From July to December 2025, the service recorded 6,391 occasions where A&E attendance was prevented by providing specialist advice to frontline responders to support access to more appropriate, therapeutic mental health care.

In addition, the number of people detained under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act has significantly reduced following advice given to Sussex Police by the Blue Light Line Rapid Response service. Between July and December 2025, 536 fewer detentions were carried out by the police compared to the previous six months.

Blue Light Line Rapid Response mental health practitioners carry out assessments over the phone and advise on the most appropriate next steps to support the person in crisis. This may include signposting to specialist crisis support such as the Staying Well services or the Havens, offering a more appropriate and therapeutic alternative to A&E.

Between midday and midnight, the Rapid Response team – based in Brighton, Crawley, Eastbourne and Worthing provide on scene support to carry out face-to-face mental health assessments and provide advice and support to frontline responders, using mental health response vehicles.

Dr Oliver Dale, Chief Medical Officer at Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust said: “When someone is experiencing a mental health crisis, A&E may not be the most therapeutic environment, especially when there are no physical healthcare needs.

This partnership sees our teams supporting emergency responders with specialist mental health advice 24 hours a day, making sure people receive the most appropriate care in the most appropriate setting.”

Andrew Gordon, Head of Mental Health at South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) said: “The Blue Light Line has become an essential support option for our ambulance crews, giving them rapid access to specialist guidance when it matters most. The service helps crews deliver safer, more effective care for patients and is making a meaningful difference on the front line.”

Claire NcNelis, Sussex Police Mental Health Lead, said: “Blue Light Line provide the much-needed expert advice to our frontline police officers and staff, ensuring we can protect vulnerable people and respond in the most appropriate way.

“It provides reassurance and clear direction of what action should be taken and where patients can access the relevant support.”

Blue Light Line Rapid Response is one of a range of services introduced to help people in Sussex access timely and appropriate help with their mental health.