Our Keyworker service supports children and young people who are autistic or have a learning disability (aged 0-25) and their families when the young person may be at risk of hospital admission due to mental health challenges.

The service works closely with each young person and their family, and in partnership with the range of professionals involved in their lives – health, care, education and housing professionals. These partnerships can help the young people to receive appropriate services, improving their mental, physical health, meaning they are less isolated and involved in meaningful education. The intention of the work is to help improve the support received by young people and their families, thereby improving their lives and avoiding unnecessary distress, crisis or hospital admission.

• North Cumbria

• Northumberland

• Newcastle

• Gateshead

• North Tyneside

• South Tyneside Sunderland

 If you live in the following areas, the keyworker service is provided by Daisy Chain:

• Durham

• Stockton

• Middlesbrough

• Darlington

• Hartlepool

• Redcar

• A ‘live’ record of people with a learning disability and autistic people who need support because they have needs that might lead to a crisis or mental health inpatient admission.

• The record identifies health and care support a person needs to stay well at home and who is responsible for ensuring this support is in place.

• People on the DSR are at risk of going into hospital if they do not get the right care and treatment in the community.

• Each Local Authority area holds a Dynamic Support Register.

• With consent, any professional can refer a family to the Dynamic Support Register. DSR group members will then decide whether the child/young person meets the criteria.

• People are now able to self-refer to the Dynamic Support Register

  
  

Contacts for local DSRs

• Cumberland – nencicb.ctr.dsr.referrals@nhs.net

• Durham (Adults) – dsr@durham.gov.uk

• Durham (Children) – nencicb-tv.childrensdsr@nhs.net Gateshead – nencicb.ctr.dsr.referrals@nhs.net

• Newcastle – nencicb.ctr.dsr.referrals@nhs.net

• North Tyneside – nencicb.ctr.dsr.referrals@nhs.net

• Northumberland – nencicb.ctr.dsr.referrals@nhs.net

• South Tyneside – nencicb.ctr.dsr.referrals@nhs.net

• Sunderland – nencicb.ctr.dsr.referrals@nhs.net

• Tees Valley (Darlington; Hartlepool; Middlesbrough; Redcar & Cleveland; Stockton-on-Tees) – nencicb.ctr.dsr.referrals@nhs.net

• Westmorland & Furness – nencicb.ctr.dsr.referrals@nhs.net

• Empathic/understanding

• Respectful

• Willingness to learn

• Active listener

• Positive and solution focused

• Committed

• Compassionate

• Collaborative

Crisis Support Services

• NHS 111:

  Call 111 to speak to a trained advisor who can direct you to local crisis support services. 

• Local Crisis Lines:

  • Cumbria (Adults and Children): 0800 652 2865 

  • Newcastle and Gateshead (Adults): 0800 652 2863 

  • North Tyneside and Northumberland (Adults and Children): 0800 652 2861 

  • South Tyneside and Sunderland (Adults): 0800 652 2867 

• Mental Health Safe Havens:

  These offer informal, non-medical support in a safe space. You can find information about local options, such as the one in North Tyneside and the Anchorage in the wider region, via the North East and North Cumbria NHS website. 

Text and Online Support

• Shout:

  For free, 24/7 anonymous text support, text CALMER to 85258 to connect with a mental health professional. 

• Deaf and Hearing Impaired Support:

  If you are deaf or have hearing difficulties, you can use the text numbers for your area (e.g., 07919 228 548 for Newcastle/Gateshead) or use NHS 111 with a SignVideo relay service. 

Other Useful Contacts

• Samaritans: For emotional support any time of day or night, call 116 123. 

• Mental Health Self-Help: Local mental health services also provide free guides on topics like anxiety and stress. 

We are the UK’s largest mental health support directory. Whether you want to find a service to help you feel better or you want to support someone who is struggling, we can help.

Whether you want to understand more about how you're feeling, get information about a mental health condition or find support, our guides can help. If you need help speaking with someone, start with our guide to reaching out.

Your feelings are valid, and things can get better.

To download the form, please right‑click the image and select “Download attachment.”

Please ensure that the individual you are referring is listed on the DSR.

A completed consent form must also be provided alongside the referral.

To download the form, please right‑click the image and select “Download attachment.”

Please ensure that the individual you are referring is listed on the DSR.

A completed consent form must be provided alongside the referral.

If someone in your family is under 18, and is autistic, has a learning disability or is waiting for a diagnosis of autism or a learning disability, please come along. Please get in touch with Skills for People and ask for the PBS team. Tel: 0191 281 8737 or e-mail: information@skillsforpeople.org.uk