The Early Mental Health Response service has been set up to allow 111 operators to transfer calls to trained mental health nurses where appropriate, while a new four-digit phone number has been set up to provide mental health support and advice.
The Early Mental Health Response service is a Government-funded scheme which will provide faster and more appropriate support to people in psychological or social distress who call 111.
Police acting national manager of communication centres Inspector Mal Schwartfeger said the service would create a bridge between 111 and mental health services, ensuring callers get the right help at the right time, either directly or through referral to appropriate agencies.
"Specially-trained 111 call handlers will identify those calls that should be transferred to the new service, using clear guidelines,'' he said.
"The service will reduce pressures on 111, with appropriate calls transferred to Early Mental Health Response nurses, avoiding unnecessary police dispatches and ensuring police resources are focused where they are most needed.''
National Telehealth Service chief executive Andrew Slater said the service would mean people who needed support from a trained professional could get it straight away
It was estimated the service would provide support for about 30,000 people a year.
The service was available in police districts north of the Waikato and would continue to be rolled out during the year.
The same service would be available to ambulance operators in August.
Four digit number
A new free, four-digit phone number to provide mental health support also went live at 3pm on Thursday.
Mr Slater said the service, 1737, need to talk?, was set up as an easy to remember and convenient number to call or text for anyone who was distressed and needed to talk. He believed a four-digit number that could be called was a world first.
Research by National Telehealth found some people found 0800 numbers difficult to remember, were put off by labels like "depression helpline'' or were confused about which helpline to call, he said.
Slater said it also found that an increasing number of people wanted to be able to get in touch via text.
The new number would be a way to connect with the same mental health and addiction professionals who work respond to calls to the Alcohol Drug Helpline, Depression Helpline, The Lowdown and the Gambling Helpline.
Other helpline numbers
• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youthline: 0800 376 633
• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (Mon-Fri 1pm to 10pm. Sat-Sun 3pm-10pm)
• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
• Samaritans 0800 726 666
• If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
