"Dial House Crisis Service Leeds - a wonderful compassionate service"

I have had a hellish weekend. I have been extremely suicidal and it has really been the care and compassion I have been shown by staff at Dial House that has enabled me to survive it. I was acutely suicidal in the early hours of Sunday morning and went to A&E straight from Dial House. Having been waiting for approximately 4 hours I explained how desperate I felt. I have previously made three near fatal suicide attempts, gone missing, wandering and put myself at risk in other ways when feeling in a similar state to how I presented to A&E. I was listened to but I feel not heard. I was offered no extra support. I said I did not feel safe to leave but had no choice. I knew Dial House would not be open again for approximately 11 hours and was alone in a city suicidal with nowhere else to turn. the ALPS staff advised me to use Dial house that night but I explained that they are turning away people in crisis almost ever night as there is so much demand. I have spoken to other service users in Leeds and read reviews on patient opinion and nhs choices; crisis support in Leeds is failing people. I just wish Dial House could have the funding to open every night and also have more telephone support. They are an amazing compassionate service which save lives. More has to be done to help people in crisis in Leeds. I know how desperate it feels to fear for your safety and not be heard by statutory services - it is a nightmare.

Thanks to all the staff at Dial House especially Richard, Sue, Tony and Colin I would not have survived the last two years without your help.