Extern Crisis Intervention is for people in the Greater Belfast area who have current and ongoing suicidal thoughts and behaviours and who have been assessed as moderate to high risk.

What is Crisis Intervention?

• The intervention will focus on de-escalating risk and putting safety measures into place.
• Crisis Intervention is a face-to-face meeting, which will usually take place at the same time each week and involve continued support to reduce the suicidal risk to a low level.
• Once risk has been lowered, staff at the Extern Crisis Team will liaise with other agencies and refer you for further support, and/or to a GP if necessary.

Who is suitable for the crisis intervention service?

• The service is suitable for those who have been assessed at moderate to high risk of suicide or serious harm.
• The service is suitable for those who are aged 14 years and over
• People living in the Greater Belfast area

How long will the service be available?

You will be initially offered six to eight weeks, however should your Crisis Intervention Worker assess that you may require further support, this can be extended. It is encouraged that you attend each week and times will be agreed between you and the intervention worker.

I'm having suicidal thoughts, what do I need to do?

Extern Crisis helpline, tel: 0800 085 4808

Operating hours are:

Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm

Email: [email protected] (Staff will respond to emails during the above working hours when the helpline is operational)

If you need to speak with someone urgently outside of these working hours, you are encouraged to make contact with

Lifeline: 0808 808800 or present to your local A&E Service

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Drop in Service - The Crisis Team is based at:

Extern
331 Shankill Road
Belfast
BT13 3AA

Monday - 10:30am-3:00pm

Staff on duty will be able to support you should you be feeling in an emotional crisis and at risk of suicide or serious harm.

If you are in the need of support outside of these working hours, please contact 999 or make your way to your nearest A&E department.

GP Referral: Your GP can make a referral for you on your behalf.  They can make contact to the service by either the telephone helpline or email service listed above.

Community Mental Health Team referral (CMHT)

If you have attended A&E you may have been placed under the care of the Unscheduled Care Team, who have assessed you as someone who may benefit from the services provided by Extern Crisis Intervention team.

A referral will be received by Extern staff and they will attempt to contact you by phone, email or letter; this will depend on what method of contact has been advised by the Unscheduled Care Team Staff.

HOW DO I ACCESS THIS SERVICE? Self-referral, or referrals from GPs or Community Mental Health Team

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Taking care of your mental well-being is essential, and having a safety plan in place can make a significant difference. Whether you're facing challenges or simply want to be prepared, having a plan can provide comfort and guidance.

Click the link to download your free Mental Health Safety Plan