CPFT team who pioneered support for people in crisis praised as 111 mental health service goes national
The work of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust’s First Response Service – which provides support to those in mental health crisis via the NHS 111 helpline – has been praised.
The service was one of the first in the country when it was launched in 2016 and has helped pioneer similar services across the country.
It has now been announced that similar services are available across England.
Dr Caroline Meiser-Stedman, Clinical Director for the Trust’s Adult and Specialist Mental Health directorate (pictured) said: “Our First Response Service was one of the first in the country to offer help to people in mental health crisis via NHS 111 when it was launched eight years ago.
“The service has been really pioneering. Not only has it meant that people could receive immediate support from mental health professionals, but the team has also advised other organisations when they have been setting up their own versions.
“Everyone who has been involved in the First Response Service - including our health system partners - should be proud of the progress that has been made since 2016., the support they have provided to people who reach out for help, and how they have helped to shape similar mental health crisis services across the rest of the country.”
The First Response Service is available 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, and receives more than 2,800 calls per month from the public along with additional calls from GPs and health professionals.
CPFT employs more than 4,700 staff who provide community physical healthcare for older people and those with long-term conditions, mental healthcare for children and adults, children’s health services, learning disability support and social care support. The Trust is also renowned for its research work.
