Hemel Hempstead residents can access free mental health support helpline

The Hertfordshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (HPFT) has launched a new free helpline number for people in Hertfordshire who are experiencing a mental health crisis, looking for mental health help or just need to talk.

Support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week on: 0800 6444 101.

People who call the previous 0300 helpline number will be automatically diverted to the new freephone number.

Sandra Brookes, HPFT’s executive director of service delivery and service user experience, said: “We understand the importance of people in need of some mental health support, being able to contact our helpline team free of charge, so I’m delighted that we have been able to launch this new freephone number.

“I would encourage anyone who is experiencing mental health problems, to take a look at the self-help options from our Wellbeing Service and/or contact our helpline team, who are available to listen and provide their support at any time of the day or night.”

Herts residents experiencing a mental health crisis still also have the option to access our team of mental health professionals directly via the NHS 111 service. Selecting Option 2 for mental health services will automatically direct Herts callers to the 24/7 HPFT helpline team.

The IAPT Wellbeing Service continues to provide support to adults experiencing common mental health problems including depression and anxiety.

The service offers free access to innovative digital, video and telephoned based talking therapies including a wide range of self-help webinars and resources.

If residents of Hertfordshire need to talk to someone about their mental health, they now have the following options:

- Call the Trust's SPA helpline direct on: 0800 6444 101 which is open 24/7

- Email: [email protected] for non-urgent enquiries

- Call NHS 111 and select Option 2, to go directly to our Single Point of Access (SPA) helpline team.

For more information visit: www.hpft.nhs.uk.