111 Press 2 launches project managed by Shaping Change
111 Press 2 launches with key support
from Shaping Change
The new 111 Press 2 service offers urgent mental health advice and support to those who need it.
The telephone service is a new option via the NHS Wales 111 service, where people can press 2 to speak to a local mental health advisor if they have an urgent mental health need.
The service is free to call from both landlines and mobiles and is available 24/7. The implementation in Cardiff and Vale UHB follows other health board areas who already offer the service.
This project, funded by Welsh Government, has been a collaboration between CAV247 and the wider Mental Health Clinical Board, Primary Care and Intermediate Care Clinical Board, the Children and Women’s Clinical Board, and the Shaping Change team.
Shaping Change Improvement Project Manager, Susan Hostler has been key in delivering this service. She has been the lead project manager enabling and ensuring delivery of 111 Press 2, providing support including specifying clear aims and objectives, governance, project plans and stakeholder management; creating the environment in which this service has come to fruition.
The new service is part of the suite of service improvements and enhancements Cardiff and Vale UHB are making across the urgent and emergency care system under the Six Goals programme . The Six Goals programme is designed to help improve access to urgent and emergency care, ensuring there are alternative services available for people who need a different type of response. Health Minister Eluned Morgan said ‘We want everyone to get the best possible care, as quickly as possible and as close to home as possible. But it’s also important they get it from the right service the first time.’
111 Press 2 is an addition to existing primary mental health services but provides 24-hour access for urgent mental health needs. The service aims to provide people with alternatives to attending the Emergency Unit and to support people in high distress to find quick routes to support to manage their difficulties. It also aims to provide seamless routes into mental health services at the right level, first time.
“We have worked hard to deliver this service and Shaping Change’s involvement has been key in delivering it. We are confident that this new option is providing positive help to those in need urgent mental health support.’”