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
Rethink Mental Illness
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
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
YoungMinds
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
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
Carers Trust
Rethink Mental Illness
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
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
ADHD 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
Dementia UK
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
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
Crisis
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
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
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
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
Carers Trust
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
POhWER
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
Cruse Bereavement Support
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
Childline
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
Rethink Mental Illness
Crisis Support
Samaritans
Call:
116 123
Available 24 hours a day.
Shout
Text:
SHOUT to 85258
Young People
YoungMinds
Childline
Call:
0800 1111
Missing Persons
Missing People
https://www.missingpeople.org.uk
Helpline:
116 000
Carers and Families
Carers UK
Carers Trust
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.