Single Point of Access (SPA)

Single Point of Access (SPA) is Sheffield Health and Social Care’s (SHSC’s) one route for referrals for adults who are in a mental health crisis.

This means, if you are experiencing mental health distress and are not able to look after yourself or keep yourself safe, you can phone them, and they will help you access urgent community mental health care. You can also be referred by someone else, such as a carer, friend or family member, or a professional.

To self refer to SPA, call: 0114 226 3636 or freephone: 0808 196 8281, or email SPA_AdultMentalHealth@shsc.nhs.uk.

When you contact Single Point of Access, they will ask you questions about what you are experiencing, and they will use this information to signpost you to the correct service. This could include the Emotional Wellbeing Service, the Liaison Service, or Home Treatment Teams. It is important to remember that individuals aren’t seen in the order that they are referred to SPA. Individuals who are at a higher risk of harm will be seen first.

You can access this service if you are:

• between 18 and 65 years of age, and
• registered with a GP practice in the City of Sheffield.

SPA work alongside the Out-of-Hours Team to provide crisis support to the people of Sheffield 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This means that, if you contact SPA between 8pm – 8am, you will speak to a member of the Out-of-Hours Team.

Do you need help right now? 

If you have taken steps to end your life, or if your suicidal thoughts are particularly intense and you feel unable to stay safe from suicide, then you need emergency help.

To get emergency help:

• Visit your local A&E department (in Sheffield, this is the Northern General Hospital)
• Call NHS 111 (England, Scotland, Wales & N. Ireland)
• Call 999 and ask for support.

NHS 111 can advise you about where to get help such as a walk-in centre or an out of hours doctor. They also have information about ‘safe spaces’ you can access locally when you’re struggling to stay safe from suicide.

999 can support you in an emergency, the operator can talk to you about different types of immediate support the emergency services can offer.

You can also call the Samaritans on 116 123 or text SHOUT to 85258.