Mental Health Rapid Response service (MHRRS)

We provide mental health crisis telephone support to people within Brighton & Hove when an individual or someone who supports them feels that they are in a mental health crisis and are at immediate risk of harming themselves or others.

What support does the service provide?

Our Mental Health Rapid Response (MHRRS) service supports adults who are experiencing a crisis with their mental health, who think they are at risk of harming themselves or others.

Examples of urgent mental health problems:
•    At high risk of suicide, with specific intention to act
•    At high risk to self or others
•    Significant mental health concerns
•    Require immediate attention

Who can access the service?

The Mental Health Rapid Response Service accepts referrals for adults aged 18 and above, who are currently in Brighton & Hove, with urgent mental health problems requiring assessment. 

If you are already using Sussex Partnership services, you can contact MHRRS outside of their teams operating hours including weekends.

How do I access the service?

Referrals can come from anyone concerned about someone experiencing a mental health crisis. It can be made by the individual themselves, their carer, health professionals or the Police. The service is both for individuals known to services and people not known to services. If the call is made within hours, we will direct people to their usual team. 

There are occasions when the MHRRS practitioner will need to refer someone directly to A&E, for example when someone is acutely intoxicated with alcohol or drugs, or when there is a medical issue requiring urgent attention.

Depending on the person's situation, mental health presentation and level of risk, an appointment may be offered for an assessment. We aim for this to take place within four hours.