Mental Health Crisis Support in Bedford

Mental health crisis support is available 24/7 for all ages in Bedfordshire and Luton by contacting NHS 111 (Option 2). 

Who can use the 111 (option 2) service?

Anyone can use and access 111 (option 2). It's a service that's available to all.

How does the service help?

The service helps by providing immediate access to advice and guidance to those requiring mental health support. We are able to advise and direct you to the most appropriate services.

When should people contact the service?

The service is available 24/7. If you feel as though you're in a mental health crisis or believe a friend or family member is then make that call.

How does the service help people who don't speak English?

Don't worry if English is not your first language. As well as working within a diverse multilingual team we also have access to an interpreting service.

What should people contacting 111 (option 2) for mental health crisis support expect?

You should firstly expect a friendly voice on the end of the line, someone who will listen to your concerns and will be able to work with you to get the most appropriate outcome. The call will be a two-way process so do expect some questions. The Mental Health Professional (MHP) will carry out an assessment and together you will devise a plan.

The Crisis Resolution / Home Treatment (CRHT) teams work with a group of patients, who, without this support, would need to be admitted to hospital, or who cannot be discharged from hospital without intensive support. The service enables patients who are in crisis, and not able to function at their normal level, to be supported in their own homes.

The service operates 24hrs daily, and can be accessed by calling 01234 315691 where a 
trained mental health professional will be able to offer assessment and support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

The Bedford crisis cafe is now back operating a face-to-face drop-in service once again. You  do not need an appointment for these services and can just drop-in whenever they feel they need the support.

The cafe is opened 5pm to 11pm 365 days of the year, and is based at

Florence Ball House, Bedford Health Village, 3 Kimbolton Road, Bedford, MK40 2NX

For further information please call 01582 722 225 or email crisiscafe@mind-blmk.org.uk.

Talk to us on the phone 

Whatever you're going through, call us free any time for free 24/7, from any phone, on 116 123.

Write us an email

Sometimes writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you understand them better.

jo@samaritans.org response time: 24 hours

Our trained volunteers are there for you 24/7 to listen and support you to get to a calmer and safe place. Shout is a free, confidential, anonymous service for anyone in the UK. It won’t appear on your phone bill.

How it works:

1. Text

To start a conversation, text the word ‘Shout’ to 85258. If you’re feeling low, anxious, worried, lonely, overwhelmed, suicidal or not quite yourself, we are here for you.

2. Connect

Once you text us you’ll receive four automated messages before you are connected to one of our empathetic Shout Volunteers. This will usually be within 5 minutes, but if we are busy it can take longer.

3. Chat

The volunteer will introduce themselves and ask you to share a bit more about what’s bothering you. This might include feeling anxious, having relationship problems, addiction, depression, bullying, self-harm and suicide. You will text back and forth and share what you feel comfortable with.

4. Plan

The goal of the conversation is to help you reach a calm and safe place, with a plan of how to support yourself going forwards. As well as listening without judgement, our volunteers may provide you with further resources or tools to help you get more expert support

5. Calm

As the conversation comes to a close we encourage you to reflect on the thoughts, feelings and experiences you've explored, how you want things to be and how you may be able to get there. You'll be safe in the knowledge that if you're in distress again and struggling to cope that we're here 24/7. Conversations tend to last around 45-60 minutes.