the new government's plans to address the challenges faced by the NHS and improve mental health care.