Since the introduction of NHS 111 for mental health crisis in 2024, the West Yorkshire Mental Health helpline has been accessible via 111 as well as via an 0800 number. From 1 April 2025 the service will only be reached by calling NHS 111. Anyone calling the 0800 number from 1 April 2025 will hear the following message: “This number is now closed, for people with a mental health crisis, please dial 111 and select the mental health option. If you or someone you care about is in a life threatening condition, please call 999.”

This change only relates to the change in telephone number to access the service from 0800 to 111, calls will be answered by the same team, experienced and trained in delivering mental health crisis support. Having one three digit memorable number will streamline access and help to reduce any confusion created by having two different routes into the service. This will take immediate effect (1 April 2025) in Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds, Barnsley and Wakefield District.

This change only applies to the West Yorkshire Mental Health Helpline. Other crisis lines (listed below) remain unaffected by this change and access to these services will continue through both NHS 111 and locally established numbers:

  • Bradford First Response – crisis service 0800 9521181. Offers crisis support 24 hours a day, seven days a week to people of all ages living in Bradford, Airedale, Wharfedale or Craven experiencing a mental health crisis. You do not have to have used any mental health services before to contact us. Trained professionals are just a phone call away.
  • You can now also call 111 and select the mental health option.
  • Night OWLS - The overnight service for children, young people and their families and carers. Open 8pm-8am every day. Call free 0800 1488244 (and 111), text 07984 392700 (charges may apply) or online chat.
  • During the day, children and young people in crisis should use NHS 111 mental health option. The answering service will direct them to the appropriate support.
  • Leeds CAMHS Crisis Call Line Team 0800 953 0505 (and 111) Leeds CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) Crisis Call Line is a mental health helpline for people aged under 18 in Leeds, open every day from 8am to 8pm. This helpline is for young people who already access Leeds CAMHS and those who have not already been referred or used the service.