NHS England says it is investing in crisis mental health teams working in 999 call centres to help take pressure off other services.
Additional mental health professionals will be working with ambulance trusts to manage acute calls and cut the number of patients in crisis attending A&E by up to 50%.
It is part of a £10 million package of support this winter after an increase in demand for crisis mental health services by a third since the pandemic.
Guidance will follow for mental health trusts asking them to deploy their staff to work in 999 call centres over the winter period to provide triage and visits to patients with paramedics, NHS England said.
Over the next three years, there are also plans to roll out around 100 specialist mental health ambulances.
NHS mental health director Claire Murdoch, said: ‘Getting support to people suffering a mental health crisis quickly is critical and will be even more important over the coming months when the NHS is facing a perfect storm with winter virus cases rapidly increasing alongside ongoing pressures in emergency care.
‘The NHS is helping twice the number of people experiencing a mental health crisis compared to five years ago thanks to the rollout of 24/7 crisis support phone lines with tens of thousands receiving support without having to go to A&E.’
Minister for mental health Maria Caulfield said: ‘While we’re very aware of the impact winter can have on physical health, colder weather and social pressures during the festive period can have a huge impact on people’s mental health too.
‘Crisis services can be vital for so many that are suffering and can make all the difference in ensuring someone is seen and treated as quickly as possible.’
Sophie Corlett, interim CEO at Mind, said this winter is likely to be incredibly challenging for the mental health of millions of people across the country.
‘When people are in mental health crisis, they need care and support there and then. Supporting our NHS to reduce those pressures by giving people immediate access to a mental health professional either in person or over the phone will help many people to more quickly access the type of care most appropriate for them.’
Patients can access crisis mental health teams through NHS 111 online or nhs.uk/urgentmentalhealth, NHS England said.
