Two new mental health services have been launched today to make getting help easier for those in need.
The Early Mental Health Response service has been set up to allow 111 operators to transfer calls to trained mental health nurses where appropriate while a new four-digit phone number has been set up to provide mental health support and advice.
The Early Mental Health Response service is a Government-funded scheme which will provide faster and more appropriate support to people in psychological or social distress who call 111.
Police acting national manager of communication centres Inspector Mal Schwartfeger said the service would create a bridge between 111 and mental health services, ensuring callers get the right help at the right time, either directly or through referral to appropriate agencies.
"Specially-trained 111 call handlers will identify those calls that should be transferred to the new service, using clear guidelines," he said.
"The service will reduce pressures on 111, with appropriate calls transferred to Early Mental Health Response nurses, avoiding unnecessary police dispatches and ensuring police resources are focused where they are most needed."