Arthur Ellis recognises that there is a difference between someone suffering from low mood, to another having depression, whilst also seeing that both of these people need help. In recent years, people have talked more openly about mental health than perhaps ever before. Where this open communication has many societal benefits, including destigmatising mental health, this can also lead to both premature and/or self-diagnosis of conditions that aren’t yet present. We recognise that individuals require timely well-being support and education on how to view and manage their day-to-day mental health, whether this is good or bad, before a therapeutic approach or intervention is required.

We believe in a proactive attitude to well-being support; to help individuals before they become ill, and then timely, reactive and meaningful therapeutic approaches when it is time for an intervention and an individual is already suffering from mental illness. However, there are also times when improving our wellbeing with therapeutic intervention doesn’t feel like it’s enough, and it might not be suitable for what you are going through.

What to do in Crisis

If someone is in a crisis with their mental health or wellbeing, this may present as an individual whose emotions, thoughts and behaviours put them at risk of harming themselves, or others. A crisis can be triggered by intense feelings of personal distress, changes in functioning, and/or catastrophic life events. A crisis can also impair a person’s ability to care for themselves or access basic needs. A crisis requires immediate intervention and support to prevent further harm. If someone is suffering from severe mental illness, it may be that dark thoughts feeling too overwhelming and be too much to deal with.

Arthur Ellis is not a crisis service; if you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts or ideation, or has self-harmed and is losing a significant amount of blood, or is losing consciousness, or if a person needs help that you cannot give them safely, call 999. There are also many other crisis services that are available and we would encourage you to contact them if you think they can help:

NHS Mental Health Team, call 0800 0234 650

NHS to ask for an urgent GP appointment, 111

Samaritans, call 116123

PAPYRUS suicide prevention, call 0800 068 4141

MIND, call 0300 123 3393

CALM, call 0800 585 858

Childline, call 0800 11 11 

No Panic (panic attacks, phobias, OCD), call 0844 967 4848

No Panic Youth Helpline Number, call 0330 606 1174

Shout, text 85258

Cruse Bereavement Support, call 0808 808 1677

Young Person’s Sanctuary (14-17 years old), visit CAMHS Eaglestone Health Centre, Milton Keynes MK6 5AZ

Crisis Café (18+) 5pm - 11pm, 226 Queensway, Fenny Stratford, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, MK2 2TE

If there are other services you think we can add to this list to help the wider community, please reach out to us and let us know. Don’t forget, if you need immediate help, or if your own or another person’s life is in danger, call 999.