A recently launched mental health helpline service has assisted 6,500 callers and saved the life of one suicidal man in west London.
In addition more than 2,000 referrals have been made in the first eight weeks of the start of a new Single Point of Access (SPA) service rolled out by West London Mental Health NHS Trust.
The 24-hour dedicated helpline launched in April is manned by trained mental health advisors and clinicians who work with people who feel unsafe or at risk to manage their difficulties.
In one case a grief-stricken elderly man who wanted to end his life called his doctor for help and was instantly referred to SPA.
Senior SPA nurse Charlene Adams called the distressed man who admitted he was about to take an overdose and had written a suicide note.
Ms Adams immediately called 999 and an ambulance arrived at the man’s house within minutes to find him lying unconscious on the floor.
He was rushed to A&E and there was no serious physical harm done.
The man is now receiving the care he needs including daily visits from the crisis assessment team, treatment team and family members.
Charlene said: “It was a serious overdose. Unfortunately, at his age, he probably would have died had the GP not called the SPA.
“He hadn’t been explicit about his immediate intent to take his life, so the GP wasn’t going to call 999 himself.
“Fortunately he got in touch with us, as we have the resources where we can react very quickly in emergencies.”
The service is open to residents in Hounslow, Ealing and Hammersmith and Fulham.
Dr Sam Nayrouz, lead consultant for the SPA, added: “Suicide is the commonest cause of death for men aged 15-50 – more than a dozen people in England kill themselves every day.
"The SPA is an important step in reducing this tragic loss of life in our area, and this event provides a clear example of that in action.”
To SPA phone number is 0300 1234 244.
April also saw the launch of a similar service by the NSPCC in Hanworth for expectant parents suffering from anxiety or depression , as well as another new service in Hammersmith to help people with substance abuse.
