Single Point of Access (SPA) - Mental Health*
Feedback Rating
Based on 41 reviews
Leave your Feedback
Reviews (41)
Approaching crisis but too scared to call.
November 30, 2019
I've had new symptoms of seeing people/animals that aren't there, thinking weird things and occasionally hearing a voice. I know I should speak to someone, but I've had such bad experiences with the SPA team.
Once after speaking to police about a case against my childhood abuser, I felt so desperately suicidal that I called SPA and the guy said "thousands of people have these thoughts every day and we can't do anything about it"
Some lady said "look, you're always going to have problems with anxiety"
I've very rarely encountered a decent human on these phone lines, although there are some nice employees in the trust in general.
I don't like being unwell and I'm scared of getting worse over time, however if I call and encounter a dehumanising and unsympathetic person (more often than not) then it will make me worse acutely and it's not worth the risk.
Once after speaking to police about a case against my childhood abuser, I felt so desperately suicidal that I called SPA and the guy said "thousands of people have these thoughts every day and we can't do anything about it"
Some lady said "look, you're always going to have problems with anxiety"
I've very rarely encountered a decent human on these phone lines, although there are some nice employees in the trust in general.
I don't like being unwell and I'm scared of getting worse over time, however if I call and encounter a dehumanising and unsympathetic person (more often than not) then it will make me worse acutely and it's not worth the risk.
Unhelpful and made assumptions
November 20, 2019
Basically made me feel like I was just being dramatic
Rude and unhelpful
August 2, 2019
Received a call regarding my mentally ill Son. After finishing the call I remembered I had not given them his new phone number. Rang back to ask to speak to her again, to be told 'she won't be speaking to you, why would she!!!' Absolutely disgusting service.
Surprised I’m not dead
April 26, 2019
I’ve called so many times for help, I’ve lost count. My GP referred me twice, both times they refused to help. It took an angry worded letter from my GP for them to finally book an information appointment with me.
That appointment was on 15th March and lasted about an hour, the lady was so rude and condescending towards me, she criticised my parenting, made out that there’s nothing wrong with my special needs son, and kept referring to my weight (yeah I know I’m fat, but my mental health is of more importance than weight management right now).
I left the place in tears after she finally said she’ll refer me for psychology and see if the psychiatrist wants to look at my medication. Seriously!? I’ve had 5 failed antidepressants, the latest is helping only with sleep.
So now here we are 6 weeks later and I’ve heard absolutely nothing. If it weren’t for my children I know for a fact I would not be here now.
That appointment was on 15th March and lasted about an hour, the lady was so rude and condescending towards me, she criticised my parenting, made out that there’s nothing wrong with my special needs son, and kept referring to my weight (yeah I know I’m fat, but my mental health is of more importance than weight management right now).
I left the place in tears after she finally said she’ll refer me for psychology and see if the psychiatrist wants to look at my medication. Seriously!? I’ve had 5 failed antidepressants, the latest is helping only with sleep.
So now here we are 6 weeks later and I’ve heard absolutely nothing. If it weren’t for my children I know for a fact I would not be here now.
Not helpful at all and waste of time
March 23, 2019
I have rang these guys up many time due me feeling unwell and I have to say they not good with support. Am well annoyed the fact they are a crisis team n they can't help n I was refused by the psycatrist three time and still I am not well at all I shouldn't have be going through this it so unfair on me
Disgusted
February 22, 2019
Ring up for help, which it took best part of 3hrs just to dial the number to be told to see my gp...and they wonder why mental health system in trouble. If they helped people at the first point of contact and put support in place or even a friendly voice on the phone it would reduce admissions, save money. This is the last place I would ring when in crisis, they make u feel like a time waster that’s over exaggerating. Disgusting
"This isn't the Samaritans"
December 30, 2018
Really dissapointed again by the Crisis Team. There really needs to be more training. To say to someone in crisis who finds it hard to speak out that this isn't the Samaritans is actually horrific. I agree it's not the Samaritans and I was told that during the gap till my psychologist returns if I was in crisis out of hours I SHOULD contact the service. I have said this before and I will say it again because something seriously needs to be done... apparently according to the crisis team there is a 'correct' and an 'incorrect' way of dealing with your own crisis!
Terrible experience
October 19, 2018
I rang after they where rude to a relative who was in a crisis with their mental health, I rang and expressed I was extremely concerned. I was greeted by a rude lady (I know her name and would like to take this further!) The way she spoke to us I am still in shock. No help, no advice, no support and no compassion!! This is the only number to ring out of hours in a crisis all I can say is wow! I hope no body else in a crisis has to experience this attitude and service I really hope they don't.
Good advice given,
October 8, 2018
listened and were very supportive, helped me with advice and information and will follow on with further support
Few good nurses
September 14, 2018
It depends who answer the phone, but there's a couple or few good nurses. my new Dr is a breath of fresh air to folly hall-hope he stays.