We use necessary cookies that allow our site to work. We also set optional cookies that help us improve our website. For more information about the types of cookies we use, visit our Cookies policy.

Cookie settings

Cambridge and Peterborough mental health support

First Response Service

Cambridge and Peterborough's First Response Service (FRS) is a 24-hour 7 day a week service which ensures improved access to services for people of all ages experiencing mental health crisis. FRS ensures that the right care is provided by the right person, in the right place.

FRS is made up of a range of mental health professionals with different skills and backgrounds. We work closely with other professionals, services and organisations to support the needs of those in mental health crisis and provide a consistency of care.

Mental Health Crisis

If your mental or emotional state quickly gets worse or deteriorates, this can be called a mental health crisis. In this situation, it is important to get help quickly. Please call 111 (choose the mental health option).

Anyone can experience a mental health crisis. There will be different reasons and a crisis will look different for different people. You might feel overwhelmed by your emotions or so distressed that you want to harm yourself or someone else. You might hear unpleasant voices or feel that people are watching you or trying to hurt you. You may be experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Whatever your experience, please reach out and take the next step to getting help and support.

FRS Do:

  • Telephone Triage: A mental health professional will ask a series of questions to assess and explore your current situation, exacerbating factors and the effects and impact on your mental health and wellbeing.
  • Further Assessment: If deemed necessary, and following a telephone triage, FRS clinicians may recommend and carry out a face-to-face assessment with those in mental health crisis.
  • Referral to other services: Following an assessment, FRS may refer service users to other mental health teams if this is required.
  • Signposting: Where appropriate, our telephone coaches may suggest alternative community support from one of our approved mental health support partners.

FRS Do Not:

  • Routinely supply medication, apart from in rare emergency situations when FRS initiate a treatment plan to this effect.
  • Are unable to provide emergency or repeat prescriptions/medications and will redirect to GP or 111 physical health in these instances.
  • Provide an immediate blue light response.
  • Triage people who are open to another community mental health team (during the team’s working hours).