Do this now
- Say clearly that it is a mental health emergency.
- Describe what is happening in one sentence, including any immediate risk.
- Before you hang up, ask: "What happens now, and is there a reference number I should keep?"
Source: NHS
Words you can use
Have these ready before you dial
- What's happening now - in a sentence.
- The risk - have they hurt themselves, taken anything, said a plan?
- Diagnosis and medication - if you know it. If not, that's fine.
- The address - the way in, the floor, whether the door's locked.
- Whether they know you've called, and whether they'll be frightened or hostile when help arrives.
999 or 111? The plain version
999 - where there is a serious risk to life. NHS 111, mental-health option - urgent mental-health help that is not an immediate emergency. Both routes can be used when you are worried about someone else.
When help arrives
Tell them what you told the call handler. If the person is paranoid, warn the crew: "They think people are after them, so uniforms may frighten them." Do not promise that nobody will take them anywhere, because you may not be able to keep that promise.
And you?
You may feel shaken after making the call. Sit down, contact someone you trust and use Support for you if you need it.
Here for Someone is an independent information project, not an emergency service. The call routes on this page are based on the linked NHS guidance.
Sources checked: 27 August 2026
← All guides