London Borough of Croydon

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Speaking out and asking for help

It takes courage to speak out, especially if you are experiencing a mental health problem. Some people find it useful talking to family and friends, and you may also think about contacting an independent organisation.

We may become ill or hurt ourselves in an accident. We can also have problems with our mental health and our minds may become ill. Many factors can influence our mental health - our experiences, housing, jobs, schools, transport and the environment as well as the way we live our lives.

You're not the only one

Mental health problems can affect all of us at some time. In Croydon alone as many as 84,000 may be directly affected at any one time.

You may be feeling alone, that no one cares or understands, or you don't know where to turn for advice and support. Even if you are not directly affected yourself, you may know someone who is, be it a friend, a member of your family or a colleague.  Whatever the case, you are not alone and there are people that can offer advice and support.

Help and support

Most people are able to get help from their local GP (general practitioner) who can offer help and advice and put you in touch with local services. If you are not registered with a GP you can get a list of GPs in your local area under "Find a GP/Dentist/Pharmacy/Hospital (NHS Services)" (contact details below).

Some people are referred to specialist mental health services which are provided for people with severe mental illness by the South London and Maudsley (SLaM) NHS Foundation Trust and through the integrated adult mental health service. A list of Croydon mental health services is provided under 'Clinical Services Directory' on the SLaM website (see associated link at right).

Many other organisations in Croydon provide services to support people’s mental health. They offer a range of information and advice as well as treatments and therapies in schools, workplaces, local councils, faith communities and voluntary groups.

Adult placement scheme

The scheme recruits, supports, monitors and trains carers who can provide individuals with accommodation that is highly flexible and a significant alternative to other residential forms of support. See the 'Adult placement support unit' link at left.

If you need help in an emergency

Office hours - 9am-5pm Monday to Friday

If you are receiving support from Croydon adult mental health services, your community mental health team can help.

Contact the council on the 'social services for adults' number below to be put through to your care coordinator or the person on duty.

If you are not receiving support from mental health services, you can contact us in a number of ways:

  • contact the South London and Maudsley NHS Trust 24 hour information line
  • contact your GP
  • call NHS Direct 24 hour health advice and information
  • go to your nearest A&E (accident and emergency)
  • phone 999 and ask for the police or ambulance service if you are concerned about an immediate risk of harm.

Outside office hours

You should attend the A&E department at Mayday Hospital or contact out-of-hours social services.

A leaflet providing all the contact details is linked under 'South London and Maudsley NHS Trust 24 hour information line'.

Contact Details

Contact name
Social services for adults
Telephone
020 8726 6500
Minicom
020 8760 5797
Contact name
South London & Maudsley NHS Trust 24 hour information line
Telephone
0800 731 2864
Website
www.slam.nhs.uk/services/pages/docs/croydoncrisis
services.pdf
Contact name
NHS Direct
Telephone
0845 4647
Website
www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/
Contact name
Find a GP / Dentist / Pharmacy / Hospital (NHS Services)
Telephone
020 8274 6333
Website
www.nhs.uk

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