Where to get help
Crisis support
If you are in an emergency and there is a risk to life (that can be your own or another persons) call 999
If you are a young person in crisis:
- Call Childline for free to speak to someone about what's happening and how you're feeling (0800 1111)
If you are a young adult in crisis:
Mental health crisis support is also available 24/7 across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes
We have fully trained professionals ready to support young people experiencing a mental health crisis. This is available 24 hours a day all year round by calling the following numbers. Anyone can use and access the service. All numbers are free to call, you won’t be charged:
- If you live in Luton call NHS 111 & ask for ‘Option 2’ or visit https://camhs.elft.nhs.uk/Crisis-Support
- If you live in Bedfordshire call NHS 111& ask for ‘Option 2’ https://camhs.elft.nhs.uk/Crisis-Support
- If you live in Milton Keynes you can reach us by phoning 0800 0234 650 (Freephone) or emailing cnw-tr.spa@nhs.net; we also take calls from 111.
How does the service help?
The service helps by providing immediate access to advice and guidance to those requiring mental health support. We can advise and direct you to the most appropriate services.
When should people contact the service?
The service is available 24/7. If you feel as though you’re in a mental health crisis or believe a friend or family member is then make that call.
How does the service help people who don’t speak English?
Don’t worry if English is not your first language. As well as working within a diverse multilingual team we also have access to an interpreting service.
What should people contacting for mental health crisis support expect?
You should firstly expect a friendly voice on the end of the line, someone who will listen to your concerns and will be able to work with you to get the most appropriate outcome. The call will be a two-way process so do expect some questions. The Mental Health Professional (MHP) will carry out an assessment and together you will devise a plan.
A&E Departments
Additionally, we have CAMHS professional available in A&E hospital departments across BLMK every day from 9am – 9pm, seven days a week. Outside of these hours, you can speak to a trained mental health professional. Addresses are below.
Bedford Hospital A&E, South Wing, 1 Kempston Road, Bedford, MK42 9DJ
Luton & Dunstable Hospital A&E, Lewsey Road, Luton, LU4 0DZ
Milton Keynes University Hospital A&E, Standing Way, Eaglestone, Milton Keynes, MK6 5LD
Additional mental health & emotional wellbeing support
Text REFLECT 85258
How does reflect work?
Reflect is specifically for young people across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes. To start a conversation, anyone can text reflect to 85258. The service is free, anonymous and does not show up on phone bills.
After sending the first message, texters receive four automated text messages before being connected to a trained volunteer. There is an aim to connect young people in greatest need within five minutes all others in 30 mins. At busy times it can take longer.
Reflect can help with issues such as: Anxiety, Bullying, Depression, Loneliness or isolation, Money worries, Relationship problems, Self-harm, Stress, Suicidal thoughts or feelings
How You Feel Matters
These are co-produced documents which set out clearly how children and young people can access support across Bedfordshire, Luton & Milton Keynes:
How you feel matters…getting help in Milton Keynes
How you feel matters…getting help in Beds Borough
How you feel matters...getting help in Central Beds
How you feel matters...getting help in Luton
Local Offers
Bedford and Luton both have Mental Health/Emotional wellbeing hubs and one is due to be developed on Central Beds Local Offer.
Central Bedfordshire Local Offer
Milton Keynes - Your Mental Health & Wellbeing
MIND Young Person's Sanctuary - Milton Keynes
The Milton Keynes Young Person’s Sanctuary is a safe, non-judgemental spaces that you can come to if you find yourself in crisis or mental distress in the evenings. You will be met by a trained youth mental health worker who will listen and help you identify ways to address the problems you are facing.
Who is the Young Person’s Sanctuary for?
- Young people (14-17yrs) who are experiencing mental distress or crisis as well as those looking for a safe space to access some support. No one will ever be turned away.
- Young people are welcome to bring anyone from their support system.
- Young people do not need to be known to mental health services to attend. Young people can still attend even if they are currently receiving support from CAMHs.
What can you expect?
- A safe, non-judgemental, and relaxed space.
- A confidential one-to-one session with a trained mental health worker. During your first session, a youth mental health worker will explain the confidentiality policy to you. In the instance where we may need to share certain information with a third party pertaining to a potential risk, we will have a discussion with you first.
- Support to identify coping mechanisms and building emotional resilience.
- A step-by-step tailored guide on how to access support and keep safe.
Do you need an appointment?
Milton Keynes' Young Person Sanctuary is now operating a drop-in service and an appointment is not required.
Milton Keynes Young Person's Sanctuary: CAMHS Eaglestone Health Centre, Standing Way, Milton Keynes MK6 5AZ / Wednesday - Friday (5.00pm – 10.00pm) Saturday (4.00pm - 10.00pm)
To find out more: 0300 330 0648 / yps@mind-blmk.org.uk
ChatHealth
ChatHealth, is a text service for young people aged 11-19 (or aged 25 with SEND) to confidentially ask for help about a range of issues or make an appointment with a school nurse. They can also find out how to access other local services including emotional support or sexual health services.
Chat Health Bedfordshire TEXT 07507 331450
Chat Health Luton TEXT 07520 616070
https://www.cambscommunityservices.nhs.uk/luton/chathealth
Chat Health Milton Keynes TEXT 07480 635517
https://www.mkchildrenshealth.cnwl.nhs.uk/chathealth/
Parentline is a confidential text messaging advice and support line for parents and carers of children ages 0-19 years
Parentline Bedfordshire TEXT 07507 331456
https://www.cambscommunityservices.nhs.uk/Bedfordshire/services/health-visiting/parentline
Parentline Luton TEXT 07507 331886
CAMHS - Mental Health Support Teams (Schools)
The Mental Health Support Teams are a new service designed to help meet the mental health needs of children and young people in education settings. They are made up of senior clinicians and higher-level therapists and Education Mental Health Practitioners (EMHPs). Senior clinicians and higher-level therapists within the team will be responsible for the supervision and management of EMHPs within the team.
North Bedfordshire: 01234 893355
South Bedfordshire: 01582 707635
Luton: Telephone: 01525 638614
Milton Keynes: 01908 724691 / Email: cnwl.mhst@nhs.net