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A new national phone line for anyone needing urgent mental health support has been launched across Wales.

The new ‘111 press option 2’ line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is open to all ages.

Announcing the launch of the new line on Tuesday June 20, Welsh Government deputy minister for mental health and wellbeing, Lynne Neagle, said it “will transform the way the NHS responds to urgent mental health issues”.

Ms Neagle continued: “It can accessed by anyone, at any time and from any part of Wales.

“We know that sometimes people need to speak to a mental health professional so they can talk through their issues and get the right support, whether this be NHS Mental health services, primary care, local voluntary services or self-care advice.”

She added: “The Welsh Government wants to make access to mental health services easier and this service is part of a wider package that includes self-referral to online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.”

The service can be accessed by calling NHS 111 and selecting ‘option 2’. Callers will be transferred to a member of a mental health team in their local health board area.

The service, which was rolled out across Wales in November last year, has so far received more than 15,000 calls.

The Welsh Government has provided £6m of funding health boards to implement the new service and achieve 24/7 coverage.

Dr Chris O’Connor, of Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, said: “We have now been providing the service 24 hours a day, seven days a week in Gwent since March and local people have told us how much they have valued being able to pick up the phone and speak to a trained mental health practitioner in times of need.

“I would urge anyone who needs urgent assistance for a mental health issue, or anyone who is concerned about a friend or family member, to call 111 (Press 2) and speak to someone who is there to listen, understand the situation, and help you access the right help and support.”

The new phone line has been welcomed by Caerphilly’s Labour MS Hefin David, who said: “This service will be a lifeline for many people.

“I’m really happy to see Welsh Government putting practical support in place for people suffering with poor mental health, particularly in what are very challenging times.”