Crisis

SLaM Crisis Line: Free 24/7 Phone Mental Health Crisis Support

## What is the SLaM Crisis Line? The SLaM Crisis Line is a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week freephone service providing immediate mental health support for people experiencing a crisis. Run by South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, the line is staffed by trained mental health professionals who can offer guidance, emotional support, and practical help during emergencies. Whether you're experiencing severe anxiety, suicidal thoughts, psychosis, or any other acute mental health episode, trained staff are available around the clock. The crisis line serves as a vital alternative to A&E for mental health emergencies, often enabling people to receive appropriate support without hospital attendance. It's part of the NHS crisis care pathway in Croydon, working alongside the Recovery Space, Mental Health Liaison team, and community crisis services. ## Who Can Use the SLaM Crisis Line? The service is available to anyone registered with a Croydon GP or living in the borough. There's no age restriction, and you don't need to be under NHS mental health services to call. Family members and carers can also call on behalf of someone they're concerned about. If you're unsure whether your situation constitutes a crisis, it's always better to call - the team can help you understand your options. ## How Do I Access the SLaM Crisis Line? Simply call **0800 731 2864** at any time, day or night. The call is free from any phone, including mobiles, and won't show on your bill. You don't need a referral or appointment - just call when you need support. If lines are busy, keep trying or consider texting Shout 85258 as an alternative. ## What Should I Expect? When you call, you'll speak with a member of the crisis team who will listen to your concerns, assess your needs, and help you work out the best next steps. This might include talking through coping strategies, arranging for community crisis support, or in urgent cases, coordinating with emergency services. Calls are confidential and there's no time limit.

Location

Borough-wide (phone)

Opening hours

24/7

Cost

NHS (free)

What does SLaM Crisis Line help with?

24-7phonecrisis

Information reviewed by Luke Row, Psychodynamic Therapist — January 2026

What is the SLaM Crisis Line?

The SLaM Crisis Line is a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week freephone service providing immediate mental health support for people experiencing a crisis. Run by South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, the line is staffed by trained mental health professionals who can offer guidance, emotional support, and practical help during emergencies. Whether you're experiencing severe anxiety, suicidal thoughts, psychosis, or any other acute mental health episode, trained staff are available around the clock.

The crisis line serves as a vital alternative to A&E for mental health emergencies, often enabling people to receive appropriate support without hospital attendance. It's part of the NHS crisis care pathway in Croydon, working alongside the Recovery Space, Mental Health Liaison team, and community crisis services.

Who Can Use the SLaM Crisis Line?

The service is available to anyone registered with a Croydon GP or living in the borough. There's no age restriction, and you don't need to be under NHS mental health services to call. Family members and carers can also call on behalf of someone they're concerned about. If you're unsure whether your situation constitutes a crisis, it's always better to call - the team can help you understand your options.

What Should I Expect?

When you call, you'll speak with a member of the crisis team who will listen to your concerns, assess your needs, and help you work out the best next steps. This might include talking through coping strategies, arranging for community crisis support, or in urgent cases, coordinating with emergency services. Calls are confidential and there's no time limit.