As December brings shorter days, harsh weather, and the pressures of the holiday season, mental health crises often escalate, particularly for those already struggling. In Norfolk and Waveney, mental health services receive over 13,000 calls each year, with a notable increase during Christmas. To help alleviate this burden, dedicated Mental Health Response Vehicles (MHRVs) have been deployed since 2021, providing a vital service for those in crisis.
The MHRVs, crewed by paramedics from East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST) and qualified mental health nurses from Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, aim to offer immediate support. These vehicles are equipped to assess and treat any physical health concerns while connecting individuals to the appropriate mental health care.
Nicky Gordon, an advanced mental health nurse practitioner with EEAST, explained the benefit of these specialized vehicles: “For people in mental health crisis, clinical environments can often heighten their anxiety. Our MHRVs are designed with soothing lighting and a calming interior to help ease their distress.”
The dual presence of both a paramedic and a mental health nurse on site means that, in many cases, patients do not need to be transported to a hospital. For those who require further care, regular ambulance crews can be dispatched, with the option of contacting a mental health professional for advice and triaging to avoid unnecessary hospital admissions.
In addition to the MHRVs, individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, or those supporting someone in need, can contact the NHS 111 service and select the mental health option for immediate guidance. Alternatively, face-to-face support is available at REST hubs run by the charity Mind or Steam House Cafes throughout Norfolk and Suffolk.
This initiative underscores the importance of providing accessible, compassionate care for mental health crises, particularly during the stressful holiday period.
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