Mental Health & Public Protection

Mental Health, Safety, Crisis Support and Public Protection Mental health difficulties can affect anyone at any stage of life. Most people experiencing mental health challenges are not a risk to others and deserve compassion, support, dignity and access to appropriate healthcare. Sometimes concerns may arise about a person's immediate safety, wellbeing or vulnerability, particularly during a mental health crisis. This page provides information about mental health crisis support, welfare concerns, police involvement, public protection responsibilities and individual rights under UK law. This information is intended for general guidance only and does not replace medical, legal or professional advice.

Mental Health & Public Protection

Mental Health, Safety, Crisis Support and Public Protection

Mental health difficulties can affect anyone at any stage of life. Most people experiencing mental health challenges are not a risk to others and deserve compassion, support, dignity and access to appropriate healthcare.

Sometimes concerns may arise about a person's immediate safety, wellbeing or vulnerability, particularly during a mental health crisis. This page provides information about mental health crisis support, welfare concerns, police involvement, public protection responsibilities and individual rights under UK law.

This information is intended for general guidance only and does not replace medical, legal or professional advice.

Emergency Help

If Someone is in Immediate Danger

Call 999 immediately if:

• There is an immediate threat to life.
• Someone has seriously harmed themselves.
• Someone is attempting suicide.
• A person is experiencing a severe mental health crisis and immediate assistance is required.
• Violence or serious risk is present.

NHS Urgent Mental Health Support

If you or someone else needs urgent mental health help but it is not an emergency:

Call NHS 111 and select the Mental Health Option where available.

NHS Mental Health Support

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health

Mental Health Crisis Support

What is a Mental Health Crisis?

A mental health crisis occurs when a person is experiencing severe emotional or psychological distress and may be unable to cope safely without immediate support.

Examples may include:

• Suicidal thoughts.
• Severe depression.
• Psychosis.
• Extreme anxiety or panic.
• Serious self-harm.
• Mental health relapse.
• Significant emotional distress.

Support should always focus on:

• Safety.
• Dignity.
• Compassion.
• Human rights.
• Appropriate healthcare intervention.

NHS Mental Health Services

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health

Mind

https://www.mind.org.uk

Rethink Mental Illness

https://www.rethink.org

Welfare Concerns

What is a Welfare Concern?

A welfare concern exists when someone may be unable to keep themselves safe or there are concerns regarding:

• Mental health.
• Physical health.
• Vulnerability.
• Isolation.
• Abuse or neglect.
• Self-neglect.
• Missing person risk.

Concerns may be raised by:

• Family members.
• Friends.
• Neighbours.
• Professionals.
• Members of the public.

Who Can Help?

• NHS services.
• Adult Social Care.
• Children's Services.
• Mental Health Teams.
• Police.
• Safeguarding Teams.

Find Your Local Council

https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council

Missing Persons & Mental Health

Mental Health and Missing Persons

Mental health difficulties can sometimes increase vulnerability when a person goes missing.

Additional concerns may exist where someone:

• Has expressed suicidal thoughts.
• Is experiencing psychosis.
• Has dementia.
• Has a learning disability.
• Has left care settings unexpectedly.
• Is vulnerable to exploitation.

You do not need to wait 24 hours to report someone missing.

Missing People

https://www.missingpeople.org.uk

24-Hour Helpline:

116 000

Police

Emergency: 999

Non-Emergency: 101

Suicide Prevention

Understanding Suicide Prevention

Many people experience suicidal thoughts at some point in their lives.

Suicidal thoughts should always be taken seriously.

Warning signs may include:

• Talking about death or suicide.
• Giving away possessions.
• Social withdrawal.
• Feelings of hopelessness.
• Significant mood changes.
• Self-harm.
• Increased substance misuse.

Immediate Help

If someone is at immediate risk:

Call 999

Go to the nearest Accident & Emergency Department.

Samaritans

https://www.samaritans.org

Call:

116 123

Available 24 hours a day.

NHS Suicide Prevention

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/suicidal-feelings

Self-Harm Support

Understanding Self-Harm

Self-harm can involve intentionally causing harm to oneself as a way of coping with difficult emotions, distress or trauma.

Self-harm may include:

• Cutting.
• Burning.
• Overdosing.
• Hitting oneself.
• Other harmful behaviours.

Self-harm should never be dismissed and support is available.

NHS Self-Harm Information

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/self-harm

Harmless

https://harmless.org.uk

YoungMinds

https://www.youngminds.org.uk

Police Welfare Checks

What is a Welfare Check?

Police may carry out welfare checks when there are concerns that someone may be at risk due to:

• Mental health crisis.
• Vulnerability.
• Missing person concerns.
• Welfare concerns.
• Immediate safeguarding risks.

Police must balance:

• Public safety.
• Individual rights.
• Privacy.
• Human rights.
• Mental health needs.

A welfare check does not automatically mean a crime has been committed.

College of Policing

https://www.college.police.uk

Police UK

https://www.police.uk

Section 136 Mental Health Act

Understanding Section 136

Section 136 of the Mental Health Act 1983 allows police officers, in specific circumstances, to remove a person from a public place to a place of safety if they appear to be experiencing a mental disorder and require immediate care or control.

The purpose is:

• Safety.
• Assessment.
• Access to healthcare.

It is not intended as punishment.

Rights Under Section 136

Individuals have rights including:

• Information about why powers are being used.
• Assessment by healthcare professionals.
• Access to legal advice.
• Appropriate treatment and care.
• Respect for dignity and human rights.

Mental Health Act Information

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/legal-rights

Government Legislation

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1983/20/contents

Crisis Intervention

Responding to Mental Health Crises

Crisis intervention aims to reduce immediate risk and connect people with appropriate support.

This may involve:

• NHS Crisis Teams.
• Ambulance services.
• Mental health professionals.
• Social services.
• Police.
• Safeguarding teams.

Effective crisis intervention should:

• Be proportionate.
• Use the least restrictive option possible.
• Respect individual rights.
• Promote recovery and wellbeing.

NHS Crisis Support

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health

Support for Families

Supporting Someone in Crisis

Families and friends may feel overwhelmed when supporting someone experiencing mental health difficulties.

Helpful actions may include:

• Listening without judgement.
• Encouraging professional support.
• Helping access services.
• Supporting safety plans.
• Seeking support for themselves.

Family members should also consider their own wellbeing and support needs.

Carers UK

https://www.carersuk.org

Carers Trust

https://carers.org

Rethink Mental Illness

https://www.rethink.org

Safeguarding & Mental Health

When Safeguarding May Be Needed

Mental health concerns may overlap with:

• Self-neglect.
• Abuse.
• Domestic abuse.
• Financial exploitation.
• Homelessness.
• Substance misuse.
• Vulnerability to crime.
• Missing person risks.

Safeguarding decisions should be:

• Person-centred.
• Proportionate.
• Evidence-based.
• Rights-focused.

Adult Safeguarding Information

https://www.nhs.uk/social-care-and-support/help-from-social-services-and-charities/abuse-and-neglect-adults-at-risk

Additional Mental Health & Public Protection

Mental Capacity & Decision Making

Understanding Mental Capacity

Mental capacity means the ability to make a specific decision at the time it needs to be made.

A person should always be presumed to have capacity unless it is established otherwise.

People have the right to make decisions that others may consider unwise.

Support should be provided to help individuals make their own decisions wherever possible.

Mental Capacity Act 2005

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/9/contents

NHS Mental Capacity Information

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/making-decisions-for-someone-else

Mental Health and Safeguarding

Safeguarding and Mental Health

Mental health difficulties may increase vulnerability to:

• Abuse.
• Neglect.
• Exploitation.
• Self-neglect.
• Financial abuse.
• Domestic abuse.
• Social isolation.

Safeguarding should focus on:

• Safety.
• Wellbeing.
• Human rights.
• Choice and control.
• Proportionate intervention.

Care Act Guidance

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/care-act-statutory-guidance

Autism, ADHD & Crisis Situations

Neurodiversity and Crisis Support

Autistic people and people with ADHD may experience crises differently.

Possible factors include:

• Sensory overload.
• Communication difficulties.
• Anxiety.
• Burnout.
• Environmental stress.
• Changes to routine.

Support should be:

• Person-centred.
• Reasonable and accessible.
• Non-judgemental.
• Based on understanding individual needs.

National Autistic Society

https://www.autism.org.uk

ADHD UK

https://adhduk.co.uk

Dementia & Public Protection

Dementia and Vulnerability

People living with dementia may face increased risks relating to:

• Missing person incidents.
• Exploitation.
• Abuse.
• Financial harm.
• Self-neglect.

Support should balance:

• Safety.
• Independence.
• Dignity.
• Human rights.

Alzheimer's Society

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk

Dementia UK

https://www.dementiauk.org

Learning Disabilities & Vulnerability

Supporting People with Learning Disabilities

Individuals with learning disabilities may experience increased risks from:

• Mate crime.
• Financial exploitation.
• Bullying.
• Abuse.
• Social isolation.

Support should promote:

• Independence.
• Inclusion.
• Safety.
• Access to advocacy.

Mencap

https://www.mencap.org.uk

Substance Misuse & Mental Health

Dual Diagnosis

Some individuals experience both mental health difficulties and substance misuse challenges.

This is sometimes called dual diagnosis.

Support may involve:

• Mental health services.
• Drug and alcohol services.
• Social care.
• Safeguarding services.

NHS Addiction Support

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/addiction-support

Turning Point

https://www.turning-point.co.uk

Homelessness & Mental Health

Housing and Wellbeing

Homelessness and poor mental health are often linked.

People experiencing homelessness may face:

• Isolation.
• Trauma.
• Physical health issues.
• Exploitation.
• Safeguarding concerns.

Shelter

https://www.shelter.org.uk

Crisis

https://www.crisis.org.uk

Domestic Abuse & Mental Health

Understanding the Impact

Domestic abuse can significantly affect mental health.

Impacts may include:

• Anxiety.
• Depression.
• PTSD.
• Self-harm.
• Suicidal thoughts.

Support should consider both safety and emotional wellbeing.

Refuge

https://www.refuge.org.uk

National Domestic Abuse Helpline

https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk

Trauma & PTSD

Post-Traumatic Stress

Traumatic experiences may affect mental health long after an event has occurred.

Symptoms may include:

• Flashbacks.
• Nightmares.
• Hypervigilance.
• Anxiety.
• Emotional distress.

NHS PTSD Information

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd

PTSD UK

https://www.ptsduk.org

Crisis Planning & Safety Plans

Preparing for Difficult Times

A crisis plan may help identify:

• Early warning signs.
• Helpful coping strategies.
• Emergency contacts.
• Support services.
• Preferred treatment approaches.

Planning ahead can support safety and recovery.

Mind Crisis Planning

https://www.mind.org.uk

Carers' Rights & Support

Supporting Carers

Carers often provide essential support for people experiencing mental health difficulties.

Carers may have rights to:

• Assessments.
• Information.
• Support services.
• Involvement in care planning where appropriate.

Carers UK

https://www.carersuk.org

Carers Trust

https://carers.org

Hospital Admission & Mental Health Law

Mental Health Hospital Care

Some people may require hospital treatment during periods of severe mental illness.

Admissions may be:

• Voluntary (informal).
• Under the Mental Health Act.

Healthcare providers should ensure:

• Dignity.
• Respect.
• Least restrictive care.
• Human rights compliance.

NHS Mental Health Services

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health

Community Treatment Orders (CTOs)

Community-Based Treatment

A Community Treatment Order allows certain patients to receive treatment within the community under specific legal arrangements.

The aim is often to:

• Support recovery.
• Reduce relapse.
• Promote stability.

Individuals retain important legal rights and safeguards.

Mind Information

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/legal-rights

Mental Health Advocacy

Independent Support

Advocates help people:

• Understand their rights.
• Access information.
• Participate in decisions.
• Express their wishes.

VoiceAbility

https://www.voiceability.org

POhWER

https://www.pohwer.net

Mental Health Tribunals

Challenging Decisions

Mental Health Tribunals provide independent review of certain decisions made under mental health legislation.

Individuals may have rights to:

• Legal representation.
• Independent review.
• Present evidence.
• Challenge detention.

Government Tribunal Information

https://www.gov.uk/mental-health-tribunal

Rights Under the Mental Health Act

Legal Protections

People receiving care under the Mental Health Act retain important rights including:

• Information about detention.
• Access to legal advice.
• Advocacy support.
• Appeal rights.
• Healthcare rights.
• Human rights protections.

Mental Health Act Information

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/legal-rights

Restraint, Seclusion & Human Rights

Protecting Dignity and Safety

Any restrictive intervention should:

• Be lawful.
• Be necessary.
• Be proportionate.
• Use the least restrictive option.
• Be regularly reviewed.

Human rights considerations should always remain central.

Human Rights Act 1998

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1998/42/contents

Support After Hospital Discharge

Recovery and Community Support

Leaving hospital may involve:

• Community mental health support.
• GP follow-up.
• Social care involvement.
• Housing support.
• Family support.

Effective discharge planning can help reduce future crises.

NHS Mental Health Support

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health

Bereavement Following Suicide

Support After a Suicide

Bereavement following suicide can be particularly complex and distressing.

Support may be available through:

• Bereavement organisations.
• Counselling.
• Peer support groups.
• Specialist charities.

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide

https://uksobs.org

Cruse Bereavement Support

https://www.cruse.org.uk

Children & Young People's Mental Health Crisis Support

Supporting Young People

Children and young people may experience:

• Anxiety.
• Depression.
• Self-harm.
• Suicidal thoughts.
• Emotional distress.
• Mental health crises.

Support should involve:

• Families where appropriate.
• Schools.
• Healthcare services.
• Safeguarding agencies.

YoungMinds

https://www.youngminds.org.uk

Childline

https://www.childline.org.uk

Call:

0800 1111

NHS Children and Young People's Mental Health

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/children-and-young-adults

Key Principles

Mental health support and public protection should always seek to:

• Respect dignity.
• Protect human rights.
• Promote recovery.
• Reduce harm.
• Encourage participation.
• Use the least restrictive approach possible.
• Ensure access to support and treatment.
• Protect vulnerable individuals while respecting autonomy.

Every person deserves compassionate, lawful, fair and person-centred support during times of mental health difficulty or crisis.

Human Rights, Equality & Legal Protections

Everyone has the right to:

• Access healthcare.
• Be treated with dignity and respect.
• Protection from discrimination.
• Protection from abuse and neglect.
• Privacy and confidentiality.
• Liberty and security.
• Fair treatment under the law.
• Access to support services.

Relevant legislation includes:

• Mental Health Act 1983.
• Mental Capacity Act 2005.
• Human Rights Act 1998.
• Equality Act 2010.
• Care Act 2014.
• Data Protection Act 2018.
• Health and Social Care Act 2012.

Public authorities must act lawfully, fairly, proportionately and in accordance with human rights principles.

Useful Support Services

Mental Health Support

NHS

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health

Mind

https://www.mind.org.uk

Rethink Mental Illness

https://www.rethink.org

Crisis Support

Samaritans

https://www.samaritans.org

Call:

116 123

Available 24 hours a day.

Shout

https://giveusashout.org

Text:

SHOUT to 85258

Young People

YoungMinds

https://www.youngminds.org.uk

Childline

https://www.childline.org.uk

Call:

0800 1111

Missing Persons

Missing People

https://www.missingpeople.org.uk

Helpline:

116 000

Carers and Families

Carers UK

https://www.carersuk.org

Carers Trust

https://carers.org

Important Notice

This website provides general information only and does not provide medical advice, crisis intervention, safeguarding investigations, legal advice or emergency services.

If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.

If you or someone else needs urgent mental health support, contact NHS 111, your local mental health crisis service, or emergency services where appropriate.

Information should always be verified through official government, NHS, statutory and professional sources as laws, guidance and services may change.