FLINTSHIRE MS' have welcomed today's (June 20) launch of a new national phone line for people requiring urgent mental health support.

The NHS ‘111 press option 2’ for mental health is now available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for anyone, of any age, across Wales.

The helpline is there for people who have an urgent mental health concern themselves or want to call on behalf of someone they know.

The number is free for landlines or mobiles, even phones without any credit left.

By calling NHS 111 and selecting ‘option 2’ callers will be transferred to a dedicated member of a mental health team in their local health board area.

The support available includes an assessment of needs, and telephone-based intervention to help reduce distress.

When appropriate, callers can be referred to mental health services, given self-care advice or signposted to other support.

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Praising today’s announcement, Hannah Blythyn, MS for Delyn, said: "The ‘111 press 2’ helpline will transform the ways the NHS are able to respond to urgent mental health issues.

"It can be really hard to open up about mental health and to know where to turn for the right support at the right time."

Jack Sargeant, MS for Alyn and Deeside, said: "For anyone in Flintshire who needs immediate help for their own mental health or for someone they know- a loved one, a colleague, a neighbour- they can use this helpline to be supported by compassionate professionals, who have local knowledge of the area and health-board."

The Welsh Government has provided £6m to support health boards in Wales to implement this important service and ensure it is available to all.

The service has been rolled out across Wales since November last year and has so far received more than 15,000 calls.

The majority of callers have had their problems resolved through advice on self-management or been referred to local third sector groups, with a minority of callers referred to urgent mental health care services.