East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership have launched a new single point of contact telephone line to access Mental Health Services in East Lothian.

By calling 0330 790 6292, individuals (over 18 years) can now self-refer themselves into East Lothian’s range of mental health services.

The mental health support telephone line is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm.

The aim of this initiative is to offer a direct, single point of contact, that provides access to advice, reassurance and signposting to the most appropriate mental health team.

Right Care, Right Place

Calling the support line
On contacting the support line, callers will be asked for their contact details and/or who they are calling on behalf of. Callers will then be offered the choice of a same day / next day call back from a highly trained clinical decision-making professional.

After an initial discussion, assessment and evaluation, the Mental Health clinician will advise the person of the available options to meet their needs. This may include:
• An initial referral to online self-help courses and/or community support networks.
• For those requiring some structured support, an appointment with the CWIC Mental Health Team or the Distress Briefing Intervention Service.
• It may be recommended that the person gains more specialised support from occupational and/or physiotherapy teams, the psychological therapies service or substance use team.
• A referral may be placed directly with the Older Adults Mental Health Team or to Social Work Services.
• Where an assessment is made that the individual may require more advanced support, introductions will be organised for the person to meet with the Community Mental Health or Intensive Home Treatment Team.

If during the initial request for assistance, it is determined that the individual is experiencing a mental health emergency, where there is a risk of harm to the individual or others around them, emergency services will be contacted.