Support in a Crisis over Christmas Period

We know that Christmas can be a stressful time for people. If your mental or emotional state quickly deteriorates, this can be called a ‘mental health crisis’. In this situation, it may be important to get help quickly.

If you feel that your needs constitute an emergency, and you are unable to access help elsewhere, then please go to your nearest Accident and Emergency (A&E) department. A mental health practitioner will be able to assess you and give you appropriate help.

If you are concerned about an immediate risk to your physical health, or you are at significant risk due to an overdose or injury, it may be necessary to call 999 for an ambulance.

Alternatively, there are other places you can go to for advice:

The Samaritans – 0845 790 9090
Domestic Violence Helpline – 0808 200 0247
SANE - 0300 304 7000
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably: Males only) – 0800 585 858
PAPYRUS (Prevention of Young Suicide)– 0800 0684141

As the festive period is a busy time for health services, please find below the appropriate contact details and advice, depending on where you live.

West Cheshire Residents
East Cheshire Residents
Wirral Residents

West Cheshire Residents

On Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years day both current service users and those who are not currently accessing our services, should contact the NHS 111 service or go their nearest Accident and Emergency (A&E) department. Further info on NHS 111 is available here.

For all days except bank holidays, the advice is as follows:

For current CWP service users:

Your community mental health team can help during the day 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday (except bank holidays). Ask for your care co-ordinator or the person on duty, as indicated in your care plan. Out of Hours mental health support can be found by calling: 01244 397537.

If you are unable to get help at the above, you can also contact your GP Out-of-Hours on: 01244 385300 between 6.30pm – 8am Mon – Fri and 24/7 Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays.

For non CWP service users:

Those who currently do not access our services should contact their GP.

If their query is outside of normal working hours, they should contact the GP Out-of-Hours on: 01244 385300 between 6.30pm – 8am Mon – Fri and 24/7 Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays.
East Cheshire Residents
On Christmas day, boxing day and new year’s day, you should contact the East Cheshire GP Out-of-Hours service on: 01270 273666. If you are unable to access help here, please call the NHS 111 service or go to your nearest Accident and Emergency department (A&E).

For all days except bank holidays, the advice is as follows:

For current CWP service users:

Your community mental health team can help during the day 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday (except bank holidays). Ask for your care co-ordinator or the person on duty, as indicated in your care plan. Out of Hours mental health support can be found by calling: 01625 505666 (Lime Walk House).

If you cannot access help at the above number, then contact your GP Out-of-Hours service on 01270 273666.

For non CWP service users:

Contact your GP. If it is outside of normal working hours contact the East Cheshire out of hours service on: 01270 273666 6.30pm – 8am Mon – Fri and 24/7 Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays. You can also call the NHS 111 service.

Alternatively, for residents of Vale Royal or South Cheshire, you can try the following numbers for our self-referral line:
- Vale Royal: 01606 555211
- South Cheshire: 01606 555263.
Further information on IAPT services in Vale Royal and South Cheshire can be found here.
Wirral Residents

On Christmas day, boxing day and new year’s day, you should contact the Wirral GP Out-of-Hours service on: 0151 678 8496. If you are unable to access help here, go to Accident and Emergency (A&E) or call the NHS 111 service.

For all days except bank holidays, the advice is as follows:

For current CWP service users:

If you are currently accessing services at CWP, you should contact the number in your care plan. The Home Treatment Team Crisis Line, as detailed in your care plan, is also operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. If you are unable to access help this way, please contact the Wirral GP Out-of-Hours service on: 0151 678 8496.

For non CWP service users:

If you do not currently access our services, you should contact the NHS 111 service who will provide the best referral pathway for you. If your situation is life threatening, you should call 999 or go to A&E. You can also contact the contact the Wirral GP Out-of-Hours service on: 0151 678 8496.